Stump Sprouts Research Articles

Could the Content of Soluble Carbohydrates in the Young Shoots of Selected Willow Cultivars Be a Determinant of the Plants’ Attractiveness to Cervids (Cervidae, Mammalia)?

Ten willow cultivars grown in experimental plots were evaluated for performance, attractiveness to foragers, and the content and composition of soluble carbohydrates. The survival of willow cuttings in a thicket and in browse plots differed subject to cultivar, soil quality, and soil moisture content. The number of stump sprouts varied considerably, from 1.1 shoots in the weakest soils in Słonin, Poland, to 3.43 in the plot in Czempin, Poland. Browse plots were established in 2017. They were cut, and fencing was removed in early spring of 2019. Young shoots (10 cm shoot tip with buds, preferably eaten by animals) were sampled for analyses of soluble carbohydrates as potential attractors for foraging cervids. All willow cultivars contained the same soluble carbohydrates: glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, myo-inositol, galactinol, and raffinose. Total carbohydrate content ranged from 21.31 (S. amygdalina 1045) to 69.37 mg/g−1 DM (dry matter) (S. purpurea). Glucose was the predominant soluble sugar in the shoots of all willow cultivars, excluding S. viminalis. The fructose content of the shoots was approximately twice lower than their glucose content in all willow cultivars. Smaller differences were observed in the content of myo-inositol, which ranged from 4.61 (S. amygdalina 1045) to 8.26 mg/g−1 DM (S. fragilis cv. Kamon/Resko). The phloem of all willow species contained small quantities of galactinol and trace amounts of raffinose. Weak negative correlations were noted between total carbohydrate content, the content of glucose, fructose, and galactose vs. the attractiveness of willow shoots to foraging cervids. The remaining carbohydrates that occurred in smaller quantities in willow shoots were not correlated with their attractiveness to cervids.

Stump Sprout Characteristics of Three Commercial Tree Species in Suriname

We compared stump sprouting by three common timber species in Suriname on the basis of sprout origins on stumps, sprout densities, and sprout height:diameter ratios. We then compared some leaf and stem functional traits of 15–18-month-old resprouts and nearby conspecific saplings of the same height (0.5–3.5 m) but unknown age. Stumps of Dicorynia guianensis Amsh. (29–103 cm in diameter) produced the most sprouts (x = 9.2/stump), followed by the 50–71 cm diameter stumps of Eperua falcata Amsh. (10.6/stump), and the 30–78 cm diameter Qualea rosea Amsh. (5.9/stump); sprout density did not vary with stump diameter. Sprouts emerged from the lower, middle, and upper thirds of the stumps of all three species, but not from the vicinity of the exposed vascular cambium in Qualea. With increased resprout density, heights of the tallest sprout per stump tended to increase but height:diameter ratios increased only in Dicorynia. Compared to conspecific saplings, sprouts displayed higher height-diameter ratios, higher leaf-to-wood mass ratios (LWR), and lower wood densities, but did not differ in leaf mass per unit area (LMA) or leaf water contents. These acquisitive functional traits may reflect increased resprout access to water and nutrients via the extensive root system of the stump. That we did not encounter live stump sprouts from the previous round of selective logging, approximately 25 years before our study, suggests that stump sprouts in our study area grow rapidly but do not live long.

Switching from juvenile leaves to phyllode of Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L.Wendl. proved by the control of seedlings and stump sprout leaves

Switching from juvenile leaves to phyllode of Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L.Wendl. proved by the control of seedlings and stump sprout leaves

The efficacy of Chondrostereum purpureum in sprout control of birch during mechanized pre-commercial thinning

The efficacy of mechanized pre-commercial thinning (PCT) done by a lightweight mini-harvester Tehojätkä together with the Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers. ex Fr.) Pouzar fungal treatment (dilutions 1:100, 1:200, 1:400) and control (cutting only) was studied for three years. The efficacy of the fungal treatment was defined as capability to prevent sprouting of birch (Betula pendula Roth. and B. pubescens Ehrh.). The fungal treatment resulted in higher stump mortality and lower number of sprouts but it did not have a clear effect on the maximum height of stump sprouts. However, mortalities obtained in this study (34.1%, 26.8%, and 25.6% for dilutions 1:100, 1:200, and 1:400, respectively) were notably lower compared to previous studies which indicate that the accuracy of the spreading mechanism was not satisfactory. We conclude that it is possible to decrease stump sprouting with the fully mechanized fungal treatment but putting this implementation into practice needs more testing to increase efficacy.

