Beech Problems in Romania : Disease/Environment Interactions in Forest Decline. Proceedings of a Workshop of the Working Party Disease/Environment Interactions in Forest Decline IUFRO 7.02.06, Vienna, Austria, March 16-21, 1998
In Romania, a conservative silviculture based on natural forest regeneration has been practised up to now. Conifer planting in broadleaves (especially beech) sites has been moderately extended. Therefore, beech covers about 31% of the forest area at present. European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) naturally decreased in good climatic conditions up to (60) 200-300 m altitude in the sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) level. The driest periods of the second part of this century have led to the appearance of large areas with Nectria spp. mass infection. In the 1980's and 90's, a Nectria ditissima Tul. outbreak occurred owing to climatic factors (water stress and spring frost), site conditions (altitude, soil water capacity, surface water supply, etc.), stand age and structure. Large populations of Cryptococcus fagisuga Lind. were recorded only in very small areas but serious damage did not occur. Also Nectria coccinea (Pers. ex Fr.) Fr. vegetated as a saprophyte on the stumps, fallen branches, and thick split bark of very old trees. Only a few dead trees infected by this fungus were recorded. Possible prevention and control methods are discussed.
