The aim of the project is to study mechanisms of resistance of and the physiological ”cost” of resistance of forest trees. The work has been mainly done with European white birch. Studying species, origins and genotypes of birches we have found tremendous variation in resistance to mammalian herbivores (moose, hare, vole), insect herbivores and also to Melampsoridium rusts. Generally, the growth of small seedlings is not related to the resistance. In case of hares and voles this relationship tends to be positive: i.e. fast growing seedlings show highest production of secondary chemicals, they are resistant and by growing rapidly they escape the herbivores. At the moment we are especially interested in the extent the herbivores affect polymorphism in natural birch forests.
We are also deeply interested in the the cambium miner of the birch. The biology of this insect is poorly known altough it may be economically the most serious pest in our birch forests. Population dynamics and feeding habits of the miner and genotypic variation in resistance among birches is currently studied.
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