A new approach in the monitoring of the phytosanitary conditions of forests: the case of oak and beech stands in the Sicilian Regional Parks

A new monitoring approach revealed severe decline symptoms in oak stands (85% symptomatic) and mixed conditions in beech stands across three Sicilian Regional Parks, with Nebrodi Park showing significant decline. Fungal pathogens were identified on both species, including Biscogniauxia mediterranea and Armillaria sp. for oaks, and Biscogniauxia nummularia and Neonectria radicicola for beeches. The study used a synthetic phytosanitary index (PC) to assess tree health in 81 sampling areas, with 22 designated as permanent for long-term monitoring.

Rizza, C., Scibetta, S., Pane, A., Maetzke, F., La Mela Veca, D. S., Cullotta, S., Granata, G., La Spada, F., Aloi, F., Faedda, R., & Cacciola, S. O. (2016). A new approach in the monitoring of the phytosanitary conditions of forests: the case of oak and beech stands in the Sicilian Regional Parks. Italian Journal of Mycology, Vol 45 (2016). https://doi.org/10.6092/ISSN.2531-7342/6343