Investigation on Cryptococcus fagi (L.) population in relation to silvicultural characteristics of oriental beech forests (case study: Safaroud, Ramsar)

Cryptococcus fagi, the vector of Nectria sp., is one of the most important pests in beech forests which can cause beech bark disease. Because of its dispersion in the most beech forests of the northern Iran it should be taken under consideration. In this study, after forest survey, the infected area in watercatchment 30, district 5 of Safarod/Ramsar region were distinguished and 123 infected individual trees have been demarcated. Some characteristics such as d.b.h, height, infection intensity, structure and forest type have been determined. Results showed that, the most infected trees were categorized in small timber, but the highest infection intensity was observed in large timber trees. Also the pest high abundance can be seen in the small timber with regular structure. On the other hand, the stands with less stem density have been appropriated for most infection. The pure beech stands were more infected compare to mix stands. The pest abundance rate was higher in north and north-west directions. According to the results, although the disease symptoms are being observed, but no sever disease is recognized yet. As a matter of fact, it can be concluded that the pests are in their primary attack stage which could be controlled easily in this stage.