During the summer of 2015 in reaction to the questionable concept I continually heard about the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) going extinct I decided to do a census of the American Chestnut on the Appalachian Trail from the Rausch Gap to the Lehigh Gap and other local trails. Over 38 days were spent on the census using a GPS equipped camera with many more days gathering data on American Chestnut reproduction and how the Chestnut Blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) affected the trees. A total of over 80 miles of Appalachian Trail was walked along with at least another 40 miles on other trails. More than 7500 trees of various sizes from seedlings to mature adults were found along two trail systems separated by about 25 miles. In three separate locations a total of forty-four trees were found bearing seeds. The limiting factor in American Chestnut reproduction was clearly shown to be access to direct sunlight, not disease. The obvious conclusion derived from this time in the field is that the American Chestnut is coming back without our interference. Attempts to hybridize it with non-native chestnut species to make “blight resistant” trees are unnecessary and is detrimental to the ecology of the Appalachian forest. This study will be continued in 2016 by walking additional trails.
This is a presentation on the American Chestnut, Castanea dentata, my experiences in the last 3 field seasons while doing a census along the Appalachian Trail and other trails. Included are a definition of a native plant, non-native plants and the negative results of hybridization.
During the summer of 2015 in reaction to the inherently flawed concept about how hybridization of the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) with non-native chestnuts is the only way to prevent its extinction, I decided to do a census of the American Chestnut near home, northern Berks County, PA. In 38 days of walking a census was performed using a GPS equipped camera. Two local areas were walked; Blue Mountain from the Rausch Gap to the Lehigh Gap and sections of trails in the Hay Creek/French Creek area. Over 7500 trees were found from seedlings to mature trees producing seeds. The limiting factor in tree reproductive success was not the Chestnut Blight (Cryphonectria parasitica), but rather access to direct sunlight on the apical ends of branches. With present diseases and pests such as Bacterial Leaf Scorch (Xylella fastidiosa), Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae) and the Elongate Hemlock Scale (Fiorinia externa) opening up the canopy, the American Chestnut may soon again become the dominant tree in our eastern hardwood forests. My conclusion is that attempts to hybridize the American Chestnut with non-native “blight resistant” trees are unnecessary tinkering which is harmful to the Appalachian ecosystems.
Hamburg area historical society chestnut presentationRichard Gardner
During the summer of 2015 in reaction to the questionable concept I continually heard about the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) going extinct I decided to do a census of the American Chestnut on the Appalachian Trail from the Rausch Gap to the Lehigh Gap and other local trails. Over 38 days were spent on the census using a GPS equipped camera with many more days gathering data on American Chestnut reproduction and how the Chestnut Blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) affected the trees. A total of over 80 miles of Appalachian Trail was walked along with at least another 40 miles on other trails. More than 7500 trees of various sizes from seedlings to mature adults were found along two trail systems separated by about 30 miles. In three separate locations a total of forty-four trees were found bearing seeds. The limiting factor in American Chestnut reproduction was clearly shown to be access to direct sunlight, not disease. The obvious conclusion derived from this time in the field is that the American Chestnut is coming back without our interference. Attempts to hybridize it with non-native chestnut species to make “blight resistant” trees are unnecessary and may be detrimental to the ecology of the Appalachian forest. This study will be continued in 2016 by walking additional trails.
This is a presentation on the American Chestnut, Castanea dentata, my experiences in the last 3 field seasons while doing a census along the Appalachian Trail and other trails. Included are a definition of a native plant, non-native plants and the negative results of hybridization.
During the summer of 2015 in reaction to the inherently flawed concept about how hybridization of the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) with non-native chestnuts is the only way to prevent its extinction, I decided to do a census of the American Chestnut near home, northern Berks County, PA. In 38 days of walking a census was performed using a GPS equipped camera. Two local areas were walked; Blue Mountain from the Rausch Gap to the Lehigh Gap and sections of trails in the Hay Creek/French Creek area. Over 7500 trees were found from seedlings to mature trees producing seeds. The limiting factor in tree reproductive success was not the Chestnut Blight (Cryphonectria parasitica), but rather access to direct sunlight on the apical ends of branches. With present diseases and pests such as Bacterial Leaf Scorch (Xylella fastidiosa), Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae) and the Elongate Hemlock Scale (Fiorinia externa) opening up the canopy, the American Chestnut may soon again become the dominant tree in our eastern hardwood forests. My conclusion is that attempts to hybridize the American Chestnut with non-native “blight resistant” trees are unnecessary tinkering which is harmful to the Appalachian ecosystems.
