Data from floristic publications, forest management records, comprehensive questionnaires and original field research were used to assess the silver fir resources in the Sudety Mts. Fir trees older than 50 years were recorded in over 2000 localities but the mean number of individuals per locality was only about 15. The generally low number of fir trees and their considerable dispersion are the major causes of the poor reproduction of the studied species in the Sudety Mts. In that region, silver fir should receive special treatment and, if possible, excluded from logging plans. Current and projected activities concerned with fir protection are described briefly.
The study presents the structure and floristic composition of mixed fir forest at the northern range limit of European silver fir (Abies alba) in Poland. Phytosociological data were collected in the forest reserve “Murowaniec”,which was established to protect mixed forest ecosystems with a large contribution of fir trees. Changes in floristic composition of these coniferous forests in the last 40 years were discussed. Protective measures are suggested in this paper, aiming at conservation of the forest ecosystems of the reserve.
The genetic resistance of potato varieties can be utilized to lower the fungicide rates used for plant protection against late blight. The very resistant varieties can be protected with half the rate of fungicide without negative effect on efficiency of the control.