Early assessment of growth and survival rate of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in provenance trial on Goč mountain

Different scenarios indicate that macro-climatically suitable areas for European beech will decrease dramatically in the coming decades. Due to climate change, European beech will face a change in phenology, mortality, and reduced tree growth, with a particular tendency to reduce forest productivity in the southern part of its distribution range. Provenance trials represent the research of the adaptation to specific environmental conditions of populations of the same species but with different origins and provide a unique insight into the plant's response to the changed environmental conditions in real-time. This research aims to determine and describe the growth and survival rate of European beech seedlings from 29 provenances in a trial established on Goč Mountain. The trial involved 29 European beech provenances selected from their natural distribution areas in Central and Southeastern Europe. The European beech provenance trial was established in the spring of 2021 on Mt. Goč in central Serbia. At the end of the vegetation period in 2021, the height and root collar diameter of seedlings were measured, and the survival rate was recorded. The seedling survival rate ranged from 40.7% to 84%. Statistically significant differences between the provenances were determined for the height and root collar diameter, and the correlation values of the measured traits. The Mt. Goč provenance trial remains a valuable resource for studying the performance of European beech provenances and can provide guidelines for their tolerance and adaptation.