Gorgoglione
Table of contents
Where
What, Why
Research activity
Forest survey
Dendro-ecological investigations
Carbon isotope investigation
Where
The forest "Pergamo-Le Manche" is located in the municipality of Gorgoglione (Matera, Basilicata, Southern Italy).
What & Why
The studied oak forest is dominated by Quercus cerris (71%), and Quercus pubescens (25%), with minor presence of other broadleaf species.
Since the early 2000s, oak trees showed drought-induced decline symptoms.
Research activity
Forest survey
What phenotypic symptoms have been observed? Shoot dieback, leaf loss and withering, growth decline, and mortality.
How decaying and non-decaying trees have been distinguished? Crown transparency of each tree was visually assessed by two independent observers using binoculars.
Dendro-ecological investigations
To quantify radial growth, increment cores were extracted at breast height (1.3 m) using 5 mm Pressler increment borers.
Carbon isotope investigations
Carbon isotope ratios were analyzed to assessed in wood of the two vigor classes to compare their water-use efficiency.