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An empirical model is presented to forecast the incidence of root rot at stand level. In addition, the impact of different thinning programmes on the incidence of root rot is evaluated. The model is based on data from 152 permanent forest research plots of pure Picea abies in southern Sweden, within which the incidence of root rot at stump height in thinned trees has been recorded after each thinning since 1950. In total, about 20 000 stumps have been studied. According to simulations with the model, areas previously used as fields or for grazing are particularly susceptible to root rot, while old hardwood sites are less susceptible. Furthermore, simulations with the model imply that the earlier, the harder or more often a stand is thinned, the faster will be the development of root rot.

The objective of this study was to compare volume growth and external timber quality properties of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia) stands planted in different spacings (1.41 )1.41, 2.00 )2.00, 2.83)2.83, 4.00 )4.00) in southern Sweden. In northern Sweden lodgepole pine has been grown for a long time and shows superior volume production compared to Scots pine (Pinus Sylvestris L.). The Swedish Forestry Act restricts establishment of lodgepole pine plantations in southern Sweden. However, it is important to increase the knowledge about lodgepole pine and its potential use also in this part of the country. Two experiments in southern Sweden were studied. Each trial was designed as a random block experiment with two blocks. Both investigated stands had an age of 23 years at the time of assessment. The mean diameter and the volume production differed significantly between the spacings. The highest volume production was found in the narrowest spacing, 313% compared to the widest spacing. Significant differences between spacings were also found concerning external quality traits. The frequency of dominant and co-dominant trees without defects was 24% in the most open spacing compared to 46% in the narrowest one. Under current circumstances approximately 2500 seedlings/ha in the initial stand seems to be a reasonable compromise between growth, diameter development and timber quality.