The list of national projects SAS
Institute of Forest Ecology
Adaptive variation of genetic resources of forest trees under climate change
Adaptívna variabilita genetických zdrojov lesných drevín v podmienkach klimatickej zmeny
| Duration: |
1.7.2022 - 30.6.2026 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Jamnická Gabriela PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project focuses on the choice of appropriate genetic resources of forest trees (with primary focus on secondary
resources, i.e., seed stands) relying on integrated assessment of phenotypic and physiological traits and adaptive genetic variation based on provenance research, manipulative experiments and simulation of the effects of sylvicultural measures on genetic structure of forest stands. The project is oriented towards the identification of geographical variation of forestry-relevant traits on one side and physiological parameters potentially correlated
with these traits on the other side, as well as assessment of their genetic background. Correlations of phenotypic
and physiological traits with the climates of the sites of origin, climatic conditions of the sites of plant ation and acute climatic stress will also be addressed. Knowledge about trends of responses of tree species to shifts of
geographical position and climate, physiological response to stress, adaptive genetic variation, and effects of stand
management on genetic structure will serve as a basis for recommendations for forest reproductive material transfers under clilmate change and active management of tree genetic resources. |
Biological Corridors and Arthropods Biodiversity in Agricultural Landscapes
Biokoridory a biodiverzita článkonožcov v poľnohospodárskej krajine
| Duration: |
1.3.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Černecká Ľudmila PhD. |
| Annotation: | Biological corridors in agricultural landscapes offer multifaceted ecosystem services, enhance biodiversity, support agricultural productivity, improv the stability of biotopes, serve as refuges for various organisms, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Integrating these corridors into agricultural management practices fosters more resilient and sustainable agroecosystems. This project focuses on the study of biological corridors in intensively utilized agricultural landscapes, comparing the large-scale monoculture fields of southwestern Slovakia, which have a long-established system of biological corridors, with the small-scale diversified fields of northern Serbia, where the concept of ecological connectivity is less established. The main aim of this project is to study the relationship between the diversity and dynamics of selected bioindicatively significant groups of arthropods (harvestmen, spiders, mites, ground beetles, ants and thrips) in differently managed corridors and a wide range of autecological, synecological and environmental parameters. Considering that the agricultural landscape is heavily interwoven with linear elements (transport infrastructure), facilitating the spread of non-native species, the project will also assess the potential entry of these non-native species and their possible impacts on the diversity and stability of natural and agrarian ecosystems. The study of the behavioural and ecological aspects of competition between non-native and native species is therefore an integral part of the project. Based on these analyses, management measures will be proposed to preserve arthropod diversity in agrarian systems through the implementation of suitable biological corridors. The project will improve understanding of the importance of biological corridors in supporting arthropod diversity in agricultural landscapes and will provide new insights into targeted conservation and management practices for sustainable agroecosystems. |
What we (do not) know about the genus Crepidotus (Agaricomycotina, fungi)
Čo (ne)vieme o rode Crepidotus (Agaricomycotina, huby)
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Adamčíková Katarína PhD. |
| Annotation: | Fungi of the genus Crepidotus (Agaricomycotina) have pileate fruiting bodies with a lamellate hymnophore and a typically a reduced stipe. They grow on various dead plant substrates, especially wood. They are circumpolarly widespread and relatively common from tropical to hemiboreal regions. The genus Crepidotus was processed monographically several times, but the individual species were defined only on the basis of morphological features. Phylogenetic studies have confirmed the genus Crepidotus as a separate lineage of Agaricomycotina, but species delimitation and relationships are not sufficiently known and resolved. This project focuses on reconstructing of phylogenetic relationships in the genus, the identification of species diversity and the molecular delimitationof the species concept that was so far defined only morphologically. We will use traditional methods of statistically supported morphological observations in combination with phylogenetic analysis of several regions of DNA. A robust dataset of sequences, morphological observations and ecological data will make it possible to monitor evolutionary processes and the adaptive function of morphological structures. |
Diversity and pathogenicity of ophiostomatoid fungi in Scots pine stands infested by bark beetles
Diverzita a patogenita ophiostomatoidných húb v porastoch borovice lesnej napadnutých podkôrnym hmyzom
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Pastirčáková Katarína PhD. |
| Annotation: | Fungi transmitted by bark beetles (Coleoptera, Scolytinae) have suitable microclimatic conditions for their growth
and development in bark beetle galleries. Most bark beetle species are closely associated primarily with ophiostomatoid fungi that cause a blue staining of wood, as well as serious diseases of the host trees. The proposed project is focused on the research of species diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi in populations of bark beetles damaging Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) stands, with the special emphasis on interactions between the fungi, Scolytid bark beetles and their hosts, including determination of pathogenicity of isolates of dominant fungal species and their possible impact on the pine forests dieback in Slovakia. |
