DISEASES AND LOPPING FOR FODDER AS POSSIBLE CAUSES OF A PREHISTORIC DECLINE OF ULMUS

Abstract

This paper contributes some data to the discussion about the decline of Ulmus in pollendiagrams from many parts of Europe at about 3000 B.C. It is shown that this decrease most probably was not caused by any known disease or pest of elm. Another explanation for the decline is lopping for fodder. Data about this industry are given from recent and historical times, from Europe as well as from the Himalayas. Lopping is a common phenomenon, essential to husbandry in many places. It may even lead to local extermination of a species. U. glabra might be affected more than U. carpinifolia.