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16 pages, 958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chamomile and Anise Cultivation in Olive Agroforestry Systems

by Georgios I. Katsoulis, Athanassios C. Kimbaris, Eirini Anastasaki, Christos A. Damalas and Apostolos P. Kyriazopoulos

Forests 2022, 13(1), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13010128 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3027

Abstract

Agroforestry systems have been practiced for hundreds of years with multiple benefits both environmentally and economically in terms of productivity. Olive cultivation is widespread in the countries of the Mediterranean basin, including Greece. Agroforestry practices are common in olive groves, but little research [...] Read more.

Agroforestry systems have been practiced for hundreds of years with multiple benefits both environmentally and economically in terms of productivity. Olive cultivation is widespread in the countries of the Mediterranean basin, including Greece. Agroforestry practices are common in olive groves, but little research has been conducted on the productivity of such systems, especially with medicinal–aromatic plants (MAPs) as understory crops. Natural populations of MAPs can be found in various ecosystems, while some of them are cultivated. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of fertilization and shading both on yield and chemical composition of essential oils derived from chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), grown in olive silvoarable systems. Fertilization and shading increased the plant height of chamomile and delayed the flowering. In addition, fertilization increased the concentration of α-bisabolol oxide A and (Z)–spiroether, and reduced the α-bisabolone oxide A and hamazulen. Shade also reduced α-bisabolone oxide A and hamazulen but increased the α-bisabolol oxide B. In the case of anise, fertilization increased plant height, decreased the concentration of limonene, and increased the concentration of E-anethole. Shading reduced plant height. Intercropping of olive trees with chamomile and anise yielded essential oils rich in the substances defined by the commercial specifications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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15 pages, 1488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Contribution of Non-Wood Forest Products to Rural Livelihoods in Tunisia: The Case of Aleppo Pine

by Ibtissem Taghouti, Emna Ouertani and Bouali Guesmi

Forests 2021, 12(12), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12121793 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4206

Abstract

Research Highlights: Recently, there has been a growing interest in the contribution of Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) to livelihoods and food security among local populations in Tunisia. NWFPs have gained special attention given the relevance of this forest heritage to alleviate poverty and [...] Read more.

Research Highlights: Recently, there has been a growing interest in the contribution of Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) to livelihoods and food security among local populations in Tunisia. NWFPs have gained special attention given the relevance of this forest heritage to alleviate poverty and improve household economies. Background and Objectives: This study focuses on determining the contribution of Aleppo pine production to local household livelihood and food security in Tunisia (Siliana province). The relevance of this region as a leading Tunisian Aleppo pine producer makes the analysis especially interesting. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained using structured surveys distributed among rural household heads during the collection season. A logistic regression as well as food security indicators were calculated to evaluate the contribution of NWFPs to household livelihood. Results: Empirical findings support evidence that there is a significant difference between the alternative sources of revenues. The collection of Aleppo pine was significantly affected by gender, attending extension days and agricultural training program, distance to market, household size and livestock activity. Conclusions: Aleppo pine plays an important role in supporting rural livelihoods and provides an important safety net for the local population throughout the year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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19 pages, 3868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quercus rotundifolia Bark as a Source of Polar Extracts: Structural and Chemical Characterization

by Vicelina Sousa, Joana P. A. Ferreira, Isabel Miranda, Teresa Quilhó and Helena Pereira

Forests 2021, 12(9), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12091160 - 27 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2922

Abstract

Quercus rotundifolia bark was studied regarding anatomical, chemical, and antioxidant properties from trees in two sites in southern Portugal and are here reported for the first time. The general structure and anatomy of Q. rotundifolia bark showed a rhytidome with sequential undulated and [...] Read more.

