Monitoring was carried out by the employees of "Dendrology Garden" PLE in order to investigate the cause of drying cases observed in many conifer species

In Azerbaijan, especially in Baku and the Absheron peninsula, cases of massive drying of coniferous trees have been observed in the last three years.  This case is visually noticeable in many conifers that are widely used in greening in Mardakan settlement.

For this aim, according to the official requests received by the specialists of the public legal entity (PLE) " Dendrology Garden" under the authority of head of the Executive Power of Baku City, in a number of areas of the Mardakan settlement of the Khazar region - Sergey Yesenin Street 92/1, 92/2, Sayahaddin Dadashov Street 8,  With the help of modern equipment, the reasons for the drying of trees were investigated and monitoring was carried out at H.Z.Taghiyev Street, Kolkhoz Street, Khazri Street and Sergey Yesenin Street 89.

As a result of monitoring, dead and dying trees were recorded.  During the study of the area, it became clear that climate changes, high temperature regime, lowering of ground water level, high level of car pollutants and radiation background, as well as plants experiencing drought stress, and the sharp increase of pests are the main indicators of the cause of drying.

Drought stress causes trees to become infected with various pests.  Metabolism is impaired when resinous conifers lose vitality after injury. The capability of damaged trees to secrete resin decreases, bark-eating insects, pests and pathogens enter the wood, the process of drying begins in the tree.  Due to the lack of proper agrotechnical care - poor irrigation and low fertilization, it becomes massive.

During the research, 1.5 kg of soil samples from different depths were taken from the territory of “Dordkunj Castle (Quadrangle Castle)” located on Kolkhoz Street (40º29'31.34"N; 50º08'27.41"E) for the purpose of conducting chemical analyzes by employees of "Dendrology Garden" PLE, Sergey Yesenin water samples were taken from street 89 (40º29'21.78"N; 50º09'01.77"E). Also, dendrochronological studies were conducted in order to study the age of the species, the dynamics of development over the years, and the degree of exposure to the influence of climate change.

In the area, dried and drying Pinus eldarica Medw. dendrochronological samples were taken perpendicularly to the vertical field by means of a Suunto drill from the specimens with trunk diameters of 112 cm, 125 cm, 136 cm, 145 cm and 170 cm.  Currently, research work is being continued by experts in lab conditions.

The proximity of the Mardakan settlement to the Caspian coast and the abundance of ancient historical architectural monuments make this area a tourist zone.

During the investigations and monitoring carried out in the listed areas, pruning of drying species, removal of dead trees that are a potential source of danger to human health in the area, taking into account the order of the Republic of Azerbaijan Cabinet of Ministers on the removal of greenery and on the basis of the opinion of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, they are more durable, promising, decorative plants  it was considered appropriate to replace it with types.