engleski

The development of leaf phenophases of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Croatia in relation to ecological factors

Background and Purpose: European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), the most important tree species in Croatia, grows in all vegetation belts in the continental part of the country. Each vegetation belt is characterized by particular ecological conditions. The purpose of research was to determine to what extent the ecological factors (climate, altitude, sides of the world) influence leaf development of the European beech. Materials and Methods: Research drew upon the data obtained from phenological forest tree monitoring conducted from 1993 to 2000. The analysis included leaf phenophases of European beech from 58 plots, which represent the beginning (L3) and the end (L6) of leaf growth period. Climatic data for 18 meteorological stations situated at altitudes between 100 and 1, 500 m were processed. The data were analyzed with basic statistical methods. Results: The average beginning of leaf development of European beech in Croatia began on May 2 and ended on October 17. The average period of leaf growth was 168 days, or 5 months and 15 days. The shortest period of leaf growth was on Bjelolasica (4 months), while the longest took place in Ivanjska near Bjelovar (6 months and 12 days). Conclusions: The beginning of leaf flushing of this tree species in Croatia does not differ in terms of the sides of the world, while the end of flushing occurs 6 days earlier on the south side. The period of leaf growth on the north side was 5 days longer. The mean annual air temperatures differ by about 2 °C per vegetation belt. A decrease in air temperatures by 1 °C shortens the period of leaf growth of European beech by 6 days. As the altitude rises, flushing begins later (up to 4 weeks) and ends earlier (up to 3 weeks).

phenology; European beech; vegetation belt; climate

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