Growth responses of Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) to defoliation

Abstract

The effects of defoliation on Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) growth in 3-year-old plantations were studied at two sites near Alsea, Oregon during 1988–1990. Four intensities of defoliation (0, 25, 50, and 75% of current year's foliage removed) were applied once in either spring or summer 1988. Seedling diameter and canopy area had inverse linear relationships to the level of defoliation. Defoliation intensity had no effect on seedling height growth ( P > 0.05) throughout the study period. Greater losses ( P < 0.05) in height occurred when seedlings were defoliated in spring than in summer. The relatively shallow slopes of our response surfaces relating defoliation intensity to subsequent tree growth suggest that young Douglas-fir are very tolerant of defoliation provided that the terminal leader remains intact. Defoliation had no effect on tree mortality. Pre-down and midday xylem water potentials were monitored using a pressure chamber during summer 1988 and 1989 as an index of tree moisture stress. No differences in pre-dawn and midday xylem water potential were observed ( P > 0.05) between trees defoliated in summer or spring compared with undefoliated trees in 1988. However, in 1989, 25% defoliation increased midday xylem water potential, whereas 50 and 75% defoliation decreased water potential ( P < 0.05).