Determination of Effective Factors on Natural Regeneration of Persian Oak in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Sothern Zagros, Iran

Understanding the factors that allow the successful regeneration of species is a key step toward the conservation and management of forests. This study was conducted to model and compare the impacts of some important influential factors on the presence and absence of two sources of natural regeneration of Persian oak (Quercus brantii Lind) – seedling recruitment and stump sprouts – in a less degraded forest in Southern Zagros in West of Iran. These models potentially result to reduce both management and plantation costs as well as providing cost and time effective decisions to reach the goals of forest preservation. The data were taken from nested sample plots with circular shapes. In addition to the number of instances of natural regeneration, consisting of seedlings and stump sprouts of Persian oak, within each main sample plot, the general characteristics of the forest stand, percent of crown cover closure, number of oak trees, dbh, crown diameter, and number of shoots in each tree stump were measured, counted, and or estimated. In each of the inner subplots within the main sample plots, features including litter depth, number of gravels and sheep and goat dungs were recorded. Using factor analysis and two logit models, the relationships between the presence and absence of recruitment seedlings and stump sprouts against the recorded factors were compared. Results showed that the presence of stump sprouts depends on the density of woody cover of the forest stand while among the recorded variables, absence of gravel had more influence on sprouting. Presence of gravels could be a metric/proxy for soil erosion. Synthesis and applications. For promoting the conservation and rehabilitation of these forests to accomplish their determined preservation objectives, it is recommended that the forest authority should prohibit animal grazing in the areas experiencing severe soil erosion as well as plant seeds— and even saplings—to conserve soil and limit soil erosion in the area.

Cypress Weevil, Eudociminus mannerheimii (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The cypress weevil, Eudociminus mannerheimii (Boheman), is a native insect that breeds primarily in scarred, weakened, or fallen bald cypress (Taxodium distichum [L.] L.C. Rich) and pond cypress (T. ascendens Brongn.). In Florida, adult feeding has caused limited wounding and girdling of pond cypress stump sprouts and planted seedlings. Small diameter bald cypress nursery stock has also been damaged by larvae tunneling through the main stem and root collar. Apart from entries in species checklists and catalogs, published information about the cypress weevil is extremely limited (Hopkins 1904, Blatchley and Leng 1916, Baker and Bambara 1999). Although the cypress weevil has not been a frequent pest of major economic importance, its occasional damage should be recognized, and the lack of information regarding its biology, potential hosts, and management, warrants further research. This document is EENY-360 (IN645) (originally published as DPI Entomology Circular 415), one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Published: November 2005. EENY-360/IN645: Cypress Weevil, Eudociminus mannerheimii (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (ufl.edu)

Trembling aspen root suckering and stump sprouting response to above ground disturbance on a reclaimed boreal oil sands site in Alberta, Canada

Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) is an important early successional species in the boreal region that commonly regenerates via root suckering and, to a lesser extent, stump sprouting after aboveground disturbance such as harvesting or wildfire. However, the response of aspen to disturbance on reclaimed oil sands sites is not known. To determine the suckering and sprouting response of 6-year-old seedling origin aspen growing on a reclamation site, we destructively sampled 87 individual trees in May 2017. Trees were selected across two soil types, forest floor-mineral mix and peat-mineral mix, and three height classes, 100–199 cm, 200–299 cm, and > 300 cm. In August 2017, we returned to each cut tree to assess the type (sucker vs. stump sprout) and abundance of regeneration. Aspen readily responded to disturbance; however, responses were highly variable between trees, ranging from zero to 47 suckers and zero to 42 sprouts. Trees growing on peat-mineral mix were 7.8 times more likely to produce at least one sucker and generally had a higher abundance of suckers. Tree height was also positively correlated with suckering probability and abundance, while competition from surrounding vegetation decreased the probability and abundance of suckering, especially when cover of competing species was greater than 52.5%. The probability of stump sprouting was not affected by soil type or tree size, but did decrease with increases in tree competition. Overall, trembling aspen respond vigorously to disturbances on mine reclamation sites which is a promising sign of resilience for these novel and young ecosystems.

