This article is aimed as a basic introduction to conifer somatic embryogenesis for someone with a general interest in applications of this technique and/or who is interested in starting some practical work in the field. We also present data from an example study on individual trees’ ability to initiate somatic embryogenesis in Norway spruce (Picea abies). A total of 158 trees were each tested for ability and relative competence to initiate somatic embryogenesis from the zygotic embryos by observing the initiation frequency for ten zygotic embryos from each individual tree. Furthermore, we conducted a case study by following the process for SE plant formation for a selection of 48 cell lines that were monitored through the SE developmental pathway, with data collected on the success rates at different steps. We then evaluated the relative importance of different steps for the outcome of plant formation and yield.

In the context of variable climate conditions, selecting high-quality Sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) reproductive material is crucial for sustainable forestry. This research aimed to assess the genetic potential of 86 selected plus trees by analyzing seedling morphological characteristics and quality indices. The ultimate goal was to identify the most promising genotypes for establishing seed orchards. Root collar diameter (D), seedling height (H), stem dry mass (SDM), and root dry mass (RDM) were measured under uniform nursery conditions. The following derived indices were calculated: seedling height to root collar diameter ratio (H/D), stem dry mass to root dry mass ratio (SDM/RDM), and Dickson’s quality index (DQI). Descriptive statistics, one-factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation analysis were performed as well. The results showed significant variability in all observed morphological characteristics and quality indices among half-sib families, confirming a strong genetic influence. Correlation analysis indicated strong positive relationships between DQI and all primary morphological characteristics (r≤0.94), confirming DQI as the most effective integrative indicator of seedling quality. The combined ranking of the half-sib families, based on DQI, H/D, and SDM/RDM, identified those with optimal morphological characteristics, including an optimal H/D ratio, balanced SDM/RDM, and a high DQI value. The identified superior half-sib families represent valuable genetic material for the establishment of future seed orchards, thereby contributing to the production of better-quality seedling material and to improved forest ecosystem resilience under climate change.

The present study was carried out in 16rd year afforestation sampled from southern Turkey of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich) and Crimean juniper (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.). Variation, competition and correlation were examined based on seedling height and stem diameter at base data collected from two samples areas 500 m² each. Growth performances were different at the areas for the species, while averages of Taurus cedar (223.6 for height and 65.3 mm for stem diameter at base) had higher than Crimean juniper (106 cm and 58.5 mm) in total areas. The results emphasized importance of species selection in afforestation. Significant (p<0.05) differences between areas and species were found according to results of analysis of variance. Positive and significant phenotypic correlation (p<0.05, r>0.52) was estimated between the characteristics in both species and areas. It could be used for tending in afforestation areas.

Rates of return from forest plantation investments depend not only on survival and growth rates, but also costs and revenues associated with various practices. Beyond that, tax related issues are another important consideration that are often not addressed, or directly addressed at least, in forest financial assessments. Many financial assessments can be defined as “before-tax.” Forest landowners within Mississippi have the potential to reduce reforestation cost burdens through two important tax-related opportunities. The first being the Federal reforestation deduction and amortization provisions and the second being the state-based reforestation tax credit. An overabundant supply of wood in Mississippi has resulted in fairly poor pine market conditions, particularly for pulpwood stumpage. This has resulted in the likelihood of marginal returns for many landowners without some type of assistance. Beyond that, substantial inflation and increases in fuel costs have resulted in greater reforestation costs plus additional reductions in stumpage values, among other reasons, because of greater costs for loggers during forest harvesting operations.
The impacts of these two income tax reduction opportunities on loblolly pine financial returns were examined for three planting densities of 1,122 and 1,282 and 1,495 seedlings ha^-1 for a site index 19.8 m site (base age 25). A combination of chemical and mechanical site preparation was conducted and mass control pollinated (MCP) bareroot seedlings were hand-planted. Varying degrees of rectangularity were assumed, reducing reforestation costs. A first-year herbaceous weed control treatment was implemented but no thinnings and fertilization treatments were conducted.  A final harvest clearcut was conducted at age 26. For Federal income tax purposes, a landowner classified as an Investor within the 22% Federal income tax bracket was assumed. Whether before-tax or after-tax, the most viable planting density financially was found to be 1,122 ha^-1 seedlings. Reduced reforestation costs and greater yields ha^-1 of the more valuable sawlog product class were found to be more influential on landowner financial returns than any reforestation tax provisions.

