India, May 26 -- A 34-year study has found that viable seed production in five major European forest tree species has fallen by more than 30%.

Researchers said warmer summers were consistently linked to lower seed production, while moisture and spring temperatures appeared to have less influence.

Oaks and Scots pine recorded the steepest declines, at about 65% and 64% respectively, according to the study.

The authors said forests may continue to look intact even as their ability to reproduce and recover is already weakening.

The findings raise concerns for forest regeneration, biodiversity, carbon storage and long-term climate resilience.

Climate change is reducing the ability of major European forest trees to reproduce, with viable ...