FOREST4EU Factsheets booklet collection - Innovation Topic Hub 4: Non-wood forest products

FACTSHEETS BOOKLET COLLECTION ITHub4 Non-wood forest products The FOREST4EU Factsheet Collection brings together the key findings, best practices, and innovative tools developed within the project. Each factsheet offers a clear, concise, and accessible summary of a specific topic, ranging from novel wood-based products and climate resilience strategies to advanced monitoring technologies. Resin Data Observatory Introduction Throughout 2022 and 2023, GO Resinlab has worked, as one of its main objectives, on the construction of a tool for knowledge transfer, sector transparency, scientific and technical cooperation and decision support. This tool has finally materialised in the form of a collaborative digital platform called "Resin Data Observatory". This web platform gathers quantitative and qualitative information on the resin sector in Spain and seeks to meet the needs of the different stakeholders involved in the resin value chain. Approach and main results The Resin Observatory is structured in four main blocks: (i) Databases on harvesting for consultation and a geographical viewer. (ii) A network of experts who provide the observatory with data and information relevant to the sector. (iii) A repository of scientific, technical and dissemination publications that provide information on the resin sector. (iv) Digital tool for decision making and estimation of the profitability of the operation of the exploitation. (v) A section with news and current information on training, ongoing projects and other news of interest to the sector. The data panel section provides relevant information including a snapshot of the national situation in terms of trade in this raw material. Includes (i) Resin-producing areas (ii) Processing industries (iii) experimental plots for resin innovation (iv) Production by province (v) Resin prices (vi) P. pinaster area and potential forest area for tapping activity (vii) international trade data. Much of this information can also be consulted through the web viewer. Through this tool we can also identify the location and main results of the experimental plots where different trials for the technological improvement of resin extraction have taken place in the last 10 years. It is also worth highlighting the elaboration of an optimal potentiality map for Spain. This map is the result of a theoretical model that needs field work to verify its results. The knowledge repository shows more than 50 titles that can be consulted through different filtering methods that allow easy use. This section of the website will be constantly fed by the expert group that constitutes the platform core. The group of experts brings together more than 60 professionals who contribute knowledge and experience to feed this platform, generate knowledge transfer and scientific and technical cooperation and solve problems ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: Cesefor OG: GO ResinLab OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Service that new resin producers, owners or industry may have. These experts have signed collaboration agreements with this observatory to provide quality and stability to this tool. A subgroup of this group of experts called the Core Group (steering committee) is responsible for the tasks necessary for the correct functioning and veracity of the data shown, as well as for the communication and promotion of the observatory itself. Finally, the decision support tool is developed in order to help the three main actors in the resin value chain: resin producers, owners and the processing industry. It is organized in two distinct parts: on the one hand, it answers the main questions that may affect each of them in order to start their activity, receive aid or develop resin production in the most efficient and sustainable way. On the other hand, it offers a profitability calculator that will allow the resin worker and the forest owner to know if the resin activity will be profitable in the area where they want to establish it. This tool is also a living element in the care of the group of experts, so that over time it will incorporate new information that is considered useful. Lessons learned The development of this tool has highlighted some of the sector's weaknesses, such as the lack of transparency and lack of organization. In Spain this sector is small and underdeveloped, however, its potential to make our forests living, sustainably managed territories, reduce the risk of fire and contribute to the bioeconomy is indisputable. The development of this web site has required the collaboration of many resin sector stakeholders and many limitations have been detected in order to obtain reliable information. Furthermore, the dissemination of its existence and usefulness has been limited by the end of the project and it remains to be seen whether the acceptance, legitimacy and maintenance of the Observatory by potential users will be confirmed in the coming years. It has been identified that the active involvement of a minimum number of people representative of the sector is essential for the success of this tool, but it remains to be seen whether this will be achieved. A number of measures have been implemented by the project to minimize the risk of abandonment: commitment documents, organization of regular meetings and events. However, once the project has been completed, the project leaders will take a back seat to these tasks and it will be the actors in the sector themselves who will determine the future of the observatory. Figure 1. Appearance of the website “Observatorio Nacional de la Resina” The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://observatorioresinasnaturales.es/ Website Mechanised resin extraction method Introduction Although the practices used in resin extraction have been improving in yield and quality, the extractive method remains the same: collecting the resin that emanates from a bare wood surface as a result of incisions, called picks, made repeatedly over time on the surface of the tree. With the development of mechanised extraction methods, the aim is to obtain a raw material with greater purity, less physical effort and skill in execution, and good yields Approach and main results The method tested in this OG is the so-called borehole at height. This method, which has existed for decades but has not yet been applied in Spain, has been tested and improved in this project. The methodology consists of drilling 3 simultaneous holes of 1.6 cm in diameter and 12 cm deep, with an inclination of 10 gr with tangential orientation (not radial), leaving a horizontal space between holes of 10 cm and a vertical space of 2 cm. For the borehole method, three extraction bags were used simultaneously, which were raised in height each time the picks were refreshed in an upward direction, with a periodicity of 14 days between picks. The results show that the borehole method produced 8.5 % more P. pinaster and 15 % more P. radiata than the other methods tested (traditional method and surface drilling method). The Borehole method is suitable for stands destined for chipping wood, and the yields obtained are very interesting, even without the application of stimulants. Stimulants have increased resin production by 70 % for traditional pica and circular notching, but only by 40 % for borehole. The high borehole productions stand out, especially in the non-stimulated trees, reaching productions of 1,796 g for P. pinaster and 1,162 g for P. radiata. The increase in production in 2022 compared to 2021 is very small for the borehole method, from which it can be deduced that the borehole wood penetration production system has a smaller cumulative effect per season and/or is less influenced by the different environmental conditions between seasons. For example, the production increases for Borehole, depending on the species and extraction technology, range between 8 and 10% in 2022, while for the traditional and circular notching system the increases are 34.5% and 30.22% respectively in 2022. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: Cesefor OG: ACREMA OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Process Lessons learned The generation of innovation in resin extraction processes requires long-term trials and a large number of individual specimens (trees) studied. Resin production is affected by numerous variables, including climatic, edaphic, dasometric and, of course, human factors. This means that in order to extrapolate an innovation in this field to different scenarios, it requires longer study periods than those currently provided by the OG. On the other hand, the complexity of scientific and technical cooperation has become manifest. Good communication of the real interests of the parties is essential for the success of these processes. On the scientific side, data collection in the field, which is carried out by the tapping workers, as well as the execution of the work, is essential to scientist work. Without reliable data, all research results will be useless. On the other hand, the researchers developing the experimental designs must know and communicate frequently and closely with the tapping workers or the designs cannot be realistically implemented The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] [email protected] https://acrema.es Website Identification of compounds of industrial interest Introduction The bark of Pinus radiata is an under-utilized forest residue that is renewable, abundant and has the potential to become a source of sustainable high-value chemicals. However, the use of this bark within a biorefinery for advanced applications is hindered by its intractable characteristics: high integrity, complex composition, and high heterogeneity. Most of the bark is burnt to provide energy and heat. The bark contains a high portion of phenolic extractives, constituting a potential source of valuable compounds. It also contains the heteropolymer suberin, a source of unique building blocks for developing innovative materials with potential broad bactericidal properties. Removal of phenolic extractives and suberin from bark simplifies down-streaming pulping processing of bark’s lignocellulosic part. Methodology and results The GO implemented an effective green strategy to sequentially extract the lipophilic bark constituents and suberin, exploring scCO2 (40, 50 or 60 ◦ C / 200, 350 or 500 bar) and a biocompatible ionic liquid catalyst. The obtained scCO2 extracts had similar diversity of lipophilic compounds and predominantly contained resin acids. Further extraction of the scCO2 extracted bark yielded suberin amounts of 2.25% wt. The bark’s suberin structure shows archetypal chemical features yet has an idiosyncratic high abundance of alkanoic acids, which is not common in most sources. The findings of this opening bark biorefinery study deserve further development and complementary techno-economic analyses to secure new value chains for the bark’s major lipophilic compounds consisting of resin acids and bark suberin Lessons learned The amount of underused bark globally is impressively large. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated that in 2020, round wood production was 3.97 billion m3, with a growth rate of 5.8% since 2015 (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2018). Considering a 10% bark by wood mass, it has been estimated that more than 190 million tons of pine bark are produced annually. This study demonstrated the dual potential of Pinus radiata bark for sequential recovery of scCO soluble constituents (up to 5.2% wt) and cell wall polymer suberin (2.25% wt). Using green solvents in a multistep approach is essential to creating ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: FC.ID OG: GO-PinusResina OG’s country: Portugal Type of Innovation: innovation Figure 1. Schematic model of a potential sustainable bark biorefinery sustainable bark biorefineries, with two “state of the art” green technologies. The potential to convert underexploited bark residues into a rich portfolio of bio-based compounds through multistep green extraction technologies can directly support the future development of sustainable bark biorefinery concepts (schematically shown in Fig. 6). Importantly, removing the scCO2 soluble constituents and suberin from Pinus radiata bark is expected to produce a material displaying higher thermal stability with further uses in polymerwood composites (Shebani et al., 2008). Further studies are required to understand the optimal value chains, besides the lignocellulosic-based leftovers after suberin extraction, for the major bark scCO2 soluble compounds: resin acids, and bark suberin. The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] João Nunes ([email protected]) https://pinusresina.blc3.pt/; https://www.rederural.gov.pt/centro-derecursos?task=download.send&id=2129&catid=115&m=0 https://pinusresina.blc3.pt/ Website Postharvest coatings from mushroom by-products Introduction The MicoCoating initiative aims to apply bioactive compounds of natural origin, via mushrooms that produce functional compounds, in edible coatings for the food market. Currently, the increase in shelf life, via the organic market, through the significant reduction of preservatives in the context of the clean label market, and even the consumer demand for healthier foods, is one of the main challenges of the food industry. The use of edible films and coatings has proven to be a technology with great potential to achieve longer shelf lives, while ensuring food safety and quality attributes. Market demands have led to the need to invest in alternative compounds for application in coatings that inactivate the deteriorating reactions in food while guaranteeing the quality attributes expected by the consumer. The compounds that make up the coatings must meet certain requirements, namely having a natural origin, being renewable and edible, and should also, if possible, give the coatings bioactive and preservative properties. The search for new compounds opened new opportunities for the incorporation of natural preservatives derived from plants, animals, bacteria, algae and fungi that act as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Among fungi, mushrooms are generally consumed as food and it has been demonstrated, namely by the operational group, that they have the potential to be used as a source of antimicrobials and antioxidants. Thus, the bet on mushrooms of wild species (forest co-products, with no food value) and production mushrooms (using agroforestry substrates) as a source of functional compounds presents itself as a great opportunity with high added value. Taking into account the most recent developments, the main objective of this initiative was the application of bioactive compounds of natural origin, via mushrooms that produce functional compounds, in edible coatings for the food market, to increase shelf life. Operations for sorting mushrooms at the industrial level usually generate large amounts of bio-residues not conforming to strict morphological criteria for commercial purposes, even though their biological content is not compromised. In this context, the present work aimed at evaluating the potential for reutilizing industrially discarded Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM). ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: FC.ID OG: Micocoating OG’s country: Portugal Type of Innovation: technological The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] http://www.artbfc.fr/ Website Fertilization recommendations for cork oak Introduction Although the cork oak is one of the main forest species and the national tree of Portugal, there was not much information about fertilization recommendations for the development of this species. The practice was to carry out soil analyzes only for the installation of under-cover pastures, forgetting the arboreal component of the system. GO NUTRISUBER carried out the characterization of the soils of 30 cork oak forests and the monitoring of their fertility in the areas where the species occurs in greater density and where it is most economically exploited: Alentejo and Ribatejo. The soil, in addition to the water and air it contains, is made up of mineral and organic particles of various sizes that give it different characteristics, depending on whether one or the other dominates and, within these, whether the finest or the coarsest. In Portugal, most soils are mineral, that is, mineral matter is dominant, with very few organic soils (with contents greater than 15% of organic matter). From the point of view of plant nutrition, only the finest particles, with dimensions smaller than 2 mm – the so-called fine earth – are considered, and this is the fraction that is analysed to assess the state of soil fertility. Some of the characteristics of the soil can be observed in the field, just by looking closely at its profile. Others, such as texture, organic matter and mineral nutrient content, reaction (pH) and cation exchange capacity, can only be evaluated through laboratory analysis. In addition to soil analyses, this work demonstrates the importance of leaf analysis of nutrients for understanding the true state of nutrition of cork oaks to allow giving recommendations for fertilization. Methodologies for collecting soil and leaf samples were defined in order to obtain more efficient results, and dissemination videos were made for technicians and forestry producers. Lessons learned The main result of this project was the creation of fertilization tables for different states of development of the cork oak forest stands: Stand installation phase; Young phase until the first stripping; Adulthood. All the information was compiled in a manual on cork oak fertilization, which describes the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soils in the cork oak forests. In addition, it makes a simple description of the forms and availability of soil nutrients for plants, creating a table that classifies the forest stand in fertility class (very low, low, medium, high and very high) according to chemical parameters such ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: ANSUB OG: OG NUTRISUBER OG’s country: PORTUGAL Type of Innovation: Service as phosphorus (P2O5), potassium (K2O) and magnesium (Mg). At the end, it presents the mentioned fertilization tables with the recommended amounts of fertilizer to apply for a correct fertilization of the Montado. These tables are based on the previously mentioned fertility classes that resulted from the analysis of soil samples and foliar samples, defining the amounts of nutrients to be applied per hectare. Figure 1. Published