Agroforestry bridges the gap that often separates agriculture and forestry by building integrated systems that address both environmental and socio-economic objectives. Agroforestry can improve the resiliency of agricultural systems and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Existing research suggests that integrating trees on farms can prevent environmental degradation, improve agricultural productivity, increase carbon sequestration, generate cleaner water, and support healthy soil and healthy ecosystems while providing stable incomes and other benefits to human welfare. This research aims to provide for identifying and adopting the evidence demonstrating the effects of agroforestry practices and interventions on agricultural productivity, erosion control, ecosystem services, and human well-being. To study the effectiveness of agroforestry on agricultural productivity and erosion control in Rwanda, raw data was collected with the aid of a questionnaire and focus groups.  It was found that most farmers (95.6%) adopted and were fully engaged in agroforestry while all the officials made up to the mark. Woody species like Grevillea robusta, Cassia siamea, Albizia spp, Acacia albida, Persea americana, and Mangifera indica were found to be tree species the most integrated with crops in all the provinces of Rwanda. It was evident that farmers practice agroforestry to enhance the overall sustainability of farming systems by improving agricultural productivity and preventing erosion.

Beneficial microbes are very essential for establishing tree plantations, particularly in wastelands or abandoned lands that make them suitable for cultivation. To establish a plantation in uncultivated farmland Gmelina arborea Roxb. tree seedlings were previously inoculated with the beneficial microbes (Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi - Gigaspora albida, Glomus aggregatum), plant growth promoting rhizo bacteria (PGPR_s) - Azospirllum brasilense, Bacillus megaterium) in single and combinations. The effect of these beneficial microbes were analysed and it was found that the seedlings inoculated with AM fungi + PGPR_s1+ PGPR_s2 have improved in growth and biomass (shoot length: 85.3 cm plant^-1; root length: 40.2 cm plant^-1; number of leaves: 42.3 plant^-1; stem girth: 9.5 mm plant^-1; shoot dry weight: 8.89 g plant^-1; root dry weight: 1.81 g plant^-1) than the control and individual microbe inocuations. The tissue nutrients (N: 9.1 mg g^-1; P: 9.5 mg g^-1; K: 6.1 mg g^-1) found higher particularly in AM fungi + PGPR_s inoculated seedlings. Thus, improved seedlings were transplanted in an uncultivated farmland and monitored for growth and survival. The seedlings planted in the uncultivated farmland showed significant growth improvement. The single (AM fungi, PGPR_s1, PGPR_s2) and dual (AM fungi + PGPR_s1/PGPR_s2) inoculated seedlings of G. arborea showed 75 to 87% survival whereas the combined treatment (AM fungi + PGPR_s1 + PGPR_s2) showed 96% survival in farmland. These results confirmed that these beneficial microbes significantly contributed to the establishment of G. arborea seedlings in the uncultivated farmland through the transfer of nutrients.

New terms have proliferated as international focus on forest condition surged because of the role forests play in climate change mitigation and adaptation. From umbrella concepts (e.g., forestation, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem restoration) to specific methods (e.g., forest landscape restoration, rewilding, and assisted migration), nuanced terms target different beginning conditions (non-forest, harvested, deforested, or degraded forest) and desired future conditions (forest cover, self-sustaining systems, ecological integrity). Human well-being may or may not be a relevant objective. Quality forest reproductive material is critical for the success of large-scale planting to meet current policy objectives and future needs as climate warming and increased intensity and frequency of extreme events add to reforestation backlogs embodied in the new terminology and attitudes toward forest management.

