Ash Dieback Event 2022
Tuesday 28 June 2022, near Freshford, Co Kilkenny.
- MORNING SESSION - Fully booked
- AFTERNOON SESSION - Fully booked
Background
Ash dieback is a serious disease of ash trees caused by the invasive fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, which originates in Asia and was found to be in Europe in the early nineties. Today, the pathogen covers most of the natural range of ash in Europe causing high mortality rates of ash trees.
Ash dieback was first detected in the Republic of Ireland in October 2012. The disease is now prevalent throughout most of the island of Ireland and can affect ash trees of any age and in any setting. The disease can be fatal, particularly among younger trees. Teagasc is carrying out research to establish a gene bank composed of genotypes of ash tolerant to ash dieback with the aim to produce planting stock for forests and hedgerows in Ireland.
Ireland’s ash woodlands, particularly first rotation plantations, are quite unique and are at a particular risk of rapid decline. Urgent action is required in order to minimise the economic, ecological and social impact of the disease. However, in order for this to happen forest owners require guidance regarding potential positive management interventions.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) provides financial support to forest owners through the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme or RUS. Options include site clearance, or partial clearance, as well as reconstitution which involves either underplanting or the complete replacement of ash trees with alternative species.
Event
Teagasc in association with DAFM is organising an event focusing on ash dieback on Tuesday 28 June near Freshford, Co Kilkenny. This forestry event is taking place on a recently reconstituted site that has been replanted with young broadleaves.
At the event, the following topics will be discussed:
- Introduction to ash dieback disease
- The Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS)
- Access and infrastructure
- Harvest and reconstitution of an affected ash site
- Species selection and planting
- Crop protection and deer control
- Site management and maintenance
- Ongoing Teagasc research
Venue
The event will take place on Tuesday 28 June 2022 near Freshford, Co Kilkenny. Numbers will be limited due to onsite parking:
- Morning session - Fully booked
- Afternoon session - Fully booked
Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Further information
- Liam Kelly or Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Development Officers
