Herb and Subshrub Layers Development Among Forest Plantations Disturbed by the Four-Eyed Fir Bark Beetle in the Subtaiga Forest-Steppe Zone. P. 95–109

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630*182.47:581.5

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2026-3-95-109

Abstract

The article provides an evaluation of the herb and subshrub layer phytomass in forests disturbed by the widespread outbreak of the four-eyed fir bark beetle (Polygraphus proximus Blandford) in 2012–2014. Field studies carried out in 2024 found that the ground cover vegetation grows in pure fir and mixed stands where the pest population started to decline. Stand valuation and inventory of the herb and subshrub layers were performed on 28 sample plots. Tree measurements were carried out on strip plots. Separate records were kept of dead trees; including firs damaged by the four-eyed fir bark beetle and weakened trees infected by the pest. A total of 62 plant species were identified in the herb and subshrub layers within the study area. The ground cover vegetation is dominated by angiosperms (85.5 %), representing 29 families. The research presents the species composition of the herb and subshrub layers, their phytomass, total foliage cover, and conversion coefficients depending on the tree mortality rate. A correlation has been identified between the parameters of the herb and subshrub layers and the tree stand density and disturbance degree. These relationships were adequately described by the means of an exponential function. A predominance of tall grasses, ferns, and cereal crops is observed. The moisture content of the herb and subshrub layers was measured in order to predict the fire risks. The mean average was found to be 81.7 %. Living (vegetative) plants have a high moisture content, which limits the fire propagation. In contrast, dead plants, such as litter and dry vegetation, are highly combustible. The greatest volumes of the herb and subshrub layer vegetation were observed (454 g/m²) in outbreak areas where environmental harvesting was carried out. Studying the ground cover vegetation provides an opportunity to predict the recovery potential of dark coniferous forests affected by the four-eyed fir bark beetle.

Funding: The research was carried out as part of a state-funded project commissioned by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation titled “Dynamics of Regeneration of Central Siberia Taiga Forests Disturbed by Insect Pests” (No. FEFE-2024-0029) by the team of the “Forest Ecosystems” Research Laboratory at the Reshetnev Siberian State University of Science and Technology.

Authors

Sevinch K. Mamedova¹, Junior Research Scientist; ResearcherID: ABB-6484-2022, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9972-0021
Andrey A. Vais^1*, Doctor of Agriculture, Assoc. Prof.; ResearcherID: AAC-7051-2019, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4965-3670
Gennady S. Varaksin², Doctor of Agriculture, Prof.; ResearcherID: HNJ-3503-2023, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4335-4784
Alexandra I. Melnik¹, Junior Research Scientist; ResearcherID: ABF-0738-2022, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1673-1639

Affiliation

¹Reshetnev Siberian State University of Science and Technology, prosp. im. gazety “Krasnoyarskiy rabochiy”, 31, Krasnoyarsk, Russia, 660037; mamedova_ceva@mail.ru, vais6365@mail.ru*, aleksandruna2013@gmail.com
²V.N. Sukachev Institute of Forest SB RAS, ul. Akademgorodok, 50/28, Krasnoyarsk, Russia, 660036; varaksings@mail.ru

Keywords

four-eyed fir bark beetle, Polygraphus proximus Blandford, invasive species, forest pest, herb and subshrub layers, foliage cover of herb and subshrub layers, living ground cover, phytomass of living ground cover, stand degradation, disturbed stand, subta

For citation

Mamedova S.K., Vais A.A., Varaksin G.S., Melnik А.I. Herb and Subshrub Layers Development Among Forest Plantations Disturbed by the Four-Eyed Fir Bark Beetle in the Subtaiga Forest-Steppe Zone. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2026, no. 3, pp. 95–109. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2026-3-95-109

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