In more than half of the transplantations of the endangered Perenniporia tenuis, the mycelia of species was successfully transferred to fallen aspen trees in UPM's clearcut areas, as the Finnish Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and University of Helsinki studied the reintroduction of decaying wood species into the forest habitat through transplantation. In 2019 and 2020, UPM started cooperation with research institutes, and endangered wood-decay fungi were planted to decaying trees in the company's own forests in Janakkala.
"We transplanted small wooden pegs with mycelia of endangered wood-decay fungi species, and the pegs were planted by drilling holes in selected tree species, some recently felled and some naturally fallen. We will monitor whether the mycelia manage to grow and spread, and eventually develop fruit bodies and spores", says Reijo Penttilä, the researcher in charge of the project at Natural Resources Institute Finland.
In 2019 and 2020, UPM's forests were planted with the fungus species of spruce, sallow (Haploporus odorus) and aspen (Perenniporia tenuis). For spruce, the success rate ranges from 5–60% (9 species), depending on the species, and for Perenniporia tenuis, more than half of the plantings were successful in felled aspen trees in clearcut areas.
"The Perenniporia tenuis, a critically endangered species, thrives better in more open areas. For example, UPM's clearcut areas, where many aspen trees have been left, are good places to transplant and protect this species", says Penttilä.
"About a quarter of Finland's forest species is dependent on decaying wood, and one of UPM's most important biodiversity indicators in the Forest Action programme is to double the amount of decaying wood in its own forests in Finland. In addition to the decaying trees that are saved in loggings, other forest management measures, such as the retention trees, appear to have a major impact on habitats such as those of endangered fungus. There are endangered species living in commercial forests, and we can increase their vitality with current retention tree solutions and other forest management methods", says Sami Oksa, UPM Forest's Stakeholder Relations Director.
Inspired by the promising results of previous transplantations, UPM is also funding a new study in which the Natural Resources Institute Finland is investigating the potential of seven endangered fungus species for transplantation. The aim is to investigate and further develop the suitability of the transplanting method for the Antrodia crassa (pine species), the Antrodia infirma (pine species), the Amylocystis lapponica (spruce species), the Skeletocutis stellae (spruce species), the Perenniporia tenuis (aspen species), the Phellinus tremulae (aspen species) and the Haploporus odorus (sallow species). The study will investigate whether the vitality of these species can be increased by planting them in different types of trees and whether they can spread to their most typical host tree. These studies are carried out, for example, in forests owned by UPM.
For further information please contact:
Sami Oksa, Director, UPM Global Forest Affairs, tel. +358 40 560 3474
Reijo Penttilä, Researcher, Natural Resources Institute Finland, tel. +358 29 532 5268
UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EET
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com
UPM Forest
At UPM Forest, we help forest owners make the best solutions in their forests. We keep our customers and their forests rich and loved timelessly, effortlessly, and responsibly. We are committed to climate-positive forestry and improving biodiversity when sourcing wood for UPM's production facilities. www.upmmetsa.fi
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UPM
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility, we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 17,200 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 11.7 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com
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