Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Non-native tree species provide alternatives for forestry that needs to adapt to climate change and multiple public demands. In Sweden, Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a non-native tree species with potential, both in wood production and as a support to biodiversity in woodlands and in urban settings. However, due to its invasiveness it can also become a threat. The aim of this study is to contribute new knowledge about the current condition of Sycamore maple populations in southern Sweden. The focus was on comparing the status of the trees in urban and woodland settings and finding indicators for associated biodiversity (epiphyte coverage) and vitality (growth parameters and visible damage), with special attention to detecting potential first symptoms and signs of the pathogen Cryptostroma corticale which causes the lethal disease Sooty bark disease (SBD) in Sycamore maple. The method includes a literature study and a field study. In the field study 320 sycamore maple trees were visually examined for a set of vitality and biodiversity indicators (crown status, symptoms and signs of pests and pathogens) in two urban settings (Malmö, Helsingborg) and two woodland settings (Torup, Skabersjö) in southern Sweden. The surveyed Sycamore maples showed consistently high vitality, and most trees with reduced crown conditions were in urban settings. Urban trees also hosted a higher coverage of trunk-dwelling epiphytic lichens and mosses. No signs of the presence of the pathogen Cryptostroma corticale were detected on any of the surveyed trees. The study sheds light on the characteristics of Sycamore maples, its use as an urban tree, a replacement tree and as a component in admixtures. It also provides a baseline and valuable insights to design strategies for the species introduction and management in order to minimize any negative ecological effects.