Effects of root rot on the growth of balsam fir

1985 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 890-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy D. Whitney ◽  
G. Blake MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Average Height ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Growth Increments ◽  
Stratification Variable ◽  
Stand Basal Area

Growth increments were compared on balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) trees with varying amounts of decay on the stump (15 cm above ground) that originated from the roots. In 1612 trees, from 20 to 156 years of age on 139 plots across northern Ontario, the average height and radial increments over the last 3 years were 13.5 and 10.9% smaller, respectively, in trees with ground-level decay compared with trees having no decay at this level. Stand basal area was more useful than tree age as a stratification variable for revealing the effect of root rot on growth. Growth reductions were the smallest in trees with intermediate surrounding basal areas and in trees on drier or heavier textured soils.

Root rot damage in naturally regenerated stands of spruce and balsam fir in Ontario

1989 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Whitney
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Root Decay ◽  
Forest Region

In an 11-year study in northern Ontario, root rot damage was heaviest in balsam fir, intermediate in black spruce, and least in white spruce. As a result of root rot, 16, 11, and 6%, respectively, of dominant or codominant trees of the three species were killed or experienced premature windfall. Butt rot, which resulted from the upward extension of root rot into the boles of living trees, led to a scaled cull of 17, 12, and 10%, respectively, of gross merchantable volume of the remaining living trees in the three species. The total volume of wood lost to rot was, therefore, 33, 23, and 16%, respectively. Of 1108 living dominant and codominant balsam fir, 1243 black spruce, and 501 white spruce in 165 stands, 87, 68, and 63%, respectively, exhibited some degree of advanced root decay. Losses resulting from root rot increased with tree age. Significant amounts of root decay and stain (>30% of root volume) first occurred at 60 years of age in balsam fir and 80 years in black spruce and white spruce. For the three species together, the proportion of trees that were dead and windfallen as a result of root rot increased from an average of 3% at 41–50 years to 13% at 71–80 years and 26% at 101–110 years. The root rot index, based on the number of dead and windfallen trees and estimated loss of merchantable volume, also increased, from an average of 17 at 41–50 years to 40 at 71–80 years and 53 at 101–110 years. Death and windfall of balsam fir and black spruce were more common in northwestern Ontario than in northeastern Ontario. Damage to balsam fir was greater in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Forest region than in the Boreal Forest region. In all three tree species, the degree of root rot (decay and stain) was highly correlated with the number of dead and windfallen trees, stand age, and root decay at ground level (as a percentage of basal area) for a 10-tree sample.

Root-rotting fungi in white spruce, black spruce, and balsam fir in northern Ontario

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1209-1230 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.D. Whitney
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
The Other ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Moisture Regime ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Living Tissues

Fungi associated with root rot in living trees were isolated and identified from 521 white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss), 1342 black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.), and 1383 balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) ranging in age from 26 to 208 years (at a 30-cm height), in 165 stands across northern Ontario. Trees were pulled out with the winch of a skidder, root decays and stains were measured, and cultures were made from root and butt sections. Armillaria spp., considered in this study to be mostly Armillariaostoyae (Romagn.) Herink, was the most frequently isolated fungus, occurring in 32, 34, and 46% of white spruce, black spruce, and balsam fir, respectively. Inonotustomentosus (Fr.:Fr.) S. Teng, Scytinostromagalactinum (Fr.) Donk, and Coniophoraputeana (Schumach.:Fr.) P. Karst. were next in frequency, in that order. An additional 26 Basidiomycetes were associated with lesser amounts of root rot in the three species. Armillariaostoyae infected, and remained mostly below ground in all three species, averaging less than 0.3 m in height up the stem in living trees, while most of the other major fungi advanced more than 0.5 m up the stem in average infected trees. The frequency of A. ostoyae in white spruce and black spruce increased with tree age to about 90 and 130 years, respectively, then leveled off, probably because of diseased trees falling from the stand. An age relationship was not found with this fungus in balsam fir. The other fungi generally increased in frequency of occurrence with tree age. The only major fungus that attacked living tissues (sapwood) exclusively to any extent was A. ostoyae. Some less frequent fungi such as Resiniciumbicolor (Albertini & Schwein.:Fr.) Parmasto and Serpulahimantioides (Fr.:Fr.) P. Karst. indicated pathogenicity by attacking sapwood initially. Armillariaostoyae infected significantly higher numbers of black spruce and balsam fir growing on dryer sites (soil moisture regimes (SMR) 1–3) than on wet sites (SMR 5–7). The only other fungus apparently related to moisture regime was unknown F, which infected black spruce more on wet than on dry sites. Significantly higher proportions of root and buttwood of all three species were infected with A. ostoyae and I. tomentosus in northwestern Ontario than in northeastern Ontario. Heavy to severe root rot caused tree height or diameter growth reductions when trees were infected by either A. ostoyae or I. tomentosus. An Ascomycete, Ascocorynesarcoides (Jacq.) Groves & D.E. Wilson, was associated with pink or faint brown stains, often near bark seams, in white spruce and black spruce. It was isolated from roots of 20 and 28% of these species, respectively.

