Can artificial wounding of beech stems induce necroses?

Abstract

The paper presents data on the induction of necroses after small injuries to beech stems caused by electrodes during measuring cambium electric resistance. Altogether 121 beech stems of tree class 1-3 (according to Kraft) were evaluated. Among 2,904 mechanical injuries in 121 stems evaluated (24 per stem), 155 injuries induced necroses, hence each 19th injury induced necrosis. Most stems (33.06%) showed one necrosis, few stems (4.96%) showed even four necroses. 28.93% of stems did not show any necrosis. In order to prevent the infection of wounds and subsequent induction of necroses the authors recommend to treat any wounds with a suitable fungicide after using an equipment causing even negligible wounds of stems.

Keywords

• fagus sylvatica l.
• mechanical wounds of stems
• induction of necroses
• central slovakia