Diversity of fungi transmitted by bark beetles (Curculionidae, Scolytinae) on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Diverzita húb prenášaných podkôrnym hmyzom (Curculionidae, Scolytinae) na borovici lesnej (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Research team and infrastructure upgrade to study the mechanism of conifer resistance to bark beetles in the changing climate: From Gene to Tree level
Dobudovanie výskumného tímu a infraštruktúry pre štúdium mechanizmu rezistencie ihličnanov voči podkôrnemu hmyzu v meniacej sa klíme: Od úrovne génov po stromy
Ecological impacts of air pollution residues and forest management on mycological - phytopathological conditions in anthropically influenced forest ecosystems
Ekologické dopady imisných reziduí a lesného manažmentu na mykologicko - fytopatologické pomery v antropicky ovplyvnených lesných ekosystémoch
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Mihál Ivan CSc. |
| Annotation: | The project includes mycological and phytopathological research of anthropically influenced forest ecosystems in relation to their health status. Synecological relationships (immissions - management - mycology - phytopathology) influencing the health of forests will be studied. The intensity of air pollution attack and various forest management measures in forests can also significantly affect their mycological - phytopathological status. Therefore, it is necessary to know the synergism of the effects of these factors on the health of forests and to define, on the basis of research, possible changes in the management of these forests. The aim should be to achieve the optimal intensity of human intervention in the longer-term development of these forest ecosystems. |
Endomicrobiome and its contribution to drought stress resistance in oaks (Quercus sp.)
Endomikrobióm a jeho príspevok k formovaniu odolnosti dubov (Quercus sp.) na sucho
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Fenologická odozva drevín a bylín ako bioindikačný nástroj meniacich sa podmienok prostredia a časovo-priestorová analýza akumulácie živín a depozície vybraných polutantov v lesnom a urbánnom prostredí
Genetic diversity and pathogenicity of selected fungi that colonize Pinus sp.
Genetická diverzita a patogenita vybraných húb kolonizujúcich Pinus sp.
The gene bank of selected Cornus L. taxa containing bio-active substances with important therapeutic effects
Genobanka vybraných taxónov rodu Cornus L. obsahujúcich bioaktívne látky s významnými terapeutickými účinkami
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Konôpková Jana PhD. |
| Annotation: | Rising interest in natural medicaments in the past decades was an impulse for gathering complex information on bioactive compounds in Cornus L. taxa growing in the Mlyňany Arboretum and their therapeutic effects on human health. The obtained results may be beneficial for further research focused on the prevention and treatment of such major diseases of civilization as diabetes, oncological and cardiovascular diseases. To ensure a sufficient production of plant material, methods of micropropagation in in vitro conditions will be used. The aim of this project is to increase the content of pharmacologically active substances in monitored taxa by optimizing the culture condition during in vitro regeneration. Genotypes with an interesting content of these substances will be the basis for the creation of gene bank with a further potential use in research, education, or pharmaceutical and food technologies. |
The plant species diversity and physiological response to changing ecological conditions of floodplain forests
Hodnotenie druhovej diverzity a fyziologickej odozvy rastlín na ekologické podmienky lužných lesov
Intra- and interspecies physiological and growth reaction of forest trees in the frame of climate change
Medzi- a vnútrodruhová fyziologická a rastová odozva lesných drevín v kontexte meniacej sa klímy
Young beech trees – vitality and adaptive potential in conditions of changing climate
Mladé buky – vitalita a adaptačný potenciál v podmienkach meniacej sa klímy
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
PostdokGrant |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Húdoková Hana PhD. |
| Annotation: | Acclimation as a key mechanism enables trees to adapt to changes of their natural conditions, thus maintaining the population’s viability under adverse environmental circumstances. The project is focused on the analysis and
evaluation of the variability of photosynthetic and growth characteristics in Fagus sylvatica, planted in 5 locations each with unique climatic and soil conditions. The approach of measuring differences within a species between localities using newly planted trees in the juvenile stage of their development excludes possible differences caused by the adaptation of individuals to the environment at the place of origin. Within the framework of the proposed topic, based on the investigation of the variability of physiological traits it will be possible to assess the degree of acclimation and adaptive potential of European beech to the conditions of specific plots. The project will also try to answer which environmental factor is the predominant cause of the given changes and at what level the given changes have already taken place. The results could help in the development of a prediction tool to assist foresters in building climate-adapted forests. |
Silicon nanoparticles for alleviating various types of environmental stress and the possibility of their utilisation
Nanočastice kremíka pri zmierňovaní rôznych typov environmentálneho stresu a možnosti ich využitia
| Duration: |
1.1.2025 - 31.12.2028 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
doc. Ing. Kurjak Daniel PhD. |
