%0 Review article
%T Stump removal to control root rot in forest stands. A literature study
%A Vasaitis, Rimvydas
%A Stenlid, Jan
%A Thomsen, Iben M.
%A Barklund, Pia
%A Dahlberg, Anders
%D 2008
%J Silva Fennica
%V 42
%N 3
%R doi:10.14214/sf.249
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/249
%X Tree stumps are expected to be increasingly used for energy production  in Fennoscandia, thus environmental consequences of stump removal from  forest land must be assessed. Aim of this work was to compile available  data on the efficacy of stump removal in eradication of root rot fungi  (Heterobasidion, Armillaria, and Phellinus), and to review its potential  impacts on establishment and productivity of next forest generation.  Site disturbance and some technical and economical aspects are  discussed, and needs for future research outlined in northern European  context. The review demonstrates that stump removal from clear-felled  forest areas in most cases results in, a) reduction of root rot in the  next forest generation, b) improved seedling establishment, and c)  increased tree growth and stand productivity. Observed disturbances  caused to a site by stumping operations are normally acceptable. The  available data strongly suggests that possibly many (if achievable, all)  rot-containing stumps must be removed during harvesting of stumps.  Provided equal availability, the priority should be given for stump  removal from root rot-infested forest areas, instead of healthy ones. As  most studies were done in North America and Britain, several questions  must be yet answered under Fennoscandian conditions: a) if and to which  extent the conventional stump removal for biofuel on clear-felled sites  could reduce the occurrence of Heterobasidion and Armillaria in the next  forest generation, b) what impact is it likely to have on survival of  replanted tree seedlings, and c) what consequences will there be for  growth and productivity of next forest generation.