What do you consider as the major challenges and opportunities of introduced tree species in general?
For me as a researcher, it is a question of searching and finding the suitable use of introduced tree species. Besides, it is a philosophical question, where pure life science isn’t enough …
However, in general, the major challenge is in developing further research questions and the opportunity is enriching the species composition.
Although Czech forests don’t have a large proportion of introduced tree species, do you think this will change over time bearing in mind climate change?
There isn’t a clear answer to this. However, I believe the proportion of introduced tree species in Czech forests will increase.
Do you think introduced tree species (e.g. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)) can substitute native species while providing necessary habitats?
I would rather say ‘enrich’ than ‘substitute’ in this case but I don’t consider suitable replacing native Norway spruce (Picea abies) with Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) on a larger scale. The question regarding habitats is more complex.
Do you consider Douglas fir as a tree species that has invasive potential in Czech forests?
The invasive potential is somewhat low. In general, I would say it is possible to regulate the invasive potential of Douglas fir with suitable forest management practice.
Do you think that invasive potential of introduced tree species in general is considered at the time of their introduction?
Somewhere yes, elsewhere not. One can’t give a definite answer to this but the invasive potential wasn’t considered in past.
Dr. Antonín Martiník
Senior lecturer
Mendel University Brno
Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology
Czech Republic
.jpg)