Theoretical and Applied Forestry

Determination of certain biochemical properties of Lavandula stoechas L.

2025-05-07T09:50:15+00:00

Lavandula stoechas L. (Lamiaceae) is an aromatic plant species recognized as a potential source of phenolic compounds and has been traditionally used in many countries for centuries. Essential oils derived from species of the Lavandula genus are widely utilized in perfumery, cosmetics, food processing, and aromatherapy due to their diverse biological properties. In this study, the aim was to determine the total phenolic content and antioxidant properties of the essential oil obtained from the dried aerial parts of L. stoechas. The total phenolic content of the essential oil was measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while antioxidant activities were evaluated through CUPRAC and DPPH assays. According to the results, the total phenolic content was found to be 1.349 mg/g. The highest antioxidant capacity was observed with the CUPRAC method, yielding a value of 2.408 mg/g, whereas the mean DPPH value was determined to be 0.054 mg/g. These findings indicate that the essential oil of L. stoechas exhibits strong antioxidant potential, with the CUPRAC method reflecting a notably higher antioxidant activity.

Growth performance in afforestations of Taurus cedar, Anatolian black pine and Crimean juniper

2025-06-19T07:28:30+00:00

This study was carried out in 15-years mix afforestations of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.), Anatolian black pine [Pinus nigra Arnold. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe] and Crimean juniper (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.) to compare the species for tree height and diameter at base. Two areas were sampled each 500 m² (50 x 10 m) to contribute afforestation and other forestry practices. Averages of tree height and diameter at base were ordered as Anatolian black pine (3.7 m and 15.6 cm), Taurus cedar (3.6 m and 9.5 cm) and Crimean juniper (1.7 m and 8.7 cm), while large variations among trees within species. Results of analysis of variance showed significant (p<0.05) differences among species. Sampled areas were similar (p>0.05) for diameter at base opposite to tree height (p<0.05) according to results of analysis of variance. There were positive and significant (p<0.05) relations between tree height and diameter at base based on results of correlation analysis in all species.

Growth and fruit characteristics in Rosa canina L.

2025-06-20T09:00:53+00:00

This study was conducted to determine the morphological and pomological variation within natural populations of Rosa canina L. in the Sarıveliler district of Karaman Province, Turkey. A total of 150 randomly selected individuals were evaluated for plant height (PH), crown diameter (CD), fruit length (FL), fruit width (FWi), and fruit weight (FWe). The collected data were analyzed using analysis of variance and phenotypic correlation analysis. The results revealed significant differences both among plants and within individuals in terms of fruit characteristics. Plant height (207.41 cm) and crown diameter (130.62 cm) exhibited high coefficients of variation (39.6% and 42.6%, respectively), while fruit weight showed 26.7% variation. Strong positive correlations were observed between flower length and fruit width (r = 0.750) as well as fruit weight (r = 0.878). In addition, significant correlations were identified between plant height and flower length (r = 0.375), and between plant height and fruit weight (r = 0.256). These findings demonstrate strong relationships between morphological and pomological traits in R. canina, and indicate substantial phenotypic diversity within natural populations. The results provide important insights for the conservation of the species as a genetic resource and its potential use in agricultural applications.

Effects of IBA concentrations on the rooting and growth of Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L.) cuttings

2025-09-07T13:58:21+00:00

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations on the rooting and subsequent sapling growth performance of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L.) cuttings under greenhouse and outdoor conditions. The cuttings were treated with four different hormone concentrations (0, 1000, 5000, and 8000 ppm IBA), and parameters including rooting success, root length, root collar diameter, and sapling height were evaluated. ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test were applied at a 5 % significance level for statistical analysis of the data. The results indicated that hormone concentration had a statistically significant effect on root length (p=0.007), with the highest mean value obtained from the 1000 ppm treatment (29.81 cm), which was approximately 27 % higher than the control group. No significant difference was observed among groups in terms of root number (p>0.05). The highest root collar diameter was achieved with the 1000 ppm IBA treatment (6.77 mm), representing a 38 % increase compared to other treatments. Measurements taken on June 19, 2023, showed that hormone concentration had significant effects on root collar diameter and sapling height, while this effect was found to diminish by December 8, 2023. These findings demonstrate that IBA applications enhance the early rooting and adaptation success of cherry laurel cuttings, making them an important tool for sustainable and high-quality sapling production.

Impact of aspect on growth performances in afforestation of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.)

2025-06-24T08:15:47+00:00

In this study, aspectual impact of on growth performances in afforestation of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) was investigated based on tree height, diameter at base and diameter at breast height in 25-years afforestation established in Isparta region of the species to contribute and to discuss for afforestation and other forestry practices. 300 m² area was sampled from each north, south, east and west aspects. Averages of tree height, diameter at base (D₀) and diameter at breast height (d_1.30) were 6.4 m, 17.4 cm and 13.2 cm, respectively, while east aspect had the highest performances for tree height (7.6 m) and diameter at breast height (14.7 cm), and north aspect for diameter at base (19.6 cm). They were the lowest for tree height in south for tree height (5.5 m) and in west aspect for diameters [14.3 cm (D₀) and 11.0 cm (d_1.30)]. Aspects showed significant (p<0.05) differences for all the characteristics by analysis of variance results. Positive and significant (p<0.05) relations among the characteristics according to results of correlation analysis in all aspects.

An evaluation of the Oriental sweetgum (Liquiambar orientalis Mill.) and its balsam

2025-07-23T19:50:41+00:00

The Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis), a member of the Altingiaceae family, occurs naturally only in the southwestern region of Türkiye. The species L. orientalis has two varieties: var. orientalis and var. integriloba Fiori, and it is an endemic species. Being both a relict and endemic species, the Oriental sweetgum (L. orientalis Mill.) is listed as “Endangered” in the IUCN Red List. It is also known locally as the “Günlük Tree.” In this review, which provides a holistic perspective on the ecosystem of sweetgum forests formed by this species, the sweetgum balsam that naturally exudes from wounds made on the tree trunk is examined. This valuable resin is known to possess antibacterial, antimicrobial, antitumor, and antioxidant properties, as well as significant importance in the perfumery and cosmetics industries due to its fixative qualities. In traditional folk medicine, it has been used in the treatment of gastric and skin diseases. This study evaluates scientific research conducted on various applications of sweetgum balsam. In this study, scientific research conducted on various uses of sweetgum balsam was examined in order to reveal the ecological and economic importance of the Oriental sweetgum and to provide a scientific contribution to the conservation and sustainable utilization of the species.

The importance of Arbutus andrachne L. (Strawberry Tree) in terms of rehabilitation and restoration potential and climate change resilience

2025-08-03T23:17:50+00:00

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the ecological, silvicultural, and landscape-related functions of Arbutus andrachne L., a characteristic species of the Mediterranean flora. In the context of climate change, particular emphasis is placed on its drought and heat tolerance, post-fire regeneration capacity, and carbon sequestration potential attributes that underscore its suitability for ecological restoration and rehabilitation efforts. Furthermore, the species’ ecosystem services including its ornamental value in landscape architecture, its role in erosion control, and its contribution to water retention are highlighted. Owing to these features, A. andrachne is positioned as a strategic species not only for the recovery of degraded natural habitats but also for enhancing recreational and aesthetic functions in urban green spaces. This review also draws attention to the necessity of advancing propagation techniques and conducting further research focused on climate resilience and adaptive management of this species.