Fagus Orientalis Research Articles

Oriental beech decline caused by Brenneria alni

AbstractHyrcanian forests comprise a long strip along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran. Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) is one of the most valuable forest tree species in the Hyrcanian forests. Bark necrosis and bleeding spots of oriental beech were observed in Savadkuh forests in Mazandaran province during summer 2021. Ten samples were collected from symptomatic oriental beech trees. The bark canker symptoms included stem tissue necrosis, dark brown to black spots on the trunk, bleeding with dark exudates and dark lesions in the inner bark. Twenty‐six strains of culturable bacteria were isolated from the samples which in culture were predominantly round, convex, smooth with entire margins on nutrient agar and a metallic green sheen pigment on eosin‐methylene blue (EMB) agar. Fourteen strains induced necrosis and browning of the tissues around the inoculation sites on acorns after 2 weeks. Five representative strains also caused dieback in twigs of oriental beech 3 weeks after inoculation. These bacteria were Gram‐negative, catalase positive and oxidase negative. All strains produced colonies with a green metallic sheen on EMB agar. Strains were negative in tests for starch and gelatine hydrolysis or production of levan. A phylogenetic tree based on concatenated sequences of gyrB and infB genes, of representative strains well as in each of the single gene‐based phylogenetic trees, indicated that these strains clustered with Brenneria alni NCPPB 3934T with high bootstrap values. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. alni associated with bark necrosis and bleeding spots on oriental beech.

SUBRECENT POLLEN ASSEMBLAGES IN ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS OF THE DON AND KUBAN RIVERS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE FOR PALAEOGEOGRAPHIC RECONSTRUCTIONS

The paper presents the results of studying modern alluvial deposits of the Don and Kuban rivers by the pollen analysis method. The study was carried out to clarify methodological issue, including the movement of pollen and spores by flowing waters. The obtained data show that pollen assemblages of river sediments formed in the process of pollen mixing by water and air characterize the composition of the regional vegetation cover rather than local nearriver plant groups. According to the results for the subrecent sediments of the Don River the transfer of pollen grains and spores by water was insignificant, which can be clearly seen at the border of the forest-steppe and steppe zones. Pollen assemblages of the forest-steppe zone contain 50% of tree species pollen, while in the steppe zone, including its northern part, tree species make up less than 30-35%. Sporadic forest elements such as Picea pollen, Lycopodium species spores and Sphagnum mosses in alluvial deposits of the steppe section of the Don River, as well as in the subrecent sediments of the Sea of Azov, could be neglected in the palaeoreconstructions. The composition of subrecent pollen assemblages of the Kuban River sediments is less variable from the middle course to the mouth with rather stable ratio of components. Pollen of the Caucasian flora elements (Fagus orientalis, Carpinus caucasica) is poorly dispersed by water from high and midmountain landscapes of the upper reaches of the river. The comparison of pollen assemblages from alluvial and marine (the Sea of Azov) sediments have shown that the distortion of fossil assemblages’ composition due to material input by water is minimal

Izrada laminata upotrebom kompozita od drva i otpadne gume

This study aimed to develop laminate flooring composite using a combination of wood and waste tire rubber (WTR). Plywood panels were produced by using beech (Fagus orientalis), alder (Alnus glutinosa), and poplar (Populus) veneers in a 7-ply configuration. To enhance the physical-mechanical properties of the panels, three loadings of nano-SiO2 (0, 2, and 4 wt%) along with 2 wt% of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) were added. Commercial urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) were used to bind the wood layers and rubber layers together. The mechanical properties, including modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), impact strength (IS), hardness strength (HS), and physical properties, such as density (D), water uptake (WU), and thickness swelling (TS), were evaluated. The results showed that increasing the WTR content led to improvements in the physical properties (D, WU, and TS), while negatively affecting the mechanical properties (MOR, MOE, IS, and HS) of the resulting panels. However, the addition of nano-SiO2 improved both the physical and mechanical properties (MOR, MOE, and HS) of the panels. Furthermore, it was observed that the mechanical properties were enhanced with increasing the number of beech layers, although the WU of panels decreased compared to panels made with alder and poplar. Overall, the improvement in the physical properties of the panels followed the order of the arrangement of rubber layers > nano-SiO2 content > veneer layers.

