[Objective] We investigated the decomposition process of leaf litter and its responses to root removal in Mytilaria laosensis and Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations. The aim was to determine the effect of fine root removal on leaf litter decomposition.[Method] Our experimental site is located at Xiayang Forest Farm, in Nanping, Fujian, China, where a M. laosensis plantation and a C. lanceolata plantation were selected.Three 20 m×20 m plots were established in each plantation. A treatment with root trenched and a control were established in each plot. Decomposition of leaf litter was measured by litter-bag method.[Result] The mass loss rates of M. laosensis and C. lanceolata leaf litter of the root trenched treatment were 32.3% and 33.4% after 16-month decomposition, reduced by 15.3 % and 13.1% compared to the control (38.1% and 38.7%) respectively. There were significant effects of tree species, treatment, duration of decomposition.Species by treatment interactions on mass loss rate of leaf litters. There were significant differences in mass loss rate of leaf litter between the two tree species (P<0.05) during the first 8 months,but no differences during last 8 months. Root trenching significantly reduced the contents of C and N and C/N ratio in leaf litters of the two tree species, it also significantly reduced soil fungi biomass, actinomycetes biomass and total PLFA content, but it had no significant impacts on soil gram-positive bacteria biomass and gram-negative bacteria biomass. There were no significant species by treatment interactions in mass loss rates and C/N ratio of leaf litters, and soil microbial community. [Conclusion] These observations suggested that the effect of root trenching was significant on decomposition of leaf litter, but the species by treatment interaction was not significant.

[Objective] The effects of different substrates on Thuja sutchuenensis seedling growth and its influence mechanism were investigated to provide a reference for matrix selection of seed breeding and high quality seedling cultivation. [Method] The seed breeding test was carried out in breeding nursery, located in Xuebaoshan National Nature Reserve and completely randomized in design and repeated for three times. Seeds were first presoaked to enhance germination rate and then cultured on three different substrates: FS (Forest humus:cultivated soil=1:1), GS (peat) and GPS (peat:vermiculite:pearlite=1:1:1) in line.[Result] Results indicated that: 1) Compared with substrate FS, substrates containing peat (GS and GPS) were better at regulating soil temperature. More specially, substrate GPS could increase the soil temperature and play a temperature-keeping role during September to next March when the temperature is lower. While substrate GS could lower substrate temperature at a certain level during April to August when the atmosphere temperature is relatively higher. 2) Substrate FS had the highest soil bulk density, then GS, and then GPS. However, the soil water-holding capacity (the soil maximum moisture capacity, the soil capillary moisture capacity and the soil non-capillary moisture capacity) was opposite (GPS >GS >FS). 3) The pH of three substrates were significantly different. The pH of substrate FS was weak alkaline (7.48), while substrate GS and GPS with weak acid (pH5.07 and 5.86, respectively). 4) Although soil fertility of three substrates could meet the basic need of seedling growth, substrates (GS and GPS) had a higher soil fertility than substrate FS. Field garden emergence rate and the seedling quality accorded with the soil physical and chemical properties of different substrates. In field garden emergence rate, substrate GS was the highest, and then GPS and FS. The proportion of FS for GS and GPS was only 23% and 27%, respectively. The difference of field garden emergence rate between GS and GPS was not significant. 5) The survey of seven seedling morphological indices (such as the seedling height, the ground diameter, the branch number, the length of principal root, the number of lateral root, theabove-ground and below-ground dry mass) investigation in three different stages and analysis of membership function value revealed that: substrate GPS had the best seedling quality, and then substrate GS.[Conclusion] The main reason for higher field garden emergence rate of substrates GS and GPS was their more loose soil texture, better water retention property and permeability than substrate FS. The mechanism of better quality seedlings for GS and GPS was their perfect coordination between water, fertilizer, gas and heat.

[Objective] Sambucus canadensis was used as experimental material in this study.To simply and fastly predict K content in roots of Sambucus canadensis under salinity and alkalinity stress, salinity and alkalinity resistance of this plant roots was measured by electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrolyte permeability methods and the estimation model of K Content of their roots was establish. [Method] The electrical impedance spectroscopy, cell membrane permeability and the change of K content in roots during different concentrations of salinity-alkalinity stress were studied. The corrections between EIS parameters and K content were analyzed using linear and nonlinear regressions. The estimation model was constructed using the best EIS parameter and the model accuracy was tested.[Result] During the salinity and alkalinity stress,compared with control,the K content of Sambucus canadensis roots treated by different concentrations of salinity-alkalinity significantly decreased(P≤0.05). As the extension of salinity-alkalinity stress time, the relative conductivity of the roots under different stress tended to rise and significantly increased compared with control(P≤0.05). The spectra of electrical impedance changed in roots of Sambucus canadensis during salinity-alkalinity stress; The EIS parameter τ was the best for assessing K content of root. The best model was y=0.005 5x³-0.232 8x² +2.638 8x+ 15.877 with the precision accuracy of 91.73%.[Conclusion] The model y=0.005 5x³-0.232 8x² +2.638 8x+ 15.877 with best precision accuracy constructed with EIS parameter τ can be used to fastly and accurately forecast K content in roots of Sambucus canadensis under salinity and alkalinity stress.

[Objective] The spatial information of high resolution remote sensing image can improve the estimation accuracy of forestry parameters. This study precisely explored the combinational rule of spectral and spatial information with high resolution remote sensing in order to improve the effective leaf area index (LAIe) based on the existing research. Obtained results can be provide evidence and data for estimation of forestry parameters and assessments of forestry health. [Method] The black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) plantations located in Weibei area of Loess Plateau were chosen as research objects. The LAIe values of 76 plots were measured. We also extracted seven textural parameters of panchromatic data including ASM, HOM, COR, CON, DIS, VAR, ENT and seven spectral parameters of multi-spectral image including b₄, SAVI, MSAVI, NLI, EVI, DVI, NDVI from Quickbird imagey with high resolution. The combined spectral-textural indices of Quickbird imagery were obtained using method of raster operation. Four different techniques, including simple linear regression model, quadratic regression model, power model and exponential model, were developed to describe the relationship between image parameters and field measurements of LAIe. The predicted accuracy of combined spectral-textural index and sole texture parameter was compared to reveal the role of combined spectral index and texture parameters used for LAIe retrieval. [Result] The LAIe estimation accuracy was improved when ASM, COR and HOM were combined with SVIs. To a certain extent, the accuracy of SVIs to estimate LAIe was improved with the combination of CON, DIS, VAR and SVIs. The combination of HOM, ASM and COR with SVIs gained the higher r² than those achieved using HOM, ASM or COR alone. The performances of CON, DIS and VAR were improved when combining with partly SVIs. The combination of Entropy data with SVIs invariably yielded adjusted r² values that were lower than those achieved using ENT alone. Quadratic regression model and exponential model exhibited higher r² values than power model and simple linear regression model slightly.[Conclusion] The combination of spectral and special information can improve the accuracy of LAIe estimation effectively when the high-resolution image was used to invert LAIe of black locust plantations. However, not all combined spectral and textural information can obtained higher accuracy comparing to the solely textural information. The model types influenced the accuracy of LAIe estimation slightly. Our results showed that comprehensive use of spatial and spectral information and appropriate selection of model was beneficial to accurate estimation and inversion of forestry parameters.

