Mendel University in Brno is the main coordinator of an international project focused on the protection and conservation of narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus angustifolia), a key tree species in the floodplain forests of Central and Southern Europe. Within the Czech Republic, this mainly concerns the region of South Moravia, especially the recently established Soutok Protected Landscape Area. The aim of the project is to increase the resilience of narrow-leaved ash and protect ecosystems in the Danube basin. To this end, a dendrometric network capable of recording real-time data on tree growth and health is being built in selected areas across Europe.

“The narrow-leaved ash is an endangered tree species, perhaps even the most endangered tree species in the Danube basin and its tributaries. The reasons for this include not only the introduction of the invasive fungus Hypoxylon fraseri, which parasitizes ash trees, or changes in the water regime of the landscape, or the risk of the expected introduction of another invasive species, the ash borer, but above all the as yet unexplained dramatic decline in ash tree fertility and the spread of root rot. There is a lack of recommendations from both a management and nature conservation perspective to support natural processes and preserve this important commercial tree species in mixed floodplain forests. The project provides an opportunity to share experiences from countries in the Danube basin that are participating in the project,” said Libor Jankovský from the Institute of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management and Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology at Mendel University.

To this end, an international monitoring network based on new technology (IoT) is being built in selected areas, capable of automatically generating data on tree vitality in near real time. The data obtained will be used to develop a practical guide for selecting individual tolerant or resistant trees, their reproduction, and the establishment of plantations.

Thanks to dendrometers, sensors attached to tree trunks, comprehensive data on tree growth and health is collected, which then allows for comparative analyses between forest locations. “Thanks to these sensors, we will obtain a more accurate assessment of tree vitality and an overview of the effectiveness of forestry practices, which will contribute to sustainable forest management. As part of the project, the monitoring system will be gradually introduced across partner sites so that we can use dendrometers to continuously monitor tree growth and health and then provide foresters with information on tree vitality and the impact of forestry practices,” explained Jan Světlík from the Institute of Forest Ecology.

In addition to the above measures, the MENDELU LDF research team considers it crucial for the fulfillment of the project’s objectives to share the long-term experience of Lesy České republiky, s. p. (LČR) with the management of narrow-leaved ash stands within the Židlochovice Forest District, specifically in the Tvrdonice and Lanžhot forest ranges. LČR representatives also welcome the proposal to establish a clonal orchard, which would serve to systematically support the collection of reproductive material within the project.

In addition to Mendel University in Brno, the project involves the Czech Agency for Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection, Lesy České republiky, and other research and application partners from Austria, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia.

“The project’s outputs, especially the recommendations for managing narrow-leaved ash stands, will be used by the Soutok Protected Landscape Area Administration not only in conceptual materials, but also directly in the field, so that this relatively rare and highly endangered tree species in the Czech Republic remains part of the floodplain forests in the future. The project’s recommendations may also serve as inspiration for other protected areas where European ash trees, which are also susceptible to this disease, are found,” concluded Vladan Riedl, director of the Soutok Protected Landscape Area.