Hamburg area historical society chestnut presentationRichard Gardner
During the summer of 2015 in reaction to the questionable concept I continually heard about the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) going extinct I decided to do a census of the American Chestnut on the Appalachian Trail from the Rausch Gap to the Lehigh Gap and other local trails. Over 38 days were spent on the census using a GPS equipped camera with many more days gathering data on American Chestnut reproduction and how the Chestnut Blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) affected the trees. A total of over 80 miles of Appalachian Trail was walked along with at least another 40 miles on other trails. More than 7500 trees of various sizes from seedlings to mature adults were found along two trail systems separated by about 30 miles. In three separate locations a total of forty-four trees were found bearing seeds. The limiting factor in American Chestnut reproduction was clearly shown to be access to direct sunlight, not disease. The obvious conclusion derived from this time in the field is that the American Chestnut is coming back without our interference. Attempts to hybridize it with non-native chestnut species to make “blight resistant” trees are unnecessary and may be detrimental to the ecology of the Appalachian forest. This study will be continued in 2016 by walking additional trails.
Snapshots of a wildflower meadow, summer 2013. The Kerr Center's Native Pollinator Project is establishing and preserving habitat for native pollinators and educating farmers, ranchers and the public about ways to help native pollinators.
Distributions and collecting priorities for crop wild relatives in the United...CWRofUS
Our native crop wild relatives have proved useful as genetic resources in breeding more productive, nutritious, and resilient crops. Their utilization is expected only to increase with better information on the species and improving breeding tools, but may well be constrained by their limited representation in seedbanks and the ongoing loss of wild populations due to habitat modification, invasive species, climate change and other impacts. An urgent collecting effort for native crop genetic resources is therefore warranted. We present foundational information needed to guide this effort. An inventory of U.S. crop wild relatives has prioritized taxa related to a broad range of important food, forage and feed, medicinal, ornamental, and industrial crops. Utilizing occurrence data gathered from herbaria and genebanks, resulting potential distribution models are enabling the identification of hotspots of taxonomic diversity of wild relatives in the country, and a ‘gap analysis’ methodology is facilitating efforts to identify those taxa and geographic areas of particular conservation concern. Results indicate that a broad range of wild relative diversity remains to be collected, and that considerable high priority taxa are distributed in areas without long-term habitat protection.
Snapshots of a wildflower meadow, summer 2013. The Kerr Center's Native Pollinator Project is establishing and preserving habitat for native pollinators and educating farmers, ranchers and the public about ways to help native pollinators.
My final project for 'Field Experience in Technical Communication (TCM 420)' at IUPUI. This project was a partnership between the Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES) and IndyParks. The document highlights the top 11 invasive plant species found in the Indianapolis area, how to identify them, and how to remove them safely from the environment.
Snapshots of a wildflower meadow, summer 2013. The Kerr Center's Native Pollinator Project is establishing and preserving habitat for native pollinators and educating farmers, ranchers and the public about ways to help native pollinators.
Distributions and collecting priorities for crop wild relatives in the United...CWRofUS
Our native crop wild relatives have proved useful as genetic resources in breeding more productive, nutritious, and resilient crops. Their utilization is expected only to increase with better information on the species and improving breeding tools, but may well be constrained by their limited representation in seedbanks and the ongoing loss of wild populations due to habitat modification, invasive species, climate change and other impacts. An urgent collecting effort for native crop genetic resources is therefore warranted. We present foundational information needed to guide this effort. An inventory of U.S. crop wild relatives has prioritized taxa related to a broad range of important food, forage and feed, medicinal, ornamental, and industrial crops. Utilizing occurrence data gathered from herbaria and genebanks, resulting potential distribution models are enabling the identification of hotspots of taxonomic diversity of wild relatives in the country, and a ‘gap analysis’ methodology is facilitating efforts to identify those taxa and geographic areas of particular conservation concern. Results indicate that a broad range of wild relative diversity remains to be collected, and that considerable high priority taxa are distributed in areas without long-term habitat protection.