Quercus rotundifolia bark was studied regarding anatomical, chemical, and antioxidant properties from trees in two sites in southern Portugal and are here reported for the first time. The general structure and anatomy of Q. rotundifolia bark showed a rhytidome with sequential undulated and anastomosed periderms with a small proportion of cork, while the phloem included broad rays with strong cell sclerification, groups of sclereids with embed large prismatic crystals, and abundant druses in parenchyma cells. The mean chemical composition was 15.5% ash, 1.6% dichloromethane extractives, 6.4% ethanol and 9.3% water extractives, 3.0% suberin, 30.5% total lignin, and 33.8% carbohydrates. Carbohydrates included mainly glucose (50.7% of total monomers) and xylose (23.8%), with uronic (3.0%) and acetic acids (1.0%). Suberin was mainly composed of ω-hydroxyacids (48.0% of all compounds) and α,ω-diacids (19.5%). The main compounds found in the lipophilic extracts were triterpenes (43.6%–56.2% of all compounds) and alkanoic acids (32.7%–41.7%). Phenolic content was high especially in the ethanol extracts, ranging from 219.5–572.9 mg GAE/g extract and comprising 162.5–247.5 CE/g extract of flavonoids and 41.2–294.1 CE/g extract of condensed tannins. The extracts revealed very good antioxidant properties with IC₅₀ values of 4.4 µg ethanol extract/mL and 4.7 µg water extract/mL. Similar anatomical, chemical, and antioxidant characteristics were found in the bark from both sites. The high phenolic content and excellent antioxidant characteristics of polar extracts showed holm oak barks to be a promising natural source of antioxidants with possible use in industry and pharmaceutical/medical areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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13 pages, 10812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Red Oak (Quercus rubra L.) Fruits as Potential Alternative for Cocoa Powder: Optimization of Roasting Conditions, Antioxidant, and Biological Properties

by Romina Alina Marc (Vlaic), Mihaela Niculae, Emőke Páll, Vlad Mureșan, Andruţa Mureșan, Anda Tanislav, Andreea Pușcaș, Crina Carmen Mureșan and Constantin Cerbu

Forests 2021, 12(8), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12081088 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4079

Abstract

Cocoa powder is a basic ingredient in the manufacture of chocolate, one of the most appreciated sweet products in the world for its sensory and nutritional properties. Furthermore, it displays a central nervous system stimulant effect. This study aimed to investigate acorn-derived powder [...] Read more.

Cocoa powder is a basic ingredient in the manufacture of chocolate, one of the most appreciated sweet products in the world for its sensory and nutritional properties. Furthermore, it displays a central nervous system stimulant effect. This study aimed to investigate acorn-derived powder as an alternative to cocoa powder, in order to obtain a chocolate that does not contain stimulants of the nervous system. Both the chocolate technological process and acorns roasting process (180 °C/25 min, 200 °C/20 min and 220 °C/15 min) were optimized to obtain acorn powder with an organoleptic profile as close as possible to that of cocoa powder. The chocolate sensory evaluation was performed by means of the hedonic test. Furthermore, the aqueous extracts obtained from the resulting powder were evaluated for total polyphenol content, and in vitro antimicrobial and antiproliferative properties. The results point out a high content of phenolic compounds (500.78–524.01 mg GAE/100 g); protection against microbial contamination based on the ability to inhibit a Gram-positive bacterium (Bacillus cereus) was also noticed. The aqueous acorn extracts were also able to reduce the cell viability of HFL-1 (human fetal lung fibroblast) and DLD-1 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) lines. This study suggests red oak (Quercus rubra) fruits as a potential alternative to cocoa powder in the manufacture of chocolate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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15 pages, 1999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Commercial Logging of Timber Species Enhances Amazon (Brazil) Nut Populations: Insights from Bolivian Managed Forests

by Marlene Soriano, Pieter A. Zuidema, Cristina Barber, Frits Mohren, Nataly Ascarrunz, Juan Carlos Licona and Marielos Peña-Claros

Forests 2021, 12(8), 1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12081059 - 9 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2897

Abstract

A typical case of multiple-use forest management (MFM) in Southwestern Amazon is the commercial harvesting of Amazon or Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) seeds and of timber of other tree species. Although the Amazon nut is the most important non-timber forest product [...] Read more.

A typical case of multiple-use forest management (MFM) in Southwestern Amazon is the commercial harvesting of Amazon or Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) seeds and of timber of other tree species. Although the Amazon nut is the most important non-timber forest product (NTFP) in the Amazon basin, the species is under serious threat due to deforestation and may also be affected by overharvesting. However, selective logging of other tree species coexisting with Bertholletia may positively affect Bertholletia populations, thus enabling a special case for MFM. For this research, we investigated the impact of the intensity of Amazon nut harvesting and timber logging on Bertholletia populations in the Bolivian Amazon. We used demographic data from 72 two-hectare transects located within 24 community-based household forests varying in the intensity of nut collection (0–100%) and timber logging (0–15% of logging-disturbed forest area). Simulated Bertholletia population size increased with logging intensity but decreased with Amazon nut harvesting intensity. Bertholletia populations were projected to grow at the average MFM harvesting scenario tested: 57.4% of nut harvesting, 5.3% of logging-disturbed area (λ100 = 1.011). Our simulations also revealed that up to 89% of Amazon nut seeds can be harvested while sustaining Bertholletia populations, under 15% of logging-disturbed area, and applying liana cutting. Modest levels of timber logging and application of liana cutting may compensate for the negative effect of Amazon nut collection on Bertholletia populations for the next century. Our study demonstrates that Amazon nut and timber production could be combined in a sustainable MFM scheme, thus increasing the economic value of managed tropical forests and its promotion to reduce the increasing pressure by deforestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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12 pages, 3469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genotype–Environment Interactions for Tree Growth and Leaf Phytochemical Content of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja

by Mingming Zhou, Pei Chen, Xulan Shang, Wanxia Yang and Shengzuo Fang

Forests 2021, 12(6), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12060735 - 4 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2230

