Crown deterioration and reduced growth associated with excessive seed production by birch

Abstract

In 1967 yellow birch, Betula alleghaniensis Britt., and white birch, B. papyrifera Marsh., developed extremely large seed crops in Ontario. Foliage was dwarfed or missing in the heavily seeded portions of tree crowns. Buds did not develop on the terminal portions of most branches, and in 1968 branches died back to the point where buds were available for growth. Terminal growth and diameter growth were reduced for both species in 1967, and terminal growth by yellow birch continued at a reduced rate in 1968. Terminal growth and bud production were inversely related to the amount of fruiting. Similar conditions prevailed on some yellow birch in 1970.Yellow birch was more seriously affected, and in most mature stands dieback averaged 20 to 50 cm. White birch was not affected to this extent; however, some trees in most mature stands suffered extensive dieback.