Analysis of chestnut and scarlet oak stump sprout growth

Abstract

This paper describes stem unit development of chestnut (Quercusprinus L.) and scarlet oak (Q. coccinea Muenchh.) stump sprouts growing on mesic and xeric sites in the Ridge and Valley physiographic region of southwest Virginia. On xeric sites, scarlet oak sprouts produced longer stem units than chestnut oak sprouts, whereas chestnut oak produced more flushes than scarlet oak. However, seasonal height growth was the same for both species. On xeric sites, 39% of the chestnut oaks flushed at least three times compared with 9% on the xeric site. Stem unit length among flushes of chestnut oak was similar, regardless of site. In oaks, stem unit analysis can be useful for evaluating growth components that may affect regenerative success and subsequent stand yield.