Reliable and specific detection and identification of Brenneria goodwinii, the causal agent of oak and oriental beech decline

Chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia) and oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) are among the major tree species in the Hyrcanian forests. Brenneria goodwinii was identified as the causal agent of necrotic lesions and stem bleeding on affected oak trees in different countries. Oak and oriental beech trees with bleeding symptoms were observed in a few forest sites in northern Iran. The objectives of the present study were to identify and characterize the causal agents of bark canker in oak and oriental beech trees and develop a primer set for specific detection, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), of Brenneria goodwinii strains. A total of 31 and 20 samples from oak and oriental beech trees, respectively, with stem bleeding and bark canker symptoms were collected from Golestan and Mazandaran forests in northern Iran in 2020–2021. Bacterial strains displaying a green metallic sheen on EMB-agar medium were isolated from symptomatic oak (105 strains) and oriental beech samples (32 strains), while 31 and 20 strains were also isolated from healthy oak and oriental beech, respectively. Pathogenicity tests indicated that 51 and 25 strains isolated from oak and oriental beech, respectively were able to induce a necrotic area on oak acorns 15 days following inoculation. Moreover, four and two representative strains inoculated on oak and oriental beech twigs, respectively induced necrosis on all inoculated green twigs 1 month after inoculation. The sequences of the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes of representative strains isolated from and proved pathogenic on oak and oriental beech trees were 100% and over 99% similar to B. goodwinii LMG 26270T, respectively, which revealed the strains belong to B. goodwinii species. The primer pair BgF3/R2, which was designed to target the hrpN gene, was proven to be specific in the detection of B. goodwinii strains. The primer pair amplified a 618-bp DNA fragment from strains of B. goodwinii only and not from strains belonging to Rahnella, Gibbsiella, Lonsdalea, and the other Brenneria species among several other pathogenic bacteria tested. No fragment was amplified from DNA extracted from healthy trees or seedlings in PCR using this primer pair.

Effects of sepiolite addition to acrylic-latex paint on pull-off adhesion strength in nanosilver-impregnated and thermally-modified beech (Fagus orientalis L.) wood

Sepiolite is a silicate mineral that improves the fire properties in solid wood when mixed with a water-based coating. The present study was carried out to investigate and evaluate the effects of sepiolite addition to acrylic-latex paint on the pull-off adhesion strength, as an important characteristic of paints and finishes used in the modern furniture industry and historical furniture as well for preservation and restoration of heritage objects. Sepiolite was added at the rate of 10%, and brushed onto plain-sawn beech (Fagus orientalis L.) wood specimens, unimpregnated and impregnated with a 400 ppm silver nano-suspension, which were further thermally modified at 185 °C for 4 h. The results showed that thermal modification had a decreasing effect on the pull-off adhesion strength, primarily as a result of the thermal degradation of cell-wall polymers (mostly hemicelluloses). Still, a decreased wettability as a result of condensation and plasticization of lignin was also partially influential. Based on the obtained results,thermal modification was found to have a significant influence on pull-off adhesion strength. Sepiolite addition had a decreasing effectin all treatments, though the effect was not statistically significant in all treatments. The maximum and minimum decreases due to sepiolite addition were observed in the unimpregnated control (21%) and the thermally-modified NS-impregnated (4%) specimens. Other aspects of the sepiolite addition, and further studies that cover different types of paints and coatings, should be evaluated before coming to a final firm conclusion in this regard.

Effects of silver nanoparticles on germination and seedling characteristics of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) seeds

Nowadays, the applications of nanotechnology are increasing in various fields such as information technology, energy, the medical sector, and agriculture. Nanotechnology has proved its ability to solve problems in agriculture and related industries. Establishing the impact of nanoparticles on various ecosystems has become a primary research topic, but studies on forest ecosystems and trees are quite limited. This study examined the effects of silver nanoparticles on the germination parameters of oriental beech seeds and established their toxic threshold values. Silver nanoparticles were applied at concentrations of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/L to oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) seeds collected from 10 different populations in order to identify the germination rate, germination percentage, seedling height, root collar diameter, plumula length, radicle thickness, and radicle length parameters. The results revealed that silver nanoparticles have a negative effect on germination and seedling parameters of oriental beech seeds, and that this effect is clearly seen in the germination rate at 20 mg/L levels and in seedling characters starting from 60 mg/L dose, causing a decrease of 13% in germination rate, 24% in germination percentage, 40% in plumula length, and 30% in radicle length. The Kahramanmaras-Andirin population was found to be the most affected by nanoparticles, while the Bursa-Inegol and Ordu-Akkus populations were the least affected.

