Effect of harvesting regime on beech root sprouts and seedlings in a north-central Maine forest long affected by beech bark disease

Abstract

Forests in Maine often contain many trees severely damaged by the disease. Methods are needed to reduce numbers of susceptible and increase numbers of resistant trees. This paper describes how commonly-used harvesting systems affect the incidence and growth of beech root sprouts and seedlings. Harvest treatments were clearcutting and thinning in winter and summer, 1991. Interactions occurred between the amount of root disturbance (leading to root sprouts) and amount of light available for growth. More sprouts developed after clearcuts than thinnings, and around resistant than susceptible trees. Sprout growth was best around resistant trees left standing, poorest around diseased trees that were cut. Summer clearcuts reduced exisiting seedlings and prevented "recruits"; seedling growth was related to amount of light received--a consequence of the harvests or disease-caused crown thinning.

Citation

Houston, David R. 2001. Effect of harvesting regime on beech root sprouts and seedlings in a north-central Maine forest long affected by beech bark disease. Res. Pap. NE-717. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 20 p.