Ailanthus altissima in the region of Malesh in FYR Macedonia (original) (raw)

2017

Abstract

There was no written documentation when, where and how the invasive alien plant species Ailanthus altissima was introduced to the Malesh Region in FYR Macedonia, yet only assumptions for the early 20th century as a species suitable for erosion control, and in certain urban areas for ornamental purposes. This article represents the first research on this species in the mentioned region. Most of the research activities were conducted in 2016 during the preparation of a MSc thesis titled: ‘Predicting the potential distribution of invasive species A. altissima due to climate change in the Bregalnica Region’. At all sites of A. altissima in the Malesh Region, GPS coordinates were taken. Basic bio-ecological features of the highest individual trees were noted, and core samples for determining the age were taken for laboratory analyses. All collected data were imported in an attribute database to be displayed on a map using QGIS software, thus giving us a detailed picture of the current distribution of the species in this region. The principal findings show that the Municipality of Pehchevo has a larger area covered with A. altissima than the Municipality of Berovo, both settled on the Maleshevo Mountains. The invasive alien plant was found in urban and peri-urban areas, as a part of the ruderal vegetation (pioneer species), along main roads, introduced as an ornamental species, afforested for erosion control or planted by mistake by local population instead of other species (Juglans sp.). The largest specimen (with DBH of about 51 cm, a height of 15 m, and age of about 65 years) was found in the village of Pancharevo. The species appear to thrive up to the elevations of about 1000 m a.s.l.

Ivan Mincev hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Ivan know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.