The structure of variability in shoot and fruit traits of subalpine populations of <i>Fagus orientalis</i> Lipsky in the Western and Eastern Caucasus

Aim. Comparative study and analysis of the variability of characters of the shoots and fruit of Fagus orientalis Lipsky from subalpine populations of the Western and Eastern Caucasus. Material and Methods. For the analysis randomly collected annual shoots with fruit from 47 Fagus orientalis trees from 6 populations of the Western and Eastern Caucasus were used. Measurement data from 12 traits were used to identify variability. The total repetition of measurements for each trait for 6 populations was 1318. Results. A comparative study of the variability of traits in the shoot and fruit of Fagus orientalis from 6 populations of the Eastern and Western Caucasus showed a predominance of size traits in individuals from the Eastern Caucasus. The trait “length of annual shoot” had the highest level of variability – 70.6 %. Low and medium levels were detected in fruit traits, leaf blade length and width, and plus length. The results of Student's t‐tests showed the greatest significance of differences in the “length of annual bud” trait – 28.98. Correlation analysis revealed positive, reliable relationships for most pairs of characteristics. The closest of them are noted in all fruit characters and in the character of length and width of the leaf blade. Conclusions. The predominance of size values of traits in individuals from populations of the Eastern Caucasus is associated with climatic conditions – the growing season in the Western Caucasus being shorter by almost a month. The low level of variability of fetal traits confirms their high genetic determination. The “apical bud length” trait can be used as an indicator, reflecting the degree of influence of environmental factors on populations. The closest correlations are manifested by the characteristics of the fruit and a pair of characteristics ‐ the length and width of the leaf blade.

Influences of oak utilization on the medium density fiberboard properties

Softwoods are the basic and traditional raw materials for medium-density fiberboard production. However, sustainable consumption of wood material in the production of wood-based products requires material variety. Therefore, the usability of hardwood species in the production and its effects on the board properties should be of interest. Considering this, the influence of oak utilization percentages (30 %, 50 %, 70 %, and 100 %) on the physical (density, thickness swelling-TS 2 and 24 h) and mechanical (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bonding, screw holding resistance, and Janka hardness) properties of medium density fiberboard was evaluated in this study. Boards were factory-made instead of laboratory-made using Quercus petraea (oak), Fagus orientalis (beech), and Pinus sylvester (Scots pine) fibers. According to the results, the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and Janka hardness values were increased when medium-density fiberboard was produced using only oak fiber. On the contrary, thickness swelling, screw-holding resistance, and internal bonding properties were decreased.

Nitrogen mineralization in the oldest climax communities in the eastern Mediterranean region

In this study, we investigated how tree species affect N mineralization in connection to some soil properties and seconder metabolite levels of litter, in the soil of the oldest native forest communities. In the oldest pure communities of Pinus nigra (PN), Fagus orientalis (FO), and Abies bornmuelleriana (AB) in the mountain range of Mount Uludağ, Bursa, Turkey, annual net yield and N mineralization in the 0–5- and 5–20-cm soil layers were determined in a field incubation study over 1 year. Sampling locations were chosen from 1300 to 1600 m a.s.l., and moisture content (%), pH, water-holding capacity (%), organic C, total N, and C/N ratio, and annual net mineral N yield of the soil and hydrolyzed tannic acid and total phenolic compounds in litter were compared for these forest communities. F. orientalis had the highest annual net Nmin yield (43.9 ± 4.8 kg ha–1 a–1), P. nigra the lowest (30.5 ± 4.2 kg ha–1 a–1). Our findings show that in the oldest forest ecosystems, the seasonal soil moisture content and tree species play an essential role in N cycling and that hydrolyzed tannic acids and total phenolic compounds effectively control N turnover. Tannic acid and total phenolics in the litter were found to inhibit nitrification, but total phenolics were found to stimulate ammonification.

