Sessile oak (Quercus petraea [Matt.] Liebl.) and its adaptation strategies in the context of global climate change: a review

Abstract

This paper provides characteristic and a comprehensive overview of the adaptation strategies of sessile oak (Quercus petraea [Matt.] Liebl.) in the context of global climate change (GCC). The GCC is primarily manifested by increasing air temperatures and changing precipitation distribution. It poses a significant challenge to tree species including sessile oak, affecting its capacity for adaptation and survival. Despite the challenge, sessile oak shows significant drought tolerance due to its deep-reaching root system, which allows the tree to use available water more efficiently. Other adaptive strategies include the establishment of mixed stands that increase the resilience and biodiversity of the ecosystem. Adjustments of stand density through tending interventions play a significant role, helping to improve the stress resistance of stands. Additionally, coppice forest cultivation is applied on extremely dry sites. The sessile oak is also significant for its ecological plasticity – its ability to thrive on versatile soil and climatic conditions makes it a promising tree species for future forest management. Mixed stands with sessile oak and other tree species can enhance the ecosystem services of forests and also increase their endurance to GCC events. However, sessile oak faces several challenges, including the increasing risk of damage from pests and pathogens that require targeted measures for its protection and sustainable cultivation. The literature review suggests that a comprehensive understanding of sessile oak’s ecological requirements and interactions with the environment is crucial for its successful adaptation to GCC and the formulation of effective strategies for its protection and use in forest management.