Sudden aspen decline in southwest Colorado

J. J. Worrall; R. A. Mask; T. Eager; L. Egeland; W. D. Shepperd

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Sudden aspen decline in southwest Colorado

Informally Refereed

Authors:

J. J. Worrall, R. A. Mask, T. Eager, L. Egeland, W. D. Shepperd

Year:

2008

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Phytopathology. 98(Supplement): S173.

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Abstract

Sudden aspen decline (SAD) has increased rapidly in recent years, approaching 350,000 acres in Colorado in 2007, or 13% of the aspen cover type. We investigated the severity, site/stand factors and causes associated with SAD in southwest Colorado. First, we documented landscape (GIS-DEM analyses) and stand factors (stand exams). There was a strong inverse relationship between elevation and damage, damage tended to occur on south and southwest aspects, was most severe in open stands with large trees, and regeneration was poor in damaged stands. Five biotic agents were frequently associated with mortality: Cytospora canker, poplar borer, bronze poplar borer, and two bark beetle.

Keywords

sudden aspen decline (SAD), southwest Colorado

Citation

Worrall, J. J.; Mask, R. A.; Eager, T.; Egeland, L.; Shepperd, W. D. 2008. Sudden aspen decline in southwest Colorado. Phytopathology. 98(Supplement): S173.