Tree vigor and stand growth of Douglas-fir as influenced by laminated root rot

1985 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 985-988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Oren ◽  
Walter G. Thies ◽  
Richard H. Waring
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Basal Area Increment ◽  
Sapwood Area ◽  
Stand Growth ◽  
Area Growth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Stand Basal Area

Total stand sapwood basal area, a measure of competing canopy leaf area, was reduced 30% by laminated root rot induced by Phellinusweirii (Murr.) Gilb. in a heavily infected 40-year-old coastal stand of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) compared with that of a similar uninfected stand. Annual basal area increment per unit of sapwood area, an index of tree vigor, was expected to increase in uninfected trees in the infected stand as surrounding trees died from root rot; vigor of the uninfected trees did increase by an average of 30%, offsetting the reduction in canopy leaf area. This increase, although less than might be expected in an evenly spaced thinned stand, was sufficient to maintain stand basal area growth at levels similar to those of unthinned forests. These findings indicate that increased growth by residual trees must be taken into account when the impact of disease-induced mortality on stand production is assessed.

Testing the Lake States variant of FVS (Forest Vegetation Simulator) for the main forest types of northern Ontario

2004 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 495-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Lacerte ◽  
G R Larocque ◽  
M. Woods ◽  
W J Parton ◽  
M. Penner
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Forest Vegetation Simulator ◽  
Consistency Analysis ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Stand Basal Area

The Lake States variant of the FVS (Forest Vegetation Simulator) model (LS-FVS), also known as the LS-TWIGS variant of FVS, was validated for black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP), white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) forests in northern Ontario. Individual-tree data from 537 remeasured sample plots were used. This dataset included different combinations of site index, stand density and age. It was possible to compare observations and predictions for different projection length periods. The validation exercise included a biological consistency analysis, the computation of mean percent difference (MPD) for stand density, stand basal area, top height and quadratic mean diameter (QMD) and the comparison of observed and predicted individual-tree dbh. The biological consistency analysis indicated that LS-FVS logically predicted the effect of site index on top height, stand basal area and QMD for black spruce and jack pine. However, the decrease in stand basal area at young ages was inconsistent with the normal development pattern of the forest stands under study and was attributed to deficiencies in the prediction of mortality. LS-FVS was found to underpredict stand density, stand basal area and top height and to over-predict QMD. Even though there were large errors in the prediction of change in stand density, LS-FVS was nevertheless consistent in the prediction of the shape of the dbh size distribution. Key words: FVS, Forest Vegetation Simulator, validation, biological consistency analysis

GROWTH AND NUMBERS OF SPECKLED ALDER FOLLOWING LOGGING OF BLACK SPRUCE PEATLANDS

1964 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. Vincent
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Average Height ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Crown Closure ◽  
Speckled Alder

Information collected on speckled alder during an examination of black spruce and balsam fir reproduction in peatlands of northern Ontario indicates that alder develops rapidly following cutting of the softwood overstorey, but the phase of most rapid height growth is completed within about 10 years when it has attained an average height of five to six feet. Openings of various sizes occur in alder stands. Exclusive of openings, the stands examined varied from 16,000 to 30,000 stems per acre, with the crown closure ranging from 40 to 80 per cent and averaging about 50 per cent.

