THE INTENSITY OF INFECTION OF STEM SILVER FIR Abies alba Mill. BY WHITE MISTLETOE Viscum album L. ON BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA AREA
UDK: 582.475:582.728.4(497.6) 630*44:582.475(497.6) In terms of the health status, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, European silver fir (Abies alba) is currently most threatened by the white mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. abietis). Along with drought and pollution, white mistletoe infestation plays an important role in silver fir decline. The aim of this research was to determine the intensity of infestation of European silver fir trees by the white mistletoe. In order to realize the defined aim, two compartments were chosen in the area of Forest Management Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton and Forestry Office “Olovo” where the analysis of the presence of mistletoe was conducted. In total, 451 fir trees were examined and an assessment of the intensity of infested trees was carried out by implementation of Hawksworth Index of Infestation. According to the results conducted by the research, it was determined that the intensity of infestation of European fir stands differed according to the thirds of crown of the tree. Significant differences were also found in the severity of mistletoe intensity on trees of host trees within the diameter classes. A large number of mistletoe shrubs further deplete the host tree, making it more susceptible to secondary attacks by harmful insects and pathogens.