Dear Colleagues,

The physiological responses of forest trees, as well as the response of forest ecosystems to environmental changes, are complex and multifaceted. Understanding the impact of environmental change on forests through the individual and combined effects of environmental drivers is crucial for predicting forest vitality and resilience.

We are looking for research dealing with various stress factors and disturbances impacting tree physiology and forest health, preferably as a part of complex interactions such as the following: combined heat and drought stress; hail, storms, and windbreaks; atmospheric deposition and climate change; and forest fires and erosion. Tree and forest ecosystem responses differ across environmental gradients. For instance, differing water availability and/or temperature conditions impact water transport, chemical defences, and the dynamics of non-structural carbohydrates to different degrees, accordingly affecting the overall tree vitality. Interactions with pests and pathogens further complicate the ecological dynamics within forest stands and ecosystems.

We welcome submissions investigating forest tree responses and physiological response mechanisms based on data from controlled environments, field studies, and monitoring that use novel experimental and modelling approaches.

Dr. Nenad Potočić
Guest Editor

Dr. Mia Marušić
Guest Editor Assistant

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 December 2025

For more information, please visit:
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/plants/special_issues/1KH0WHPI25

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