Identification and spatial extent of understory plant species requiring vegetation control to ensure tree regeneration in French forests

Abstract Key message Fifteen species are most susceptible to require vegetation control during tree regeneration in the range of our study. Among these 15 species, Rubus fruticosus , Pteridium aquilinum and Molinia caerulea cover each more than 300,000 ha open-canopy forests. Context Vegetation control, i.e., reduction competitive cover, is often required promote seedling establishment forest stage. The necessity understory largely depends on be controlled. In order plan renewal operations, it critical identify which stage quantify area affected by species. Aims We aimed at identifying main requiring estimating they national level. Methods Using National Forest Inventory data, we created four indicators based two levels plant cross-referenced with canopy opening, compared them outcome a survey manager practices. Results best indicator was one that represented proportion forests open where present large understory. non-Mediterranean France, according indicator, total were found frequently covered canopies, representing about 13% canopies outside Mediterranean area. Conclusions Forests managers represent share undergoing regeneration. This study provides first list methodological protocol makes possible calculate associated