Material Resistance and Moisture Dynamics of Beech Wood (Fagus orientalis)

In this paper, the natural durability of commercial wood (beech wood) was studied by measuring its water exclusion efficacy and durability against fungi. This information was utilized in the Meyer−Veltrup model to calculate the resistance dose. The results showed that Fagus orientalis (Lipsky) heartwood and sapwood were less durable (DC 4−5). After one hour of immersion, the water uptake in F. orientalis sapwood was 19%, slightly more than that determined with F. orientalis heartwood (18.9%). Water immersion after 24 h was highest for F. orientalis sapwood (45.4%), followed by F. orientalis heartwood (40.9%). Up to 54.2% median MLF on F. orientalis heartwood and up to 61.1% median MLF on F. orientalis sapwood were attributed to the white fungus T. versicolor. In contrast, the lowest median MLF was caused by F. orientalis heartwood and sapwood by the white fungus H. fragiforme. 35.4% median MLF on F. orientalis was caused by terrestrial microcosms. Based on the resistance model, the first signs of fungal decay on F. orientalis heartwood and sapwood wood will develop after 312 and 294 days of favorable conditions, respectively.

Limited influence of air temperature and precipitation on six-year survival and growth of non-native tree species in a Central European multi-site field trial

The biggest challenge for forest management in the near future will be the silvicultural adaptation of forests on sites where climate change will increase the risk for drought induced tree mortality and for a decrease of the growth performance. One management option is the diversification by promoting climate change adapted non-native tree species. Currently, we have in depth experience with only a few non-native tree species in Central Europe. Other tree species that may complement the species pool in Central Europe need to be carefully selected by a range of criteria. Before establishing larger silvicultural experiments at stand-level, the suitability of species to grow well with a low risk of failure under expected future climatic conditions as well as a good performance already today should be tested, amongst other aspects. We present results of a multi-site common garden experiment where growth and survival of five non-native tree species (Abies bornmuelleriana, Cedrus libani, Fagus orientalis, Tilia tomentosa, and Tsuga heterophylla) and one climate adapted local native species per site are tested in five field trials in Austria, Germany and Switzerland along a temperature (7.9–10.4 °C mean annual Temperature) and precipitation (490–1147 mm annual precipitation) gradient. Each species was replicated on three plots per site using a block-wise design. Lower survival and growth of the non-native species as the native reference on most sites indicate that the studied non-native species are today not as well adapted to current climatic conditions as native species. However, the performance of the non-native species was sufficiently high to justify further trials. Survival and growth rates were mostly equally high on the two sites at the opposing ends of the temperature and humidity gradient and lower on all other sites. Height growth and survival were only marginally affected by the strong summer drought in 2018 in all except one site, presumably due to the low water storage capacity of the sandy soils on this site. This indicates that the tested non-native tree species grow well in the wide range of climatically changing weather conditions from our transnational study sites across Central Europe. So far, the tested tree species did not reach their climatic growth limitation. However, edaphic site conditions may have influenced the performance of the tested non-native species as well and must be considered when discussing the suitability of these tree species.

Utjecaj predimpregnacije anhidridom octene kiseline i vremena zagrijavanja na mehanička i fizička svojstva drvno-plastičnih kompozita

This research aimed to assess the influence of different pre-impregnation times (PITs) (60, 180, and 300 min), heating or reaction times (H/RTs) (60, 90, and 120 min), and chemical modification of wood flour (WF) on the mechanical and physical properties of wood-plastic composites (WPCs). The study employed acetylated beech (Fagus orientalis L.) flour as the filler and polypropylene (PP) as the matrix phase producing of WPC samples through melt compounding and injection molding. The resulting composites underwent testing for their physical and mechanical properties. The findings revealed that WPCs derived from acetylated wood with PITs of 60 min and H/RTs of 60 min exhibited the highest mechanical properties, except for the bending modulus. Moreover, the lowest water absorption (WA) was observed in the PITs-H/RTs combination of 60-120 min, while the lowest thickness swelling (TS) occurred in the PITs-H/RTs combination of 300-60 min. The simultaneous utilization of pre-impregnation and reaction times demonstrated a synergistic effect on the physical and mechanical properties. Consequently, the chemical modification of wood flour and the application of suitable reaction times improved the interfacial adhesion, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the WPCs.

