The award of journal "Forests" for the Best PhD Thesis presented to Astra Zaļuma, scientist of the Forest Phytopathology and michology of LSFRI "Silava"

In the competition for the Best PhD Thesis in 2023 of the journal Forests, Research assistant of LSFRI "Silava" Astra Zaļuma has been awarded to for her Thesis Susceptibility of native and introduced conifers to Heterobasidion spp. in Latvia and control measures to limit spread of the pathogens.

The scientific leaders of the Thesis are:

• researcher and associated professor of Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Rimvydas Vasaitis,
• Professor of University of Latvia, doctor habilitat of biological sciences and Academician Indriķis Muižnieks, and
• Senior researched of LSFRI "Silava", Academician Tālis Gaitnieks.

Forests Best PhD Thesis Award is presented annually to recognize young scholars who are judged to have completed the most outstanding PhD theses in the field of forests and forest ecology, and to encourage the continuation of their outstanding work and further contribution to their field. The application process for this award is open from November to May annually and winners are announced in July.