scholarly journals Aspects of ecological development in managed stands of jack pine and black spruce in northern Ontario: Understory vegetation and nutrient relations

2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
S L Hunt ◽  
A M Gordon ◽  
D M Morris
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Understory Vegetation ◽  
Northern Ontario ◽  
Nutrient Pools ◽  
Site Type ◽  
Stand Basal Area

This study investigated relationships between understory vegetation and nutrient pools in managed stands of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) in the Lake Nipigon region of northern Ontario. The species composition, biomass, and nutrient pool sizes in the understory vegetation, as well as biomass and nutrient pools in trees and soils, were determined in 16 managed stands ranging in age from 10 to 53 years since establishment and one mature, natural stand. Patterns of above-ground biomass accumulation in understory vegetation varied with overstory tree species and general site type (dry, sandy soils, or mesic, finer-textured soils). Understory vegetation contributed little (0.3 to 2.6%) to total above-ground organic matter (live biomass plus forest floor) but accounted for higher proportions of total above-ground nutrient pools (e.g., 0.7 to 3.4% of N; 3.2 to 11.7% of K) and net primary productivity (1.2 to 21.2%). The species composition of the understory vegetation was strongly related to stand basal area as well as to concentrations of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) in the forest floor and mineral soil. The greatest amount of change in vegetation community composition occurred from the pre-to post-canopy closure stages of stand development; fewer differences were observed among stands of a given species and site type 35 to 50 years after establishment. The effects of silvicultural practices were detected in certain stands 35 years after establishment; for example the most severely treated (bladed and thinned) jack pine stand differed from other stands of similar age and soils with its Cladina/Vaccinium-dominated understory, and large amounts of biomass in the moss/lichen stratum. The understory vegetation communities in other managed jack pine stands, by 35 to 50 years, were similar to that of the mature, natural stand, indicating resilience to silvicultural disturbances. Silviculture may have lasting effects on understory vegetation biomass and species composition through its effects on stand basal area, overstory species, and soil nutrients. This research serves as baseline information for further studies into the ecology of managed stands in northern Ontario. Key words: understory, nutrients, managed forests, jack pine, black spruce, canonical correspondence analysis

Factors affecting the relationship between sapwood area and leaf area of balsam fir

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 1684-1693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie R. Coyea ◽  
Hank A. Margolis
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sapwood Area ◽  
Crown Length ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Area Growth

The ratio between projected leaf area (LA) and cross-sectional sapwood area (SA) of dominant and codominant balsam fir trees (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) was determined in 24 forest stands across the province of Quebec. Various physical factors proposed in the Whitehead hydraulic model, and some of the easily measured surrogates of these factors, were tested for their influence on LA:SA ratios. Average growing season vapor pressure deficit, temperature, precipitation, and stand drainage class did not significantly influence LA:SA ratios. On the other hand, LA:SA ratios were positively influenced by sapwood permeability (k), tree height, and crown length. As suggested by the model, there was a positive correlation between sapwood permeability and LA:SA ratio and a negative correlation between tree height or crown length and LA/(SA k). Increases in sapwood permeability with tree age were associated with longer tracheids having larger lumen diameters. Of the various empirical factors tested, only site quality, 5-year basal area growth, and age had a significant influence on LA:SA ratios. Sapwood cross-sectional area at breast height by itself was a reasonable linear predictor of LA for all stands (LA = −0.158 + 0.709 SABH, R2 = 0.75). Using the variables that were previously determined to influence LA:SA ratios, stepwise regressions revealed that only crown length and 5-year basal area growth significantly improved linear predictions of LA based on sapwood area. However, the increase in R2 was relatively modest, i.e., 0.83 for all three independent variables versus 0.75 for SA alone. The results from this study will be useful in integrating physiologically based measurements, such as growth efficiency, into standard forest inventory practices for balsam fir and thus could be beneficial in developing new silvicultural strategies for protecting Quebec's forest resource.