Abstract

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja, as a woody tree species, has various health-promoting phytochemicals and is commonly used in tea production in China. A field trial for C. paliurus was conducted at two typical sites to evaluate genotype × environmental interaction (GEI) effects and [...] Read more.

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja, as a woody tree species, has various health-promoting phytochemicals and is commonly used in tea production in China. A field trial for C. paliurus was conducted at two typical sites to evaluate genotype × environmental interaction (GEI) effects and identify the stability and adaptability of 13 families. The genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction effects (GGE) were used to analyze the GEI effects for tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and leaf flavonoid and triterpenoid contents. Two-way analysis of variance indicated that the tree growth and leaf phytochemical contents were mainly affected by genotype and GEI. Based on the results of GGE, the JH1 family had high mean values and high stability in total flavonoid and total triterpenoid accumulations, while the KM4 family exhibited high means and high stability in tree height and DBH growth, as well as high means and medium stability in total triterpenoid content. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that the annual mean DBH was significantly and positively correlated with leaf phytochemical content in C. paliurus when all data for the 13 families at the two sites were used. Our results suggest that JH1 should be mainly extended as a superior genotype for the production of flavonoids and triterpenoids in the leaves, while KM4 could be spread for timber production or leaf triterpenoid production. This study provides useful information on the selection of C. paliurus genotypes in target sites and cultivation strategies for establishing oriented plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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12 pages, 1626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Inoculator Bacteria to Promote Tuber melanosporum Root Colonization and Growth on Quercus faginea Saplings

by Yasmine Piñuela, Josu G. Alday, Daniel Oliach, Francesc Bolaño, Carlos Colinas and José Antonio Bonet

Forests 2020, 11(8), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11080792 - 22 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4750

Abstract

Research Highlights: Mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB) promote mycorrhization processes and are commonly found in the mycorrhizosphere of fungi, such as the edible hypogeous fungus Tuber melanosporum Vittad. Background and Objectives: The effectiveness of MHB in promoting the mycorrhization process and the [...] Read more.

Research Highlights: Mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB) promote mycorrhization processes and are commonly found in the mycorrhizosphere of fungi, such as the edible hypogeous fungus Tuber melanosporum Vittad. Background and Objectives: The effectiveness of MHB in promoting the mycorrhization process and the root development of Portuguese oak (Quercus faginea Lam.) seedlings destined for truffle plantations has not been determined. The main aim of this study was to shed light on the effect of bacterial inoculation on fungal root tip colonization and seedling root traits. Material and methods: We performed a co-inoculation trial using three bacteria naturally present in the T. melanosporum niche (i.e., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and two different bacterial inoculation times (one month and nine months after fungal inoculation) under glasshouse conditions. Results: Only P. fluorescens had a significant mycorrhizal promoter effect, increasing the truffle inoculation rates of root tips by more than 10% compared with seedlings that received non-bacterial inoculation treatments. Simultaneously, the co-inoculation of P. fluorescens with T. melanosporum improved seedling root growth parameters compared with those of seedlings that received non-bacterial inoculation treatments. The different bacterial inoculation times and applications of uninoculated bacterial growth media did not affect the root traits analyzed or the root mycorrhization rates. Conclusions: These results suggest that P. fluorescens bacteria have a potential commercial application as a treatment for truffle-inoculated seedlings to improve both seedling quality and mycorrhizal colonization under nursery conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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16 pages, 13686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Forms Alter Triterpenoid Accumulation and Related Gene Expression in Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk. Seedlings

by Jian Qin, Xiliang Yue, Xulan Shang and Shengzuo Fang

Forests 2020, 11(6), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11060631 - 2 Jun 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2316

Abstract

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk. is a multiple function tree species distributed in subtropical areas, and its leaves have been used in medicine and nutraceutical foods in China. However, little information on the effects of nitrogen (N) forms and ratios on growth and secondary [...] Read more.