Stump sprout dynamics of Quercus serrata Thunb. and Q. acutissima Carruth. four years after cutting in an abandoned coppice forest in western Japan

The concern regarding the re-establishment of coppice forests has increased with respect to biodiversity conservation, bioenergy, and ecological services. To successfully restore the oak dominated coppices, understanding the factors affecting sprout regeneration is necessary because stump sprouts are the essential source of natural oak regeneration. In the present study, therefore, we sought to determine the stump sprout dynamics of the two widely distributed oaks in Japan, Quercus serrata and Q. acutissima, in relation to stump size, sprout characteristics, topographic factors, and canopy closure over a 4-year period following cutting in abandoned coppices. The study plot (40 × 90 m) was established in a coppice forest abandoned since the 1960s in western Japan. In winter 2013, canopy trees within and outside the plot were cut, then we collected the data of sprout origin position, sprout survival, sprout diameter, and length from 2014 to 2017. Four years after cutting, the proportion of surviving stumps decreased to 37% (n = 98) and 56% (n = 61) in Q. serrata and Q. acutissima, respectively. In both species, the Bayesian logistic mixed model showed that stump survival was not significantly affected by stump size and the examined environmental factors. The number of living sprouts per stump differed between Q. serrata (8.7 ± 6.7) and Q. acutissima (5.1 ± 4.6) after four years (P = 0.01). The number of sprouts per stump in both species tended to increase with stump diameter and was greater in convex area, but only significant for Q. acutissima. Dominant sprouts of Q. acutissima exhibited greater diameter and length than those of Q. serrata, and the relative growth rate of sprouts in both species decreased with time after cutting. Dominant sprouts originating from a higher position on the stump grew better than those closer to the ground level. Sprout growth was negatively affected by sprout number per clump and positively affected by dead sprout number per stump, but only significant for Q. serrata. Light availability positively, although modestly, influenced sprout growth. Our data suggest that relying only on stump sprouts to restore the abandoned coppice stands dominated by the two species is insufficient because their stump survival rate was relatively low. Within the observed range of stump diameter, it may not be a factor responsible for the regeneration failure in the two species. Artificial thinning of small and suppressed sprouts may promote the growth of the remaining dominant sprouts.

Sprouting capacity of Quercus serrata Thunb. and Quercus acutissima Carruth. after cutting canopy trees in an abandoned coppice forest

ABSTRACTRejuvenation by sprouting is a possible solution to prevent abandoned coppice forests in Japan from outbreaks of oak wilt disease. Applying this approach requires examining the sprouting capacity of large-sized oak trees. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of stump size, sprout characteristics (emerging time and origin position), and environmental factors (slope, convexity, soil moisture, soil net nitrogen mineralization rate (Net-NMR) and canopy closure) on sprout regeneration of the two widely distributed oaks in Japan, Quercus serrata and Quercus acutissima, in the first growing season after cutting. In November 2013, a study plot (40 × 90 m) was set, and canopy trees within the plot and edge areas were cut. We recorded sprout emergence, sprout origin position, sprout survival, and length from May to October 2014. Our data indicated that both species (ca. 60 years old) have not yet lost their ability of sprouting. In Q. acutissima, the sprouting probability increased with light availability and was higher in concave area, and its number of living sprouts was positively related to stump diameter. In Q. serrata, the number of living sprouts increased with light availability. Sprouts emerged earlier and/or originated from the lower part of stump exhibited a higher survival probability. Emerging time substantially influenced sprout growth pattern and its effect followed a similar tendency in both species. Our results evidence that the ability of sprouting and the number of living sprouts might not be reduced in large-sized trees, and the increasing of light availability could promote sprout regeneration.