scientific material related to the project. For further information contact [email protected] The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://www.iniav.pt/images/publicacoes/livros-manuais/MANUAL-DE-FERTILIZACAO-DO-SOBREIRO.pdf https://www.unac.pt/index.php/id-i/grupos-operacionais-accao-1-1-pdr2020/nutrisuber Website Brochure for the collection of soil samples in cork oak forests Introduction The analysis of soil samples collected in cork oak forests allows knowing the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, constituting, together with foliar analysis, support for the most appropriate fertilization recommendation. However, although this practice is not new, it is not a practice followed by the majority of forestry producers, who, although viewing cork production as a lucrative economic activity, do not understand the need to analyze the nutritional status of forest stands and carry out necessary fertilization and soil amendments. The collection of soil samples must be carried out well in advance of the application of fertilizers, being advisable the period in which the soil has a moisture content that allows this operation to be carried out, which generally happens in autumn – winter. If the land is not uniform, it should be divided into relatively homogeneous plots with regard to color, slope, drainage and type of forest management. Samples must not be taken in wet areas, near paths, houses, stables or in places that have been occupied with manure, sludge, fertilizers, ashes or other products. Lessons learned Thus, to sensitize forestry producers, a publicity leaflet was prepared, which is available in paper and online, in accessible and easy-to-understand language. The leaflet defines when the analysis should be carried out, how it should be carried out depending on the type of existing forest stand: before the stand, in a young stand, in an adult stand or even in modern irrigated cork oak plantations. It also defines what equipment is necessary for the correct collection of samples and how to pack and send them to the laboratory to obtain the results. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: ANSUB OG: OG NUTRISUBER OG’s country: PORTUGAL Type of Innovation: Service Figure 1. Upper photos – needed material to gather soil samples. When using a soil sampler prober, a sledgehammer is needed. Lower photo – use of the soil sampler probe on the field. Figure 2. Locations where the soil samples were gathered showing the gathering pattern. For further information contact [email protected] The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/projects/nutrition-and-fertilization-cork-oak-forest-nutrisuber_en Website Brochure for the collection of soil samples in stone pine Introduction The analysis of soil samples collected in stone pine forests allows knowing the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, constituting, together with foliar analysis, support for the most appropriate fertilization recommendation. However, although this practice is not new, it is not a practice followed by the majority of forestry producers, who, although viewing pine nuts production as a lucrative economic activity, do not understand the need to analyse the nutritional status of forest stands and carry out necessary fertilization and soil amendments. The collection of soil samples must be carried out well in advance of the application of fertilizers, being advisable the period in which the soil has a moisture content that allows this operation to be carried out, which generally happens in autumn – winter. If the land is not uniform, it should be divided into relatively homogeneous plots with regard to color, slope, drainage and type of forest management. Samples must not be taken in wet areas, near paths, houses, stables or in places that have been occupied with manure, sludge, fertilizers, ashes or other products. Lessons learned Thus, to sensitize forestry producers, a publicity leaflet was prepared, which is available in paper and online, in accessible and easy-to-understand language. The leaflet defines when the analysis should be carried out, how it should be carried out depending on the type of existing forest stand: before the stand, in a young stand, in an adult stand. It also defines what equipment is necessary for the correct collection of samples and how to pack and send them to the laboratory to obtain the results. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: ANSUB OG: OG FERTIPINEA OG’s country: PORTUGAL Type of Innovation: Service Figure 1. Upper photos – needed material to gather soil samples. When using a soil sampler prober, a sledgehammer is needed. Lower photo – use of the soil sampler probe on the field. Figure 2. Scheme showing the soil sampling orientation (cardinal direction). The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://www.unac.pt/index.php/id-i/grupos-operacionais-accao-1-1-pdr2020/fertipinea Website App Micontrol Introduction This operational group pursues to manage the regulation of the mycological resource through tools based on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), guaranteeing sustainability in the use of the mycological resource, traceability in the value chain and offering useful information to both the collector and the business sector. One of the problems identified in the mycological sector is related to the difficulty of harvesting control tasks Approach and main results As an innovative solution, GO Mikogest has developed the Micontrol app, designed to facilitate the work of harvest control of the guards in the mycological areas. In addition, it captures data on the development of the harvesting activity through the quantities collected and yields by species with socioeconomic interest. This application has two objectives: - Facilitate the management of the environmental agent in the control of harvesting in his task of verifying that the activity is carried out according to the conditions of collection established in the enclosure. - Capture data of the harvesting activity. The app has been designed to be used by multiple users through any model of mobile device. A web space has also been developed for each user, from which they can manage the data of all their inspections, visualize them through GIS technology, access their images and verify the data of each inspection. The application has two different functionalities: 1-Control of harvesting activity: With the harvesting control, it is verified that the activity is carried out according to the harvesting conditions established in the enclosure. The environmental agents carry out the inspection activity to the collectors, verifying that they have authorization (license) and that they respect harvestable species, sizes and quantities, being able to carry out the pertinent proceedings for the processing of complaints if the situation requires it. 2Inspection Manager: Micontrol is a manager of inspections carried out, which facilitates and organizes the work done in the field by the agents. The capture of the collector's personal data can be done manually, or through the capture of this data by means of a QR reader, which speeds up and prevents the data entered from being erroneous. This QR reader is only valid for enclosures that include this code in their harvesting permit. In addition, through the micontrol app, the rural guard, private field guard or civil guardseprona, verifies in real time (with mobile coverage) fraud by falsification of harvesting permits. This functionality is only available for certain reserves, integrated in the Micocyl mycological exploitation system. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: Cesefor OG: MIKOGEST OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Organisational innovation The application sends a query to the database receiving a valid or unmatched permit message. The activity of harvesting control generates a very important volume of data about the harvesting that is being carried out in the territory. Micontrol enables a simple system for the capture and management of this data, contemplating the different scenarios faced by the agent in his control activity. Lessons learned The digital skills of the people who carry out the collection control are highly variable, so it is advisable that the data capture app has a very simple design that is easily understood by less digitally skilled users. It is important that any control that is performed on a collector takes as little time as possible, so that the use of this application is both attractive and convenient. If the monitoring process involves lengthy data collection over time, it may reduce interest in using the application. The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://www.mikogest.net/pagina/micontrol montse.ganad[email protected] Website Exchange between chestnut growers Introduction During INGECA project, a lot of effort was put into dissemination activities, with 8 thematic meetings, 2 seminars and 2 field visits. These activities permitted to chestnut growers to share experiences about the innovations tested (endotherapic treatments with Trichoderma spp., use of BITE technology, mobile charcoal kiln prototype for local biochar production), to share approaches in chestnut grove management and production as well as to explore specific aspects like grafting, pruning, variety, disease control,in different regions (Tuscany, Lazio and Calabria). The project began in 2020, right at the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic crisis, so it was decided not to conduct remote dissemination activities, but rather to wait for the end of pandemic restrictions. Lessons learned Dissemination activities were very useful to engage chestnut growers and to demonstrate the effectiveness of a chestnut grove management that’s also economically and environmentally sustainable. The project started in 2020 exactly at the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic crisis. In order to enhance real knowledge exchange between partners, it was chosen not to do remote dissemination activities but rather to wait until the end of pandemic restrictions. This has favored personal contacts, allowed participants to know important chestnut growing realities on a regional and extra-regional scale and practical demonstrations in the field The chestnut production sector is facing many difficulties due to environmental, social and economic aspects. These sharing-knowledge activities are fundamental to establishing durable relationships between the multiple actors of the production chain and to build stable networks, capable to operate also after the end of the project. