The historical background and current state of chestnut cultivation in the southern part of central Slovakia

The contribution is devoted to one of the oldest non-native tree species in Slovakia – European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) At present, it is widespread at more than 220 localities. It occurs in the southern part of country, on steep slopes with altitudes ranging from about 200 to 400 m a.s.l. Chestnut grows here outside the recorded natural distribution range and therefore doesn´t have optimal climatic conditions. In Slovakia, chestnut occurs mostly in extensive old orchards or forest stands. Currently, the health condition as well as chestnut production has rapidly declined as a result of enormous dying out of chestnut individuals infected by fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr. Populations of this useful crop are small today, but they are important habitats that would deserve more scientific interest. The main objectives of the contribution are focus on the mapping of chestnut population in the south part of central Slovakia and chestnut biocultural value assessment in the given traditional landscape types.