ZLV Online

Abstract

Results of phenotypic evaluation in the forest stands with thermophilic oak species in nature forest regions of Český kras (the Bohemian Karst) and České středohoří (the Bohemian Highlands) are presented in this paper. Tree height, stem height without crown, breast height diameter, stem and crown health status, stem form, stem transsection and sinuosity, type of branching, ability to sprouting capacity, and thickness of main crown branches were measured and assessed to obtain information on their phenotypic variability, growth performance and health condition. Simultaneously, the data about their occurrence in the monitored regions were obtained and supplemented with mensurational information and habitat description. The obtained results document the present occurrence of thermophilic oak species in the investigated regions and indicate promising possibilities for their wider growing in consequence of predicted climate change and global warming. Especially, Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) showed very favorable growth parameters comparable to other oak species or beech even at altitudes above 550 m a.s.l.