Rating of Waldsterben-symptoms (forest decline) in deciduous broadleaves during winter time.

Repeated examinations in Quercus pubescens, Quercus cerris and Fagus sylvatica during the summer of 1984 and the winner of 1984/85 showed the possibility of improving the diagnosis for the disease known as 'forest decline' and of facilitating the detection of damage and the epidemiological surveys for these species, probably for other deciduous broadleaves too. The absence of leaves in the rest period allows better identification of branching damage. These pathological features remain unchanged during the rest period, allowing easier epidemiological surveys and sound comparisons between observations made in the same period in different territories. It also allows accurate photographical records which can be useful for comparison between pictures taken in different years. Summer and winter observations on the studied species were consistent and allowed reciprocal integration, which make it easier to differentiate the three damage classes (slight, medium, severe) which are usually employed in epidemiological surveys of forest decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]