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Publications

NIBIOs employees contribute to several hundred scientific articles and research reports every year. You can browse or search in our collection which contains references and links to these publications as well as other research and dissemination activities. The collection is continously updated with new and historical material.

2011

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Abstract

Aspen (Populus tremula L.) is associated with high biodiversity and provides high-quality forage for wild browsing herbivores in boreal and temperate ecosystems. The long-term persistence of aspen in many regions in Scandinavia has been questioned due to the historically high browsing levels. We here review the basic ecology, genetics and life histories of aspen in a browsing context. Browsers can suppress the regeneration of aspen and the relatively short lifespan of the trees result in frequent regeneration cycles and concurrent exposure to browsers. In the long term, browsing may reduce recruitment and delay maturation, increase mortality and ultimately cause a decline of aspen. Norwegian forest inventory data indicate a reduced recruitment rate of young aspen (diameter at breast height; 60–79 mm) during the last 25 years, but it is unclear whether this is all due to browsing. Regeneration may also be hampered by lack of disturbance. Recent genetic studies have shown that aspen may have substantial regeneration by seeds, which allows for effective migration. The main conclusion of this review is that although browsing may affect demography and local abundance of aspen, it is very unlikely to lead to the eradication of the species in Fennoscandia.

Abstract

The osmotic method has been used for many years in Norway and Sweden as a routine method for detection of Pyrenophora teres (anamorph Drechslera teres) and P. graminea (anamorph D. graminea) on barley. The method is based on the ability of Pyrenophora spp. to produce red pigments. However, it cannot distinguish between P. teres and P. graminea because they produce the same pigment. A validation study has been carried out with the aim to provide the necessary documentation for including the method in the International Rules for Seed Testing (ISTA Rules). Seven laboratories participated and each tested 3 x 300 seeds of three barley seed lots. Analyses of the results demonstrate that the method gives sufficient repeatability and there is no particular problem with this test at a laboratory level. Furthermore, in previous studies with the osmotic method organized by a Nordic working group, it has been shown that the osmotic method easily gives reproducible results for Pyrenophora teres/P. graminea in barley when used by experienced laboratories. Moreover, the osmotic method is well suited for routine analyses because it is quick and easy to carry out. The study showed, that if used correctly and with proper equipment the osmotic method for detection of Pyrenophora teres/P. graminea is easy to perform and it showed good conformity amongst laboratories.