[Objective] Intracellular K ⁺/Na ⁺ homeostasis is crucial for cell metabolism and is considered to be a key component of salinity tolerance in plants. [Method] The plant height,dry biomass of roots and net fluxes of Na⁺,K⁺,H⁺ from apex roots(using non-invasive micro-test technology) were investigated in the multiple transgenic Populus×euramericana ‘Guariento’(named D5-21,D5-20)and non-transgenic species(named D5-0)under 100 mmol·L^-1 NaCl stress at three different period. [Result] Growth data indicated that: compared with control, all of the three lines had a lower height after 7 days of salt stress treatment, but no significant declined; But after 15 days treatment, the plant height of D5-20, D5-0 was declined significantly;when the treatment extended to 30 days, the height of three poplar lines and their amount of dry matter in root were significantly reduced, the D5-0 and D5-21 remained only 50% of dry matter compare with normal water supply conditions, these data showed that salt stress inhibited the growth of poplar roots seriously; meanwhile, the phenotypic changes showed that, compare to D5-0, D5-21,D5-20 were under lower danger level, had higher height and more dry matter in root after treatment. Na⁺ fluxes results showed that: there is a significant change of each line roots' Na⁺ fluxes after 7 days of stress treatment, but the magnitude is too small; D5-21,D5-20 roots' Na⁺ extruding capacity is 1.8 times of D5-0 after 15 days of stress treatment; D5-21,D5-20 roots' Na⁺ extruding capacity is 1.6 times of D5-0 after 30 days of stress treatment.K⁺ fluxes results showed that as stress time continues, D5-0, D5-21 roots' K⁺ effluxing increased,D5-20 is then decreased,but the trends are quite different, D5-0 roots' K⁺ effluxing capacity is 1.7 times of D5-21 and 2.1times of D5-20 after 30 days of stress treatment. H⁺ fluxes results showed: as stress time continues,all the three lines roots' H⁺ influxing increased, but the increasing of D5-21、D5-20 is significantly greater than D5-0; D5-21,D5-20 roots' H⁺ influxing capacity is 1.6 times and 1.2 times of D5-0 after 30 days of stress treatment.So, whether it is short-term (7 days), medium-term (15 days) or long term (30 days) salt stress treatment,transgenic lines D5-21, D5-20 exhibited a higher capacity to extrude Na⁺ ,meanwhile,the influx of H⁺ had a significant increasing, and a less reduction of K⁺ versus D5-0, Thus, the transgenic poplar species can avoid excessive cytoplasmic Na⁺ accumulation by extruding Na⁺ ,and decreased the K⁺ leakage from cytoplasmic,and these two measuremtnts are helpful to maintain K⁺/Na⁺ homeostasis. Therefore, transgenic poplar species implied an increased salt tolerance and growth accumulation,this will provide a new evidence for salt tolerance screening of transgenic trees. [Conclusion] JERF36 gene is a ERF transcription factor that can activates the expression of downstream stress resistance genes, and is closely related with plants resistance.So the relationship between JERF36 gene and the gene expression involving in the transport of Na ⁺, H ⁺, K ⁺ ions deserves to take a further study.

[Objective] This study investigated the effect of citric acid treatment on the browning of vitro pomegranate pericarp to provide the technical support for anti-browning of pomegranates. [Method] In this study, two pomegranate varieties, Taishansanbaitian and Taishansanbaisuan, were used as materials to investigate the effects of citric acid treatment on the browning of pomegranate pericarp during storage by measuring relevant physiological indexes, such as browning degree, weightlessness rate, average loss rate, PPO activity, POD activity, total phenols and DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, with weighing method and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. [Result] The result indicated that browning degree and weightlessness rate of the two pomegranate cultivars pericarp increased with prolonging of storage, and the peak value occurred at the12th day. The change trends of the average loss rate were different in the two pomegranate cultivars pericarp. Under control, 1% and 2% citric acid treatment conditions, the peak value of the average loss rate of Tsishansanbaitian pericarp presented at 1st, 4th and 11th day, respectively. The peak value of the average loss rate of Tsishansanbaitian pericarp presented separately at 1st, 4th and 12th day in with 3% citric acid treatment. The peak value of the average loss rate presented separately at 1st, 4th, 7th, 9th and 12th day in Tsishansanbaisuan pericarp under the control condition. Under different citric acid treatment conditions, the peak value of the average loss rate presented at 1st, 4th, 7th and 11th day in Tsishansanbaisuan pericarp, respectively. The browning degree, weightlessness rate and average loss rate of Tsishansanbaisuan pericarp were less than that of Tsishansanbaitian pericarp. The activities of PPO and POD in two pomegranate cultivars pericarp both showed first increased and decreased, and then decreased and increased again with prolonging of storage, with different timing when the peak values occurred. The peak value of PPO activity in Taishansanbaitian pericarp appeared respectively at the 2nd and 6th day, and that in Taishansanbaisuan pericarp appeared respectively at the 3rd and 7th day. The peak value of POD activity in two pomegranate cultivars pericarp both appeared respectively at the 1st and 8th day. Under different citric acid concentrations, the browning degree, weightlessness rate, average loss rate, PPO and POD activity of two pomegranate cultivars pericarp were lower than the control, and the differences were all significant (P<0.01). The browning degree, weightlessness rate, average loss rate, PPO and POD activity of two pomegranate cultivars pericarp were the lowest with 2% citric acid treatment. The content of total phenols in two pomegranate cultivars pericarp decreased with the increasing of browning degree. DPPH radical scavenging activity of two pomegranate cultivars pericarp first decreased and then increased, and the peak value appeared respectively at the treating day and 12th day. Under treatments with different citric acid concentrations, total phenols content and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the two pomegranate cultivars pericarp were significantly higher than the control (P<0.01). The total phenols content and DPPH radical scavenging activity were highest in two pomegranate cultivars pericarp with 2% citric acid treatment. Correlation analysis indicated that the degree of pericarp browning in the two pomegranate cultivars had significantly positive correlation with weightlessness rate and average loss rate. There were significantly negative correlation between browning degree and PPO activity, total phenols of the two pomegranate cultivars. The weightlessness rate had significantly positive correlation with average loss rate, and had significantly negative correlation with PPO activity and total phenols. There was significantly negative correlation between average loss rate and total phenols, PPO activity, DPPH radical scavenging activity of the two pomegranate cultivars. The PPO activity had significantly positive correlation with total phenols. The POD activity had significantly positive correlation with total phenols. The content of total phenols had significantly positive correlation with DPPH radial scavenging activity. The anti-browning capacity of Taishansanbaisuan pericarp was higher than that of Taishansanbaitian, which might be related to sour-sweet flavor of pomegranate fruit or own characteristics of pomegranate cultivars. [Conclusion] Under treatments with different citric acid concentrations, the browning degree, weightlessness rate, average loss rate, PPO and POD activity were decreased in the two pomegranate cultivars pericarp. The reduction in total phenols content was inhibited with the citric acid treatments. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the two pomegranate cultivars pericarp could be maintained during storage. The browning process of pomegranate fruits was postponed with treatments of different citric acid concentrations. The inhibitory effect on the pericarp browning of the two pomegranate cultivars was best with 2% citric acid treatment.

