For the period from 1965 to 2003, the masting behavior of beech (Fagus sylvatica), ses- sile oak (Quercus petrea) and common oak (Quercus robur) in Bavaria was investigated by means of long term records from the former state seed clusters Bindlach and Laufen. The annual flowering and fruit reports (harvest forecasts) prepared by selected state forestry offices served as a data basis.
The investigations showed that the frequency of seed years (mast years) differed signif- icantly not only between tree species but also between regions in Bavaria. Beech showed a distinct periodicity with a masting frequency of about two to three years. In contrast, oak species showed a less pronounced periodicity with lower mast frequencies of about three to five years. Large scale, supra regional seed years are particularly evi- dent for beech, but less for oak. The ratio of good flowering years to good seed years is more pronounced in beech. In oak species, on the other hand, deviations between flow- ering and seed production were more frequent. In Bavaria, beech and oak showed a certain similarity with the North Atlantic Oscillation (large scale weather patterns).
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For the period from 1965 to 2003, the masting behavior of beech (Fagus sylvatica), ses- sile oak (Quercus petrea) and common oak (Quercus robur) in Bavaria was investigated by means of long term records from the former state seed clusters Bindlach and Laufen. The annual flowering and fruit reports (harvest forecasts) prepared by selected state forestry offices served as a data basis.
The investigations showed that the frequency of seed years (mast years) differed signif- icantly not only betwee...
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