engleski

New findings of an invasive Prunus serotina: A case study from Croatia

American black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh., Rosaceae) is a widespread invader of the continental European lowlands, often reaching high abundance and an invasive status. Unlike in many European countries, in Croatia, P. serotina is still not on the invasive species list. The individuals of P. serotina were found in the Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) forest regeneration area of Jastrebarsko forest management unit in 2019. This alerted us to start to monitor the spreading area, status and its impact on the native plant species. In order to investigate the habitat characteristics phytosociological approach was applied. In addition, area was surveyed using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) DJI Mavic 2 Pro and DJI Ground Station Pro, both on regeneration area and the surrounding forest area from April 2019 to August 2021. The results showed that P.serotina has been spreading considerably in the regeneration area. While regeneration area was covered with the high shrub layer of the american black cherry, not a single specimen was found in the surrounding forest area. Fast initial expansion of P. serotina in 2019 in the estimated area, was slowed down in next 2 years due to performed tending activities. This suggests that mechanical measures potentially are a solution of its further spreading. We recommend to continue monitoring survey of Prunus serotina in order to help prevent its spread in the future.

American black cherry, regeneration area monitoring, spreading control, phytosociology, invasivness, forest management

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