[Objective] The differences of growth performance of Elaeagnus angustifolia provenances seedlings under NaCl stress were studied to provide guiding basis for introduction of E. angustifolia in salt-alkali soil, and to provide theoretical basis for selection of excellent salt-tolerant germplasm. [Method] With a pot experiment in greenhouse, E. angustifolia seedlings of six provenances (Alaer, ALE; Changji, CJ; Jinchang, JC; Yinchuan, YC; Yanchi, YCH; Dengkou, DK) were treated with different NaCl concentrations (0, 150 and 300 mmol·L^-1) for 60 d. The changes of height growth, ground diameter, vane parameters, biomass accumulation and root/shoot ratio were investigated systematically. The salt tolerance of the six provenances was comprehensively evaluated by the membership function method in combination with weight. [Result] Except for the ALE provenance, the height growth, ground diameter, leaf area per plant, number of leaf and biomass accumulation in the other 5 provenances all were significantly reduced under the 150 mmol·L^-1 NaCl stress, and the biggest decrement was found in YC provenance and its height growth, leaf area per plant and biomass accumulation declined 33.32%, 24.47% and 26.55%, respectively. Under the 300 mmol·L^-1 NaCl condition, the height growth, leaf area per plant and biomass accumulation of YC provenance reduced to 47.53%, 41.77% and 51.86% of the control, respectively. The other provenances declined less than YC provenance under 300 mmol·L^-1 NaCl treatment. The root/shoot ratio was not obviously different under 150 mmol·L^-1 NaCl compared with the control groups, but under the 300 mmol·L^-1 NaCl concentration, the root/shoot ratio was significantly increased. Using the membership function combined with weight for comprehensive evaluation of salt tolerance, the result showed that ALE provenance seedlings had strongest salt-tolerant ability, followed by DK provenance, and YC provenance was worst, under the 150 mmol·L^-1 NaCl concentration. However, JC provenance seedlings showed the strongest salt-tolerant ability under the 300 mmol·L^-1 NaCl condition, followed by ALE provenance, and YC provenance was worst again. Integration of evaluation values of the two NaCl concentrations, the sequence of seedling tolerance ability of six different provenances from strong to weak was ALE >JC >DK >YCH >CJ >YC. [Conclusion] The ALE provenance should be appropriate choice for cultivating in the medium or heavy saline soil, while YC provenance is not suitable for planting in those conditions.

[Objective] Aims: The insoluble iron bound phosphate in red soil of southern China was used to study the capacity of cell wall of Chinese fir roots in mobilizing insoluble iron bound phosphate and the impact factors, including forest age, root diameter and tissue structure of Chinese fir root cell wall. This study aims at providing a theoretical basis for fully using potentially available phosphorus content in the forest red soil of southern China. [Method] Methods: In Xinkou Forest Station of Sanming in Fujian, we chose 3 average trees from different aged forests, the 10-year-old as the young forest, 22-year-old as middle-aged forest and 34-year-old as old forest of Chinese fir plantations, and classified the roots into 6 classes according to the root diameter, less than 2 mm, 2-5 mm, 5-10 mm, 10-20 mm, 20-30 mm, and more than 30 mm. The cell wall was extracted from xylem and phloem of different root classes, respectively. The phosphorus content mobilized by cell-wall from insoluble iron bound phosphate was determined by using the molybdenum antimony colorimetric method, to analyze and compare the ability of cell wall of Chinese fir root in mobilization of insoluble iron bound phosphate, and the influence factors, such as root diameter, tissue structures and forest age. [Result] The mobilizing phosphorus content by Chinese fir root cell wall from insoluble iron bound phosphate was from 17.67 mg kg^-1 to 497.50 mg kg^-1. The xylem and phloem cell wall of less than 10 mm diameter roots had greater ability of activating insoluble iron bound phosphate than that of the more than 10 mm diameter roots. Compared with xylem in each forest age, the phloem cell wall of the same diameter root activated more insoluble iron bound phosphate. There was difference in activating ability of insoluble iron bound phosphate among the different forest ages with the same root diameter, and the ability of cell wall in activating insoluble iron bound phosphate was as follows: old forest > middle-aged forest > young forest. [Conclusion] The factors such as root diameter, tissue structures and forest age of Chinese fir had a significantly impact on the capacity for root cell wall to activate insoluble iron bound phosphate. The smaller diameter roots had greater ability activating insoluble iron bound phosphate than the bigger roots; the older forest had greater ability in activating insoluble iron bound phosphate than the younger, and the cell wall extracted from phloem had significantly greater activation ability than that from the xylem. This would be related to the inclusions accumulation of phosphorus dissolved of the cell wall and development pattern of spatial structure. The rapid growth of fine root would conducive to the formation and accumulation of active substances of cell wall. Phloem is a storage tissue of plants, and it has a higher chemical contents compared with the xylem. The forest age especially plays an important role in accumulation of the main contents like pectin in the cell wall. Thus, it is proposed that the genes and proteins involved in cell wall synthesis and restructuring should be studied and emphasized in the future, to understand the mechanism of cell wall in mobilizing insoluble iron bound phosphate through releasing specific active substances under stress condition.

