A seminar on "Tree planting and plant health" was held at "Dendrology Garden" PLE

On 25 February, a seminar on “Tree Planting and Plant Health” was held at “Dendrology Garden” Public Legal Entity (PLE) under the authority of the head of the Executive Power of Baku City.

The moderator of the seminar, the head of the “Ecology and Acclimatization” laboratory Leyla Atayeva said that those involved in greening and afforestation should be aware of the planting rules, methods, tree selection according to natural conditions and relief, and technical indicators that are considered mandatory.

Nijat Yarov, a senior specialist at the “Forest Ecosystems” laboratory, made a report on “Tree Planting Time and Rules”. He said that choosing the right time for tree planting plays an important role in ensuring healthy growth of seedlings and their high adaptability. 

“The planting time of trees varies depending on climatic conditions and tree species. The fall months (September-November) are considered the ideal planting season in many regions, because the soil is still warm, which creates favorable conditions for the development of the root system, and in the spring the trees begin to grow actively. The spring planting season (February-April) is especially favorable in cold climate zones, because after strong winds and frosts pass, the seedlings have an opportunity to adapt to the growing season,” he said. The expert believes that soil preparation before starting tree planting is very significant, because proper soil preparation ensures healthy growth and progression of plants: “The most suitable soil type for planting is moderately nutritious, well-drained, water-holding brown and black soils.” N.Yarov said that after planting, tree plants should be regularly pruned and the progress of the work should be monitored for their healthy development. “Watering and fertilization are one of the vital factors for the healthy growth and proper improvement of trees. These processes help the tree to obtain nutrients, develop properly, and increase its resistance to diseases. The correct application of both processes ensures the longevity and productivity of trees.

Irrigation is fundamental to the life processes of trees. Newly planted trees need more water because their root system is not yet fully developed. Mature trees need less water because their root system is wider and retains water better,” he noted.

The expert also provided essential information about fertilization:

“The development stage of the tree should be taken into account when fertilizing. To achieve good results, fertilizer should be applied mainly in early spring and early autumn. During these periods, trees are in a growth period and fertilizer is more beneficial for them. Nitrogen fertilizers are crucial for the growth and progression of the green parts of trees. Phosphorus strengthens root improvement and supports the flowering period. Potassium increases the tree's resistance to diseases, maintains water balance, and improves productivity in fruit plants.”

Khadija Aliyeva, consultant-agronomist of the “Plant Protection and Development Department”, provided information on “Diseases found in conifers and measures to combat them”.

“Coniferous trees are affected by various pests, including pine stem nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), pine sawfly (Dendrolimus pini), shield mites (Matsucoccus spp.), conifer bark beetles (Ips spp., Dendroctonus spp.) and pine needle mites (Oligonychus ununguis)”.

Khadija Aliyeva said that the pine stem nematode disrupts the water and nutrient cycle of the tree, causing it to dry out rapidly.

“The pine sawfly weakens the plant by eating conifers. Shield mites suck the sap of conifers, slowing down their growth. Bark beetles penetrate the trunk of a tree and damage the cambium layer, which ultimately leads to the tree's death. Pine needle mites, on the other hand, change the color of the leaves, weaken photosynthesis and prevent the development of the plant. These pests pose a serious threat to coniferous forests and greenery. Nematode disease in conifers is a plant disease caused mainly by soil nematodes. This disease causes damage to the roots, stems and leaves of plants.

The expert also provided information about rust diseases that damage conifers: "Rust diseases are mainly of fungal origin and are a group of diseases that are widespread among conifers. The causative agents of this disease are fungi such as Cronartium, Coleosporium and Melampsora. The disease causes yellow, orange or red spots to appear on the leaves, branches and trunk of the tree. The photosynthesis process in infected trees weakens and as a result, their growth slows down. Rust disease spreads more quickly depending on the climate, especially in humid and rainy weather."

The seminar replied questions of interest to the participants.