Abstract: Turkey ranks the first among the hazelnut producers in the world. The purpose of this study is to question whether or not the hazelnut plant that grows under natural climate conditions will be affected by climate change. Spatial and temporal change simulations have been done in order to define the actual and the future status of hazelnut cultivation areas. The Marmara and the Black Sea regions have been chosen as study areas of hazelnut production in Turkey. The possible evolution of the current climate conditions to affect hazelnut cultivation in the upcoming 90 years and the estimated changes to occur in hazelnut areas have been asserted in the study. In order to determine the future climate conditions, the set of temperature and rainfall data of the upcoming 90 year period (2011 - 2100) obtained from the A2 scenario of RegCM3 regional climate model has been used and by taking the averages of each 10 year period, it has been simulated with the MATLAB software. While an increase of up to 6 ºC in temperature for the upcoming 90 years can be expected to have negative effects on hazelnut cultivation depending on the A2 scenario (the worst), no change has been observed in the rainfall scale that may negatively affect hazelnuts. In particular, it has been observed that this temperature change may cause vertical and horizontal changes in hazelnut areas. Accordingly, it has been anticipated that hazelnut cultivation on the coast line between 0 - 250 m may get affected in a negative way and the areas exceeding 1500 m that are not currently suitable for hazelnut cultivation may become arable lands due to vertical change.

Keywords: climate change, spatiotemporal change, hazelnut (Corylus avellana), Black Sea Region

Abstract: The quantitative and qualitative structure of dead standing trees and coarse woody debris as well as the occurrence of associated macrofungi were analysed in beech stands of the Bieszczady National Park. On average, 55.55 m3/ha of dead wood, of which 64% was coarse woody debris, was found in three study plots. Elevation above sea level and distance from the upper treeline had a significant impact on the quantitative and qualitative structure of dead trees in the stand. When approaching the upper treeline, the thickness of the coarse woody debris decreased, and the share of the dead standing trees increased. Similarly, the type of dead tree distribution in the study area changed from random in the lowermost stand, to regular in the middle range of elevation above sea level, and to clustered in the uppermost plot. The majority of coarse woody debris was in the II and IV degrees of decomposition, whereas dead standing trees were usually in the 4th stage of decomposition. A total of 30 species of macromycete fungi were recorded, including 4 from the list of endangered species. Tinder fungus (Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr.) was the most frequently observed species. It was shown that the species diversity of fungi is closely associated with the quality of dead trees. Most fungal taxa were recorded on coarse woody debris in the IV degree of decomposition and on dead standing trees in the 3rd stage of decomposition.

Keywords: dead standing trees, coarse woody debris, beech forests, forest stand structure, spatial trees’ distribution, Macromycetes

Abstract: Influence of increased CO2 concentrations (550 and 700 ppm) on host (Chickpea, Cicer arietinum L.) and its insect herbivore (Gram caterpillar, Helicoverpa armigera (Hüb.)) was studied in relation to ambient CO2 (380 ppm) concentration under laboratory conditions. The foliar chemistry of chickpea under elevated CO2 revealed low nitrogen and high carbon content with increased C: N ratio but no change in phenol content. This alteration in food quality significantly affected the growth parameters of H. armigera in the form of increased food consumption, gain in larval weight and more fecal matter production. Larval duration was also extended by one day under elevated CO2 over ambient. Further, reduction in the fecundity (535 eggs/ female) was observed in the individuals raised under elevated conditions compared to ambient situation (580 eggs/ female). Diluted quality of food had a significant effect on growth performance indices of insect. Increase in approximate digestibility and relative consumption rate by the larva was observed under elevated CO2 situation. The reduced efficiency of conversion of ingested food (35.88 %) and digested food (37.88 %) was observed under similar situation. As a result, the relative growth rate was down by 5.22 % and 6.20 % under both elevated CO2 conditions. In a nutshell, it can be concluded that increased CO2 concentrations has the negative effect on the growth and development of H. armigera.

