Analysis of Norway spruce dieback phenomenon in Latvia - a belowground perspective

Abstract

In 2010, dieback of Norway spruce (Picea abies) was observed in Latvia. As mostly stands on seasonally or permanently water-saturated soils were damaged, we hypothesized that the recorded foliar damage might be associated with belowground factors. We established 48 sample plots in stands with damage symptoms for soil parameter evaluation and fine root sampling to determine the number of fine roots in different growth stages and to describe the associated fungal community. Among sample plots on organic soils, there were fewer viable older fine roots and greater number of dead fine roots in more damaged sites than in less damaged. These root parameters were significantly correlated with higher groundwater level and soil pH. The fungal community was dominated by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) species (the most common was Tylospora asterophora), the endophyte Oidiodendron maius and saprotrophic species Cryptococcus magnus. Saprotrophic species had higher abundance in more damaged sites, suggesting a shift in fungal communities from ECM fungi. In conclusion, the results of this work suggest Norway spruce root system response to short-term climatic stress, which should be considered when planning spruce forest management, especially on organic soils with a high groundwater level.

Keywords

Picea abies; fine roots; soil conditions; organic soils; climatic stress; drainage; ectomycorrhizal fungi

Published in

Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research
2016, volume: 31, number: 2, pages: 156-165
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS AS

SLU Authors

• Menkis, Audrius

  • Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

SLU Plant Protection Network

UKÄ Subject classification

Microbiology
Forest Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02827581.2015.1069390

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/69990