Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) is an important tree species with a remarkable natural range throughout Europe and Asia, ranging from the Balkan Peninsula to Siberia in the north and from the French Alps in the west to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. Wherever it occurs, it is a key component of both natural and managed forests. Norway spruce is the most economically valuable conifer in Europe, producing high-quality timber and wood products.
This book presents a concise and comprehensive review of the biology, ecology, and management of Norway spruce. It integrates classic and contemporary literature (more than 2000 works cited in the text), highlighting basic research and forestry practices in central and eastern Europe. The topics include anatomy and morphology, physiology and nutrition, reproductive biology and genetics, and ecology.
In addition, it examines mycorrhiza, diseases and pests as well as silviculture and wood products. In the light of increasing threats to forest health from air pollution, climate change, and insects and disease, it provides an essential information source to those concerned with the ecology, conservation, and management of the species.
Written for:
Advanced students, researchers, forestry professionals, biologists
Table of contents
1. Paleorecord of Norway spruce; A. Srodon, K. Tobolski.-
2. Morphology; T. Przybylski.-
3. Taxonomy; W. Bugala.-
4. Geographic distribution; K. Boratynska.-
5. The Central European disjunctions in the range of Norway Spruce; A. Boratynski.-
6. Anatomy, embryology, and karyology. Bud structure and shoot development; A. Hejnowicz.-
7. Growth and nutrition. 7.1. Hormonal regulation of growth andd evelopment; S. Pukacka. 7.2. Mineral nutrition; H. Fober.-
8. Reproduction. 8.1. Reproductive development; W. Chalupka. 8.2. Vegetative propagation; W. Barzdajn.-
9. Genetics. 9.1. Provenance variation andinheritance; M. Giertych. 9.2. Biochemical genetics; L. Mejnartowicz, A. Lewandowski.-
10. Mycorrhiza. 10.1. The mycorrhizal status of Norway spruce; M.L. Rudawska. 10.2. Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis and environmental stresses; B. Kieliszewska-Rokicka.-
11. Outline of ecology. 11.1. Ecology; J. Modrzynski. 11.2. Community dynamics of Norway spruce; W. Danielewicz, P. Pawlaczyk.-
12. Tree health. 12.1. Major infectious diseases; M. Manka. 12.2. Bark beetles; J. Michalski.-
13. Silviculture of Norway Spruce; S. Szymanski.-
14. Norway spruce function in polluted environments. 14.1. Sensitivity to environmental pollution; P. Karolewski. 14.2. Effects of pollutants on needle and wood anatomy; A. Werner.-
15.Wood properties and uses; J. Surminski.-
References.- Authors’ Index.- Index of Names of Organisms.- Subject Index