| Annotation: | The proposed project focuses on transferring acquired knowledge about crops to economically and ecologically important species of forest trees. It consists of several experiments aimed at various aspects of plant responses to stress in order to provide more information on the functioning of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs). We hypothesize that silicon nanoparticles increase tolerance to abiotic stress (such as drought, temperature, and heavy metals) in a complex cascade of reactions involving several morpho-physiological changes. These changes are likely a result of the regulatory influence of silicon on the level of expression of genes regulating photosystem II (PSII), protein channels for water transfer, scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell defence mechanisms. |
A new pest in beech stands of Slovakia: Evaluation and proposal of control methods against Taphrorychus bicolor
Nový škodca v bučinách na Slovensku: Výskum metód ochrany lesa proti lykožrútovi bukovému (Taphrorychus bicolor)
| Duration: |
1.7.2023 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Barta Marek PhD. |
| Annotation: | European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a dominant tree species (34.6%) in the forests of Slovakia. Since 2014, cases of withering and, in some areas, even death of beech stands caused by the insect pest Taphrorychus bicolor were reported. Damages were observed mainly in warmer and drier locations, on south-facing slopes, and often with open stand walls. Taphrorychus bicolor is a common species in European forests. In recent years caused considerable damage in Hungary and Germany. Climate change is anticipated to further aggravate the severity of forest pests, as warmer temperatures and increased tree stress (e.g., due to drought) likely facilitate their establishment and spread. According to Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute, the summer of 2022 was the warmest in the history of meteorological measurements (since 1881) in Slovakia. With increasing temperatures and periods without precipitation, it is assumed that the frequency of attacks and outbreaks of Taphrorychus bicolor will increase. In recent years, damage to healthy-standing trees has been reported from several locations in Slovakia. When the trees are attacked for several years, the beetle gradually overcomes their defense mechanisms, and the stands withers and dies. The main objective of the projects is to design forest protection measures and recommendations for foresters to prevent damage caused by the Taphrorychus bicolor in beech stands and to introduce the novel biocontrol method to suppress the rising population of this pest.
To accomplish the main objective of the project, the following partial aims were designed :
1. Evaluation of methods for monitoring and trapping T. bicolor
2. Isolation, determination, and cultivation of entomopathogenic fungi and pathogens transmitted by T. bicolor
3. Testing the selected strains of entomopathogens against T. bicolor in the field.
4. Dissemination of results and transfer of new application knowledge directly to forestry practice. |
Unravelling of functional diversity and ecological role of fungi of the family Clavariaceae
Objasnenie funkčnej diverzity a ekologickej úlohy húb čeľade Clavariaceae
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Ohrozenie pôd, rastlín a makromycétov rizikovými industriálnymi polutantmi vo vybraných lesných ekosystémoch Slovenska
Populations and communities of arboricolous insects in the context of global and local changes: distribution and adaptations to new environments
Populácie a spoločenstvá arborikolného hmyzu v kontexte globálnych a lokálnych zmien: distribúcia a adaptácie na nové prostredie
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
doc. Ing. Saniga Miroslav CSc. |
| Annotation: | The scientific project aims to obtain original knowledge about the spatial distribution of arboricolous insect
species - mycophages, phytophages, and predators and the composition of their communities along ecological
gradients (temperature, humidity, and light gradients) in forest and urban habitats in the context of global and
local changes. Attention is paid to moths, sawflies, beetles, ants, and horseflies in terms of their occurrence on
woody plants and along horizontal or vertical gradients of forests in the Western Carpathians and in lowland
forests in Slovakia. Greater attention is paid to the occurrence of alien insect species in communities of native
insect species dwelling on trees with a focus on invasive species. Research outputs aim at a better understanding
of the adaptive and bioindication potential of arboricolous insects in new environments. |
Foraging and acoustic ecology and trends of flag bird species during global change
Potravná a akustická ekológia a trendy vlajkových druhov vtákov v čase globálnych zmien
| Duration: |
1.1.2024 - 31.12.2027 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
RNDr. Krištín Anton DrSc. |
| Annotation: | Rapid changes in landscape and climate during the last centuries have been largely responsible for the decline in
insectivorous birds. These changes caused also decline in food and habitat diversity as well as negative range trends in several species. The food and habitat are crucial for the survival of a population, especially in specialists. The project will evaluate food parameters in relation to environmental conditions in time series in some species of insectivorous birds (genera Merops, Lanius, Galerida) and, using acoustic playback experiments, also intraspecific interactions of some species (Acrocephalus). Assessment of foraging behavior and vocalizations in specific habitats of these species will bring new, more complex scientific knowledge, help explain population and range trends and use them as indicators of landscape changes. Understanding the functional relationships of model endangered species could also improve a different approach in conservation management compared to common species. |