[Objective] Hyphantria cunea (Drury) is a serious destructive insect pest with widespread distribution in China. It usually lives and attacks fruit and ornamental trees, especially broad-leaved trees. The pest has become a big problem to agriculture and forestry in northern China. Up to now, control strategies for H. cunea populations still depend to a large extent on the use of insecticides. However, the resistance development to insecticides and the insecticide-caused environmental pollution stimulate people to search for safely alternative methods to control the pests. Beauveria bassiana, as one of the most common entomopathogenic fungi, has long been recognized as a potential biocontrol agent and actively been developed to control various pest insects. However, there is significant difference in pathogenicity among different strains of B. bassiana, and there exists obvious host specificity in different strains. Thus, it is feasible to enhance the specialization and the pathogenicity of B. bassiana to some kind of pests through artificial orientation training. The virulence of five B. bassiana isolates from different hosts or habitats to larvae of H. cunea was studied to exploit the potentiality of B. bassiana for controlling H. cunea. [Method] 5-instar larvae of H. cunea were used to investigate the effectiveness of five B. bassiana isolates, BS04, BS05 and BS08 from soil, BH01 from larvae of H. cunea, BI05 from larvae of Apriona germari (Hope). The larvae of H. cunea were sprayed with 1×10⁸ conidia·mL^-1 conidial suspension of diferent B. bassiana isolates using POTTER spray tower. Mortality was recorded daily for eight days. For the highly virulent isolates identified in the above bioassay, larvae were sprayed with five serial concentrations of conidia (1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷ and 1×10⁸ conidia·mL^-1) to determine the lethal concentration (LC₅₀). In the field experiment, there were three treatments, including 8×10⁸ conidia·mL^-1 of B. bassiana BH01, 4.5% β-cypermethrin 2000 times liquid and the water control. A Taishan ft-796 sprayer was used to routinely spray. The mortality was counted in 3, 5 and 7 d post experiment, respectively.[Result] The isolates of BS08, BH01 and BI05 caused mortalities between 70% and 85% in eight days post-inoculation while the other two isolates only caused mortalities of 32.61% and 30.43%, respectively. The LT₅₀ values of BH01, BS08 and BI05 were shorter significantly than that of the other two isolates. The LC₅₀ values of BH01 (1.39×10⁶ conidia·mL^-1) was lower than that of BS08 and BI05 (1.34×10⁷ and 2.11×10⁷ conidia·mL^-1). The field experiment showed that in seven days after treatment the control effect of BH01 (88.84%) had no significant difference with that of 4.5% β-cypermethrin.[Conclusion] This study demonstrates that a suspension containing 10⁸ conidia·mL^-1 of a B. bassiana strain BH01 is highly virulent and has excellent potential for biological control of H. cunea.

[Objective] Fire is an important factor to drive the ecosystem development and change. Fire disturbance has influence on the patterns and processes vegetation dynamics. Fire regimes alter with changes in vegetation, climate and anthropogenic disturbance. Understanding the current fire regimes in ecological zones is the scientific basis for forest fire management. [Method] This paper divided the China mainland into eight regions based on the Eco-geographic classification system and the characteristics of forest fires, which arethe deciduous coniferous forest in the cold temperate humid region (R1), temperate humid forest zone (R2), temperate coniferous forest zone in arid desert region (R3), temperate grassland in semi-arid areas (R4), warm temperate moist/humid deciduous forests region (R5), temperate semi-arid/arid steppe region (R6), middle and north subtropical humid broadleaf forests and artificial vegetation region (R7), and south subtropical and tropical moist broadleaf forest and artificial vegetation region (R8), respectively. The spatial and temporal distribution of forest fires for each eco-geographical zones was analyzed according to the hotspot data from satellite monitoring and fire statistics in 2005-2012.[Result] The results showed that: The wildfires were mainly distributed in the eastern China, and those occurred in R8 accounted for 84.4% of the total. Wildfires in R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 occupied 0.5%, 3.8%, 0.1%, 2.7%, 2.7%, 0.1%, and 5.8%, respectively. The fire seasons for each eco-geographical zone were defined based on the forest fire occurrence. The most forest fires occurred in spring and autumn in northern China, while they did in winter and spring for the south. The fire seasons for R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 were March-October, April-May and July-October, March-May and August-October, March-June and September-October, November-May, December-May, December-May, and November-May, respectively. Although more forest fires occurred in the tropical and sub-tropical moist regions, they were easy to be controlled. To the contrast, the wildfires occurred in the cold temperate humid region had a longer burning period than the fires in the south. The fire occurrences and burned areas for each eco-geographical zone showed significant volatility in 2005-2012. Human disturbance had a great impact on fire regimes, especially in southern China with high population density. The south subtropical and tropical moist broadleaf forest and artificial vegetation region had the highest fire frequency, and the average annual 6 489 fires with fire cycle of 4 547 years. While the fire frequency in the deciduous conifer forest region in the cold temperate humid region was 0.04 times·(10⁴ hm²)^-1, and the fire cycle 1 007 years was shortest. The fire regimes of the temperate humid forest zone and the temperate coniferous forest zone in arid desert region showed a similar tendency to that of the deciduous conifer forest region in the cold temperate humid region. The fire frequency in the warm temperate moist/humid deciduous forests region and the middle and north subtropical humid broadleaf forests and artificial vegetation region was 0.28 and 0.25 times·(10⁴ hm²)^-1, respectively. [Conclusion] The forest fires were mainly distributed in eastern China. The fire season occurred in the spring and autumn season in northern China, while it did in winter and spring for southern China. There was a high fire frequency in broad-leaved forest and artificial vegetation areas in tropical and subtropical humid region, and the shortest fire cycle in the deciduous coniferous forest in the cold temperate humid region.It is recommended to carry out a fuel management plan in accordance with the purpose of forest management and maintain the fire regime at a reasonable level for sustainable application of forest resources.

[Objective] Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is listed as one of the first-grade national protected wildlife species in China, which means the population of Bearded Vulture is at the margin of extinction. Nevertheless, very little information has been published on the basic aspects, such as the reproductive ecology, population status and endangerment mechanism. For the sake of protection of this endangered species, it is necessary that systematic researches should be carried out on its reproductive ecology, the human disturbance impact on its population dynamics, the mechanism of endangerment, the negative factors from human and nature and its own defects of behaviors responding to the changes of environment. The objective of this study is to curb the tendency of endangerment of Bearded Vulture and other endangered species, and find the strategy to save the species from extinction in the wild. [Method] Study area:The survey was carried out in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from 1991 to 1992 and from 2010 to 2013. The survey covers the work area includes the following:1) Changdu, Linzhi, Nagqu, Lhasa area of Tibet Tibetan Autonomous Region; 2) Ganzi, Aba Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province; 3)Haibei, Haixi, Guoluo(Golok) and Yushu Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province; 4)Gannan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province. In these areas, there are 7 breeding places of the Bearded Vulture to be found. Data collection:Observations of daily activity behavior were performed for some nests, in order to determine the reproductive parameters. The breeding success rate is based upon the number of young fledg/number of breeding pairs in the winter of 2010 to the autumn of 2013. The data were not included in the uncertainty whether the young birds flew out of the nest. In view of the lack of investigation data with regard to the exact number of breeding pairs in a large enough area (>10 000 km²), therefore, the territory area can be converted only by the distance between the nests of 2-3 pairs in the suitable breeding habitat. As for population structure, survey data were collected by using transect investigations which mainly was conducted with motor vehicle, sometimes on horseback or on foot, and random observation samples (mostly from vantage points with good views over the sampling areas, also including observation on the carcasses). These investigations were conducted for 48 days from 1992 April to 1993 late February and 103 days from 2010 early December to 2012 late October, respectively. Each Bearded Vulture sighted was classified to one of four age classes: juvenile (<3 years), immature (3-4 years), sub-adult (4-6 years) and adult (>6 years). According to the total population size of the Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis that has been reported, the Bearded Vulture breeding nests were compared with breeding nests of the Himalayan Griffon at the same period (from the end of 2010 to the end of 2012) to estimate the total breeding population size of this species. [Result] The results indicated that laying date of the Bearded Vulture began in early December and lasted until late January (range from 7 December to 28 January, n = 4), and incubation period was 55 to 61 days (n = 3). Mean clutch size was 1.86, and 85.71% of nests contained two eggs (n = 14). The mean size of 3 eggs measured was 84.4 (83.1-88.3) mm in length and 68.03 (67.0-70.0) mm in width. Breeding success rate was 81.82% (2010-2012, n = 22). The altitude range of nest sites was from 2 600 m to 4 575 m. The average distance between the breeding pairs was 35.84 km (25.10-47.3 km), and territorial area was 1 284.51 km² (630.01-2 237.29 km²). The proportion of juveniles was reduced from 30.17% (n = 116) to 16.67% (n = 96) during the past 20 years, and the reduction rate was 44.75%. The proportion of adults was increased from 61.21% to 70.83% (since 1990). Those results suggested that the reproductive success rate and population quality decreased obviously. According to the published literature data for the evaluation and analysis, we believe that the total population size of the Himalayan Griffon in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau would be about 100 000, therefore, the number of breeding pairs should be less than 50 000 (if considering the non-breeding birds, the value would be reduced by at least 30%). When the research project was implemented during the 2012 to 2013, a total of 11 Bearded Vulture's breeding nests and more than 390 Himalayan Griffon's breeding nests were found. According to the proportion calculation, we estimated the population size of the Bearded Vulture was less than 1 410 breeding pairs in the plateau region (about 2.5×10⁶ km²). [Conclusion] It can be preliminarily determined that there would be more than 10 threaten factors to the Bearded Vulture. The modernization process of human society life, the establishment of various infrastructure projects, especially, people's lifestyles change in the remote mountainous area, would be important factors to affect the breeding success and population stability of the Bearded Vulture.