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: UNIFI OG: INGECA OG’s country: Italy Type of Innovation: Technological For further information contact Salvatore Moricca, Professor, University of Florence, Italy, email: [email protected] Rodolfo Picchio, Professor, University of Tuscia, Italy, email: [email protected] Francesca Giannetti, Assistant Professor, University of Florence, Italy, e-mail: [email protected] The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://www.psingeca.it/it Website Integrated management of resources (water and soil) in nuts production Introduction The initiative focused on soil and water management in four species that produce nuts: chestnut, almond, hazel and walnut. The OG aimed to evaluate the effect of different natural and sown plant covers on chestnut crops in order to select the type of cover best suited to each crop. Also, to evaluate different soil fertilization strategies, via foliar and/or fertirrigation in the four species studied with a view to knowing the response of these species to the main nutrients and recommend some corrections. The objectives were assumed as differentiated, according to the specimen to be analysed, and aligned with the most evident problems that arise in the production practice. As a previous point, the OG stated the importance of knowing the characteristics of the place where the plantation will be located, and act accordingly: a) drainage: in soil with poor drainage it is not possible to establish an orchardthen, establish some practices to increase the draining capacity; b) pH: is probably the soil property that can impose the most constraints to the development of plantsthen, to correct it is important; c) organic matter: it is important to contribute to the correction of its availability, for the plants; d) correction of phosphorus content, accordingly with the results of correction in the ph. The OG worked several field stations, with extended experiences for the distinct specimens here considered. The results, by specimen, may be referentiated like this: Results by specimen • Walnuts, even not being a particularly demanding crop in nutrients, need good soil structure and aggregation conditions provided by a good organic matter content, from deep soils with good storage capacity for water, and must also be ventilated and well drained; • Chestnut tree must receive nitrogen annually and boron as fertilizers. Potassium also should be applied regularly. The phosphorus should be required in smaller quantities than nitrogen and potassium and is ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: SOLUTOPUS OG: EGIS OG’s country: Portugal Type of Innovation: Process less important the annual regularity of its application. The foliar analysis helps in the quantification of these applications; • Hazelnut, due to the growing impact caused by climate change, ways are being studied to reduce the amount of water to be applied through irrigation, mainly through regulated deficit irrigation (RDI). The adoption of drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation, combined with irrigation strategies deficit, are the most viable solution to the current scenario of decreasing water reserves available for irrigation; • Almonds, the use of indicators water and thermal stress of the plant is essential for adequate irrigation management deficit. It is essential to monitor the water status of the crop in the initial stages and evaluate the need to start watering earlier, considering the importance of satisfying water needs of the crop in the first phases of its cycle. The irregularity of Mediterranean climate reinforces the need of this control; Other considerations and conclusions for the orchards: install biodiverse pastures; make legumes profitable for orchards, improve soil structure, use alternative fertilizers such as e.g. ex. algae, establish technically supported fertilization plans and install adapted irrigation systems, for each case. Lessons learned It is a need to go deeper in practical experiences regarding nuts systems. Traditionally, they are produced in dry conditions, without special care in soil management, fertiliation, irrigation and varieties. The uncertainty in climate and the need to be more profitable appeals to more applied research, field experiments and farmers' engagement. Alternative nutrients sources, more frequent analysis (foliar and soil), technological advanced solutions for irrigation and biodiverse pastures are among the most suitable practices to improve nuts productions. The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://egis.cncfs.pt/projeto Website Biological Treatment of Chestnut Blight ( Cryphonectria parasitica ) in Portugal Introduction The OG focused on the chestnut cancer, with the aim of finding biological tools and mangement to decrease the effects of the parasit; the conventional treatment until now hasn't been efficient in fighting this disease. Chestnut cancer is associated with the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (Murril) Barr, a species of Asian origin, invasive and very aggressive on chestnut trees, causing death of the branches and progressively of the entire tree. A European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) categorizes the fungus C. parasitica as an organism of quarantine on the A2 list, i.e. a quarantine organism but already present in many of the European countries (EPPO, 2022). Methodology OG BioChestnut - IBM had 4 phases: 1. Characterization of the virulent C.parasitica population; 2. Know the presence of natural hypovirulence in the C.parasitica population in Portugal; 3. Monitor the effectiveness of treatments; 4. Develop formulations of the DICTIS bioproduct for use in different disease situations in chestnut trees. Following a strict experimental design, essays were made with the biological products, supported by laboratory analysis and field observations. Considering that the biological control using hypovirulent strains of C. parasitica (hypovirulence) is a very effective means of control that promotes the healing of cancers and the full recovery of diseased chestnut trees and considered by EFSA (2016) as the most adequate and more effective to mitigate and control the high risks that the diseascker with CHV1 Strains is necessary to complete the following: • stage 1 - Scientific and technical studies (Pre-Application). Population Study of the Parasitic Fungus Present in Soutos, Production and Formulation of the Bioproduct,Experimental Development; • stage 2 - Treatment of Cancers, by puncturing or brushing with CHV1 Strains Compatible; • stage 3 - Monitoring and Evaluating the Efficacy of Treatments; ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: SOLUTOPUS OG: BioChestnut - IPM OG’s country: Portugal Type of Innovation: technological • stage 4 – Compliance with IPB Regulatory Commitments, Chestnut Producers, Producer Associations, Other Authorized Entities. Lessons learned Find the best practices and develop action and interaction tools between different participants was one of the objectives of the GO - Biochestnut -IPMproject to implement measures effective fight against chestnut and almond trees. The participation of researchers, technicians and chestnut producers as well as the different entities involved in the organization of production, management of the territory and official entities allowed the transfer to take place of technology and the adoption of the new biological control method in the treatment of breast cancer chestnut. The success achieved translates into the treatment of 4028 (plots) chestnut trees and 59452 chestnut trees recovered, thus guaranteeing productivity for producers, but also the sustainability and resilience of the chestnut ecosystem of high environmental value in the mountain regions of Portugal. The “Experimental Program for the Biological Treatment of Chestnut Canker Based in Hypovirulent Strains of Cryphonectria parasitica - CHV1 Strains” effectively resolves and will continue to ensure the long-term resilience of the chestnut ecosystem. The new parasites and mutations need similar approach, in