Factors associated with rapid mortality of sugar maple in Pennsylvania

Abstract

Mortality of sugar maple and red maple was observed throughout Pennsylvania in 1995 following an outbreak in 1994 by forest tent caterpillar and elm spanworm on sugar maple and red maple, respectively. Symptoms of leaf anthracnose caused by Discula campestris (Pass.) were observed during the refoliation period from July through September 1994: the refoliation of crowns of affected trees was extremely poor or almost non-existent. Subsequent mortality and tree condition were monitored in 15 sugar maple stands located in Bedford, Blair, Lycoming, Potter, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wayne counties from 1995-1997. Initial mortality was 12.3% in 1995; by 1997 cumulative mortality was 19.9% (salvaged timber excluded). The role of multiple stress factors in relation to mortality is discussed.

Parent Publication

• Sugar maple ecology and health: proceedings of an international symposium

Citation

Hall, Thomas J.; Unger, James D.; Bast, Thomas C.; Regester, Bradley S. 1999. Factors associated with rapid mortality of sugar maple in Pennsylvania. In: Horsley, Stephen B.; Long, Robert P., eds. Sugar maple ecology and health: proceedings of an international symposium; 1998 June 2-4; Warren, PA. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-261. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station: 51-54.