Keywords: CO2 concentration, climate change, Helicoverpa armigera, chickpea, developmental biology

Abstract: After giving an overview of climate change induced vegetation shifts in the Palearctic region in our previous paper, in this article we review literature available in Web of Science on North and South America. We study different geographical regions such as Canada, Alaska, California, Southwestern, Eastern and Southeastern USA, the Great Lakes region, the Great Plains, intermontane basins and plateaus, Rocky Mountains and the Cascades as well as Central and South America. We summarize main results of relevant field studies, experiments and model simulations. Predicted environmental changes include temperature increases, altering precipitation patterns, droughts, permafrost thaw and ground subsidence in arctic regions, enhanced El Niño Southern Oscillation, sea level rise, increasing salinity of the vadose zone, snowpack declines and various disturbances. All vegetation types are affected by these changes, to the most important phenomena belong e.g. reduction of arctic and alpine communities, decreasing area of taiga, shrub encroachment in tundra areas, northward expansion of the tree line, reduction in wetland areas, invasion, altering forest regeneration patterns, decrease in dominance of conifer species, increased cover of salt-tolerant plant species in tidal marshes, expansion of grassland, compositional and structural changes of grasslands and forests, drying up of bogs, landward migration of mangroves, savannification of forests, expansion of chaparral as well as upward migration of species in the mountains.

Keywords: global warming, vegetation distribution, biome, vegetation zone, plant community

Abstract: Honey bee health depends on various factors, including the availability of food resources and chronic exposure to toxins in the foraging area. These parameters can be evaluated using indicators based on either pollen gathered to the hive or landscape features of the foraging area, including the structure, land use, or density of such specific landscape elements as hedgerows.This study examines the correlation between the diversity of pollens gathered and the landscape features in a 3-km radius using Geographic Information System technology. Palynological analyses were performed on pollen pellets collected from sixteen apiaries in western France during one year. Richness, diversity and similarity indices were calculated for land-cover features and palynological data and then compared. The land-cover analyses permitted the identification of three different landscape contexts (hedgerow, cultivated, and urban landscapes). Although the palynological profiles were highly diverse, some taxa were conserved between hives. The flower richness was greater in the apiaries from urban landscapes than in apiaries from rural landscapes, regardless of the dominant land-cover. The statistical analysis did not associate a specific flora with a specific landscape. However, it was possible to distinguish the pollen gathered by bees in urban landscapes and from pollen collected in rural areas.

Keywords: foraging area, land-cover, palynology, honey bees

Abstract: The aim of the present research, which was conducted in the years 2002 and 2012, was to determine whether and to what extent the biocenotic changes taking place in the aquatic peatland ecosystems affect the state of the populations of endangered boreal willows (Salix lapponum and Salix myrtilloides) in the Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland (Eastern Poland). The results of this research show that the decline in population numbers of the studied species is associated with the changes that have taken place in their habitats since the 1950’s. These changes manifest themselves in the species composition and structure of the phytocoenoses of which the species under investigation are components. In consequence, the intensive process of ecological succession can accelerate the rate of extinction of S. lapponum and S. myrtilloides within the area of the Łęczna-Włodawa Lakeland.

Keywords: ecological succession, endangered species, habitat

Abstract: Although wetlands are of ecological and economic importance, they continue to be lost to anthropogenic activities such as infilling. The impacts of wetland infilling with construction and demolition (CandD) waste on wetland plant and dipteran (Insecta: Diptera) communities were examined. Areas of wetland infilled with CandD waste compared to non-infilled areas had: a) higher soil pH and lower soil moisture / organic content; b) a relatively higher percentage of ruderal plant communities; c) relatively fewer dipteran families that were wetland specialist, gall-forming, parasitic and haematophagous; d) relatively lower abundances and species richness of marsh flies (Diptera: Sciomyzidae). Challenges encountered during this study included locating CandD waste sites; obtaining permission from landowners to undertake this study; frequent damage and theft of equipment due to human interference, machinery and infilling activity. Given the current paucity of data regarding the ecological impacts of infilling with CandD waste on wetlands and the considerable challenges with undertaking such studies, we make recommendations for appropriate site selection and monitoring at CandD waste infill sites.

Keywords: Construction and Demolition waste; wetlands; ecological impacts; Diptera; surveying challenges

Abstract: We analyzed arthropod community structure and composition among different anthropogenic systems. The study was conducted in areas of secondary forest (control system), Eucalyptus plantation and pasture, where we sampled arthropods using pitfall traps. The systems did not differ in mean richness and mean abundance of arthropods, however, eucalyptus presented the highest total richness. The systems supported different arthropod communities in relation to structure and species composition. Pasture was the most simplified and different system in comparison to the others, probably because it is more open and presents low complexity. Our results demonstrate that different anthropogenic systems exhibit communities that reflect its characteristics, corroborating the evidence that human impacts are capable of changing community composition and structure. Our study serves to understand arthropod response in face of environmental disturbance, selecting indicator morphospecies and orders of arthropods for different anthropogenic systems and providing valid information for the development of conservation strategies.