Snapshots of a wildflower meadow, summer 2013. The Kerr Center's Native Pollinator Project is establishing and preserving habitat for native pollinators and educating farmers, ranchers and the public about ways to help native pollinators.
My final project for 'Field Experience in Technical Communication (TCM 420)' at IUPUI. This project was a partnership between the Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES) and IndyParks. The document highlights the top 11 invasive plant species found in the Indianapolis area, how to identify them, and how to remove them safely from the environment.
London based Animation Film Company proudly announces its latest animation offering titled “Billy”. Directed by Sanjeev Mirajkar, its the story of a puppy dog in London Zoo, Billy, who is in pursuit of finding the purpose of his life. He embarks on to an unforgettable journey of self discovery after breaking out of the confines of the zoo. He comes across fascinating characters experiencing the twists and turns of life along the way. A heartwarming tale of self enlightenment, Billy’s journey is bound to touch audiences worldwide.
PALABRAS A LOS RECTORES
DE LA PROVINCIA ECLESIÁSTICA DE IBAGUÉ
Buenas tardes. Nos complace tener en nuestro Seminario Mayor María Inmaculada a los padres rectores de la provincia eclesiástica de Ibagué. Saludo en nombre de los formadores, seminaristas y empleados de nuestra comunidad a Monseñor Tomás Chala Bernal, rector del Seminario Conciliar María Inmaculada de Garzón Huila; al padre Julio César Chacón, rector de la Casa de Formación Divino Niño de los padres Ardorinos en Garzón; al padre Sergio Vargas, rector del Seminario Mayor San Esteban de Neiva; al padre Johan Sebastián López, rector del Seminario Mayor la Providencia del Espinal y al rector de nuestro seminario, el padre Giovanny Sandoval Moreno.
Can trade policies have co-benefits for nutrition? FAO
Can trade policies have co-benefits for nutrition? The findings of an expert consultation on trade and
nutrition, by Josef Schmidhuber, Deputy Director, Trade and Markets Division, FAO.
http://www.fao.org/about/meetings/sustainable-food-systems-nutrition-symposium/en/
African Giant Pouched Rats, Cricetomys gambianus, are native to sub-Sahara Africa but a small population in Florida is potentially an invasive species.
I briefly introduce the problems invasive species like this one can cause in the United States.
Using Ecological Utility to Define Native Plants NENHC 2017Richard Gardner
One of the least understood concepts in phytoecology is ecological utility in relationship to the definition of a native plant. Presently, native plants are domesticated, hybridized and otherwise altered without thought to the destruction this tampering does to ecological utility and hence ecosystems. By altering the chemical, physical and phenological properties of native plants, “scientists” intent on “saving”, “improving” or commercializing these plants are creating non-native plants which can drive dependent species to extinction. The resultant cascade through an ecosystem can be catastrophic
Conservation Priorities for Tree Crop Wild Relatives in the United StatesCWRofUS
Presentation on conservation priorities of tree crop wild relatives of the U.S., given at the Gene Conservation of Tree Species – Banking on the Future Conference, 16-19 May 2016 in Chicago, USA
Project of PG Diploma Environmental Studies of Andhra Universityrcedr
PG Diploma in Environmental Studies project report--Good to know information on Environmental related issues and the conflict between the Industrial development and the Depleting Environmental Conditions
My mother's family at war within itself allegory using trees as symbols of th...Richard Gardner
Three versions of an allegory using trees from a forest to demonstrate that different people in family have different gifts all of which are essential for the family to function.
BCTV May 2021 talking points for an interview on Emergency PreparednessRichard Gardner
These are talking points I prepared for an interview done on BCTV by Terrisa Faulkner of Abilities in Motion (https://www.abilitiesinmotion.org/) about Emergency Preparedness
Summation of 2019 research on Lycorma delicatula, the Spotted Lanternfly in Berks County, PA from egg hatching in the spring to egg laying in the fall.
