Current information about Forest Damage research and SLU Forest Damage Centre | |
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The
proposed solution by the government to invest in saving ash and elm – two
important noble broadleaved trees species – is a significant milestone in our
quest to ensure that these iconic trees are not wiped from our landscape into
folklore”, says Michelle Cleary, Senior Lecturer in Forest Pathology at SLU
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Summer is here and the holidays are just around the corner
Summer has begun with fantastic weather in parts of Sweden. While this is delightful, warm and sunny weather can also lead to drought and fires. Already in May, warnings were issued in several parts of Sweden and some minor fires occurred. Now, as we are halfway through June and many people are starting their holidays, the forecasts of drought or fires are not alarming for Sweden. However, if you are a forest owner, there are still some things worth keeping an eye on. We have listed a few tips here: Follow the fire risk index and observe any fire bans. Know your forest land. Where is there a risk of fire starting (e.g., power lines, railways, campfires)? What types of fuel are present and where? Where are the natural places to stop a fire (lakes, rivers, ditches, marshes)? Get to know the terrain. Where can the fire escalate? Avoid machinery work in dry conditions.
Last but not least, we at the SLU Forest Damage Centre wish you a pleasant summer and a wonderful holiday!
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Unusual Discovery of Birch Damage near Hudiksvall
A planted stand of birches outside Hudiksvall has been affected by unclear damage. Now, researchers are trying to identify the cause of the damage. The researchers will use samples to try to cultivate the fungus (Ophistoma Pseudokarelicum) and then infect healthy birches to see if they become sick and show symptoms.
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The Mystery of the Dead Pines
Across the country, pines have mysteriously fallen ill and died. Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) are on the hunt for the suspected
perpetrators
and have discovered an unexpected duo in blue.
The fungus Ophiostoma minus has been found in nearly all the dead pines. How it got there is unknown, but they have a suspect - the blue jewel beetle
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SLU Forest Damage
Centre Highlighted as a Coordinator in a Governmental investigation
Elm is in acute danger in Sweden and risk to disappear entirely if no action is taken. Minister for Rural Affairs, Peter Kullgren, recently received a statement from the investigation into forest tree breeding for increased resilience, which highlights the SLU Forest Damage Centre as a significant actor in the fight against both Dutch elm disease and ash dieback.
"The
proposed solution by the government to invest in saving ash and elm – two
important noble broadleaved trees species – is a significant milestone in our
quest to ensure that these iconic trees are not wiped from our landscape into
folklore”, says Michelle Cleary "The investigation propose robust and well-considered measures with substantial investments in research to support breeding and the implementation of resistant plant materials. I look forward to working on this urgent problem as soon as possible and hope the government will fully fund the proposition,” says Åke Olson, researcher and deputy director of the SLU Forest Damage Centre.
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New camera technology to unveil bark beetle infested spruces at an earlier stage
With advanced drone cameras, researchers can detect European Spruce Bark Beetle infestations earlier and more accurately than ever before. With innovative new camera technology, they now aim to shorten the identification time even more and thus save more forest from attacks.
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A New Skogsskada is taking formSkogsskada, a web-based tool for reporting and identifying damage, is currently being rebuilt. Codes are being written, and the infrastructure for the tool is being developed. Our project manager, Helena Hallqvist, answers a few quick questions. How has the work progressed so far? ‒ It has gone very well. The background work with user surveys and planning the design of the tool is complete, and the IT team is currently building it. What remains before the tool can be launched? ‒ Once the technical components are built, we need to test it to ensure all functions work as intended and meet our specified requirements. When will Skogsskada be launched? ‒ The goal is, if everything goes as planned, for it to be ready by autumn 2024. Can damage be reported during the reconstruction period? ‒ It is absolutely possible to continue reporting damages during this period, and we encourage everyone to do so.
A tip is that it is much easier to report using your mobile phone.
| | | | | | | CalendarOur upcoming events, seminars and conferences | 23-29 juni 2024 |
26TH IUFRO WORLD CONGRESS
IUFRO World Congress is one of the largest global forest events, held every five years since 1893
| | | | 2-3 October | Networking symposiumNetworking symposium about plant protection and forest damage. This event is for staff at SLU. | | | | | |
It is vital to manage pathogenic fungi in forest nurseries
Increased knowledge about pathogenic fungi in nurseries can improve the measures used to protect the tree seedlings. Therefore, in her doctoral thesis, Rebecca Larsson has studied the occurrence of pathogenic fungi on spruce, pine, and larch seeds; healthy pine needles, as well as fungal spores in the air around the nurseries.
| | | | Do you participate in IUFRO?On Friday, 28th June between 16:00 and 18:00, you are welcome to attend: T5.26 New solutions for challenges in decision support for mitigating disturbances to increase forest health and resilience under climate change, K21
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Are you aware that we have gathered facts and research about forest damage on our website? We do this to make it easier for you to find information when you want to learn more and deepen your knowledge about forest damage.
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Our next newsletter will be sent out in September | |
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