ASPECTS OF CROWN RECONSTRUCTION AND LEAF MORPHOLOGY IN QUERCUS-ILEX L AND QUERCUS-SUBER L AFTER DEFOLIATION BY LYMANTRIA-DISPAR L

The effect of a complete defoliation of the evergreen Quercus ilex L. ssp ilex and Quercus suber L. by Lymantria dispar on some variables of sprout development and leaf morphology was studied. Samples were collected at different locations within the crown and along the branches. The effects of species defoliation and location factors on the variables have been tested using multivariate and univariate analysis of variance have been applied. All factors show significant effects on the variables considered jointly, and the responses to defoliation differ between species and between lower and upper crown parts. Differences are discussed and this gives useful information to the understanding of crown reconstruction patterns in both species.