Pacific Southwest

Title: Stem infection by dwarf mistletoe in California firs

Author: Parmeter, John R., Jr.; Scharpf, Robert F.

Date: 1982

Source: Res. Paper PSW-RP-165. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 7 p

Station ID: RP-PSW-165

Description: In fir stands infested with dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum Engelm. ex Munz.), the majority of susceptible understory trees had one or more stem infections. Most stem infections entered through infected branches and grew slowly around the stem, resulting in small amounts of decay or stem killing. Decay was not found in trees less than 50 years old. Despite high rates of stem infection, low rates of decay and stem girdling suggest that stem infections will not lead to serious losses in well-managed young-growth stands. Overstory removal and proper spacing to promote rapid height growth and early crown closure are recommended to reduce damage from stem infection.

Keywords: (Arceuthobium abietinum, dwarf mistletoe, Abies concolor, Abies magnifica, white fir, red fir, stem decay, stem infection, sivicultural management

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Citation

Parmeter, John R., Jr.; Scharpf, Robert F.  1982.  Stem infection by dwarf mistletoe in California firs.   Res. Paper PSW-RP-165. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 7 p.