Spatial components of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of orthopteroid insects in relation to ecological and evolutionary drivers
Priestorové zložky taxonomickej, funkčnej a fylogenetickej diverzity ortopteroidného hmyzu vo vzťahu k ekologickým a evolučným faktorom
| Duration: |
1.1.2023 - 31.12.2026 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Jarčuška Benjamín PhD. |
| Annotation: | The project will assess orthopteran diversity and its scale components (alpha, beta, zeta and gamma diversities) and aspects (taxonomic, phylogentic and functional diversity) in relation to ecological and evolutionary drivers while taking into account operating scale of potential drivers. Assessing quantitative information on habitat and other environmental requirements and preferences of orthopterans will enable us to use orthopterans as bioindicator species for grassland ecosystems. Understanding distribution patterns of orthopterans diversity in regions according to a scale-dependent manner will have conservation implications. Functional and phylogenetic approach could improve explanation of differences in distributional pattern of species of European and national importance in comparison to ubiquitous species. |
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Prírode blízke riešenia v integrovanom manažmente lesa a mestskej zelene
Norway spruce (Picea abies) resistance to bark beetle attack in condition of changing climate
Rezistencia smreka obyčajného (Picea abies) voči náletu podkôrneho hmyzu v podmienkach meniacej sa klímy
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Jakuš Rastislav DrSc. |
| Annotation: | The project is focused on researching the resistance of spruce (Picea abies) to the infestation of bark beetles, especially the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) in conditions of a changing climate. The activities are planned on two levels. The first level will be represented by the research plots of IFE SAS and the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences CULS in Prague. The second level will be represented by selected model areas affected by the gradation of bark beetles. The first goal will address the issue of the initiation and spread of damage to forest stands, especially with remote sensing methods (drone, satellites). In solving the second goal, we will analyze the role of primary and secondary metabolites using methods of analytical chemistry. We will use dendrochronological and isotope analyses to meet the third goal. |
River corridors as a vector for the spread of non-native plants: spatio-temporal studies
Riečne koridory ako vektor šírenia nepôvodných rastlín: časovo-priestorové štúdie
Impact of climate change on the distribution of selected pathogens of Pinus sp. trees
Rozšírenie vybraných škodlivých patogénov Pinus sp. vzhľadom ku klimatickej zmene
| Duration: |
1.1.2022 - 31.12.2025 |
| Program: |
VEGA |
| Project leader: |
Mgr. Jánošíková Zuzana PhD. |
| Annotation: | Climate change and increasing average annual temperatures, impose requirements for pathogens to shift their ranges to remain within environmentally tolerable areas, spreading to the areas where they have not been
reported previously. The project is focused on determining the temperature tolerances of selected harmful pathogens of pine trees (Dothistroma pini, Dothistroma septosporum, Lecanosticta acicola and Fusarium circinatum) and on the study of the temperature adaptation of different populations of quarantine needle cast species D. pini. Predictive maps of potential distribution and the comparison of the genetic relations of these fungal species will be made. The virulence of selected populations of D. pini from different climatic regions of the world will be determied, and the American continent with the European will be compared. The susceptibility of selected proveniences of Pinus sylvestris to D. septosporum will be estimated. |
The North-American honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) in Slovakia: risk of switch to invasive behaviour as accelerated by climate change
Severoamerická gledíčia trojtŕňová (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) na Slovensku: riziká prechodu k inváznemu správaniu sa akcelerované klimatickou zmenou
Population research and management opportunities of the invasive species the oak lace bug (Corythucha arcuata) in oak ecosystems of Slovakia
Výskum populácie a možností ovládania invázneho druhu sietnička dubová (Corythucha arcuata) v dubových ekosystémoch Slovenska
| Duration: |
1.7.2024 - 30.6.2026 |
| Program: |
SRDA |
| Project leader: |
Ing. Barta Marek PhD. |
| Annotation: | The Oak Lace Bug, Corythucha arcuata (Say 1832) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), is a small insect native to North America. Until 2000, it was known only from the United States and southern Canada. This species has recently been introduced to Europe, first recorded in 2000 in Lombardy and Piedmont in northern Italy. In the following years, C. arcuata spread to a significant part of Southeastern Europe. It has also been identified in Slovakia since 2018, and by 2023, it had occupied most of Slovakia's oak forests. Its presence is associated with several risks, including increased susceptibility of stands to attacks by secondary pest species, reduction of tree growth, decreased acorn production, changes in ecosystems, and the risk of negative impacts on humans. Due to the current spread of the species, there are no acceptable control methods applicable in such large areas. The only feasible solution appears to be the application of classical biological control. The project will focus on researching the species' spread, its life cycle, population dynamics, natural enemies, impact on secondary pest species, and other aspects associated with its occurrence in Slovakia. The goal is to obtain information useful for management measures aimed at utilizing its natural enemies in biological control. |
Establishment and extinction of plant communities in the 21st century
Vznik a zánik rastlinných spoločenstiev v 21. storočí
The total number of projects: 28
