<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>As long-lived, slow-growing tree species, European yew (<italic>Taxus baccata</italic> L.) has considerable potential for dendrochronological use. The increasing probability of decline and the worsening of yew health status endanger the species diversity of temperate forests. In 2015–2017, we sampled adult yew populations with scattered occurrence in limestone beech forests (<italic>Fagetum dealpinum</italic>), in which yew trees exhibit the top growth performance. Altogether, 150 trees were sampled (294 cores) at four localities. By using the general linear model, we investigated the interactions between stem and crown status, sex and growth performance of yew trees. Based on the previous results and innovative measures of competition and canopy closure, we explored the promotion of silviculture care for female over the male trees and formulated exact release cutting rules. The results demonstrate divergent growth trends between male and female trees and the pronounced negative effects of crown and stem damage on growth performance of European yew. Expected decreases in radial growth of damaged female trees in comparison with male ones is less confirmed. Despite this, making silvicultural treatments for females as a priority is recommendable. Our findings can improve the effectiveness of forest management and restoration activities in European temperate forests, where yew adults are threatened by the higher degree of shading and herbivory pressure.</p></abstract>

As long-lived, slow-growing tree species, European yew (Taxus baccata L.) has considerable potential for dendrochronological use. The increasing probability of decline and the worsening of yew health status endanger the species diversity of temperate forests. In 2015–2017, we sampled adult yew populations with scattered occurrence in limestone beech forests (Fagetum dealpinum), in which yew trees exhibit the top growth performance. Altogether, 150 trees were sampled (294 cores) at four localities. By using the general linear model, we investigated the interactions between stem and crown status, sex and growth performance of yew trees. Based on the previous results and innovative measures of competition and canopy closure, we explored the promotion of silviculture care for female over the male trees and formulated exact release cutting rules. The results demonstrate divergent growth trends between male and female trees and the pronounced negative effects of crown and stem damage on growth performance of European yew. Expected decreases in radial growth of damaged female trees in comparison with male ones is less confirmed. Despite this, making silvicultural treatments for females as a priority is recommendable. Our findings can improve the effectiveness of forest management and restoration activities in European temperate forests, where yew adults are threatened by the higher degree of shading and herbivory pressure.

Interaction between stem damage, crown vitality and growth performance of European yew in Central–East Europe

Geochronometria

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

As long-lived, slow-growing tree species, European yew (Taxus baccata L.) has considerable potential for dendrochronological use. The increasing probability of...

Interaction between stem damage, crown vitality and growth performance of European yew in Central–East Europe

Article Category: Regular Articles

Published Online: Dec 31, 2020

Page range: 35 - 53

Received: Jul 29, 2019

Accepted: May 29, 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/geochr-2020-0029

Keywords
dendroecology, dioecy, growth divergence, temperate forests, yew decline

© 2020 D. Sedmáková., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Interaction between stem damage, crown vitality and growth performance of European yew in Central–East Europe

Article Category: Regular Articles

Published Online: Dec 31, 2020

Page range: 35 - 53

Received: Jul 29, 2019

Accepted: May 29, 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/geochr-2020-0029

Keywordsdendroecology, dioecy, growth divergence, temperate forests, yew decline

© 2020 D. Sedmáková., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
dendroecology, dioecy, growth divergence, temperate forests, yew decline