ForSEE Dendro
Abstract
Austrian forests are strongly affected by the impacts of climate change, both directly through changes in abiotic conditions and habitat suitability and indirectly through the increased frequency and intensity of disturbances such as windthrow and bark beetle infestations. Successful restoration of affected areas requires afforestation or natural regeneration, both of which depend on the quality and quantity of seed production by climate-resistant tree species. Because seed production in most temperate forest trees varies greatly over time, a phenomenon known as masting, the amounts of seed available for reforestation and natural regeneration vary significantly from year to year. A forward-looking strategy for the restoration of Austria's forests therefore requires a comprehensive understanding of the mechanistic drivers of seed production quantity and quality in order to develop strategies for optimising seed harvesting in both certified seed stands and seed orchards. The aim of this research project is to investigate the drivers of seed production, seed quality and genetic diversity of Austrian forest tree species, to determine the impact of climate change on them and to evaluate strategies to improve the reliability and quality of seed available for afforestation. The project will test and apply innovative seed orchard management practices to improve seed production for oak and silver fir. In addition, natural recruitment dynamics and their limits during the seed and seedling stages will be quantified in order to evaluate "hands-off" management approaches. The project aims to involve small forest owners who could contribute with their seed harvest to mitigate the national seed shortage, while their participation also raises awareness on forest management issues in times of climate change. In close consultation with practitioners, we aim to derive recommendations and methods for increasing yields and maintaining genetic diversity of seed crops.
Publikationen
Project staff
Michael Grabner
Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Michael Grabner
michael.grabner@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-89128
BOKU Project Leader
01.09.2021 - 31.08.2024