Hope for the ash tree: resilience of young trees
Ash trees in Schleswig-Holstein have been severely affected by an introduced fungus for years. However, scientists are hopeful that the ecologically and economically important tree species can survive. According to landscape ecologist Katharina Mausolf, who is conducting research in a corresponding project, young trees, especially from heavily affected stands, are showing initial resistance to the infection and its consequences.
The tree disease, known as ash dieback, is caused by the false white stem borer introduced from Asia, which lives parasitically in the tissue of ash trees and damages them. This causes the crown to lose leaves and subsequent infections of the weakened tree with decomposing fungi such as Hallimasch cause the roots to die.
Recently, Schleswig-Holstein's Forestry Minister Werner Schwarz (CDU) expressed great concern about ash dieback at the presentation of the Forest Condition Report 2023.
The resilience of young ash trees offers a glimmer of hope for the future of the environment in Schleswig-Holstein's forests. nature's ability to adapt and regenerate, as demonstrated by these resilient young trees, is a testament to the intrinsic strength of forest ecosystems.
Source: www.dpa.com