Spotted Lanternfly and Gypsy Moth, Spring 2019Richard Gardner
This is a series of slides showing the Spotted Lanternfly from egg mass through the second instar and the gypsy moth emerging from 2 egg masses in northern Berks County, PA and very southern Schuylkill County, PA.
PPT of talk delivered on the Spotted Lanternfly, Jan. 25, 2019. This talks about the natural history of the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula , and it relationship to the people in Berks County, PA by an ecologist who studied Ailanthus altissima for his MS thesis.
Thoughts on 2018 research on the spotted lanternfly, nov. 14, 2018Richard Gardner
This is a paper summing my thoughts about what I observed while studying the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, on the front-lines of its spread in Berks County, PA this past field season.
Multi-source connectivity as the driver of solar wind variability in the heli...Sérgio Sacani
The ambient solar wind that flls the heliosphere originates from multiple
sources in the solar corona and is highly structured. It is often described
as high-speed, relatively homogeneous, plasma streams from coronal
holes and slow-speed, highly variable, streams whose source regions are
under debate. A key goal of ESA/NASA’s Solar Orbiter mission is to identify
solar wind sources and understand what drives the complexity seen in the
heliosphere. By combining magnetic feld modelling and spectroscopic
techniques with high-resolution observations and measurements, we show
that the solar wind variability detected in situ by Solar Orbiter in March
2022 is driven by spatio-temporal changes in the magnetic connectivity to
multiple sources in the solar atmosphere. The magnetic feld footpoints
connected to the spacecraft moved from the boundaries of a coronal hole
to one active region (12961) and then across to another region (12957). This
is refected in the in situ measurements, which show the transition from fast
to highly Alfvénic then to slow solar wind that is disrupted by the arrival of
a coronal mass ejection. Our results describe solar wind variability at 0.5 au
but are applicable to near-Earth observatories.
Introduction:
RNA interference (RNAi) or Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) is an important biological process for modulating eukaryotic gene expression.
It is highly conserved process of posttranscriptional gene silencing by which double stranded RNA (dsRNA) causes sequence-specific degradation of mRNA sequences.
dsRNA-induced gene silencing (RNAi) is reported in a wide range of eukaryotes ranging from worms, insects, mammals and plants.
This process mediates resistance to both endogenous parasitic and exogenous pathogenic nucleic acids, and regulates the expression of protein-coding genes.
What are small ncRNAs?
micro RNA (miRNA)
short interfering RNA (siRNA)
Properties of small non-coding RNA:
Involved in silencing mRNA transcripts.
Called “small” because they are usually only about 21-24 nucleotides long.
Synthesized by first cutting up longer precursor sequences (like the 61nt one that Lee discovered).
Silence an mRNA by base pairing with some sequence on the mRNA.
Discovery of siRNA?
The first small RNA:
In 1993 Rosalind Lee (Victor Ambros lab) was studying a non- coding gene in C. elegans, lin-4, that was involved in silencing of another gene, lin-14, at the appropriate time in the
development of the worm C. elegans.
Two small transcripts of lin-4 (22nt and 61nt) were found to be complementary to a sequence in the 3' UTR of lin-14.
Because lin-4 encoded no protein, she deduced that it must be these transcripts that are causing the silencing by RNA-RNA interactions.
Types of RNAi ( non coding RNA)
MiRNA
Length (23-25 nt)
Trans acting
Binds with target MRNA in mismatch
Translation inhibition
Si RNA
Length 21 nt.
Cis acting
Bind with target Mrna in perfect complementary sequence
Piwi-RNA
Length ; 25 to 36 nt.
Expressed in Germ Cells
Regulates trnasposomes activity
MECHANISM OF RNAI:
First the double-stranded RNA teams up with a protein complex named Dicer, which cuts the long RNA into short pieces.
Then another protein complex called RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) discards one of the two RNA strands.
The RISC-docked, single-stranded RNA then pairs with the homologous mRNA and destroys it.
THE RISC COMPLEX:
RISC is large(>500kD) RNA multi- protein Binding complex which triggers MRNA degradation in response to MRNA
Unwinding of double stranded Si RNA by ATP independent Helicase
Active component of RISC is Ago proteins( ENDONUCLEASE) which cleave target MRNA.
