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Effects of Artificial Defoliation on the Growth of Cottonwood: Simulation of Cottonwood Leaf Beetle Defoliation

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Populus are among the fastest growing commercial forest trees but are not without problems. Insects and diseases can take their toll. The cottonwood leaf beetle (Chrysomela scripta F.; CLB) is of concern. Although damage by the CLB can result in terminal dieback, reduction in growth, and potential mortality, the impact on Populus growth and biomass accumulation is relatively scarce. This study was conducted near Cruger, MS, in a 2-year-old Populus plantation that had red oak seedlings interplanted. To assess the impact of CLB defoliation, varying levels of defoliation were applied during 2000. Defoliation at all levels had a significant effect on height growth. On average, undefoliated trees were significantly taller than defoliated trees. Trees defoliated at the rates of 50 percent and 75 percent exhibited the greatest decrease in growth. Height growth for trees defoliated at these levels was reduced by 30 and 31 percent, respectively. Trees defoliated at 25 percent were reduced in growth by 24 percent when compared to controls.

Parent Publication

Citation

Tucker, Steven A.; Nebeker, T. Evan; Warriner, Michael D.; Jones, William D.; Beatty, T. Keith. 2004. Effects of Artificial Defoliation on the Growth of Cottonwood: Simulation of Cottonwood Leaf Beetle Defoliation. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–71. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 169-171
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/6634