Influence of oak abundance and distribution on fusiform rust

Abstract

Abundance of water oak was found to be strongly correlated with rust incidence in slash pine, while both water and laurel oaks were moderately correlated with incidence in loblolly pine. Correlations of other oaks wit h rust incidence were not as strong and some were negative. Althoueh further work is needed to prove a cause and effect relationship, we recommend that prevalence of oaks (especially water oak) and their potential for invasion be considered in evaluating site hazard. Very intensive, oftenrepeated mechanical site preparation· can reduce abundance of oaks, but normal application of such treatments induces oak sprouting and can increase hazard. Prescribed burning and herbicide application have better potential for forestalling oak succession and lessening competition without increasing oak abundance. Maintaining a dense canopy of pines retards, but does not prevent, encroachment of oaks.

Citation

Squillace, A.E. and Wilhite, L.P.,. 1977. Influence of oak abundance and distribution on fusiform rust. In: Proceedings of the Symposium on Management of Fusiform Rust in Southern Pines. University of Florida, Gainesville: 59-70.