Effects of Lodgepole Pine Dwarf Mistletoe, Arceuthobium americanum, on Jack Pine, Pinus banksiana, Growth in Manitoba

Authors

  • Brock Epp Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR) and Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Avenue Portage, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9
  • Jacques C. Tardif Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR) and Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 515 Avenue Portage, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v118i4.62

Keywords:

Lodgepole Pine Dwarf Mistletoe, Arceuthobium americanum, Jack Pine, Pinus banksiana, stem analysis, logistic regression, basal area, height, volume, tree growth, productivity, Manitoba

Abstract

The Lodgepole Pine Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum Nutt. ex Engelm.) is an important pathogen of Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.). Dwarf Mistletoe alters tree form, suppresses growth, and reduces volume and overall wood quality of its host. Stem analysis and a 3-parameter logistic regression model were used to compare the growth of heavily and lightly to non infected Jack Pine trees. At the time of sampling, no significant reduction in diameter at breast height and basal area were observed in heavily infected trees. However, a significant reduction in height and volume and an increase in taper were observed in heavily infected trees. Growth models predicted a 21.1% lower basal area, 23.4% lower height and 42.1% lower volume by age 60 for the high infection group.

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Issue

Vol. 118 No. 4 (2004)

Section

Articles

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