Restoring temperate secondary forests by promoting sprout regeneration: Effects of gap size and within-gap position on the photosynthesis and growth of stump sprouts with contrasting shade tolerance

To improve the productivity and ecological functions, it is essential to recover secondary forests, the major forest resources in the world, by promoting the regeneration of dominant tree species. Forest gaps are a dominant form of small-scale disturbances in secondary forests, and sprout regeneration commonly occur after the gap formation from logging. Within-gap position and gap size are two key characteristics affecting tree regeneration by changing micro-environments. Promoting the sprout regeneration of dominant tree species under forest gaps with various sizes and within-gap positions is a key measure to recover secondary forests. Twelve artificial gaps were created in March 2015 and the photosynthesis and growth of stump sprouts of three dominant tree species with varying levels of shade tolerance (Quercus mongolica, Acer mono, and Tilia mandshurica) were monitored in 2016. The results showed that within-gap position and gap size had significant effects on the photosynthetic ability of stump sprouts of Q. mongolica, i.e., the moderate light condition at the center parts of large gaps was more beneficial to its photosynthesis with the maximum PNmax of 26.49 μmol m-2 s-1. Gap size significantly affected the biomass of stump sprouts of both Q. mongolica (shade intolerant tree species) and A. mono (intermediate shade tolerant tree species), e.g., the aboveground biomass of these two tree species in large gaps (178.90 g for Q. mongolica and 158.42 g for A. mono, respectively) were significantly higher than those in small gaps (50.52 g for Q. mongolica and 56.95 g for A. mono, respectively) (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that of the three tree species in this study, only Q. mongolica and A. mono are sensitive to the changing environments caused by the gap size and within-gap position at the early stage of gap formation, and their photosynthesis and growth can be promoted in large gaps and at the central part of gaps with moderate light conditions. Consequently, when logging trees to create gaps, forest managers can control the gap size and within-gap position where target trees are located to promote their stump sprouts regeneration. This study may provide a new insight for the directed cultivation and restoration of temperate secondary forests.

Four-year stump sprout dynamics of two deciduous oak species after cutting in an abandoned coppice forest

Four-year stump sprout dynamics of two deciduous oak species after cutting in an abandoned coppice forest

Effect of Tree Diameter, Canopy Position, Age, and Browsing on Stump Sprouting in Southern New England

Effect of Tree Diameter, Canopy Position, Age, and Browsing on Stump Sprouting in Southern New England

Understory light predicts stump sprout growth in mixed multiaged stands in north coastal California

Regeneration of commercial species is central to long-term success of multiaged management for wood production. We examined relationships between understory light, varying overstory tree retention, and growth of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens; commercial species) and tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus) stump sprouts initiated by group selection and single-tree selection harvesting in 80–100 year old mixed stands at four sites. Treatments included a complete harvest in 1-ha group selection openings, low-density dispersed retention, and either aggregated or dispersed high-density retention. Post-harvest stand density index and basal area were useful predictors of understory light. Mean and maximum understory light did not differ significantly between treatments with the same density where residual trees were retained in aggregated versus dispersed spatial patterns. However, the dispersed retention had lower minimum light levels when compared to the aggregated retention treatment. Aspect appeared to influence understory light more in dispersed treatments. At all light levels, the dominant sprout within clumps of redwood stump sprouts generally grew faster than dominant tanoak sprouts within tanoak sprout clumps. Differences in sprout height growth between aggregated and dispersed treatments were minimal. Stump size had a significant effect on redwood stump sprout height growth, with sprouts on the largest stumps growing approximately twice as quickly as sprouts on the smallest stumps. In the low density dispersed treatment, redwood sprouts outperformed tanoak sprouts by the greatest margin. Regeneration of redwood and tanoak was most rapid within group selection openings.

Regeneration dynamics of planted seedling-origin aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.)

Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) is a foundational tree species of the North American boreal forest. After disturbance, clonal aspen stands quickly achieve canopy closure by sending up numerous clonal shoots (root suckers) from their lateral root system. Controlled aboveground disturbance will commonly induce prolific root suckering and thereby increase stem density in clonal aspen stands, but it is unclear if increases in stem density will be observed in planted seedling-origin aspen stands. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) overall root suckering response of planted aspen to aboveground disturbance; (2) if different cut heights of the stem or infliction of root damage impact the number of root suckers produced. We found that planted aspen regenerated readily after disturbance, averaging five root suckers per cut tree. However, individual response was highly variable, ranging from zero to 29 root suckers per root system. Of the cut trees, 75% produced at least one root sucker and 60% produced at least one stump sprout. Cutting trees close to the soil surface produced more root suckers than leaving a 25 cm stump. While root system size (mass and length) was well correlated with aboveground measures of planted aspen, root suckering was not related to root system size. As a result of increased forest reclamation efforts in the boreal forest region the planting of aspen has become a more common practice, necessitating a better understanding of the regeneration dynamics and root suckering potential of these planted and seedling-origin aspen forests.

Vegetation response to strip cutting young hardwood stands in West Virginia

ABSTRACTThree 21-year-old Appalachian hardwood stands were strip cut using three cutting widths (2.4-m, 3.7-m, and 4.9-m) and allowed to resprout. One year after strip cutting, we examined the vegetation response within the harvested strips relative to non-treated control areas, focusing on the sprouting ability of young hardwood stems and the herbaceous component for wildlife habitat. Results indicate the width of the strip cutting significantly affected the amount of biomass produced from stump sprouts (p = 0.042) and influenced species composition. Shade-intolerant species accounted for more of the biomass production within the wider cut strip widths, while shade-tolerant and shade-intermediate species were more prominent within the narrower cut strips. Cut strip width did not have a significant effect on the biomass of new seedlings germinating after the cuttings. Herbaceous vegetation was greater within the 4.9-m cut strips than in the control plots (p = 0.046); however, the amount of herbaceous biomass produced did not vary among months during the first growing season. Overall, our initial results suggest that strip cutting can provide benefits to wildlife and can possibly provide for additional biomass as the regrowth is harvested in the future.

Influence of bark on the mapping of mechanical strain using digital image correlation

Stereoscopic photogrammetry digital image correlation systems (DIC) are being used to remotely measure deformation and movement in a number of industrial research programs. The incorporation of DIC into ecology, forestry or arboricultural research can help understand how trees and other plants react during static or dynamic biomechanical trials. In the case of deformation, DIC systems map strain which will help understand how a load is transferred from one section of tree to another (i.e., from a branch to the central stem). DIC often utilizes a stochastic paint speckling (contrasting black on white) to create a series of reference points that can be tracked during testing to map strain. During previous field trials, researches have elected to remove the bark and apply the paint directly on the xylem in order to have a smooth or flat surface for the application of speckling. This potentially limits the application of DIC systems only to destructive sampling. Percent strain on Quercus rubra L. stump sprouts was mapped, and no difference between the strains was found whether the bark was intact or removed, suggesting that the presence or absence of bark does not influence strain, at least in thin bark situations. As such, it is not always necessary to remove the bark, opening up the applicability of DIC systems to nondestructive testing in ecological and arboricultural research, inclusive of repeat testing over a series of months or years.

Early Stump Sprout Development after Two Levels of Harvest in a Midwestern Bottomland Hardwood Forest

Sprouting is an important source of regeneration for hardwood trees but has not been studied extensively in bottomland hardwood forests. We quantified the sprouting responses of 11 bottomland hardwood species or species groups after two levels of overstory harvest, including clearcutting with reserves (CCR) (residual basal area ∼2.0 m2/ha) and basal area retention (BAR) (residual basal area ∼8.0 m2/ha), in northern Missouri. The probability of sprout presence after one growing season decreased with increasing parent tree dbh for boxelder, river birch, hickories, hackberry, and American elm, as well as for eastern cottonwood and pin oak after three growing seasons. Harvest treatment affected the probability of sprout presence after three growing seasons for silver maple and American elm, with higher probabilities in CCR than BAR. After three growing seasons, height of the dominant sprout per stump was greater in CCR than in BAR across species. The sprouting probabilities and subsequent survival and growth of sprouts suggest that promoting coppice regeneration would favor silver maple, American elm, and American sycamore at the expense of oak species, river birch, and eastern cottonwood.

