| Maples, fir, pines and oaks are considered trees of the future since, unlike other tree species, above all spruces, they are more adapted to drought stress and rising temperatures. However, even these trees can be damaged by epidemic pathogens, some of which, as the past decade has shown, are already rising in importance. This project is aimed at increasing knowledge of novel disease problems currently harming these trees. The findings are intended to identify and assess the biotic risks that may arise from increasing use of maple, fir, pine and oak in Austrian forests. The project results should provide technical support for silvicultural measures from the forest protection side and thus contribute to the sustainability of climate protection measures. Target pathosystems are: sooty bark disease and dieback of maples, current invasive fungal diseases and epidemics of adelgids of fir, new pine needle diseases and acute oak decline. The distribution and infestation intensity of contributing pathogens will be assessed and in case of pine diseases long-term observation plots will be established. The influence of climate and location on spread of the diseases will be analysed. The host species of several pathogens will be identified and studies on infection dynamics and analysis of the spread routes will be performed. Diagnosis will comprise differential diagnostics, isolation of fungi and molecular methods. Potential vector- or pre-infestation functions will be investigated for fir adelgids and bark beetles. In case of adelgids the possible use of environmentally friendly and biological plant protection agents will be tested and evaluated. The project shall serve an intensive dialogue and knowledge exchange between the project partners and stakeholders. The results will provide a technical basis for decisions on silvicultural and forest ecological measures to prevent or control tree diseases. In addition, future research needs will be prioritized in collaboration with stakeholders. Project results will be presented periodically to stakeholders in the form of fact sheets and electronic information, as well as at information sessions. |