Facts:
The following two courses given in the series are called:
- Forest damage - Inventory and monitoring (2024)
- Forest damage - Consequences and management (2025)
Read more about the courses and SLU Forest Damage's research school here.
SLU news
Forest damage course gave new insights into pests and risks
Published: 01 June 2023
Arming the forest against forest damage and being able to analyze the risks and consequences of the damage is important, especially in a warmer climate. During March to May, the first of three PhD courses was organised by SLU Forest Damage Centre to train future researchers in the subject.
Climate change is expected to increase the incidence of several different types of forest damage. These damage affect both the growth of the forest and the biological diversity. Therefore, it is important to train future researchers in this matter. During March to the end of May, the PhD course “Forest Damage – incidences and causation” was given.
– The aim was to provide the students with a basic understanding of the biological and ecological aspects of pests. We wanted to show the risks and effects the pests, says Åke Olson, the main organiser of the course.
The course started in March with a journal club. The students read and discussed scientific publications on forest damage every Friday until mid-May. At the end of May, the course moved to Älvkarleö for a busy week of lectures, discussions and excursions.
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European larch canker caused by Lachnellula willkommii. Photo: Åke Olson.
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Participants at the course “Forest Damage – incidences and causation” in Älvkarleby. Photo: Åke Olson.
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Top break on pine tree caused by moose. Photo: Åke Olson.
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–The students also presented their own PhD projects at Älvkarleö. It was a good opportunity to practice presentation techniques and led to many exciting discussions about their project, says Åke.
The course was organized by the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology together with SLU Forest Damage Centre. The teachers came from many different departments at SLU and talked about forest damage, symptoms and pests, how to diagnose commonly occurring pests and pathogens, the ecology of forest pests and pathogens, forest ecosystem health, as well as different risk factors related to forest health. Professor Enrico Bonello of The Ohio State University gave a lecture on the ins and outs of Diplodia tip blight and canker.
– It was a very good course, said several students! We look forward to giving the other two courses in this series, concludes Åke.
Contact
Åke Olson, researcher
Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology
Section for forest pathology
Ake.Olson@slu.se, 018-671876