continuous. The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://biochestnut.cncfs.pt/ Website Figure 1. Treatment of the chestnut blight Mobile charcoal pile prototype for biochar production in situ Introduction A prototype of vertical mobile charcoal kiln has been developed on a farm scale, with quite small dimensions, whose work for the charcoal-making operations is such that only one worker's day is sufficient. The transformation of chestnut cultivation residues into biochar and charcoal is a good practice from a phytosanitary point of view, and furthermore, this activity allows for increased profitability on a small company scale, mainly focused on forest owners. These products can be further valorised on the farm or sold to third parties, thus becoming an additional source of income from materials that would otherwise have to be disposed of. Other promising products are condensate liquids derived from the pyrolysis process. The prototype is structured with a vertical development, outlining a type of mobile kiln called ‘vertical kilns with discontinuous operation’, capable of operating in direct and indirect carbonization process. The input material can be in the form of wood with varying diameters and length reduced to approximately one metre, (direct or indirect system), but also chopped wood or other residues (indirect system), coming from the cultivation of the chestnut grove, but also supplied by other sources within the owner forest production, such as pruning residues of other fruit trees or residues of silvicultural operations. The product obtained therefore has characteristics, even if only dimensional ones, that are peculiar and therefore destined to be used in the production of chestnuts. The carbonisation that can be carried out in this prototype is a slow process that takes place at a low to medium temperature (below 500 °C), and is the system that yields a higher yield in solid product (charcoal), compared to rapid and/or high temperature pyrolysis systems (Bridgwater, 2007), an element that should not be underestimated at farm level. Lessons learned Considering the excellent results and the current need of chestnut growers to diversify and increase income, the mobile charcoal kiln has proved to be a machine capable of responding to the needs of chestnut farms, and the versatility of the direct and indirect system process also makes it suitable for all those farms that have agro-forestry waste, such as prunings from olive groves and vineyards, making the project multi-purpose in creating economic and employment induced from elements previously considered waste and above all not exclusively linked to chestnut growing. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: UNIFI OG: INGECA OG’s country: Italy Type of Innovation: Technological For further information contact Salvatore Moricca, Professor, University of Florence, Italy, email: [email protected] Rodolfo Picchio, Professor, University of Tuscia, Italy, email: [email protected] Francesca Giannetti, Assistant Professor, University of Florence, Italy, e-mail: [email protected] The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://www.psingeca.it/it Website Mechanised cork extraction method Introduction Gosuber project, developed from 2018 to 2020, has been oriented to improve cork harvesting efficiency. The absence of mechanization in cork extraction work, or cork removal, is one of the main problems that affects subericulture, that is, forestry applied to cork oak forests. Approach and main results Cork harvesting continues to be carried out in the 21st century as it did more than two hundred years ago, manually, with the help of the axe and a leverage, which points towards a necessary modernization. The conditions in which cork harvesting is carried out make this profession unattractive for new generations, due to the temporary nature of the work, the difficulty involved in handling the axe (it requires strength and skill), and the danger of the work (sometimes involves climbing the trees). As a consequence, specialized labor is scarce and aging, and in addition, they work with serious security deficiencies. New procedures have been sought by changing the way that it is usually done, bringing new machinery on, and upgrading security and health practices, as well as introducing new complete logistic process through last technologies and adapted procedures. Main results have been materialized in a mechanical cork harvesting guide. Lessons learned One of the most important parts of the project, the mechanization of cork harvesting, has a long development path ahead. The introduction of electrical machinery in cork harvesting still requires a deep awareness effort regarding the occupational safety and health of the cork remover's work. Only with the professionalization of the sector, and at the hands of the administrations, would technological advances be possible that would make us forget about the axe. The technological evolution of the electric saw and the battery is already causing this change. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: Cesefor OG: SUBER OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Process The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://gosuber.es/ Website Quality cork guide Introduction Gosuber project, developed from 2018 to 2020, has been oriented to improve cork harvesting efficiency. Furthermore, at GOSUBER other uses of cork have been studied, apart from wine corking, the aeronautical industry, construction, and other minor uses, to improve the marketing and valuation of cork. Currently, much of the economic value of cork lies in its capacity to manufacture wine stoppers but, given its exceptional physical-chemical properties, there are multiple possibilities for use in areas as diverse as the aeronautical industry or cosmetics. ; The resulting products provide a very high added value compared to traditional uses and represent a very significant economic potential for rural areas (creation of qualified work, stopping rural depopulation, industrialization of the economy, etc.) as well as the maintenance of the ecosystems of the cork oak forests. Main results have been materialized in a guide to new uses of cork whit the studies carried out and their applications. Lessons learned The valorization of cork, on the rise due to the general decline of cork oak forests and the advance in the technology of manufacturing technological wine stoppers (where almost all cork quality classifications are valid), complicates its use for applications outside of the wine market ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: Cesefor OG: SUBER OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Product The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://gosuber.es/ Website Mechanised resin extraction method Introduction Although the practices used in resin extraction have been improving in yield and quality, the extractive method remains the same: collecting the resin that emanates from a bare wood surface as a result of incisions, called picks, made repeatedly over time on the surface of the tree. With the development of mechanised extraction methods, the aim is to obtain a raw material with greater purity, less physical effort and skill in execution, and good yields Approach and main results The method tested in this OG is the so-called borehole at height. This method, which has existed for decades but has not yet been applied in Spain, has been tested and improved in this project. The methodology consists of drilling 3 simultaneous holes of 1.6 cm in diameter and 12 cm deep, with an inclination of 10 gr with tangential orientation (not radial), leaving a horizontal space between holes of 10 cm and a vertical space of 2 cm. For the borehole method, three extraction bags were used simultaneously, which were raised in height each time the picks were refreshed in an upward direction, with a periodicity of 14 days between picks. The results show that the borehole method produced 8.5 % more P. pinaster and 15 % more P. radiata than the other methods tested (traditional method and surface drilling method). The Borehole method is suitable for stands destined for chipping wood, and the yields obtained are very interesting, even without the application of stimulants. Stimulants have increased resin production by 70 % for traditional pica and circular notching, but only by 40 % for borehole. The high borehole productions stand out, especially in the non-stimulated trees, reaching productions of 1,796 g for P. pinaster and 1,162 g for P. radiata. The increase in production in 2022 compared to 2021 is very small for the borehole method, from which it can be deduced that the borehole wood penetration production system has a smaller cumulative effect per season and/or is less influenced by the different environmental conditions between seasons. For example, the production increases for Borehole, depending on the species and extraction technology, range between 8 and 10% in 2022, while for the traditional and circular notching system the increases are 34.5% and 30.22% respectively in 2022. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: Cesefor OG: ACREMA OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Process Lessons learned The generation of innovation in resin extraction processes requires long-term trials and a large number of individual specimens (trees) studied. Resin production is affected by numerous variables, including climatic, edaphic, dasometric and, of course, human factors. This means that in order to extrapolate an innovation in this field to different scenarios, it requires longer study periods than those currently provided by the OG. On the other hand, the complexity of scientific and technical cooperation has become manifest. Good communication of the real interests of the parties is essential for the success of these processes. On the scientific side, data collection in the field, which is carried out by the tapping workers, as well as the execution of the work, is essential to scientist work. Without reliable data, all research results will be useless. On the other hand, the researchers developing the experimental designs must know and communicate frequently and closely with the tapping workers or the designs cannot be realistically implemented The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] [email protected] https://acrema.es Website Wood-resin compatibility model. Mechanical wood characterization to assign a resistance class according to the UNE-EN 338 standard. Introduction The incorporation of complementary activities to the exploitation of timber can represent an improvement in the management and conservation of forests, as well as allowing the generation of regular economic activities that create added social value for the populations benefiting from different products. One of the complementary activities listed for Galicia in Decree 73/2020 of 24 April is the use of resin in three pine species ( Pinus pinaster Ait., Pinus radiata D. Don and Pinus nigra Arnold) before the clear-felling. Approach and main results In this context, there is an interest in including tapping activity as an ecosystem service added to the management of Galician mountains, initially planted for timber use only. As a material of natural origin, wood presents a great deal of variability. The characterization and classification processes are presented with the aim of complying with the basic requirements established by regulations for the appropriate use of wood as a structural element, which consists, fundamentally, in knowing the properties of the material. In this sense, one of the proposals of the ACREMA Operative Group was to evaluate the influence of the resin activity on the quality of wood from a structural point of view. For this purpose, mechanical tests (static bending) were carried out on a total of 238 pieces of Pinus pinaster with structural dimensions, separated into two subsamples (resintreated and control logs). Prior to the breakage (bending) tests, all the boards were visually graded according to the criteria established in the Spanish visual grading regulations for coniferous wood. During the visual grading process, the presence of some singularities that may affect the structural strength of the wood were analysed: knots, resin pockets, cracks, deformations. However, the number of rejected tapped boards is quite similar to the number of rejected boards from control logs. Structural strength values for all the material were obtained from the mechanical tests and it was possible to compare the structural quality of the wood from previously tapped and untapped logs. In general, the values obtained for the two samples are in the same order. Regarding the strength, the sample of boards from the control logs had a slightly (6 %) higher average value than the sample of boards from the tapped trees. The average values of the strength properties: modulus of elasticity, bending strength and density, showed no numerically significant differences between the tapped and control material from the two plots. The study concluded that the resin does not cause any loss in the mechanical ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: Cesefor OG: ACREMA OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Product properties of the wood (strength and stiffness). With regard to the density parameter, however, an increase in the value is observed in the wood from tapped pieces, which could mean positive contributions from a structural point of view. The characteristic values of the strength properties of the tapped wood obtained are within the expected range for Spanish Pinus pinaster wood, which is nowadays accepted in the European standard that regulates the use of wood species for structural purposes (EN 1912). Lessons learned The use of resin in the Galician community presents a series of weaknesses that hinder the development of the sector, from the scarce availability of workers in the trade to the rejection of forest owners due to the possible effects of the use of resin on the quality of the wood, to the lack of confidence on the part of the manufacturing industry due to possible problems in the technical handling of the material. The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] [email protected] https://acrema.es/r4-asignacion-de-una-clase-resistente-a-la-madera-de-p-pinaster-resinada-con-fines-estructurales-segun-la-normaune-en-338/ Website Analytical techniques based on NIR technology for the characterisation of resins and their derivatives. Introduction The quality of the resin is a key factor in the competitiveness and viability of the resin sector, about which there is insufficient knowledge to date. Starting from the distillation of the resin by hydrodistillation or steam distillation to obtain its main components (rosin and turpentine), and through laboratory analytical techniques, we can determine important parameters that will vary depending on the resination method, the species or the climate, among others, and which will be decisive when classifying the resin according to its quality and, therefore, its final destination. A study has been carried out on the analysis of resins and rosins using NIRs technology (Near Infrared Spectroscopy), a non-destructive, simple and fast technique that would allow an initial classification of the resins based on their quality parameters, such as rosin and turpentine content, for example. This would allow a more detailed knowledge of the product for sale to the first transformation industry, directing the resin production to different sectors, depending on the needs demanded by the companies. Approach and main results The quality of the resin is a key factor in the competitiveness and viability of the resin sector, about which there is insufficient knowledge to date. Starting from the distillation of the resin by hydrodistillation or steam distillation to obtain its main components (rosin and turpentine), and through laboratory analytical techniques, we can determine important parameters that will vary depending on the resination method, the species or the climate, among others, and which will be decisive when classifying the resin according to its quality and, therefore, its final destination. A study has been carried out on the analysis of resins and rosins using NIRs technology (Near Infrared Spectroscopy), a non-destructive, simple and fast technique that would allow an initial classification of the resins based on their quality parameters, such as rosin and turpentine content, for example. This would allow a more detailed knowledge of the product for sale to the first transformation industry, directing the resin production to different sectors, depending on the needs demanded by the companies. The NIRs analysis has focused on the development of models to determine the % turpentine and % rosin of the starting resins and the acidity index of the rosins obtained. The first step of the working system in the development of a NIR prediction tool is calibration, which involves the analysis by classical (or laboratory) ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: Cesefor OG: ACREMA OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Technological Innovation technologies of a set of samples that are representative of the parameter of interest (called the calibration population). At the same time, these samples will be analysed by NIR, optimising the process so that quality spectra are obtained. The spectra will be confronted with data obtained by classical methodologies, constituting the working databases with which, using multivariate analysis software, prediction models will be developed. The second step is validation, the application of these models on samples not included in the calibration population, also analysed by classical methods, thus knowing the reference value of the parameter to be determined (known as the validation population). The statistical study of these results will determine the framework of application of the prediction models, restricting it to a classification system by categories, or it can be applied in quantitative analysis. Model development was studied considering a global data set, and also classifying the calibration population by method, species and both factors simultaneously. As expected, correlation values improve when variability is restricted. As an overall result it can be concluded that, although correlation coefficients of 0.8 have been obtained for some models, it is necessary to extend the calibration populations to be able to continue working and developing robust models that allow, if not quantification, a quick and easy classification of the resin. All this, together with the great versatility of commercial accessories for NIR equipment (portable and non-portable) would provide companies with a tool that not only allows product control, but also its commercialisation with a guarantee of traceability and quality. Lessons learned NIRs technology is a promising technique in the resin industry as a simple and fast way to classify resin. The models developed for the prediction of rosin % show better statistics than those developed for the prediction of turpentine content. This may be due to the method used to obtain principal components. It is necessary to extend the calibration populations in order to be able to continue working and developing robust models that allow, at least, a quick and simple classification of the resin. The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] [email protected] https://acrema.es Website allowed the simplification of the choice of properties that were eligible for enforceability of the proposed work. With this precondition, 3 properties were immediately identified with cork oak stands and with characteristics apparently suitable for testing accomplishment. 