DICER: endonuclease (RNase Family III)
Argonaute: Central Component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)
One strand of the dsRNA produced by Dicer is retained in the RISC complex in association with Argonaute
ARGONAUTE PROTEIN :
1.PAZ(PIWI/Argonaute/ Zwille)- Recognition of target MRNA
2.PIWI (p-element induced wimpy Testis)- breaks Phosphodiester bond of mRNA.)RNAse H activity.
MiRNA:
The Double-stranded RNAs are naturally produced in eukaryotic cells during development, and they have a key role in regulating gene expression .
This pdf is about the Schizophrenia.
For more details visit on YouTube; @SELF-EXPLANATORY;
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAiarMZDNhe1A3Rnpr_WkzA/videos
Thanks...!
What is greenhouse gasses and how many gasses are there to affect the Earth.moosaasad1975
What are greenhouse gasses how they affect the earth and its environment what is the future of the environment and earth how the weather and the climate effects.
Richard's aventures in two entangled wonderlandsRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
Comparing Evolved Extractive Text Summary Scores of Bidirectional Encoder Rep...University of Maribor
Slides from:
11th International Conference on Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering (IcETRAN), Niš, 3-6 June 2024
Track: Artificial Intelligence
https://www.etran.rs/2024/en/home-english/
Professional air quality monitoring systems provide immediate, on-site data for analysis, compliance, and decision-making.
Monitor common gases, weather parameters, particulates.
A brief information about the SCOP protein database used in bioinformatics.
The Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP) database is a comprehensive and authoritative resource for the structural and evolutionary relationships of proteins. It provides a detailed and curated classification of protein structures, grouping them into families, superfamilies, and folds based on their structural and sequence similarities.
4. A copy of this presentation along with other research
can be found at:
http://www.slideshare.net/rtgardner3
5. Abstract
During the summer of 2015 in reaction to the questionable concept I continually
heard about the American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) going extinct I decided to
do a census of the American Chestnut on the Appalachian Trail from the Rausch
Gap to the Lehigh Gap and other local trails. Over 38 days were spent on the
census using a GPS equipped camera with many more days gathering data on
American Chestnut reproduction and how the Chestnut Blight (Cryphonectria
parasitica) affected the trees. A total of over 80 miles of Appalachian Trail was
walked along with at least another 40 miles on other trails. More than 7500 trees
of various sizes from seedlings to mature adults were found along two trail
systems separated by about 25 miles. In three separate locations a total of forty-
four trees were found bearing seeds. The limiting factor in American Chestnut
reproduction was clearly shown to be access to direct sunlight, not disease. The
obvious conclusion derived from this time in the field is that the American
Chestnut is coming back without our interference. Attempts to hybridize it with
non-native chestnut species to make “blight resistant” trees are unnecessary and
is detrimental to the ecology of the Appalachian forest. This study will be
continued in 2016 by walking additional trails.
6. This study was conducted throughout the spring,
summer and fall of 2015 with additional data from
spring 2016.
7. The American Chestnut Federation: proudly
tinkering since 1989. Still clueless.
Me: walking for one year. Issue resolved.
8. The American Chestnut is not a problem to be
solved but rather a fascinating study in a human
mediated ecological disaster and the biological
response.
9. The ecological damage which the American
Chestnut Federation can cause is due to:
• a lack of study and understanding of the
Eastern Forests,
• inherently flawed paradigms about how natural
systems function and how human interference
can cause them to function “better” and
• the common human almost demonic drive to
tinker.
10. As an ecologist I continually see where
introductions of magic bullet plants to solve
non-existent ecological problems cause
problems: Sawtooth Oak, Russian/Autumn
Olive, Multiflora Rose, Chinese Lespedeza and
etcetera.
11. In Invasive Plant Ecology we have the Enemy
Release Hypothesis.
In part, this states that an overwhelming
number of native organisms cannot use
introduced non-native plants because they did
not coevolve together.
12. Hybridizing a native plant with another native or
especially a non-native creates a non-native
plant of little or no ecological utility.
