Ash dieback in the UK: A review of the ecological and conservation implications and potential management options

Mitchell, Ruth J.; Beaton, Joan; Bellamy, Paul E.; Broome, Alice; Chetcuti, Jordan; Eaton, Sally; Ellis, Christopher J.; Gimona, Alessandro; Harmer, R.; Hester, Alison J.; Hewison, Richard L.; Hodgetts, N. G.; Iason, Glenn R.; Kerr, Gary; Littlewood, Nick A.; Newey, Scott; Potts, Jacqueline M.; Pozsgai, Gábor; Ray, Duncan; Sim, Dave; Stockan, Jenni A.; Taylor, Andy F. S.; Woodward, Stephen

doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2014.04.019

Cited by 129 publications

(134 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…At present, ash is significantly compromised by chronic fungal pathogen H. fraxineus that is considered to be the most common origin of the ash dieback in all Europe (Kowalski, 2006;Bakys et al, 2009;Pautasso et al, 2013;Mitchell et al, 2014;Adamčík-ová et al, 2015). Changes in stand productions, biodiversity and health condition for the Krkonoše Mts.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effect of fungal pathogens and climatic factors on production, biodiversity and health status of ash mountain forests

Vacek¹,

Vacek²,

Bulušek³

et al. 2017

Dendrobiology

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European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a broad-leaved fast-growing tree species common in most parts of Europe, highly-valued for its ecological properties and occurrence in many forest site types. Its future is threatened, especially by an invasive fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus causing disintegration of E. ash stands throughout all Europe. This paper deals with changes in stand structure, biodiversity and production parameters in mixed European ash stands in the Krkonoše Mountains National park, Czech Republic, with respect to ash dieback progress for period [2009][2010][2011][2012][2013][2014][2015]. Studied four permanent research plots (0.25 ha) showed negative dynamics of stand structural and production parameters. Volume of ash ranged between 98-376 m 3 ha -1 (stand volume 378-613 m 3 ha -1), which indicates a decrease by 2.7% during 6 years. Detected fungi caused mean deterioration of foliage by 22.9%, canopy by 15.8% and mortality reached 15.2%. The earlier ash dieback symptoms were detected at suppressed and intermediate trees, especially on waterlogged sites and at low altitude. Conversely, ash dieback was reflected less intensively at higher-elevated sloping stands, although low temperature (particularly severe frosts at the beginning of the year) was prevailing limiting factor for radial growth of ash in these mountain areas. The biodiversity indices of tree layer indicate mostly medium values with a decreasing tendency (to 22.4%). Relationship between spatial pattern of trees without dieback symptoms and infected trees was positive at small distances (to 7 m) or random. In terms of preventive silvicultural practices, strong systematic thinning is recommended to maintain the vitality of ash stands.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is connected with the need to increase the share of alternative tree species, including Quercus robur L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Populus spp., Prunus padus L., etc. (Havrdová et al, 2014;Mitchell et al, 2014). Silvicultural efforts are needed to concentrate primarily on young stands (Skovsgaard et al, 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of fungal pathogens and climatic factors on production, biodiversity and health status of ash mountain forests

Vacek¹,

Vacek²,

Bulušek³

et al. 2017

Dendrobiology

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“…Ash dieback has had variable recognizable consequences, partially driven by both the known and still unknown or unrecognized importance of the species from a forestry or nature conservations perspective. Mitchell et al [102] suggest that the disease could have wide-ranging ecological implications particularly for obligate-associated organisms to ash and the indirect effect of the disease on nutrient cycling in woodland ecosystems. Baseline information on tree species contributions to ecosystem functions is necessary in order to determine actual short-term impacts on light penetration, nitrogen cycling, and primary production, long-term impacts involving interactions with other abiotic or biotic stress factors, and any compensatory effects of other tree species in the post-epidemic/decline phase.…”

Section: Ash Diebackmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Host Variability on the Spread of Invasive Forest Diseases

Prospero

Cleary

2017

Forests

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Biological invasions, resulting from deliberate and unintentional species transfers of insects, fungal and oomycete organisms, are a major consequence of globalization and pose a significant threat to biodiversity. Limiting damage by non-indigenous forest pathogens requires an understanding of their current and potential distributions, factors affecting disease spread, and development of appropriate management measures. In this review, we synthesize innate characteristics of invading organisms (notably mating system, reproduction type, and dispersal mechanisms) and key factors of the host population (namely host diversity, host connectivity, and host susceptibility) that govern spread and impact of invasive forest pathogens at various scales post-introduction and establishment. We examine spread dynamics for well-known invasive forest pathogens, Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (T. Kowalski) Baral, Queloz, Hosoya, comb. nov., causing ash dieback in Europe, and Cryphonectria parasitica, (Murr.) Barr, causing chestnut blight in both North America and Europe, illustrating the importance of host variability (diversity, connectivity, susceptibility) in their invasion success. While alien pathogen entry has proven difficult to control, and new biological introductions are indeed inevitable, elucidating the key processes underlying host variability is crucial for scientists and managers aimed at developing effective strategies to prevent future movement of organisms and preserve intact ecosystems.

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“…With a history of around 20 years in Europe, common ash is now heavily affected by ash dieback throughout most of its natural range . Being a keystone species in European riparian forests, heavy losses of F. excelsior will have substantial effects on associated species (Jönsson and Thor 2012;Littlewood et al 2015;Lõhmus and Runnel 2014;Lygis et al 2014;Mitchell et al 2014;Pautasso et al 2013).…”

Section: Ash Dieback In Europementioning

confidence: 99%

The susceptibility of Asian, European and North American Fraxinus species to the ash dieback pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus reflects their phylogenetic history

et al. 2016

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Ash dieback in the UK: A review of the ecological and conservation implications and potential management options

Cited by 129 publications

References 53 publications

Effect of fungal pathogens and climatic factors on production, biodiversity and health status of ash mountain forests

Effect of fungal pathogens and climatic factors on production, biodiversity and health status of ash mountain forests

Effects of Host Variability on the Spread of Invasive Forest Diseases

The susceptibility of Asian, European and North American Fraxinus species to the ash dieback pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus reflects their phylogenetic history

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