6 experimental plots were installed in the field with the aim of carry out a detailed study of its health evolution, with the evaluation of 16 variables during the entire duration of the project, as well as carrying out the tests foreseen in the remaining phases. Partial results were obtained for the various tasks, related to the attack strategy of the platype: anticipating, plots determination, yeld records, cork extraction, observation of leaves and dry branches, presence of other biotic and abiotic agents, etc. The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://www.aflosor.com/ https://inovacao.rederural.gov.pt/grupos-operacionais/13-projectos-groupos-operacionais/135-platisor-metodos-para-agestao-do-montado-de-sobro-com-ataques-de-platipo-da-regiao-doWebsite Figure 1. Platypus cylindrus Figure 2. Damaged cork oak tree Improving productivity and sustainability of black truffle plantations by microbiological handling of the rhizosphere Introduction Black truffle production is an expanding crop in Catalonia with high economical potential, especially in agricultural areas with low productivity. In this sense, black truffle cultivation is often developed on poor soils, with low production yields and where trees present nutritional deficiencies and serious phytosanitary problems. Another problem to be solved in trucficulture is crop irregularity, possibly due to suboptimal production conditions, both in the nursery and in the field. As a major diference from the cultivation of trees for biomass or for the cultivation of fruits, in this case we work with a much more complex interaction between the tree and the rhizosphere or interface zone between the root of the plant and the soil. However, the increase of monospecific plantations (generally holm oaks) can cause an increase in certain diseases and pests that decrease the production of truffles. Management of the rhizosphere can contribute to the general improvement of plant vigor and its tolerance to biotic factors without the need to use phytosanitary products. In this project we evaluated the capacity of different organic substances and rhizobacteria, some isolated from wild truffieres described by Vilanova et al (2013) with the intention of improving the biotic and abiotic conditions of the rhizosphere, considering the presence and availability of nutrients, Development of the vegetative phase of truffle mycelium, vigorousness of the tree (nutritional status) and control of pathogens. The follow-up of the fungus response will be carried out in collaboration with IRTA, using the technology and results of the innovative pilot project, financed by the Department of Agriculture of the Generalitat de Catalunya in 2013 (File No. 56700362013). These techniques are based on quantitative PCR and allow us to determine the mycelium biomass of a fungal species, in this case Tuber melanosporum, in a soil sample (Parladé et al. 2013). The monitoring of the vigorousness of the tree will be carried out through foliar nutrient analysis. In order to correlate the bacterial activity generated in the rhizospheric soil by the introduction of bacterial strains and the effects on the plant and the fungus, initial and final counts of viable aerial mesophiles will be carried out by means of isolating in the appropriate selective media. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: BOSCAT OG: Not Found (Project of 2015) OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Product Lessons learned The application of the different rizobacteria, organic compounds, and combinations of treatments in the first and second year of experimentation did not present effects on the concentration of Tuber melanosporum mycelium in the substrate of the plants produced in nursery. The treatments used, in isolation or combined, have no effect on a young plant growing in the nursery. The conditions of the nursery (substrate, irrigation, fertilization) and the fact of incorporating a can concentration of spores of the mycorrhizal fungus to obtain the mycorrhization of the plants are sufficiently developed, and the application of this compounds in the phase of Nursery does not represent any detectable improvement. In the plot of Granollers we find comparable results. None of the applied treatments, separately or in combination, have increased the concentration of truffle mycelium in the soil surrounding the treated plants. In a plot already established for years and that is already producing truffles, the incorporation of rizobacterial and organic compounds has no stimulating effect on the development of mycelium fungus. A plot established more than 12 years ago, the fungal composition of the rhizosphere of plants is sufficiently stabilized to be able to significantly modify the equilibrium established with contributions such as those proposed. In the case of Batea's newly established plot in which the treated plants had an age of 3 years, the effects of the incorporation of rizobacteria such as Bacillus liqueniformis or Pseudomonas fluorescens, as well as the incorporation of organic compounds of different origins, had a stimulating effect on the development of Tuber melanosporum mycelium. In young plants, in the phase of settling in their place of definitive plantation, with strong biotic and abiotic competition of the environment, the application of these products if it confers a positive effect on the development of the mycelium of truffle. In conclusion, the application of these products in young plantations in the phase of establishment would be recommended, and it would not be necessary in the phase of production of mycorrhizal plant in nursery or in plantations already adult in phase of production. In view of the results obtained, it can also be concluded that combinations of rizobacteria and organic compounds did not present the expected summation effect in a principle. The hypothesis that the combination of treatments with stimulating effects on the development of truffle mycelium would have a better behavior than the components separately has not been confirmed. More studies would be needed to design, with more data, these possible combinations. On the other hand, combinations of treatments, especially those that contained organic compounds, have had an effect on the bacterial populations of the soils of both plantations. And also, the fungus in the case of the Granollers plantation, consisting of adult plants in production. It is described in the literature that these bacteria can have a positive effect on the development of the plant, and indirectly on the production of truffles. The future monitoring of these parcels would allow to verify it. At the time, to continue collecting data from these experiments, would allow it to determine if the effects of the treatment persist in time or the need to repeat them periodically during the first phases of planting establishments should be considered. With regard to the improvement of the collection and accumulation of nutrients in plants, in all cases the detected effects were not consistent and did not allow to detect a treatment that was efficient in improving the content of nutrients in the plants. There are not enough data to extract solid conclusions. The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] Company contact, e-mail: [email protected] Website Geolocation and monitoring of animals to identify possible incidents and improve the management of animals and pastures Introduction The project aims to provide the extensive livestock farming sector (cattle, horses and sheep) with new technological tools to obtain and manage as much data as possible from a herd with minimum involvement by the farmer. Geolocation and monitoring of animals uses various algorithms to analyse the information collected in order to identify possible incidents and improve the management of animals and pastures. This Operational Group, consisting of the Unió de Pagesos (Farmers’ Union of Catalonia), the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), Digitanimal, SL and the cooperatives Pirenaica Societat Cooperativa C. LTDA and Agrària Ramadera del Pallars de Sort, SCCL, focuses on exploring the full potential that these technologies can provide help to overcome the main challenges facing the sector: 1 – Improving the economic viability of farms. • Adjustment of the devices to herd activity patterns to improve technical-health-financial management. • Provision of the location and monitoring of the movements and condition of animals and herds. • The task requiring the most labour is supervising the herd and monitoring the animals' health (behaviour, diseases, births, etc.). Reducing working hours is a key factor in lowering costs and increasing the financial viability of farms. 