13. Therefore, changing the gene structure of a
native plant by hybridizing with a non-native in
hopes of improving/saving the plant from
introduced diseases or pests is doomed to be an
ecological failure because few if any native
organisms using the native plant will be adapted
or adapt to use this hybrid due to changes in the
physical and chemical properties of the plant.
14. We do not want to do this in ecology because it
destroys the plant’s ecological utility as a food
source, etcetera.
15. Along with this my thinking is that native
organisms require high genetic heterogeneity
within the species utilized to match the variation
in native organisms utilizing them.
16. Limiting the phenotypic diversity by reducing
the sources of genetic material limits the
number of species and heterogeneous
individuals within those species which can utilize
a particular plant species.
17. And, it is hard to conceive how hybridizing one
plant with disease susceptibility with another
plant susceptible to the same disease makes a
disease resistant hybrid.
18. Simply put:
No matter how successful the hybridization appears
to be it is an ecological failure.
“The operation was a success, but the patient died.”
20. It is better to patiently study the system to
understand what is happening and determine if
the apparent crisis is a real crisis.
21. If the crisis is real, then develop strategies which
have minimal or no ecological impact such as
looking for resisting/resistant plants.
22. In the case of the American Chestnut, the
answer was always there, but those with power
never looked for it.
23. 7,551* American Chestnuts total were found in the
spring, summer and fall 2015 on two sets of trails
separated by @ 25 miles at their closest.
*If there was 6” or 8 “ between stems in a cluster unless obviously a clone, the stems were counted as separate trees. This
is in line with the concept that animals such as squirrels and corvids made non-recovered caches of seeds which produced
multiple trunks in the same location.
24. 7,251 American Chestnut trees found on the
Appalachian Trail and related trails from Rausch Gap
to Lehigh Gap, @ 80 miles linear distance.
118 American Chestnut trees found on trails in the
Birdsboro Reservoirs area in a quick incomplete
survey to confirm data from the Hamburg Reservoir
area of the Appalachian Trail. (182 trees found at
French Creek, a related trail set, but unrelated study.)
25. Maryland Delaware
New Jersey
our home
Appalachian Trail study area
7,251 C. dentata trees
Downloaded from Google Maps 4/2/2016
Birdsboro and French Creek study area
300 C. dentata trees
25
miles
New York
26. www.google.com/maps
Mar. 9, 2016
Appalachian Trail on Blue Mountain
Birdsboro Reservoirs and French
Creek State Park
@ 25 miles between points
our home
Molasses Hill
Lake Ontelaunee
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
Mt. Penn
Expected locations of American Chestnut trees
Hamburg
Reservoir
Known groves of American Chestnut trees
Second and Sharps Mountains
Copied from Google Maps on Mar. 2, 2016
Topographical map showing distance between Blue Mountain and the Birdsboro Reservoirs/French Creek State Park with
other relevant information
27. Appalachian Trail
Rausch Gap
Lehigh Gap
Birdsboro Reservoirs and
French Creek State Park
Left to right, top: Dauphin, Schuylkill and Carbon counties; bottom: Lebanon, Berks and Lehigh
counties
28. Non-native Chestnut
Lehigh
Gap
Rausch
Gap
Blue Mountain: Rausch Gap to Lehigh Gap
2015 chestnut survey
Hamburg
Reservoir
Dan’s Pulpit
Allentown Shelter
Roundhead
yellow indicates C. dentata
groves
Lehigh
Valley
Nature
Center
29. One of the two most interesting discoveries is that the
Appalachian Trail is a refuge and a corridor for the
spread of the American Chestnut tree.
30. Other trails in Pennsylvania such as the Mason
Dixon, Conestoga, Mid State, Brandywine River,
Bartram and Laurel Highlands probably serve the
same purpose. I will exploring sections of these this
summer.
31. Another apparent correlation is that wider parts of
the AT and other trails serve as a corridor for the local
spread of the trees in that they provide an easy “low
friction” route for birds such as blue jays to fly along,
turkeys to run down and small mammals to use.
This needs more work as it was not an absolute
correlation, but an apparent one.