[Objective] Knot is an important evaluation index in the classification of wood veneer. The quantity of veneer knots and the maximum knot area can, to some extent, determine the grade of a wood veneer. Whereas by now, the classification of wood veneer processed in China mainly depends on visual inspection, which is of low efficiency. Therefore, quick identification and area assessment are performed to the surface knot of wood veneer with image recognition. Instead of artificial sorting is automatic classification by computer smart control, which can significantly promote the classification efficiency of wood veneer and is of great significance for the development and progress of wood industry. [Method] The wood veneer with knots are selected as object in this study. Bases on the preliminary results of image identification, an improved identification calculation for wood veneer knots using mathematical morphology is proposed. In order to solve the problem of missing characteristic quantity of partial knots or identification of non-knot characteristic quantity existing in the image identification of wood veneer, this work can be divided into 5 steps, those were, original image extraction, graying processing, image segmentation, margin inspection of characteristic quantity and knot identification. Firstly, images of wood veneer are collected, and grey level transformation is performed for the images for sequential image identification. Secondly, according to the knots in the gray images and different gray scope in the background, the image is split with the gray threshold chosen by the maximum entropy principle, so as to preliminarily separate the knots from the background. Then the interference characteristics outside the knots preliminarily selected are removed with morphological algorithm, thus the outer contour of knots can be accurately presented. Finally, outline assessment is performed for the characteristics detected, to prevent other factors such as crack and dirt being separated from the background due to their dark color and considered as knots. [Result] This study shows that, there are some interference characteristics around the knots after image segmentation, the relationship between interference characteristics and knots can be cut off by morphological expansion, and the corrosion operation after expansion can maintain the real size of knots. By comparing the morphological opening-and-closing operations, it is found that the knots processed by morphological closing operation can be more easily identified. The identification accuracy can be improved by performing ellipse fitting and outline condition restriction for the characteristic profile inspected, to prevent the identification of non-knots. Furthermore, knots can be preliminary assessed by calculating the characteristic profile points and the matching degree of ellipse, and the knots outline restriction is mainly used for filtering the influence of rectangular objects (such as crack) that can be fitted into ellipse. [Conclusion] The knots quantity and relative size on the surface of wood veneer can be obtained by visual inspection, in the practical production processes, after interfacing with hardware, the real size of knots can be obtained according to the relative position of image collecting equipment and collecting objects and the resolution of images collected, etc. by combining the system assessment results, thus to realize the automatic classification of wood veneer.

[Objective] Schisandra chinensis is the dried ripe fruit of Schisandra chinensis. Lignans are the major active ingredients of S. chinensis, which have many pharmacological actions. So far in China, except for the raw of S.chinensis, existing products are mostly Chinese patent drugs. Studies on antioxidant activities under different purities will provide theoretical references for developing lignan-rich Schisandra functional foods. [Method] Microwave-ultrasound extraction methods were used in extracting lignans from S.chinensis, and purify the crude extracts of lignan from S.chinensis. It is preliminarily purified with AB-8 macroporous resin and then eluted with pH10.0, 100% ethanol. This step can remove macromolecular substances, playing a role in preliminarily purifying the crude extracts of lignan from S.chinensis.Qualitive analyses were made by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the separated conditions of Venusil XBP C18 (150 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm), methanol(B)-water(A) was used as gradient mobile phase (0-7 min 67%B, 7-13 min 67%-75%B, 13-22 min 75%-80%B, 22-30 min 80%-67%B),the detection wavelength was set at 220 nm,the flow rate was 0.8 mL·min^-1, sample solution was 10 μL, the column temperature was as room temperature. And the purity of lignans was calculated by area normalization: in the crude extracts, the purity of lignans was 29.33% and the purity of lignans preliminarily purified by macroporous resin was 58.95%. Then the crude extracts were further purified by preparative liquid chromatography (PLC), the separated conditions of Adsorbosphere XL C18 (250 mm ×22 mm,5 μm), methanol(A)-water(B) was used as gradient mobile phase (0-10 min 75%A, 10-15 min 75%-78%A, 15-38 min 75%-80%A),the detection wavelength was set at 220 nm,the flow rate was 10 mL·min^-1, sample solution was 3 mL, the column temperature was as room temperature.Four lignan monomers were obtained by PLC; purities of schisandrin, schisantherin A, deoxyschizandrin and schisandrin B were 95.40%, 98.85%, 94.76% and 96.44%, respectively. The reducing capacities and free radical scavenging capacities (·O^2-,·OH, H₂O₂, DPPH and ABTS) of lignans from S.chinensis of different purities were compared, and an evaluation was made for effect of purification on antioxidant activities of lignans.[Result] In the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mg·mL^-1, purified lignan extracts showed weaker antioxidant activity than that of unpurified crude lignan extracts; in the monomers obtained by PLC, schisandrin B showed a stronger antioxidant activity.[Conclusion] The crude extracts of lignan from S.chinensis contains polysaccharides and other ingredients, polysaccharide has antioxidant capacity. The synergistic reactions among lignans, polysaccharides and other ingredients make a stronger antioxidant capacity.Yet after purifying the crude extracts with AB-8 macroporous resin, the polysaccharides was removed, the antioxidant capacity of individual lignan is relatively weaker. These results indicate that as the degree of purification is increased, the single degree of material's component is higher, but biological activity of the substance is not necessarily increased as well. And in the monomers obtained by PLC, schisandrin B showed a stronger antioxidant activity, the reason may be related to the substituent on its biphenyl ring and octylene ring.