In the paper was investigated the variability of the morphological and anatomical traits of one-year-old seedlings of different species from the genus Quercus (Quercus robur L., Quercus petraea Matt. Liebl. and Quercus frainetto Ten.) cultivated in a plastic container Bosnaplast 18. The acorn was sown in November 2022, while the measurements of the studied elements were performed at the end of the growing season next year. In terms of morphological characteristics, the highest mean values of both researched parameters (root collar diameter and height) were recorded in Q. robur, followed by Q. frainetto, while the lowest mean values were found in Q. petraea. As for anatomical parameters, the following were analyzed: vessels width, the proportion of bark, pith and wood, as well as the participation of early- and latewood zones. Vessels width shows the least average values in Q. petraea, while no significant differences were recorded between Q. robur and Q. frainetto. The highest presence of wood, as well as the early zone within it, was found in Q. robur. The proportion of bark is a little bit higher in Q. frainetto compared to the other two species, while the pith proportion is significantly lower in Q. robur than in the other two species. Based on the obtained results, we can conclude that Q. robur seedlings show the best performance, before all from morphological point of view.

The regeneration of oak forests in the hilly and mountainous areas is one of the most serious and complex problems forestry practitioners face in Serbia. The success of regeneration depends on the individual or combined (often synergistic) influence of numerous biotic, abiotic, and management factors. While there is significant knowledge and experience about this process in practice so far, there is still great uncertainty regarding its proper execution and control over the influencing factors. The paper critically evaluated the available literature and current experiences from practice through a questionnaire. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, taking into consideration various databases and search engines, mostly composed of peer-reviewed publications from ISI-listed journals. A total of 187 papers were included in the base. Aiming to better understand the current state and the main problems in the regeneration of hilly-mountainous oak forests in Serbia, surveys were performed among forest practitioners. Based on this, the paper synthesized the current knowledge and addressed future perspectives in hilly-mountainous oaks management. More specifically, the factors that dominantly influence the regeneration process, their modes of action, behavior in the case of modifications, as well as the possibilities of their interaction are defined. The success of regeneration is determined by canopy openness, microclimatic conditions, presence of competitive vegetation, initial number of seedlings, and seedling growth and health, as revealed in the literature. The proposed methods for more successful regeneration and restoration of oak forests, include producing high-quality seedlings, using advanced weeding methods, developing a specific strategy for restoring native oak forests, assessing genetic resources and long-term monitoring. Overall conclusion of the conducted literature analysis is that there is a great need for conducting further long-term research on improving the regeneration systems in hilly-mountainous oak forests in Serbia.

The woody fodder species Myrtus communis (L.) is commonly found in the forested areas of northeastern Algeria, thus helping to alleviate the goat husbandry shortage during the summer. This study aims to conserve the species and counteract its declining populations due to various biotic and abiotic factors. A specific objective of this study is to assess the correlation between seed size and germination vigor in M. communis, as well as emergence of seedlings. A sample of 15 M. communis individuals was selected, and 500 fruits were randomly collected in the vegetation of Jijel National Park (Jijel, northeast Algeria). One month after post-ripening, when fruit moisture content reached 25.2%, seeds were manually extracted from the fruits and categorized into three sizes (large, medium, and small). Then, 100 leaves, 100 intact fruits, and 100 seeds from each size category were measured and weighed. Various morphological characteristics were recorded, including leaf and fruit length and width, pulp weight, seed number, pulp-to-seed ratio, seed size, and moisture content. Seed germination and initial seedling growth were monitored weekly. Seeds of M. communis ranged in weight from 0.03 to 0.18 grams. In comparison with medium (1.5%) and small (0%) seeds, large seeds showed significantly higher germination rates (93%) after three weeks of sowing. Moreover, seedlings originating from large seeds grew vigorously, reaching a length of 10.9 cm. According to our findings, seed size in M. communis can affect seed germination and high-quality seedling establishment.