2 – Efficient and sustainable use of natural resources and the maintenance of biodiversity. • Analysis of the grouped data related to the animals' location to determine grazing pressure, preserve the pasture's quality and ensure the sustainability of the silvopastoral system. 3 – Proximity of herds to wildlife. • A third challenge is the fact that herds live in proximity to other wildlife. The technology for detecting wildlife attacks will be assessed, and patterns of behaviour to detect and document them will be established. • Facilitate control of herds, management of technical-health and pasture data to improve the productivity and viability of extensive livestock farms by using geolocation systems and by monitoring animals using collars. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: BOSCAT OG: CLIM’AGIL OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Technological Innovation Characteristics of the technological tools: • A position sensor that shows the location. • A triaxial accelerometer, which shows the level of activity. -A surface temperature sensor. • A low-consumption long-range communications module. • A cloud server, and various databases and algorithms for extracting patterns and creating notifications. • A long-life battery. Lessons learned In conclusion, it has been proved that this technology is an opportunity for extensive livestock farming, even though the following is necessary: Ensuring proper network to achieve the greatest emissivity of collars. Shepherds should know what type of network they got when purchasing collars (mobile network, Sigfox network, Lora network…). Antenna installers are recommended. They should be technicians (which may belong to the own public administration, if it already exists, or to the private sector) and would be in charge of the antenna maintenance and testing before animals reach the mountain and during the season. The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqf-Sdv5Ods Company contact, e-mail: [email protected] Website Development of a system to remove TCA from cork stoppers using adsorbents and biosorbents Introduction The manufacture of stoppers is currently the application with the highest added value for cork as a raw material with 98% of the Catalan cork sector’s revenue coming from the manufacture of corks for still wines and sparkling wines. The industry has a turnover of almost €230 million, has an export level of around 50% and employs more than 1200 people. Given that it is a high-quality product, the challenge is to remove sensory deviations in order to comply with requirements of the wineries and stave off the threat of alternative stoppers. These alternative stoppers have consolidated their position in the market, mainly due to the controversy generated around the presence of haloanisoles (like TCA) and other volatile compounds which may be present in the cork and affect the bouquet of the wine. This has forced the cork sector to implement technologies for the detection and/or removal of these aromatic compounds. There are currently systems to remove aromas in the market, but they are mainly aimed at cork granules, not bottle corks, given that they are ‘aggressive’ elimination systems that may affect the cellular structure of the material. The proposed system is based on the use of adsorbents and biosorbents with the aim of retaining the aromas extracted in the various cork production stages. The innovation developed in the project has an impact on productivity and sustainability levels both territorially and in the winemaking and cork industries in general. The objective of the project was to develop an innovative system to remove aromas from cork stoppers based on a combination of various adsorbent and biosorbent materials. Achieving this objective helps to improve the competitiveness of cork companies, foster the use of natural and renewable products such as cork stoppers and address the competition from alternative stoppers by reducing the problem of aromas associated with corks. Lessons learned The end result of the project is two aroma removal systems, one for the natural cork stopper manufacturing process and the other for the agglomerated cork stopper manufacturing process with two discs for sparkling wine in liquid and steam conditions. A mixture of natural biosorbents was obtained that captures 50-95% of haloanisoles under laboratory conditions. This capture system is based on adsorbent compounds with a greater affinity for aromas than cork, enabling an increase in their removal without supposing major changes to the systems currently used by the companies. The following practical recommendations may be drawn from the ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: BOSCAT OG: TCA OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Product project: - Recovered activated carbons are a good option for the removal of defective aromatic compounds present in corks. - The selected materials can be applied in both aqueous and dry environments. - The materials have a shelf life of more than six months. - Application of these compounds in company extraction systems improves their efficiency The following conclusions may be drawn from the project: • There is significant potential for removing unwanted aromas in corks by using biosorbents at different points in the production process, adapted to the needs of each company. • It is worth exploring the design of biosorbent containment prototypes to solve the challenge of biosorbent containment without limiting their adsorption properties The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://www.icsuro.com/projectes/sistema-deliminacio-dhaloanisols-tca-i-altres-aromesdefectuosos/ https://www.icsuro.com/la-bioabsorcio-daromes-suro Company contact, e-mail: [email protected] Website Evolution of oxygen transfer in the various cork stopper manufacturing conditions. Effect of this parameter on still and sparkling wine Introduction One of the most significant variables that affect the evolution of wine in the bottle is the supply of oxygen through its stopper: the oxygen transfer rate). Cork stoppers are known to have an advantage over their synthetic alternatives in this respect due to their vegetal matrix. Corks enable the progressive ingress of oxygen into the bottle over time, preventing the oxidation and reduction processes that are characteristic of certain alternative stoppers. The project consisted in determining the variables in the cork stopper production process that affect oxygen transfer and obtaining information to modify the production procedure to adjust the oxygen transfer rate of the corks in accordance with the consensus values for each type of wine Objectives 1. Assessment of oxygen transfer throughout the production process. 2. Application of control measures based on the values obtained in point 1. 3. Assessment of the effect of the oxygen transfer rate on the wine. 4. Preparation of a catalogue of cork stoppers with different transfer rates and their effects on the evolution of the wine. 5. Foster relations between the cork sector and the winemaking industry. Lessons learned • The oxygen permeability of the stopper in still and sparkling wines affects their chemical and sensory development. • Different types of cork stoppers (natural one-piece, granular and cork discs) have different oxygen permeability characteristics. • For each type of cork, there are factors in the production process that have key impact on the oxygen transfer ratio of different batches of corks. ITHub 4 – Non-Wood Forest Products FOREST4EU partner: BOSCAT OG: OTR OG’s country: Spain Type of Innovation: Product • Use of stoppers with higher or lower oxygen permeability depends on the oxidative capacity of each wine, which in turn depends mainly on the grape variety. • Determining the type of cork to be used is a key factor for wineries that want to control how their wines age and the oxygen transfer values of the corks should be known so as to favour the desired ageing. • Figure 1: “Elaboration of wine (1)” Figure 2: “Elaboration of wine (2)” Figure 3: “Elaboration of wine (3)” The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://www.icsuro.com/projectes/determinacio-de-levolucio-de-la-permeabilitat-a-loxigen/ Company contact, e-mail: [email protected] Website The information presented in this factsheet was developed by the FOREST4EU partner, drawing on the innovations and knowledge generated by the indicated operational group with their explicit authorization. Further information Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project [email protected] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLQ732Zp_J8&ab_channel=FundacionCesefor montse.ganad[email protected] Website FOREST4EU Project FOREST4EU Project forest4eu.eu [email protected] THE TEAM Funded by the European Union (Grant n. 101086216). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. PARTNERS CONTACTS