Gama-aminopropiltrietoksisilan ile Modifiye Edilmiş Kayın ve Göknarın Fiziksel, Mekanik ve Biyolojik Özellikleri

Silanes have potential for modifying wood materials to improving their properties. The aim of this study was to determine the physical and mechanical properties of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) and fir (Abies bornmülleriana Mattf.) wood samples impregnated with gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as well as their performance against decay fungi. Beech and fir wood samples were impregnated with APTES at 20% and 40% concentrations. Control and treated samples were subjected to water uptake, bending strength and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests as well as exposure to the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor and the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana. Weight percentage gain (WPG) was higher in fir samples than in beech samples after APTES treatment. Water uptake was higher in fir samples than beech for control and impregnated samples. Water uptake decreased with higher APTES concentrations. APTES treatment slightly increased modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE). Mass loss caused by decay fungi was much lower in APTES treated timbers.

The Effect of Hot and Cold Check Tests on Surface Roughness and Glossiness in Varnished Wood Material

In this study, specimens from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Anatolian chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and Eastern beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) tree species, prepared according to ISO 3129, were conditioned according to TS ISO 13061-1. Cellulosic varnish, water-based varnish, and glass polish varnish were applied to their surfaces in accordance with ASTM-D 3023 principles. In the study, roughness (TS 2495 EN ISO 3274 and TS EN ISO 21920-3) and gloss (according to TS EN ISO 2813) values of the samples were calculated after hot and cold check test. Varnished test specimens prepared in 100 mm × 100 mm ×10 mm dimensions were first kept in drying oven at (50±5) °C for 1 hour, then were kept in conditioning room for 1 hour, and then at (-20±2) °C for 1 hour, according to ASTM D1211-97. These processes were accepted as one cycle, and tests were continued until 15 cycles. Afterward, glossiness was measured as perpendicular and parallel to fibers at 60º with a gloss measurement device, and surface roughness values of Ra and Rz were determined with a surface roughness measuring device. According to the results obtained, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Eastern beech (Fagus Orientalis Lipsky), and Anatolian chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) varnish-coated wood material surfaces all showed a decrease in gloss values after hot-cold shock effect. While an increase occurred in Rz values of roughness for all wooden surfaces, Ra values roughness increased for Scots pine and chestnut and decreased for eastern beech. Gloss and roughness values of surface-treated wood materials against changing weather conditions can determine usefulness of the surface material used. The findings obtained in this study can be useful to manufacturers who use wooden products in the design of marine vehicles and those who export furniture to countries in different climatic conditions.

Anadolu sarıçamının (Pinus sylvestris L. var. sylvestris) doğal yayılış alanı ve vejetasyon bileşimi

Anatolian Scots pine (P. sylvestris var. sylvestris) forests spreading in the northern part of Anatolia, Türkiye, and covering 2.1 million hectares show great variation in terms of the vegetation composition depending on both ecological conditions and human interference. The spreading and/or growing of Scots pine is mostly related to the sunny cold, subhumid continental climatic conditions as well as the cold and semiarid climate. It begins at the coastal belt of the Black Sea coast and rises up to 2700 m in the NE part of Anatolia, and continues towards the semiarid continental part of Central Anatolia. Scots pine is associated with Fagus orientalis, Castanea sativa, Tilia rubra, T. tomentosa, Alnus barbata, A. glutinosa, Quercus sp., etc. in the lower belt of the Black Sea coast, with Picea orientalis and Abies nordmanniana in the eastern upper belt of the Black Sea Mountains, and with Abies bornmulleriana in the middle and western parts of the Black Sea Region. It is composed of Pinus nigra and A. nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani in the backward or southern parts of the Black Sea Region. Pure Scots pine stands occur in the subhumid continental part of NE Anatolia and the semiarid-subhumid continental part of Inner Anatolia. This study aims to highlight the natural occurrence of its forests, and to introduce their main vegetation composition reflecting ecological conditions.