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk. is a multiple function tree species distributed in subtropical areas, and its leaves have been used in medicine and nutraceutical foods in China. However, little information on the effects of nitrogen (N) forms and ratios on growth and secondary metabolite accumulation is available for C. paliurus. The impact of five NO₃⁻/NH₄⁺ ratios on biomass production, triterpenoid accumulation and related gene expression in C. paliurus seedlings was evaluated at the middle N nutrition supply. Significant differences in seedling growth, triterpenoid accumulation and relative gene expression were observed among the different NO₃⁻/NH₄⁺ ratio treatments. The highest triterpenoid content was achieved in a sole NO₃⁻ or NH₄⁺ nutrition, while the mixed N nutrition with equal ratio of NO₃⁻ to NH₄⁺ produced the highest biomass production in the seedlings. However, the highest triterpenoid accumulation was achieved at the treatment with the ratio of NO₃⁻/NH₄⁺ = 2.33. Therefore, the mixed N nutrition of NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺ was beneficial to the triterpenoid accumulation per plant. The relative expression of seven genes that are involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis were all up-regulated under the sole NH₄⁺ or NO₃⁻ nutrition conditions, and significantly positive correlations between triterpenoid content and relative gene expression of key enzymes were detected in the leaves. Our results indicated that NO₃⁻ is the N nutrition preferred by C. paliurus, but the mixture of NO₃⁻ and NH₄⁺ at an appropriate ratio would improve the leaf triterpenoid yield per area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 10492 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diversity, Chemical Composition, and Domestication Potential of Allanblackia parviflora A. Chev. in West Africa

by Dennis Kyereh, Anna Maňourová, Prasad S. Hendre, Alice Muchugi, Marie Kalousová, Patrick Bustrel Choungo Nguekeng, Tariku Olana Jawo, Daniel Aninagyei Ofori and Bohdan Lojka

Forests 2021, 12(12), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12121758 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3747

Abstract

Allanblackia parviflora A. Chev. is an indigenous tree species which is found in West African rainforest zones. It is an underutilized fruit tree species that has been targeted for improvement as part of efforts to domesticate high-value indigenous multi-purpose trees for fruit and [...] Read more.

Allanblackia parviflora A. Chev. is an indigenous tree species which is found in West African rainforest zones. It is an underutilized fruit tree species that has been targeted for improvement as part of efforts to domesticate high-value indigenous multi-purpose trees for fruit and seed production in Africa. Allanblackia has several benefits, such as providing shade, timber, and medicine; however, the production of edible oil from its seeds is the economically most important use. There is evidence that the Allanblackia seed oil, which is used for cooking, the production of margarine and the manufacturing of ointments and soap, is being developed as a new agri-business in Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Tanzania. Despite the nutritional and socio-economic importance of A. parviflora, it is still at the early stages of its domestication process. Even though several researchers have explored the biology of this species, there is very limited scientific information available on its morphological and genetic diversity and silvicultural management in West Africa. Therefore, this systematic review presents an up-to-date overview on the uses, seed chemical composition, and morphological and genetic diversity of this fruit tree species, and proposes a way forward for future research towards improvement and domestication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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25 pages, 2858 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Challenges and Prospects of Indonesian Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): A Review

by Gunawan Pasaribu, Ina Winarni, Raden Esa Pangersa Gusti, Rizki Maharani, Andrian Fernandes, Alfonsus Hasudungan Harianja, Grace Serepina Saragih, Maman Turjaman, Agustinus Panusunan Tampubolon, Harlinda Kuspradini, Ganis Lukmandaru, Gerson Ndawa Njurumana, Agus Sukito, Aswandi Aswandi and Cut Rizlani Kholibrina

Forests 2021, 12(12), 1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12121743 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5723

Abstract

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) management can lead to various benefits for community livelihood and forest sustainability. However, such management has not been carried out optimally and sustainably in Indonesia, due to various limiting factors including ineffective policies, undeveloped cultivation technologies, and inadequate innovation [...] Read more.