Keywords: Atlantic Forest, Eucalyptus, Habitat change, Pasture, Vegetation complexity

Abstract: Intensive agricultural practices have been characterized by an overuse of agrochemicals. The inputs of chemicals in a watershed are likely to alter trophic interactions affecting its ecological integrity. This ecotoxicological study aims to identify warning signals of agrochemicals effects on a plankton community. Eighteen outdoor microcosms were used to establish an experiment with 2 concentrations of copper sulfate above and below the legal limit with six replicates lasting two weeks. Phytoplankton and Zooplankton structure changes were studied. Chlorophyll-a concentration was used as a functional indicator. A rapid change in phytoplankton structural features, abundance and size classes, was detected after both, below and above legal, concentrations. Similarly, Zooplankton structural changes showed an effect of copper exposures on abundance and composition. As Phytoplankton response was so rapid, it could be used as an early and direct warning signal, but also to warn of future indirect effects on zooplankton structural features owing to a change of food resources. In summary, the shifts across both trophic levels could be use as warning signals. Moreover, even legal limits do not protect the plankton community, which emphasises the need of a more ecotoxicological and realistic approach to achieve a balance between agriculture development and ecosystems conservation.

Keywords: Copper; Microcosms; Plankton; Warning

Abstract: Anthropogenic fragmentation of habitats has been identified as one of the primary drivers of mammalian declines and extinctions. Previous research has implicated five life history traits as being predictive of the impacts of habitat fragmentation on mammalian abundances: potential growth rate, sociality, mass, home range, and niche breadth. In order to systematically test if these five life histories correlated with mammalian abundances across a gradient of habitat fragmentation, we conducted a metaanalysis. We systematically collected data from 68 studies, encompassing 232 mammalian species within 143 genera, 50 families, and 17 orders. We found that mammals with lower growth rates, paternal care of offspring, greater mass, larger home ranges, and increased niche specialization had significantly lower abundances in fragmented habitat. These results could provide land managers and conservationists with a coarse tool for predicting the impacts of habitat fragmentation across a wide taxonomic breadth of terrestrial mammals.

Keywords: abundance, mixed-effects model, specialists vs. generalists

Abstract: Natural factors affect not only surroundings on River Hernád, but the appearance of people and their activities as well. These factors have significant effect on both the natural landscape and the river meandering processes. Recently, an intensive destruction level was measured concerning river banks in the selected area. By the comparison of historical maps and the GPS measurements in that region, the movements of the river basin have been reconstructed. The results show a displacement volume of 4-6 meters in some places within few years. The natural factors (precipitation, water levels) were examined as well as anthropogenic factors and their relationships. Research results demonstrate interaction of certain environmental elements. This study compares daily changes of precipitation data for hundred and twentyfour years through analysing the recorded water level of River Hernád. The high amount of river bank destruction is mainly caused by water level fluctuations, significant decrease in regional precipitation, and both type and intensity of cultivation.

Keywords: precipitation, water level, meandering, River Hernád

Abstract: Loess grasslands are among the most species-rich grasslands in Europe. In many regions only species-poor degraded fragments of formerly species-rich loess grasslands remained due to the agricultural intensification in the last century. To preserve and restore loess grasslands it is necessary to understand, how soil seed banks can contribute to the maintenance of diversity. We studied the vegetation and seed banks of (i) a loess grassland in a semi-natural state and (ii) a degraded loess pasture. We found that species richness was significantly lower in the degraded loess pasture (10.2 species/m2) than in the semi-natural loess grassland (27.0 species/m2). Mean seed bank densities were quite similar in the two grassland types (22,800 and 20,200 seeds/m2, respectively). Out of the frequent graminoids in the vegetation, only Poa angustifolia possessed considerable dense seed banks. Forb species having considerable seed banks were mainly disturbance-tolerant species (e.g. Euphorbia cyparissias, Galium verum or Hypericum perforatum). Most characteristic forb species possessed only sporadic seed banks (e.g. Filipendula vulgaris, Pimpinella saxifraga and Salvia nemorosa). Our results suggest that seed banks have only a limited role in the recovery of loess grasslands.

