The decline of Greek fir (Abies cephalonica Loudon): Relationships with root condition

Abstract

The decline of Greek fir (Abies cephalonica Loudon) has been reported throughout Greece during the last three decades. The symptoms include crown dieback, needle discoloration and loss, death of twigs, branches or whole tree death. A number of causes for the fir decline have been proposed such as drought, climatic change, air pollution and pathogens or insects. Our studies have focused on the relationship between fir decline symptoms and root growth and condition. The crown and root condition of fir trees, at different stages of decline, were assessed and the results showed that root condition was related to needle loss and crown discoloration. Declining trees were characterized by a decreased portion of fine root biomass. No significant differences in total root length and number of roots for each root order were found. In conclusion, our studies showed that the crown condition of Greek firs is reflected on root condition.

Key words:

• Abies cephalonica Loudon
• crown condition
• root damage

Acknowledgements

This study was part of the research project “Decline of Greek fir”, funded by the Greek Ministry of Education, programme “Archimedes I – Environment”.