Investigation of the Potential Relationship Between Leaf Burn Caused by Thermal Stress and Decreased Groundwater Levels with Dieback and Mortality of Parrotia persica Trees in Daland Forest Park

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 Ph.D, in Forestry, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

2 Professor, Department of Forestry, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Forestry and Forest Ecology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Recently, global warming, drought stress, and leaf burn in trees have caused dieback and mortality. Understanding this phenomenon and its contributing factors can aid in forest regeneration and sustainable forest management. This study investigates the relationship between leaf burn in Parrotia persica (Persian ironwood) and climatic factors, groundwater level decline, and the effect of leaf burn on the extent of canopy dieback in these trees in Daland Forest Park, Golestan Province.
Materials and Methods: At the end of summer 2021, 69 Parrotia persica trees with leaf burn were selected, and their dieback extent was recorded. The dieback was recorded again at the end of summer 2023. To examine the effect of leaf burn on the canopy dieback over two years, a one-way ANOVA test was used. The dieback extent for each tree over the two years was extracted, and its significant relationship with leaf burn in 2021 was analyzed. Additionally, using climatic data from the nearest synoptic station to the study area and groundwater level statistics, trends in the mentioned factors during the period of leaf burn were investigated.
Results: The statistical analysis showed that leaf burn in Parrotia persica had a significant relationship with the extent of dieback over two years at a 99% confidence level, with 17.46% of the examined trees dying over the two years. The highest rate of dieback was observed in trees with more than 80% leaf burn. Climatic and groundwater level trends indicated that during periods of stress, the average daily temperature and maximum daily temperature showed an increasing trend, while total summer precipitation and groundwater levels showed a decreasing trend.
Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study indicated that Parrotia persica trees are stressed due to climatic factors and their access to groundwater. These stresses can lead to reduced growth and productivity, and if the stress factors persist, the trees will eventually die. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize water resource management and improve tree access to groundwater during dry periods. Additionally, further research is recommended to investigate effective management strategies that enhance the resilience of these trees and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Overall, the results of this study indicated that Parrotia persica trees are stressed due to climatic factors and their access to groundwater. These stresses can lead to reduced growth and productivity, and if the stress factors persist, the trees will eventually die. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize water resource management and improve tree access to groundwater during dry periods. Additionally, further research is recommended to investigate effective management strategies that enhance the resilience of these trees and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 31, Issue 4
February 2025
Pages 99-116

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