Keywords: grazing; grassland restoration; plant traits; propagule limitation, seed density

Abstract: Wood-pastures are important elements of the European natural and cultural heritage, fulfilling several ecological functions at local and landscape scale (e.g. providing a valuable habitat for a wide range of species, as well as a link to traditional landscape management practices), but are nowadays in decline especially due to land-use changes begun in the 20th century and lack of legal recognition. Woodpastures are relatively common in Southern Transylvania (Romania), and, contrary to the majority of similar habitats from Europe, are not threatened mainly by abandonment and subsequent secondary succession, but by modifications in the traditional management regime. Using a wide range of historical documents, this paper presents an overview of the traditional and the current management of the ground vegetation in wood-pastures. These habitats were traditionally grazed mainly by cattle and pigs, sheep being often subject to regulations. Regular mowing was also practiced. Nowadays sheep are the main grazers and mowing has practically disappeared, while the incidences of burning are increasing. Analyzing the differences between the present situation and those described in old publications provides valuable information for conservation management and potential restoration of similar, degraded habitats throughout Europe.

Keywords: traditional practices, grazing, mowing, pasture burning, Transylvania

Abstract: Grasslands play an important role in carbon sequestration. Different management regimes may change the species composition of plants in grasslands, thus may affect the carbon sequestration potential. Therefore, we investigated if short-term changes in species composition occurred in response to shift in grazing to mowing in a semi-arid grassland in Hungary (Bugac). Species abundances were recorded as frequencies of species in contiguous 5 cm × 5 cm quadrates along six (5 meters long) permanent transects at adjacent grazed and mowed sites in the spring and fall of 2012. High variation of vegetation characteristics was found within the management units at patch scale (at few m scale). The species richness, relative abundance of species, species density, Shannon diversity index, and forage quality differed among transects; however, no differences were observed between the two managements regimes at site scale (at hectar scale) (ANOVA, p>0.05). The average species abundance of the grazed and mowed sites were very similar (Poa spp.: 13.48±5.34%, 14.67±6,9%; Carex spp.:12.46±8.75%, 14.24±10.16%; Cynodon dactylon: 10±8.52%, 16.01±3.49%., respectively). Our results suggest that species composition differences can not be the main factors explaining short-term differences in carbon sequestration in natural semiarid grasslands.

Keywords: diversity, management, vegetation structure, species composition changes, species abundance

Abstract: Our aim was to investigate the species richness and diversity of a loess grassland influenced by the digging of the lesser blind mole rat [Nannospalax (superspecies leucodon)] and to study the effect of this disturbance to diversity. The study was conducted in the Külső-gulya loess grassland (Körös-Maros National Park), which is unique in Hungary due to its excellent soil quality and the large spatial extent of natural loess meadow steppe. We recorded the cover of species in 50x50 cm plots. Altogether 12 plots were sampled on mounds of mole rat and 12 plots as a control in the area with no mounds. Differences in species richness, Shannondiversity, evenness and total cover between disturbed and control plots were tested by One-Way ANOVA. There were no significant difference neither in the number of species, nor in the Shannondiversity and evenness. There were differences in the species composition detected by PCO ordination. We can conclude that the presence and disturbance of the mole rat influence the composition of the grassland significantly but it does not cause a difference in the species richness, diversity and total cover. Our results suggest that this grassland has adapted to these natural disturbances.

Keywords: grassland, diversity, disturbance, subterranean rodents, Nannospalax (superspecies leucodon)

Abstract: In a pot experiment using brown forest soil with clay eluviation (40 kg soil/pot) from Keszthely the gaseous losses of nitrogen (total N, N2, N2O NO NO2) caused by denitrification were tested. Gas-collecting traps were placed at a depth of 20 cm in the soil. At the same fertilizer N input (6250mgN/pot, 150mg N/kg soil), the effects of two fertilizer forms (KNO3, NH4Cl) and two soil moisture levels (field water holding capacity, WHC= 65% and 100% ) were evaluated to the gaseous losses of nitrogen with and without sowing of maize hybrids (two Stira and two Mv 355/pot ) as test plants. The composition of the N-containing gases was determined by gas chromatography. From the soilatmosphere the gas samples were taken 8 times, the sampling times were on the 2, 16, 30, 54, 68, 82, 110, 138-th days of the experiment. Statistical evaluation of the results was performed by analysis of variance. The N gaseous loss in the planted pots was the 12% of the applied fertilizer dose, while in unplanted pots it was nearly the double of it (22%) Consequently, there was a 50% decrease in the denitrification gaseous losses of fertilizer N due to plant N uptake. The N-gaseous loss was significantly higher in cases of KNO3 applications and at the WHC=100% soil moisture than in NH4Cl treatments and at the WHC= 65%, probably due to more intensive denitrification. In the unplanted pots the amount of N2 and N2O increased the most (by 95% and by 70%) compared with planted pots. It can be concluded that the improperly applied fertilizer causes significant GHG emissions in the absence of plants.

Keywords: N-gaseous losses, nitrous-oxide, GHG emission, fertilizer treatment, soil moisture