Knowledge of the concentrations of radioactive materials in edible wild species is important to reduce the health risks associated with radiation exposure. Between 2015 and 2019, we collected 2094 parts of 380 edible wild photosynthetic species (plants, terrestrial cyanobacteria, and epilithic lichens), 72 parts of 27 non-edible wild photosynthetic species, and 22 parts of 15 edible cultivated plant species, for a total of 2187 parts of 422 species growing in areas affected by the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident. Aggregated transfer factor (T_ag) values of radioactive cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs) transferred to organisms from the habitat O-horizon and soil were investigated. Geometric mean values of ¹³⁷Cs T_ag of edible parts of wild species differed greatly among species in both vegetative organs and sexual reproductive organs (maximum/minimum ratio of species T_ag of ~2000 in vegetative organs and ~920 in sexual reproductive organs). Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the factors that were associated with species geometric mean T_ag values in representative edible parts of vegetative organs and sexual reproductive organs of edible wild species. Forest species tended to have higher T_ag values than open-land-habitat species (P < 0.023). Although data were obtained only for vegetative organs, T_ag values were higher for adherent species, such as those that adhere to tree trunks or stones (e.g., by adhering roots) (P < 0.010). Species’ ecological traits were significantly influenced species-level ¹³⁷Cs T_ag. Because ¹³⁷Cs T_ag values differ greatly depending on the species, it is important to use species as a unit in food-safety assessments of radioactivity in edible photosynthetic organisms.

The genus Phaeobotryon was observed on branches of Wisteria floribunda, Malus sp., and Kerria japonica from March to June 2022. Based on its morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic position, the fungus was identified as Phaeobotryon aplosporum M. Pan & X. L. Fan, which has not been reported in Japan. Because this species was found in multiple localities and hosts, it may be widely distributed in Japan. Some species of the genus Phaeobotryon includes tree pathogens. Distribution and ecology of the genus in Japan thus warrant further investigation.

The Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute and Regional Forest Offices have conducted long-term monitoring (for up to ≥80 years) in >160 permanent experimental sites in national forests across Japan. This study reports time-series growth data of 82 plots in 42 sites of planted forests of Cryptomeria japonica, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Larix kaempferi, and Abies sachalinensis, with 1 plot in a deciduous broad-leaved natural forest, and 3 plots in one site of Pinus densiflora natural forest, where the latest measurements were obtained from FY2016 to FY2020. Time-series growth data from these plots have not only been used for the initial purpose of creating and verifying yield tables but also for various research purposes (e.g., growth dynamics analysis, development and upgrading of various growth models, examination of stand density indices, improvement of forest survey methods, and evaluation of forestry profitability). As many of the test sites are becoming aged forests, continuing the measurements will supply valuable data about old-aged forests.