Variation of Ba concentration in some plants grown in industrial zone in Türkiye

This study was carried out on Fagus orientalis Lipsky (Oriental beech), Carpinus orientalis (Oriental hornbeam), and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. (Sessile oak) species that naturally spread out in the Çaycuma district of Zonguldak province, an industrial area in the northwestern Türkiye. The study aimed to determine the annual changes in barium (Ba) concentrations in the annual rings of the wood of the species. Moreover, Ba concentrations in the inner and outer bark were compared with the concentration in the wood, and changes in Ba concentration were determined by years and directions. As a result, the lowest mean Ba concentrations were found in hornbeam for all organs, whereas the highest values in the inner bark (944134 ppb) and wood (46996 ppb) were found in beech. The highest values in the outer bark were found in oak with 927482 ppb. For the three species, the values obtained on the outer side of the outer bark were higher. The study showed that all three species are useful in monitoring the changes in concentrations and the pollution of Ba in the air and can be used for this purpose. However, the most suitable species that can be used to reduce Ba concentration is Fagus orientalis, which has the highest Ba storage ability in the wood part.

Annual growth of Fagus orientalis is limited by spring drought conditions in Iran’s Golestan Province

Annual growth of Fagus orientalis is limited by spring drought conditions in Iran’s Golestan Province

Fagus orientalis Yüzeyinin ZnO/TiO2/FAS-17 Bazlı Nanopartiküllerle İşlenmesi

Aim of study: In this research, the surface of Fagus orientalis (beechwood) was chosen as a substrate due to its widely used strong biostructure in the wood industry. It was functionalized with ZnO, TiO2, and FAS-17 nanoparticles to enhance its service life.
 Material and methods: FAS-17 (Trimethoxysilane) and ammonium hexafluorotitanate were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, and zinc borate from Etimine S.A. Methanol, ethyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and zinc oxide were provided by TEKKIM. Characterization methods included FTIR, TG/DTA, XRD, SEM, and EDX. Hydrophobicity was determined by water contact angle using KSV Cam101. UV-Vis analysis used a Shimadzu UV-160 spectrophotometer, surface roughness was measured with a Marsurf M 300 device (ISO 4287), and color analysis was performed with a Datacolor Elrepho 450 X spectrometer (ASTM 2021).
 Main results: The thermal stability of wood was significantly improved through the hydrothermal deposition of ZnO/TiO2 nanoparticles. Additionally, hydrophobization was achieved using Triethoxy-1H,1H,1H,2H,2H,2H-perfluorodecylsilane (C14H19F13O3Si), referred to as FAS-17.
 Research highlights: The study demonstrated that the introduction of ZnO/TiO2 nanoparticles improved the thermal stability of wood. Furthermore, the use of FAS-17 resulted in effective hydrophobization. The thermal stability of wood was improved with ZnO/TiO2 nanoparticles. In addition, hydrophobization was supplied by FAS-17.

Surface properties of oriental beech wood coated with vegetable oil-based epoxide-amin nanocomposite materials after weathering

Surface properties of oriental beech wood coated with vegetable oil-based epoxide-amin nanocomposite materials after weathering

Comparison of tree species diversity, deadwood volume and regeneration of managed and old-growth Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) forests in Eastern Georgia

Abstract Main stand characteristics and tree species composition were studied in managed and old-growth Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) forests in eastern Georgia (Caucasus). Oriental beech dominates both the regeneration layer and the upper story in old-growth forest. In managed forests, Caucasian hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) and Oriental beech co-dominate the tree layer as well as the regeneration layer. Tree species diversity and deadwood proportion are higher in managed forests than in old-growth forests. However, the absolute deadwood proportion is similar in both studied forest types. Hence, deadwood proportion is not a suitable indicator to assess the naturalness or management intensity of forests in the study area. The observed proportions of Caucasian hornbeam in managed forests raise concerns about the sustainable use of beechwood in the long term. Harvesting hornbeam and smaller removals of beech are recommended to maintain the uneven-aged forest ecosystem, with Oriental beech as the dominant tree species. The established long-term study plots are important to observe and improve future stand development and forest management.