Individual Tree Basal Area Increment and Total Height Equations for Appalachian Mixed Hardwoods After Thinning

1986 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wade C. Harrison ◽  
Thomas E. Burk ◽  
Donald E. Beck
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Basal Area Increment ◽  
Average Height ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Total Height ◽  
Stand Basal Area

Abstract Growth response of various species to thinning in even-aged stands of Appalachian mixed hardwoods was predicted with species-specific regression equations. Periodic annual increment over a five-year period was expressed as a linear function of original tree basal area divided by breast height age and a thinning or competition index based on stand basal area. For most species, a combination of stand basal area before and after thinning served as the thinning index; for the five oak species studied, the index was simply stand basal area after thinning. Nonlinear regression equations were formulated to express total tree height as a function of dbh and average height of dominant and codominant white oak. The equations for tree basal area increment and total height may be applied to predict growth after thinning in Appalachian mixed hardwood stands. South J. Appl. For. 10:99-104, May 1986

The historical reconstruction of growth efficiency and its relationship to tree mortality in balsam fir ecosystems affected by spruce budworm

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (11) ◽  
pp. 2208-2221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie R. Coyea ◽  
Hank A. Margolis
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Growth Efficiency ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Annual Growth Rings ◽  
Area Growth

The growth efficiencies (E; stemwood growth per unit leaf area) of balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) trees from 20 stands were reconstructed over the 30-year period from 1960 to 1989 in order to determine if E could be used to predict tree mortality occurring during and after an epidemic of eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneurafumiferana (Clem.)). Growth efficiencies were reconstructed based on the relationship between age and the number of annual growth rings in the cross-sectional area of heartwood at breast height (R2 = 0.97) and on the previously demonstrated relationship between sapwood area and leaf area of balsam fir across a wide geographic area. Profile and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that apparent E (i.e., the historically reconstructed E) of surviving trees was greater than that of dead trees for every year of the 30-year analysis period. For trees in the 25- to 35-year age-class in 1960, apparent E was the only variable measured prior to the epidemic that was significantly related to balsam fir mortality. For all trees (aged 11 to 46 years in 1960), both tree age and apparent E were significant factors prior to the epidemic. During and following the epidemic, several of the more standard mensurational variables (e.g., diameter and basal area growth) were also significantly associated with balsam fir mortality, but apparent E had the highest levels of significance. Using logistical regression, critical E values below which trees would be predicted to die were calculated as 5-year running averages for the period prior to the epidemic (1960–1968). These were stable at around 0.17 × 10−4 m2 basal area growth•(m2 leaf area)−1•year−1. Following the epidemic, critical E values were again stable but at a lower level of around 0.07. There was a negative exponential relationship between apparent E and leaf area. Furthermore, for the same level of leaf area, surviving trees had a higher apparent E than trees that died, up to approximately 30 m2 of leaf area. These results suggest that growth efficiency should be considered as part of standard forest inventories in the balsam fir zone because of its ease of measure and its apparent ability to provide a sensitive, physiologically based index of forest health. Furthermore, the technique of historically reconstructing E demonstrated in this study may be of interest for other types of dendrochronological research.

Growth and Yield of Red Pine in Central Pennsylvania

1985 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 111-113
Author(s):  
Brian R. Goss ◽  
Todd W. Bowersox ◽  
Rex E. Melton
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Average Height ◽  
Internal Drainage ◽  
Central Pennsylvania ◽  
Natural Range ◽  
Stand Basal Area

Abstract Reforestation projects of the 1930s established plantations of red pine in central Pennsylvania. When planted in soils of shale or sandstone origin with good internal drainage, these plantations would achieve 65 to 90 ft in average height at 50 years of age. Unthinned stand basal area for trees planted at 6 x 6, 8 x 8, and 10 x 10 ft ranged from 200 to 290 ft² at 42 years of age. Periodic inventories from 16 thinned and 18 unthinned plantations between 15 and 42 years of age were used to determine the importance of original spacing, site index, and thinning on growth and yield. These central Pennsylvania plantations were comparable to natural range stands in accumulated volume and response to thinning, when age and site index were taken into account. North. J. Appl. For. 2:111-113, Dec. 1985.

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