[Objective] Tourist market segmentation can help tourism enterprises effectively distinguish tourists' groups, understand consumption behaviors of the main tourists, and provide valuable reference information for the market positioning and marketing. The purpose of this paper was to clarify the different market segments of forest visitors who visited the Fuzhou National Forest Park, the most famous forest park in Fujian province. The results of the study are expected to provide useful insights for local forest tourism managers to improve the park operation and management, as well as to plan the appropriate marketing strategies targeted at this market.[Method] A questionnaire survey was conducted with 431 individuals visiting the Fuzhou National Park, and the SPSS software was employed to quantitatively analyze the collected data. The methods used included descriptive statistics, reliability and validity tests, exploratory factor analysis(EFA), cluster analysis, ANOVA analysis, discriminant analysis, and cross-tabulation analysis, etc.[Result] Descriptive statistics showed that the respondents are mainly young people with middle to low income. Most of them came from the Fujian Province, and visitors from outside the Province also accounted for a certain proportion. EFA indicated 6 dimensions of recreational motivations for the respondents and each factor was named based on the common characteristics of the statements it included. The sequence of the common factors according to the relative importance evaluated by respondents from high to low was as follows: "Returning to Nature and Learning about Nature", "Escape", "Health and Knowledge", "Novelty", "Interests and Hobbies", and "Pleasure". K-means cluster analysis according to the factor scores derived from EFA was employed to classify respondents into homogenous segments. It was found that the visitors of the Park could be classified into three market segments, each with different recreation motivations. The accuracy of the cluster classification was tested using discriminant analysis. The three resulting clusters were termed "Visitor Group for Pursuing Multi-Purposes"(35.50%), "Visitor Group for Self-Improvement"(35.03%)and "Visitor Group for Satisfying Interests and Hobbies"(29.47%). Cross-tabulation analysis of demographic profiles revealed that the three clusters were significantly different based on the Occupation and Monthly Income variables, but showed no significant difference in 4 variables such as Origin of Visitor, Gender, Age and Education Level.[Conclusion] The research results showed that the visitors in Fuzhou National Forest Park could be subdivided into three groups. Of which, Visitor Group for Self Improvement accounts for a larger proportion of visitors who have no fixed occupation and with low income, and they have stronger motivation for Health and Knowledge than the other two groups. Visitor Group for Multi-Purposes shares a larger proportion of visitors who have fixed occupation and high income, and they have stronger motivations for Returning to Nature and Learning about Nature, Escape, Novelty, and Pleasure than the other two groups. Visitor Group for Satisfying Interest and Hobbies is in the intermediate state, visitors with no fixed occupation are slightly more than the visitors with fixed occupation, and visitors with medium income are slightly more than the visitors with high income and low income. Visitors in this group have stronger motivation for Interests and Hobbies than the other two groups. According to the discovered 3 visitor groups and their difference in recreation motivations, some concrete measures were proposed such as development of diversified recreational projects, improvement of recreational facilities and introduction of new species, protection and beautification of the park environment.

[Objective] In order to provide evidences for judging the economic development pattern of forestry in China, China's forestry total factor productivity (FTFP) and its components under multiple targets of maximizing economic, ecological and social benefits are measured and analyzed. [Method] With input variables including forest area, year-end forestry employees of forestry and investment in fixed assets of forestry, and with output variables including primary-industry product of forestry, stock volume of forest and timber production,based on the panel data from provinces over the period from 2004 to 2012, FTFPs(Malmquist productivity indexes)and their components in China and in China's four main regions are measured and analyzed using the DEA-Malmquist index methods described in Färe et al.(1992; 1994), and calculated by the software DEAP Version 2.1. The components include technical progress change index, and technical efficiency change index (consisting of pure technical efficiency change index and scale efficiency change index). Every index minus 1 is its growth rate, and the sample averages are all geometric means. [Result] China's FTFP, technical progress, technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency respectively exhibit average annual growth rates of 15.6%, 14.1%, 1.3%, 1.6% and -0.2% over the period from 2004 to 2012. China's four main regions are in descending order of average annual growth rate (AAGR) of FTFP: eastern region (at an AAGR of 21.8%), central region (18.4%), western region (10.7%) and northeastern region (10.1%). In descending order of AAGR of technical progress, they are eastern region (21.2%), central region (17.8%), northeastern region (9.0%) and western region (7.9%). In descending order of AAGR of technical efficiency, they are western region (2.5%), northeastern region (0.9%), central region (0.6%) and eastern region (0.4%). In descending order of AAGR of pure technical efficiency, they are western region (2.7%), central region (1.3%), northeastern region (1.2%) and eastern region (0.5%). In descending order of AAGR of scale efficiency, they are eastern region (0%), western region (-0.2%), northeastern region (-0.2%) and central region(-0.7%).[Conclusion] Based on the changes of all indexes during the period from 2004 to 2012, China's FTFP shows a growing trend, and technical progress is the primary momentum of FTFP growth. However, technical efficiency has a poor effect on the promotion of China's FTFP, for the growth of technical efficiency is restricted due to the non-synchronous growth of scale efficiency.The FTFPs in China's four main regions all have grown, but there are significantly regional variations in growth rate and there are also regional differences in growth momentum. Therefore, in order to promote FTFP and accelerate changing the economic development pattern of forestry, we should make forestry technical progress, improve forestry technical efficiency, and adopt the corresponding forestry development policies according to the regional features as well.

[Objective] Study on the interaction relationship between central forestry investment and forestry economic growth and the establishment of the central forestry investment evaluation system are good for clearing the status of central forestry investment in forestry economic growth. This will provide empirical basis for measuring the efficient of central forestry investment, promote optimal allocation of financial resources, increase the fund performance, and also will drive the forestry economic growth.[Method] The software of Stata13.0 and data from 1987 to 2013 were used in this study. First, the C-D production function was used to analysis the contribution rate about central forestry investment and forestry labor input to forestry economic growth. Then VAR model was utilized to calculate lag phase of forestry investment, co-integration relationship test showed that forestry economic growth had the reaction to forestry investment during the long-term equilibrium and granger causality test to determine the short-term causality between forestry investment and forestry economic growth. Furthermore, error correction model respectively to argue when the central forestry investment and forestry economic growth deviated from its equilibrium level, the possibility to restore the long-term balance in the short time. Finally, impulse response function could more intuitively to response the impact on each other and itself in long term.[Result] The results shows that: 1) Central forestry investment has a positive role in promoting economic growth with contribution rate of 1.517%. 2) The lag of central forestry investment is 1 to 2 years and then began to work. Forestry production has a significant pull impact on forestry investment growth which presents 1% of forestry economic growth leading to 0.991% of forestry investment. Forestry economic growth does not rapidly promote the forestry investment growth, however, the central forestry investment can improve the forestry economic growth in the short term. 3) Central forestry investment and forestry output have a long-term equilibrium relationship and central forestry investment recovers more quickly than forestry production in the short term when both of them deviate from equilibrium level. Forestry production has a cumulative effect and forestry investment has an accumulation and promotion effects on itself. Moreover, forestry production has an income-effect on the forestry investment and the forestry investment generates a multiplier effect to forestry production. [Conclusion] Because of the forestry investment and forestry economic growth existing the action and reaction, the policy recommendations are proposed as following: to increase central forestry investment and keep a reasonable investment, to make a long-term policy planning in order to prevent the inter-annual large swings and temporary policy changes, and to improve central forestry investment system and promote the diversification of investment.

