Storfrugtet røn: en ny træart til skovdyrkning, frugtavl eller bare en gearet investering?

Service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) is almost unknown in Denmark, but may be interesting in a future warmer climate. The paper includes an introduction to the species' ecology, diseases, cultivation and products. Service tree has a number of good properties, but can be difficult to establish. It is recommended only to plant service tree on a small scale, until effective means against stem cankers have been identified. On the suitability of service tree for silviculture in Denmark: Service tree is drought tolerant and thrives well in a climate that is slightly warmer than at present in Denmark. However, service tree can be somewhat difficult to establish and young trees are prone to stem cankers that may potentially kill the tree. In 2002 we planted some service trees of unknown origin in northern Denmark. They were planted in different types of already established, mixed forest stands. The area had previously been stocked with an apple orchard. The rate of survival was high although none of the trees were sprayed with sulphur or copper. Now, all the service trees suffer more or less from stem cankers and most of them do not thrive well. In 2013 we raised some seedlings of Modra origin (Figure 1). Almost all seeds germinated, and the seedlings grew 34‐92 cm tall in the first growing season (average height = 57 cm). We consequently consider it easy to produce nursery plants. So far, our experience is insufficient to judge the long‐term prospects for service tree as a forest crop tree in Denmark. However, old and large trees in good growth and without diseases testify that service tree can thrive and remain healthy. In a coming article we will present an overview of some of the trees that we know. In our opinion, the fruits and the spectacularly beautiful autumn foliage are sufficient reasons for planting some service trees in the forest. We recommend small‐scale plantings until effective means against stem cankers have been identified.