Controlling tree of heaven in the Fóti Somlyó Nature Conservation Area

Abstract

The introduced and invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) appears as a serious problem for nature conservation, especially when invades into vulnerable and protected habitats of indigenous vegetation. The tree accumulates it’s reserves in the roots and the individuals of a colony have a chemical communication. Disturbance leads to intensive proliferation of the plant so the eradication of the colonies is very difficult. The study site is the Fóti Somlyó Nature Conservation Area. The first Ailanthus trees appeared here at the beginning of the 1980-s. Investigation of their responding reactions for the chemical and physical management was started in 2003. The major aims of the studies were the monitoring of the changes of the undergrowth and the analysis and comparison of the data obtained from a botanical and a nature conservation point of view. The treatment requires a careful planning because of the valuable, although partially degrading psammophilous steppe fragments at the edges of the sampling areas. The sprouts were eradicated partly by using chemicals (Medalion, Garlon), and partly by physical methods. Our results show that the most effective treatment consists of two consecutive steps, the use of a herbicide first, followed by continuous mechanical control. It is important to note that the disturbed colonies cannot be abandoned later because of their increasing sprout production.