Dendrometric, phytopathological and entomological characteristics of a wych elm tree on mt. Goc

Abstract

Valuable broadleaves, including also wych elms, belong to the category of rare tree species in the growing stock of Serbia. The conservation of Serbian forest diversity and the genetic potential of these tree species require a multidisciplinary study. In this respect, we undertook a dendrometric and health analysis of a wych elm tree on Goc, as it is a rarity by its dimensions, not only from the local, but also from the regional aspects. The tree is 266 years old, its diameter at breast height is 2.09 m, height 42.1 m, and volume (d>3 cm) 56.35 m3. Current height increment culminated early, at the age of 20-30 years, attaining 0.5 m, and current diameter increment at the age of 40-50 years when its value was 14.4 mm. The above data point to a high productivity of this elm tree and to favourable site and stand conditions of its development. On the other hand, its current diameter increment and height over the last period (1.7 mm, and 0.03 m respectively) indicate that the tree was in the phase of physiological dying. 10 species of fungi were identified on the tree (facultative parasites or saprophytes), the most significant being Armillaria mellea and Aurantioporus fissilis, which caused central heartwood decay. Other fungi developed saprophytically in the dead part of the stem or in dead branches. Eight insect species (secondary and tertiary pests) were identified, including the two most dangerous elm beetles (Scolytus scolytus and S. multistriatus). Together with the species Saperda punctata and Cerambyx scopolii, they accelerated the dying process of twigs and branches, as well as of the whole tree. Ambrosia beetle Xyleborus monographus infested the stem and the large dead branches and caused minor technical damage in wood. The species Dorcus paralelopipedus, Oryctes nasicornis and Valgus hemipterus supported the faster progress of wood-rotting fungi and thus contributed to physiological weakening and shortened the life cycle of the study elm tree.

Biological Flora of the British Isles: Ulmus glabra

“…in the Derbyshire Dales (Merton, 1970) and Serbia (Medarevic et al, 2011), although the maximum age is 400-700 years (Brzeziecki & Kienast, 1994;Mioduszewski & Korczyk, 2013), a 100 years or more longer than U. minor. A 438-year-old wych elm was recorded in 1994 in northern Poland, where most of the old elms are found in parks and along roadsides (Pacyniak, 2003).…”

“…Trees normally reach maximum height at the age of 60 at which point they can be 40 m high and 150 cm DBH (Mayer, ). Individual trees over 200 years old have been reported on limestone in the Derbyshire Dales (Merton, ) and Serbia (Medarevic et al., ), although the maximum age is 400–700 years (Brzeziecki & Kienast, ; Mioduszewski & Korczyk, ), a 100 years or more longer than U. minor . A 438‐year‐old wych elm was recorded in 1994 in northern Poland, where most of the old elms are found in parks and along roadsides (Pacyniak, ).…”

“…Klok., U. sukaczevii Andronov) is a deciduous non‐suckering tree with a spreading rounded or ovate canopy. Height up to 37–45 m, trunk >200 cm DBH, dividing low‐down into long ascending, spreading branches (Medarevic et al., ). Bark grey, smooth when young (hence glabra ), becoming brownish‐grey, paler than other elms, furrowed with age.…”

Some characteristics of the stagnation stage in the development of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) trees in selection forests in Serbia

“…A continental mountainous climate approximating the more humid variant of a subalpine climate prevails in the area. Th e average annual air temperature is 7.9 °C, relative air humidity is 83%, precipitation (with a substantial percentage of snow) is 977 mm, and duration of sunny periods is about 1700 h (Medarević et al 2002(Medarević et al , 2005Obradović 2008). Th e following forest types were defi ned based on the study of soil, phytocoenology, and the productivity development of silver fi r, spruce, and beech selection forests on Mt.…”

“…Th e following forest types were defi ned based on the study of soil, phytocoenology, and the productivity development of silver fi r, spruce, and beech selection forests on Mt. Tara (Medarević et al 2005):…”