Public perception foresters of invasive ash dieback pathogen arrival in Serbia

Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (anamorph Chalara fraxinea) and Phytophthora spp., endanger the state of health of forest ecosystems, cultures and nurseries in Serbia. The aim of the article is what the public in the field of forestry in Serbia thoughts about the appearance of H.fraxineus (attitudes, values and understanding) and are they informed about the ash dieback pathogen arrival in Serbia. The respondents were the representatives of Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental protection, public enterprises, national parks, academic society in forestry, etc. There were 54 respondents. The survey has been created for getting information on public perception of arrival of H. fraxineus in Serbia. Survey participants answered that white ash is very important for Serbian forestry (55 % of them), as well as narrow-leafed ash (55 %). App. 27 % of respondents were informed about the drying ash in Europe. 55 % of respondents know what causes fungi H.fraxineus, and 91 % of them are not aware that the disease is present in Serbia. About 64 have indicated what are the damages which cause this disease. 64 % of respondents think it is very important to take administrative measures to prevent the introduction of this disease.

This work received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 635646, POnTE (Pest Organisms Threatening Europe).

Published on September 22, 2017 by IUFRO