Investigation period: 2002-2005

Project leader: Ph.D. András Koltay

In the Hungarian stocked forest lands, the current combined rate of common alder (Alnus glutinosa) is 2,9 %, representing 47 400 hectare of forest. Most of the Alder stands are in Transdanubia mainly on lowland in fen areas. Mountain river bank stands are less importance of forest economy.

In the last 10-15 years in Alder stands occurred different type and measure of damages and primary cause of damages was considered the long dry period.

decline of Alder in Hungary was first observed in 1999 in Hanság, north-west part of Hungary, near to the Austrian border and probably Alder Phytophthora spread quickly in all country.

Department of Forest Protection of Hungarian FRI started a long period monitoring project in 2001, concerning Phytophthora decline of Alder. In the course of the project are assessed the importance of Phytophthora decline of Alder, and the damaged areas, and measure of the infection in different part of the country.

We are looking for the answer for lots of question about Hungarian Alder Phytophthora decline mainly point of view of forestry. Tasks are distributed short and middle-long period.

Short period investigation:

Distribution of Alder Phytophthora decline in Hungarian riparian and fen Alder stands.

Identification and writing down of Phytophthora decline symptoms in different phase of ruin

Measure of damage in different Alder stands according to site, age, height class and position of trees.

Middle-long period investigation:

Spreading of Phytophthora disease in stands and on the trees

Determine the rate of development of the disease and intensity of Phytophthora infection in different Alder stands

Relationship between environmental factors and Phytophthora decline

Relationship between silvicultural treatment and development of the disease