[Objective] Longhorn beetles are important trunkborer pests of forests and can cause serious damage to forest ecosystem; some insects in cerambycidae, such as Monochamus alternatus, Anoplophora glabripennis, are even important quarantine pests. Many insects use visual, olfactory, gustatory and auditory cues to locate and recognize their preference host plants and mates. In the last few decades a great deal of work has been devoted to olfactory sense and chemical ecology. It is well known that the visual sensory system is also one of the important sensory systems of insects and plays a vital role in the behavior activities of host and mate location and recognition and so on, however, study on it is relative less compared with the research on olfactory system in the influence of behavior activities of longhorn beetle, especially the review of visual mechanism of cerambycidae is not reported. [Method] The database of Web of Science and Google Scholar, the Chinese journal full-text database of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were used to systematically search for publication relevant to visual system of cerambycidae. This paper not only introduces the characteristic anatomy structure of the visual organ of cerambycidae, but also reviews roles the visual system plays for the host and mate location and recognition of cerambycidae, as well as the utilization of research results on visual mechanism in the integrated pest management of forests. [Result] The adult of longicorn beetle possess two compound eyes, each of which is divided into two parts by antenna. The eyes occupy lateral position on either side of the head and surround the basal of antenna and the shape is kidney type and belongs to acone eye and pseudocone eye. Every ommatidium has eight retinula cells, and two central retinula cells are surrounded by six peripheral cells. The distinctions of diurnal and nocturnal longicorn beetles are mainly based on ommatidium density and the ratio of area of rhabdoms and retinula cells and so on in the anatomical structures. The visual cues of host plants and mates, including color, shape and size, are often the three key components, and those cues not only can affect mating success ratio of some longicorn beetles but also can influence host-plant location and non-host plant distinction. Light trap is one of important methods of Integrated Pest Management, and it has the merits of delaying insect resistance development, reducing control cost and little effect on environment. The trapping effect of pests was influenced significantly by the spectrum and intensity of light resource, as well as shape and color of trapping apparatus, but the light resource to lure longicorn beetles is mainly ultraviolet light, including black light and high-pressure mercury discharge lamp. The researches of spectrum and intensity of trapping light resource and shape of trapping apparatus to influence mean catch of target pests are insufficient up to now. The light trap may also be used to detect quarantine longicorn beetles in the entry-exit inspection and quarantine. [Conclusion] Visual systems play an important role in the forage searching and mating of insects, and are also important for the recognition of oviposition sites, avoidance natural enemy and so on. However, the researches of visual systems and visual ecology of longicorn beetles remain scarce. In the future, the visual physiological and ecological relevant contents should be further researched, including how to influence activity behavior of longicorn beetles by the color, shape and size of potential host plants and mates, the anatomical characteristics and distinction of diurnal and nocturnal longicorn beetles and so on. The researches can supply a theoretical basis for the development of outstanding and environmentally friendly trap and prediction and forecast device and regulate and control reasonably population structure of longicorn beetles and their nature enemy.

[Objective] Due to high ratio of missing CO₂ flux data, a suitable interpolation method is necessary to collect continuous and reliable CO₂ flux data. The objective of this study is to analyze effect of interpolation (nighttime data-based method (NB) and daytime data-based method (DB)) with different window sizes for fitting parameters on CO₂ flux data estimation, which provides a basis for selecting suitable interpolation method. [Method] Based on the data of net ecosystem exchange (NEE), temperature and photosynthetically active radiation obtained from the carbon flux tower for moso bamboo forest ecosystem in 2011, interpolation (NB and DB) with different time window sizes for fitting parameters were used to estimate missing data through interpolation. Then, the estimated data from interpolation was compared with the observed data. [Results] Time window size for fitting parameter has an effect on the fluctuation of CO₂ flux. Fluctuation of CO₂ flux decreases as time window size increases. If the time window size is too large, the result can not reflect the local specific variation in CO₂ flux, and if the time window size is too small, it can get abnormal CO₂ flux. The optimal time window size is closely related to the amount of missing data. As to this case study, for NB method, the 15-day moving window size and 90-day window size for fitting parameters are suitable to interpolate ecosystem respiration (Re). The 2-day moving window size and 4-day window size for fitting parameters are suitable to interpolate gross primary production (GPP). For DB method, the 2-day moving window size and 60-day window size for fitting parameters are optimal. Annual GPP and Re from NB method are 13.8% and 26.8% greater than those from DB method, respectively. While NEE from NB method is 32.2% lower than that from DB method. Daytime NEE from NB and DB methods are very similar, but there is great difference in Re between NB and DB methods. [Conclusion] The proportion of missing data has important effect on determining time window sizes for fitting parameters. Taken the proportion of missing data and the feature of seasonal variation in CO₂ flux into account, selecting suitable interpolation method and window size for fitting parameters is helpful to increase the accuracy of CO₂ flux estimation.

[Objective] In this study, the diurnal variation characteristics of photosynthesis and transpiration of five evergreen tree species in Shanghai were measured in summer to understand the physiological and ecological characteristics of urban main greening trees. This study investigated the tree species' adaptability to urban environment and rationality of spatial configuration, and evaluated the ecological function, in order to provide scientific-based reference for selection and maintenance of urban greening tree species for mitigating urban heat island effect. [Method] During July 21-23, 2013 the typical hot and sunny summer days in Shanghai, five main urban evergreen tree species, including Photinia serrulata, Magndia grandiflora, Distylium racemosum, Cinnamomum campora, Osmanthus fragrans, were selected to measure the photosynthesis and transpiration variation and the surrounding environmental factors by using LI-6400XT photosynthesis system. The measured parameters included net photosynthesis rate (P_n), net transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (G_s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i), leaf temperature (T_l), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), atmospheric CO₂ concentration (C_a), photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), air temperature (T_a), relative humidity (RH). The correlation analysis between measured parameters and environmental factors was conducted accordingly.[Result] The diurnal variation of P_n of the five tree species showed doubled-peaks curve and indicated "midday depression" at midday, which was mainly due to non-stomatal limitation. The diurnal variation of T_r of the measured trees showed doubled-peak curve besides C. campora that was with single-peak curve. The daily mean value of P_n and Tr of P. serrulata was significantly higher than the other four species, with D. racemosum the lowest. A significant positive correlation was found between P_n and G_s, C_i, T_l, PAR, T_a, while a significant negative correlation was found between Tr and G_s, C_i, PAR, RH, VPD, WUE. [Conclusion] The daily mean value of Tr and P_n was relatively lower for M. grandiflora and D. racemosum. The WUE was relatively higher for D. racemosum, and lower for M. grandiflora. It is suggested that appropriate shading measures should be taken for M. grandiflora and D. racemosum in order to reduce their photoinhibition effect. The daily mean value of Tr was highest and WUE was lowest for C. campora, indicating that more irrigation and shading measure should be taken to reduce moisture loss resulting from transpiration. In summer, P. serrulata, C. campora and O. fragrans performed better than M. grandiflora and D. racemosum in terms of the abilities of resisting strong sunlight and high air temperature, while P. serrulata and D. racemosum were more efficient regarding using soil moisture and adapting to dry climate and environment.

