Tree-ring growth and climate response of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) in Basilicata (Southern Italy)

A dendroclimatic study on silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) was carried out in the Abetina of Ruoti (PZ, Basilicata - southern Italy), a nearly natural mixed Quercus cerris - Silver fir forest. Observations were made on twenty-three large size dominant silver fir trees and dendroecological analyses performed for the period 1866-2007. Results show that late spring/summer precipitations, rather than temperatures, are the most critical factor affecting silver fir growth in this area.