Stem infection by dwarf mistletoe in California firs

John R. Parmeter; Robert F. Scharpf

doi:10.2737/PSW-RP-165

Treesearch

Stem infection by dwarf mistletoe in California firs

Informally Refereed

Authors:

John R. Parmeter, Robert F. Scharpf

Year:

1982

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/PSW-RP-165

Source:

Res. Paper PSW-RP-165. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 7 p

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Abstract

In fir stands infested with dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum Engelm. ex Munz.), the majority of susceptible understory trees had one or more stem infections. Most stem infections entered through infected branches and grew slowly around the stem, resulting in small amounts of decay or stem killing. Decay was not found in trees less than 50 years old. Despite high rates of stem infection, low rates of decay and stem girdling suggest that stem infections will not lead to serious losses in well-managed young-growth stands. Overstory removal and proper spacing to promote rapid height growth and early crown closure are recommended to reduce damage from stem infection.

Keywords

(Arceuthobium abietinum, dwarf mistletoe, Abies concolor, Abies magnifica, white fir, red fir, stem decay, stem infection, sivicultural management

Citation

Parmeter, John R., Jr.; Scharpf, Robert F. 1982. Stem infection by dwarf mistletoe in California firs. Res. Pap. PSW-RP-165. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 7 p.