Impact of needle cast damage on sanitary condition in young Pinus sylvestris stands in central Latvia
2016
Polmanis, K., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia);Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Miezite, O., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia) | Baumanis, I., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia) | Lazdins, A., Latvian State Forest Research Inst. Silava, Salaspils (Latvia)
Recent studies have demonstrated the occurrence of different needle cast (Lophodermium spp.) species in young Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. stands in different regions of Latvia. The impact of these fungi has been known also historically, but is predicted to increase in future due to climate changes that are forecasted to have a positive impact on presence and vigour of various species of fungi. The aim of the study was to characterize the needle cast damage in young Scots pine stands in central Latvia. Material was collected in 12 Scots pine stands at the age of 3 to 26 years in 28 plots with a total area of 8.1 ha in the middle of two consecutive growing seasons (years 2012 and 2013). The impact of disease was visually assessed using a 5 grade scale, depending on the proportion of damaged (brown) one-year old needles. Incidence of damaged trees (P, %) and damage intensity (R, %) was calculated and used to characterize the occurrence and severity of the infection in the stands as well as its link to other stand parameters. Damage incidence (ranging from 20 to 100%), as well as the intensity (from 4 to 35%) was slightly (incidence-also significantly) higher in 2013 in comparison to 2012; correlation between those two parameters was strong in both years (r = 0.94 and r = 0.84, respectively). The stand age, density (ranging from 1200 to 6900 trees haE-1) and tree height did not significantly correlate with the damage incidence or intensity. Forest type (Hylocomiosa or Myrtillosa mel.) was not a significant factor, too.
اظهر المزيد [+] اقل [-]