32. Extrapolating from a reference*, crows during the fall
migration may be spreading seeds along the ridgeline
the AT uses locally.
*American crow http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/647/articles/migration
Fall migration
33. Over the length of the AT, the apparent southward
spread of seeds during the fall crow migration and
northward spread of pollen during the spring
pollinator migration are two of the most important
ways for the American Chestnut to maintain its
genetic heterogeneity. As part of this process disease
resistance genes spread between groves and widely
spaced trees.
34. Pollinators and crows – maintaining
genetic heterogeneity and spreading
disease resistance along Blue
Mountain
Pollinators move pollen north
during spring migration as the
trees bloom
Crows move seeds south
during fall migration
tree
nut
35. Within a set location, the seeds are spread by
rodents such as red squirrels, gray squirrels and
corvids such as blue jays.*
*Heinrich, B. 2014. American Chestnut Seed Dispersal and Regeneration. Northeastern Naturalist 21(4):619-628.
Heinrich, B. 2014. American Chestnut by Red Squirrels. Northeastern Naturalist 22(4):N19-N23.
36. tree
Seed spread by blue jays with red and gray squirrels
squirrels
blue jays
37. This is part of the process of basic Darwinian
evolution – the more resistant trees reproduce at a
higher rate because they are healthier than the less
resistant. (Eventually, the less resistant tree lineages
go extinct by continually losing the competition for
sunlight and other resources.)
38. Diseases and pests such as Bacterial Leaf Scorch
(Xylella fastidiosa), Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus
planipennis), Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar)
the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae) and the
Elongate Hemlock Scale (Fiorinia externa) are opening
up the canopy.
39. Which means the American Chestnut may soon again
become the dominant tree in our eastern hardwood
forests as trees mature and reach the forest canopy.
40. Diagrams of how I think the American
Chestnut and how its genes are being
spread.
gypsy moth
larva
67. The Chestnut blight was found in Brooklyn, NY in
1904. It spread to Pennsylvania a few years later.
68. When a tree becomes infected and a trunk dies it
fights back by coppicing, sending up new shoots from
the top of the root crown to produce multiple trunks.
(Multiple trunks appear to be a common growth habit
among some trees in our area such as silver maple.
This may be a common defense against disease and
other injuries.)
71. One question which needs resolving is the
difference between multiple trunks from nut
caches vs. coppicing from disease. The following
two photos are most likely due to caching.
74. Trees show lack of disease resistance in all age
classes and stem size.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80. Multiple areas of infection are common on
mature trees. Besides American Chestnuts this
pattern was found locally on oak, choke cherry,
birch and other species.
89. The second important discovery this past summer is
that the limiting factor in tree reproductive success is
not the Chestnut Blight (Cryphonectria parasitica),
but rather access to direct sunlight on the apical ends
of branches.
90. All mature trees which received direct
sunlight had flowers, burrs and nuts.
91. Chestnut flowers are a good source of nectar and
pollen for insects such as bees at a time before many
non-tree flowers bloom. This gives pollinators early
season flowers to feed on as part of a continuous food
supply from mid-spring to frost.
107. • 46 trees have burrs in several distinct locations along
the areas of Blue Mountain surveyed.
• 40 of these trees are between Rt. 183 and Port Clinton
• 1 is on the Appalachian Trail on the top of the ridge at
the northern edge of the Hamburg reservoir watershed
@ 600 yards left of Gold Spring,
• 1 is on a trail near the Berks County highest point,
• 3 are near Round Head and the old AT and
• 1 is on the south side of the Lehigh Gap just north of
the AT.
108. Two trees near home which
produced burrs in 2015.
