Pests and diseases affect the early natural regeneration of the oak (Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata) population

Insects and pathogens interact with plant species, influencing the natural regeneration of plant populations. However, the mechanisms by which they mediate the early regeneration process remain unclear. Herein, we evaluated the pest and disease status of 380 Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata seedlings and its effects on their photosynthetic and physiological properties in the Qinling Mountains, China. Results indicated that 243 seedlings were affected by pests and diseases, mainly in the 0−20 cm height range, and the affected leaf area was mainly in the range of 0−60%. Biology and soil factors were the primary drivers of these conditions, with canopy density being a largely influencing factor. Disease significantly decreased the chlorophyll content (Chl), net-photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and transpiration rate (Tr) in seedlings but increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and soluble sugar content. The light-response curve varied among pest..., , , # Pests and diseases affect the early natural regeneration of the oak (Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata) population

The data were collected from Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata seedlings in the middle of Qinling mountains, China, including the stand soil properties, pests and diseases of leaves, physiological and photosynthetic properties among healthy, pest-infested, and diseased Q. aliena var. acuteserrata seedlings.

Contact Dexiang Wang ([[e-mail]](mailto:[e-mail])) with any questions. This manuscript has been accepted for publication (04 Mar 2025):

Kang, H., Yan, C., Lv, K., Song, Y., Yang, H., Qi, H., Wang, Y. and Wang, D. Pests and diseases affect the early natural regeneration of the oak (Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata) population. Oikos (accepted). doi: 10.1111/oik.11126

Data files including 7 sheets:

\##Sheet1_forestland features

This sheet contains data on stand features of Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata population. All data were collected by the a...,