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) management can lead to various benefits for community livelihood and forest sustainability. However, such management has not been carried out optimally and sustainably in Indonesia, due to various limiting factors including ineffective policies, undeveloped cultivation technologies, and inadequate innovation in processing technologies. Further, the diversity of NTFPs species requires that policy-makers determine the priority species to be developed. Agarwood (Aquilaria spp. and Gyrinops spp.), benzoin (Styrax spp.), sandalwood (Santalum album L.), and cajuput (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell) are aromatic NTFPs species in Indonesia that forest-dwellers have utilized across generations. This paper reviews the current governance, cultivation systems, processing and valuation, and benefits and uses of these species. We also highlights the future challenges and prospects of these NTFPs species, which are expected to be useful in designing NTFPs governance, in order to maximize the associated benefits for the farmers and all related stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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26 pages, 2948 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Current State of Knowledge of Shea Butter Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertner.) for Nutritional Value and Tree Improvement in West and Central Africa

by Patrick Bustrel Choungo Nguekeng, Prasad Hendre, Zacharie Tchoundjeu, Marie Kalousová, Armelle Verdiane Tchanou Tchapda, Dennis Kyereh, Eliot Masters and Bohdan Lojka

Forests 2021, 12(12), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12121740 - 9 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 9910

Abstract

Vitellaria paradoxa (C.F.Gaertn.) is a multi-purpose tree species distributed in a narrow band across sub-Saharan Africa. The species is integrated into cropping and agroforestry systems as a nutritional and economic resource, which provides a range of environmental services. Integration of the species into [...] Read more.

Vitellaria paradoxa (C.F.Gaertn.) is a multi-purpose tree species distributed in a narrow band across sub-Saharan Africa. The species is integrated into cropping and agroforestry systems as a nutritional and economic resource, which provides a range of environmental services. Integration of the species into land-use systems provides an essential source of livelihoods and income for local populations. The economic potential of the shea butter tree derives from its edible products, which also serve cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. To understand the current state of knowledge about V. paradoxa, this paper summarizes information about the ecology, population structure, and genetic diversity of the species, also considering compositional variation in the pulp and kernels, management practices, and efforts towards its domestication. Despite the great potential of the shea butter tree, there are some gaps in the understanding of the genetics of the species. This review presents up-to-date information related to the species for further domestication and breeding purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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17 pages, 1366 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Potential Role of Cinnamon in Human Health

by Natalia Błaszczyk, Angelina Rosiak and Joanna Kałużna-Czaplińska

Forests 2021, 12(5), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12050648 - 20 May 2021

Cited by 79 | Viewed by 20060

Abstract

Cinnamon is an unusual tropical plant belonging to the Lauraceae family. It has been used for hundreds of years as a flavor additive, but it has also been used in natural Eastern medicine. Cinnamon extracts are vital oils that contain biologically active compounds, [...] Read more.

Cinnamon is an unusual tropical plant belonging to the Lauraceae family. It has been used for hundreds of years as a flavor additive, but it has also been used in natural Eastern medicine. Cinnamon extracts are vital oils that contain biologically active compounds, such as cinnamon aldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties and is used to treat diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In folk medicine, cinnamon species have been used as medicine for respiratory and digestive disorders. Their potential for prophylactic and therapeutic use in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease has also been discovered. This review summarizes the available isolation methods and analytical techniques used to identify biologically active compounds present in cinnamon bark and leaves and the influence of these compounds in the treatment of disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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26 pages, 2981 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pine Straw Raking and Growth of Southern Pine: Review and Recommendations

by David Dickens, Lawrence Morris, David Clabo and Lee Ogden

Forests 2020, 11(8), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/f11080799 - 23 Jul 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2850

Abstract

Pine straw, the uppermost forest floor layer of undecayed, reddish-brown pine needles, is raked, baled, and sold as a landscaping mulch throughout the southeastern United States. Loblolly (Pinus taeda, L.), longleaf (P. palustris, Mill.), and slash (P. elliottii Engelm. var. [...] Read more.

Pine straw, the uppermost forest floor layer of undecayed, reddish-brown pine needles, is raked, baled, and sold as a landscaping mulch throughout the southeastern United States. Loblolly (Pinus taeda, L.), longleaf (P. palustris, Mill.), and slash (P. elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii) pine are the three southern pine species commonly raked for pine straw. The value of pine straw as a forest product is large. Private landowner pine straw revenues have steadily increased throughout the southeastern United States over the past two decades and now total more than USD 200 million. Information is limited on the short- or long-term effects of pine straw removal on foliage production or stand growth in southern pine stands. Results from most published studies suggest that annual pine straw raking without fertilization on non-old-field sites reduces straw yields compared to no raking. Old-field sites often do not benefit from fertilization with increased pine straw or wood volume yields. Though fertilization may be beneficial for pine straw production on some sites, understory vegetation presence and disease prevalence may increase following fertilization. This review addresses pine straw removal effects on pine straw production and stand growth parameters based on recent studies and provides fertilization recommendations to maintain or improve pine straw production and stand growth and yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-wood Forest Products)

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