Black Locust and its Role in Europe and Asia

Mumin Umut Suslu

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This study aims to have a general overview of the importance of Robinia pseudoacacia L. also well known as Black locust and its importance for the Europe and Asia. Black locust is an invasive alien species that originates in the Northern part of the United States. Through years, it has invaded many European and Asian countries since the beginning of the 17th century. It has been concluded that Jean and Vespasian Robin play an important role of introduction to the Europe. Despite of its invasion, it became a part of many European and some Asian countries. It is well known with its soil improving properties, ability of fast growing and domination on disturbed sites as a pioneer tree species. Fast growing ability makes the black locust an important tree species in terms of wood production with short rotation coppicing. Honey production from black locust is the second economical important trait and it is increasing, especially in Hungary. It has gained a place all over the world with its use in different purposes in other countries. Reforestation applications on disturbed sites in Greece, recognized as a biomonitoring tool in Turkey for air pollution, economic purposes are considered more important in Germany, soil improvements on poor sites recognized in China, it has gained an important place in most Central European countries, especially Hungary and Romania. Besides of positive economic traits, eutrophication and acidification on soil, competitive and extreme invasive characteristics are considered as important negative environmental impacts. Conflicts are between natural conversation, forestry, public and beekeepers became inevitable. However, future of black locust can be hopeful if invasiveness of black locust taken under control with appropriate management methods.

Keywords

Robinia pseudoacacia, invasiveness, silviculture, seed management, seed bank, eradication, nitrogen fixation, pioneer

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 4. 2021

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Ivan Kuneš, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences

Master programme / field:
Forestry Engineering / Forestry, Water and Landscape Management