Effect of Phytophthora Root Rot on Survival and Growth of Fraser Fir Christmas Trees

A study was conducted in Avery County, NC, to determine the effect of phytophthora root rot and a chlorosis (yellowed foliage) of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poir.) on survival and growth. Seedlings in 4 symptom categories-1. Nonsymptomatic seedlings from a nondiseased area (nonsymptomatic), 2. Chlorotic seedlings from a nondiseased area (chlorotic), 3. nonsymptomatic seedlings from Phytophthora spp.–infected nursery seedling beds (nonsymptomatic from diseased beds), and 4. seedlings with advanced symptoms, including wilting and discolored foliage, necrotic roots, and stem and/ or root collar resinosis—were planted on a welldrained Christmas tree site in 1974. Tree survival and growth were monitored through 1984. Trees in the chlorotic category survived as well as nonsymptomatic trees throughout the study period and by the third growing season the chlorosis had disappeared. Nonsymptomatic trees from diseased seedbeds had significantly more first-year mortality than nonsymptomatic trees. Survival of the trees with advanced symptoms was the lowest (only 49%) by the end of the first year. Mortality in all categories was relatively minimal after the first growing season. Surviving trees in the advanced symptoms category grew faster than those in the other 3 categories, probably caused by the larger initial size at planting date and increased growing space as a result of first-year mortality. Tree Planters' Notes 48(3/4): 72-75; 1997.

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Author(s): Charles E. Cordell, Coleman A. Doggett, Donald Rogers

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 48, Number 4 (1997)

Volume: 48

Number: 4