Left
Berks County, PA highest point
trail
lat. 40:31:15
long. -76:14:47
DBH:10.3”
Height: @34 feet
Right
Hamburg Reservoir, Appalachian
Trail in PA
lat. 40:36:20
long. -75:56 :51
DBH:7.0”
Height: @36 feet
109. 3 feet between
orange tape and
tree base, 6 feet
between green tape
and tree base
Location: Berks County, PA on the trail to the
highest point in Berks county, SGL80, lat. 40:31:15,
long. -76:14:49
DBH = 10.3”
Height: @ 34 feet
110. 3’ between green
and orange tapes x 2
= 6’ between green
tape and base of tree
Location: Hamburg Reservoir, Appalachian
Trail in PA, lat. 40:36:20, long. -75:56 :51
DBH = 7.0”
Height: @ 36 feet
111. Location: Berks County, PA, Rt. 183 north,
SGL110, lat. 40:32:22, long. -76:10:21
Chestnut cluster # 1, 3 trees, DBH L to R, 7
trunks total
Tree 1 = 4.8”, 3.0”
Tree 2 = 3.3”, 5.7”, 6.5”
Tree 3 = 5.3”, 5.9”
Height: tree 1 = @ 38 feet, other trees not
calculated
112. Location: Berks County, PA, Rt. 183 north, SGL110, lat.
40:32:21, long. 76:10:23
Chestnut cluster # 2, 2 trees, L to R
DBH
Tree 1 = 7.1”
Tree 2 = 7.3”
Height: @ 30 feet, 32 feet
117. Burrs appear to open on both the tree and the
ground. Open burrs on trees can become food for
crows, blue jays and squirrels. On the ground they
can be food for mice, chipmunks, squirrels and
turkeys.
118. Wet soil makes it easier for corvids and rodents such
as squirrels to cache nuts in the ground which
enhances germination success.
119. Swelled burrs are soft from the absorbed moisture
which makes them a good food source for bacteria,
fungi, protists and insects – moist, nutritious, easy to
burrow in and easily digestible.
120. This allows the nutrients in the burr to be swiftly
recycled into the soil while creating a community of
organisms which benefit from the tree while giving
benefit to the tree.
121. Benefits to the tree may include increasing disease
resistance, lowering the load of pathogens and
predators near the tree, moving nutrients into the soil
close to the tree, etcetera.
141. Nuts in burrs had 3 basic shapes: spoon shaped
(spatulate), egg shaped (ovate) and house
shaped (truncate).
Most burrs had 3 nuts, often 1 ovate with 1
spatulate on both sides or a mixture of spatulate
and truncate shape.
142. wt. (g)
height
(cm)
width
(cm)
thickness
(cm)
3.7 2.2 2.0 1.4
Average dimensions of seeds dehisced on their own
wt. (g)
height
(cm)
width
(cm)
thickness
(cm)
3.5 2.1 1.8 1.5
Average dimensions of seeds manually dehisced
The following is measurements of the egg shaped
(ovate) seeds.
*No measurements were taken for the other shapes.
143.
144.
145. Path forward:
2016
1. finish survey in the Birdsboro/French Creek areas
2. extend the ends of the survey to the Susquehanna
River and the Delaware River
3. survey other relevant trails within 90 minutes of home
4. start looking at reservoirs to find fruiting trees as they
should have more open areas than trails
5. continue looking for seedlings in danger from trail
maintainers and hikers to transplant at home
6. continue collecting nuts to grow at home
7. identify and document pollinators and other
nectarivores on American chestnut flowers.
146. I plan to use a quadcopter (drone) with camera this
year to better understand and document what I see.
147. Our ultimate goal
To grow 2 successive generations (F2 generation) of
burr bearing American Chestnuts from seeds in our
yard.
148. Anyone who wants to join me is welcome to grab a
camera, their shoes, a day pack and do so.
153. tree
physical factors – steepness of slope, texture of ground (smooth, rough,
boulders, duff, trail), proximity to and type of water way (ephemeral,
intermittent and perennial streams), wind, other trees, density and size
of understory plants
ephemeral/seasonal/intermittent stream
perennial stream
smooth trail
rough ground –
boulders and logs
trees and shrubs
154. tree
squirrels, chipmunks and other small mammals – distance nuts
are moved from tree depends on size of mammal, the larger the
mammal the further the nuts are moved
Small animals such as mice
Medium sized mammals such as squirrels
Larger mammals such as raccoons
155. tree
birds – distance nuts are moved
depends on size of bird, primary type
of movement, migration patterns, …
Crows depend on
whether migrating
or in home territory
Turkeys on trails and
through the woods,
primarily on foot
Blue jays through
the forest to
roosts and
perches