Notes on some phytopathological cases registered in the Vallombrosa forest since the unification of Italy to the present

Abstract

The aim of this work was to organize some historical phytopathological information collected since 1850 in the Vallombrosa forest. With this research, based on written sources, on-site findings and oral sources, the Authors describe the main problems due to both fungi and insects as well as to abiotic stress factors. The picture that emerges is still incomplete and nevertheless useful particularly for analysing the damage caused to Abies alba by Heterobasidion abietinum, Armillaria sp. and many insects in relation to increasing summer drought stress due to climate change. The analysis of historical observations increases the general knowledge about the Forest and may assist to plan a well informed and effective management of the Reserve in the future