Rimvydas Vasaitis

My background is forestry, and during the whole professional carrier (35 years) I have been working as forest / tree pathologist. Ongoing research focuses on alien invasive tree diseases and insect pests, both already established in Europe (incl. Sweden), but also those that have the potential to enter. Simultaneously, other aspects of research address issues of ecology and silvicultural management of historically well-known diseases and pests that cause chronic damage to forest stands and urban greenings.

My main aim of professional activities is to understand the biology and underlying processes of forest/tree disease, and to transfer the knowledge to the relevant audiences (stakeholders and public society). Motto: the truth is in the field. 

Falls within forest health, and is mainly focused on fungal diseases of trees in all stages of life, – from seedling, up to old-growth tree. It deals with forest and urban trees, and includes wide range of diverse fungal pathogens, but also insect pests. 

Main subjects: i) forest pathology and protection; ii) silviculture; iii) mycology. 

Ecosystems: European temperate and boreal forests.

Competence areas (in alphabetical order): - biodiversity and nature conservation; - dieback, wilt and canker; - disease identification and diagnosis;  - disease management, silvicultural and biological control; - drought, fire and wind (abiotic) damage; - economic impact; - endophytes and mycorrhiza; - forest decline and self-regeneration; - forest disease (damage) survey and modelling; - forestry and silviculture; - fungal community ecology and population genetics; - fungus-insect associations; - invasive and emerging diseases and insect pests; - logging and wildlife damage; - post-fire fungi; - root rot in forest stands; - shoot and foliar diseases; - stem decay. 

My principal tasks as outreach advisor (samverkanslektor) are: communicating, interacting, and advising stakeholders and society on problems related to tree and forest diseases / health. In this respect, principal partners are: Swedish Forest Agency (Skogsstyrelsen), Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket), Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket), Regional Administrations, and private landowners.

Lectures on forest pathology: undergraduate, graduate and PhD level courses. Presentations to stakeholders.

Associate Professor (Docent)