The changes in the structure and properties of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) caused by mechanical injury of the trunk in living trees

Trees may survive for many years despite of continuous and extreme activity of biotic and abiotic agents. Longevity and vitality of trees certainly depends on the mechanisms which is genetically determined and which can (up to some degree) to protect themselves from wounding and subsequent microbial invasion. The aim of this project will investigate defense mechanisms in wood structure which start to affect after artificial trunk injury of living tree. There will be also evaluated the impact of the injury size, different season period and environmental factors on the kinetics of formation defense mechanism. This also be investigated mechanical properties of tearing away of bark from cambium. Investigation will be performed on biochemical, micro, and macro structural level.