[Objective] The spatial architecture of plant population is a final product of plant-environment interaction and mutual adaption. In order to illustrate the relation between habitat and architecture, seedlings of Quercus variabilis in the shady and sunny slopes were studied. The study will therefore provide evidences for optimization of forest structure and managemental measures. [Method] By surveying nine quadrats, architectural characteristics (growth characteristics, branching characteristics, leaf characteristics and biomass allocation) of 1-10 years old seedlings of Q. variabilis in the shady slope and sunny slope were studied.[Result] The average base diameter and height of Q. variabilis seedlings were larger in sunny slope than in shady slope. On the contrary, the crown width was larger in shady slope than in sunny slope before 9 years. No significant differences of base diameter were found between the two habitats, but the tree height at 7 to 10 years old and the crown width at 3 and 8 years old significantly differ between the two habitats. Due to the differences of sunlight intensity between the two habitats, Q. variabilis seedlings have evolved different adaptive strategies. In the shady slope, the first order branch and the third order branch of Q. variabilis seedlings appeared earlier than that in the sunny slope. The overall bifurcation ratio and the stepwise bifurcation ratio (R_1:2) were larger in sunny slope than in shady slope, while the length and the angle of the first order branch were larger in shady slope than in sunny slope. The leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and leaf area index of Q. variabilis seedlings appeared to be larger in shady slope than in sunny slope. In the two habitats, the ratio of length to width of leaf varied from 2.00 to 2.61, indicating that the characteristics is under genetic control. The biomass of leaf, stem and branch increased in exponential function in the two habitats. The difference between the two habitats was significant after 6 years (P<0.05). And the ratio of root to shoot was significantly different between the two habitats during the period from 1 to 7 years old (P<0.05). To ensure survival, it distributes more dry matter to root before 8 years old. The peak value of biomass ratio of each organ appeared at different age. The peak value of leaf biomass ratio and branch biomass ratio respectively appeared at 4 and 8 years old in the shady slope. However in the sunny slope the peak value of leaf biomass ratio and branch biomass ratio respectively appeared at 3 and 9 years old. The stem and leaf biomass proportions significantly differed in the two habitats at 1 to 4 years old, but the difference decreased between the two habitats with the increase of age. There was a significant difference after 8 years old between the two habitats.[Conclusion] The growth performances of the seedlings were superior in the sunny slope to those in the shady slope. But to obtain more light interception, Q. variabilis seedlings developed strong branching and larger leaf area. In order to make full use of sunlight, the seedlings of Q. variabilis evolved different architectural characteristics for adaptation to different habitats.

[Objective] Medium composition and application of exogenous hormones are important factors that influence the rooting of cuttings. As it is hard to root for cutting propagation of Rhododendron fortunei, this study was aimed at investigating different media, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations and their interactions on the rooting of cuttings of this species, and to select the optimum combination of rooting medium and IBA concentration, then to provide a theoretical basis for its introduction and domestication, and industrialization. [Method] Using the lignified new terminal branches with leaf buds of R. fortunei as propagating material, and adopting a completely randomized factorial design with two factors, i.e., six types of rooting media: pure river sand, peat + perlite (4:1 by volume), perlite + forest soil (4:1), vermiculite + forest soil (4:1), river sand + forest soil (1:1) and pure forest soil, and four IBA concentrations:100, 200, 400, 800 mg·L^-1, we investigated the effects of different combinations of rooting medium and IBA concentration on rooting parameters of R. fortunei, i.e. percentages of callus formation, rotting rate, rooting rate, and retaining rate of old leaves, number of total roots and number of adventitious roots, length of longest adventitious root, width of root system. And then we comprehensively evaluated the effects on rooting of each treatment combination by subordinate function analysis. [Result] The results showed that the effects of rooting medium and IBA concentration were highly significant (P<0.01) for all measured parameters, and the influencing intensity of rooting medium was stronger than that of IBA concentration. The interaction of rooting medium and IBA concentration was highly significant only for four root development parameters including the number of total roots, number of adventitious roots, length of the longest adventitious root and root width. Among the six types of rooting media, the pure river sand medium produced extremely positive effects on most parameters except on length of the longest adventitious root and root width. The peat + perlite (4:1) medium produced the highest callusing percentage, length of the longest adventitious root and root width, with less effect of other parameters than those of pure river sand medium. The rooting effects of the other four media decreased as the proportion of forest soil increased, and the pure forest soil medium showed the worst effect for all parameters. As to the four IBA concentrations, the best callusing and rotting percentages were observed at 100 mg·L^-1 treatment, and with increase of IBA concentration, callusing percentage decreased significantly and rotting percentage increased. Rooting rate and retaining rate of old leaves were the highest at 200 mg·L^-1 treatment, and decreased gradually as IBA concentration became higher. The number of total roots and adventitious roots, length of longest adventitious root and root width showed no significant difference among 100, 200 and 400 mg·L^-1 treatments and all these were better than those at 800 mg·L^-1 treatment. Subordinate function analysis showed that, among the 24 treatment combinations, the combination of pure river sand medium with 200 mg·L^-1 IBA was the optimal treatment for rooting of R. fortunei, which produced the highest values of rooting rate and retaining rate of old leaves, number of total roots, number of adventitious roots, as well as the lowest rotting percentage in all combinations, followed by the combination of peat + perlite (4:1) medium with 100 mg·L^-1 IBA with the highest callusing percentage and good effects on other parameters. The combination of pure forest soil medium with 800 mg·L^-1 IBA had the worst rooting effects.[Conclusion] Rooting medium, IBA concentration and their interaction had significant effects on cutting propagation of R. fortunei. The media of pure river sand and peat + perlite (4:1) had better rooting effects than the other four types of media, and they were the preferred medium for cutting propagation of R. fortunei. The pure forest soil medium was not suitable for cutting propagation of the species. The treatment of 200 and 100 mg·L^-1 IBA promoted the development of calluses and adventitious roots. And the treatment of 800 mg·L^-1 IBA caused rotting of cuttings and it was not good for rooting and the development of root system. The optimum IBA concentration varied in different rooting media. The treatment combinations of pure river sand with 200 mg·L^-1 IBA and peat + perlite (4:1) with 100 mg·L^-1 IBA were recommended for industrialized propagation of R. fortunei.