Forest ecosystems vitality monitoring (ICP forests, Level I) with special emphasis to the affected part of the sample trees in the Republic of Serbia

Trees condition on the sample plots of the ICP forests, Level I, is especially considered and monitored by the typically damaged and affected part of the tree on which it occurs. Due to the need to enter unique data for the measured parameters (visible damages), their codes are assigned for each damage. These are the results from Sample plots, Level I, based on the ICP methodology. The results are entered into a single database for all participating countries. Infested assimilation organs - leaves or needles are direct indicators of the condition of the trees. The most common damage to leaves is caused by miners, gnats, beetles, and insects that totally bite the leaves so parts of the leaves are completely missing (Lymantria dispar L.). The leaves are mined by Stigmellidae, Gracillariidae, Cynipidae forming galls; there are also damages from the early oak defoliators Geometridae and Tortricidae. Apart from defoliators, the most common are xylophagous insects (for example, bark beetles) as well as root pests. The fungi that most commonly occur on the leaves are oak powdery mildew (Erysiphe alphitoides) and Rhytisma acerinum (which attacks species of the genus Acer). Other damages that occur are verticillium wilt (diseases of the conducting vessels), beech bark disease, then rot of the appendix, trunk, and branches. The paper presents the observed damage and diseases on the experimental plots of the ICP forests, Level I, in Serbia, according to the parts of the tree where they were discovered.