InvasiveSyzygium jambostrees in Puerto Rico: no refuge from guava rust

Abstract:Biological invasions can have negative consequences for resident biota, particularly when disease-causing organisms are involved.Austropuccinia psidii, or guava rust, has rapidly spread through the tropics affecting both native and non-native Myrtaceae. In Puerto Rico, the rust has become common onSyzygium jambos, an invasive tree native to South-East Asia. What are the drivers of infection, and do refugia exist across a heterogeneous landscape? We address these questions using species distribution modelling and beta regressions. The realized and potential distribution ofSyzygium jambosis extensive. The model produced an AUC of 0.88, with land-use categories and precipitation accounting for 61.1% of the variation. Predictability ofS. jambosis highest in disturbed habitats, especially in mountainous regions with high precipitation. All 101 trees surveyed and measured across Puerto Rico showed signs of infection to varying extents. Infection severity was consistently associated with annual mean temperature in all top beta regression models, but was also commonly associated with tree size and precipitation variables. We found no safe sites forS. jambos. Many trees were extremely unhealthy and some were dead, suggesting thatS. jambosmay soon become extinct on the island or reduced to persistent stump sprouts. Native vegetation may benefit from the local demise ofS. jambos. While the rust has not jumped to native Myrtaceae, vigilance is required, as host-shifts have occurred in other tropical regions.

Three centuries of fire and forest vegetation transitions preceding Texas’ most destructive wildfire: Lost Pines or lost oaks?

In 2011, the most destructive wildfire in Texas history (Bastrop County Complex Fire, BCCF) burned 34,000 acres including most of Bastrop State Park. We used dendrochronological analysis of vegetation paired with documentary information to reconstruct the historical fire regime, changes in forest composition, and possible human influences leading up to this seemingly unique event. In addition, demographics of fire-killed and immediate post-fire regenerating trees were determined through stem aging and a regeneration census. Historical fire frequency was lower during the pre-EuroAmerican Settlement period (pre-1830) compared to later time periods before the 1920s. Since the 1920s, fire occurrence has significantly decreased. Historical fire characteristics appeared to change with local and regional cultural and land use changes. Within the BCCF area were extensive areas of very old (up to 359yrs old) open-grown post oaks (Quercus stellata) that had been overtopped by 60year old loblolly pines (Pinus taeda). Historically, oak woodlands likely persisted in the study area due to recurring fire and, though less well documented, by grazing and selective logging for loblolly pines. This region is an ecotone between the oak woodlands and Lost Pines and our data show transitions between the two types through time. It is unclear how this vegetation interaction may have affected the destructive BCCF, but its severity and effects were unprecedented during at least the last three centuries. Little to no loblolly pine natural regeneration existed despite being dominant in the pre-fire forest overstory. Based on stump sprout abundance, blackjack oak (Q. marilandica) will likely be the dominant tree species in the next few decades.

Does Modulus of Elasticity Vary Due to Dormancy and Temperature?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states with high confidence that extreme climactic events pose high risks on services such as electric service grids. Some of the extreme events will likely take place earlier in autumn, before deciduous trees complete the process of becoming dormant. The presence of leaves in a transitional season—before leaf drop (pre-dormant)—can be of concern if an unseasonal snow or ice storm occurs, as compared to after leaf drop (dormant). Researchers harvested stump sprouts and measured the flexural modulus of elasticity (E) of wood to determine if it varies with seasonality (pre-dormant versus dormant) and with temperature (frozen -6.7°C versus warm 21.1°C) using a universal load press. While dormant sprouts (warm and cold) had higher average flexural elasticity than the warm pre-dormant sprouts, they were not statistically different than the cold pre-dormant sprouts. As such, it does not appear that the modulus of elasticity differs as trees enter dormancy. Surely, the presence of leaves will increase the bending moment that may lead to an increase in failure, but the slight increase in elasticity as trees enter dormancy should not reduce the likelihood of watersprouts undergoing significant bending during a snow or ice storm.