White Spruce Plantations Research Articles

Terminal leader failure in white spruce plantations in northern Minnesota

Terminal leader failure from bud mortality occurred in 46% of plantation white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) trees, 19–43 years old. Frost damage was identified as the causal factor of bud mortality, with all plantations being established from seed sources of local origin. Large differences in terminal bud failure rates were noted between year of observation, tree size class, and stand age-class. Dominant trees, 33–43 years old, had a 3 year failure rate ranging from 16 to 51 %. For dominant trees, an 18% (9 cm) height growth reduction per year of incidence was noted. The lateral replacement process could account for greater than a 2 m height reduction for dominants at age 50 years, confounding estimates of potential site quality. The height growth of overtopped trees responded differently to frost damage than dominants, with replacement laterals averaging 38% (8 cm) greater height growth than apical terminals of undamaged trees.

Control of Spruce Gall Midge in Southern ct 1983

Abstract Nine insecticides were evaluated for control of spruce gall midge in commercial plantations of white spruce 1 to 2 m tall. Applications were made in either late Apr or early May, or at both times, in a randomized block experiment with 4 replications at Guilford and five at Middlefield. Insecticides at the rate of 1 lb (AI)/100 gal were applied to runoff with a Solo knapsack sprayer. The Apr treatment was applied when white spruce buds were swelling and bud scales were separating, and when adult midges were emerging and beginning to lay eggs; the May application was made when new shoots had elongated 1 to 2 cm. Infestation was rated 0 to 5: 0, no visible infestation; 1, very light visible infestation; 2, light infestation with some swollen shoots; 3, moderate infestation with noticeable swollen and stunted shoots; 4, severe infestation with many swollen, stunted shoots and some dead needles and shoots; 5, very severe infestation with many swollen, stunted and deformed shoots and abundant dead needles and shoots. Infestation on 1982 shoots was rated before treatment and only trees with a rating of at least 1 were treated.

Spruce Budmoth — A Case History Issues and Constraints

An approach, involving all of the agencies that might be involved in a spray permit approval, to the design of a chemical control program for a zeiraphera sp. infestation in extensive white spruce plantations in New Brunswick is described. The issues and constraints encountered in the exercise and that would probably be common to any attempt at implementing chemical control of a pest in plantations are highlighted. Steps that must be taken to resolve some of these difficulties are discussed. Adaptive Environmental Assessment and Management is suggested as an approach that might resolve issues and contraints.

Spruce Budmoth — A Case History: Opportunities

The spruce budmoth, Zeiraphera sp. is a new pest of white spruce plantations in New Brunswick. Damage to the buds results in deformation of the stem and stunting of growth.Because of the secretive feeding behavior of the larvae, attempts to control populations or provide protection with chemical insecticides have been largely unsuccessful. The nature of the plantation and the biology of the insect provide an attractive opportunity for development of an integrated pest management system. The most promising techniques for immediate application and research and development effort are: reduction of harvest block size; planting of mixed conifer species; spruce budmoth pheromone; mass release of Trichogramma parasites; and further testing of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Site Quality Evaluation for White Spruce Plantations Using Discriminant Analysis

AbstractFifty‐six study plots were established in fully‐stocked white spruce plantations, 33 to 43 yr old, in northern Minnesota. The plots were separated into three growth response groups based on site index, basal area, and mean annual biomass increment of the spruce. Discriminant analysis was used on data from 50 of the plots to determine the site descriptors that best separated the plots into their respective growth groups. The discriminant functions, based on seven descriptors, correctly classified 76% of the plots. Plots in groups 1, 2, and 3, roughly equivalent to good, medium, and poor productivity, were correctly classified 69%, 80%, and 79%, respectively. When individual plots were sequentially deleted from computation of the functions (jacknife analysis), these values dropped to 56%, 75%, and 71%, with an overall value of 68%. Three of the remaining six independent test cases were correctly classified. Slope, soil phosphorus, and nutrient synecological coordinates were all major discriminators. These discriminators represent physiographic, soil, and vegetation properties, and demonstrate the importance of the total site approach when defining site quality for white spruce.

Regeneration and growth of white spruce and alpine fir in the interior of British Columbia

Survival and height growth of planted white spruce, Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss, and alpine fir, Abieslasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt., seedlings, the growth of competing shrubs, and height, diameter, and volume growth of spruce and fir up to about 130 years of age were studied on Alluvial and Aralia sites in the central interior of British Columbia to assess the suitability of alpine fir for restocking the sites where shrub competition causes heavy seedling mortality of spruce. Alpine fir regenerated successfully under heavy shrub competition where spruce generally failed, and its growth up to almost 100 years was better than that of spruce. Spruce maintained its growth longer. Spruce should be favored where its regeneration can be assured. Where shrubs prevent regeneration of spruce, however, alpine fir may provide a viable and even economically justifiable alternative.

A Model for Regular Mortality in Unthinned White Spruce Plantations

The dominant stand height, and the number of live trees per hectare, when taken together at the start of a growth period, are good predictors of periodic mortality in total number of trees per hectare, and of its distribution by tree sizes.While the prediction of net growth and yield may require data for total mortality only, more detailed information, i.e. distribution by tree size, is needed for a planned effort to prevent, reduce or salvage it. This information can be obtained by the equations presented in this report.

Response of White Spruce Plantation to Three Levels of Thinning from Below 1958-1978

In 1958 a thinning experiment to examine the relation of stand growth of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) to density of residual growing stock was established at the Petawawa national Forestry Institute in a 33-year-old plantation growing on a sandy old-field site. A treatment series consisted of sample plots thinned from below to basal area levels of 18.4, 25.3 and 32.1 m2/ha, together with unthinned plots serving as controls. Two such replicates were established. The plots were remeasured and thinned again to the prescribed basal areas in 1968 and 1978. Diameter growth and form quotient were clearly related to degree of thinning. Volume growth was reduced at the lowest residual basal area. The untreated plots contained the highest volume in 1978 but mortality had reduced their total production of merchantable wood by about 10% compared with the thinnings plus standing crop of the two lighter treatments. Thinning to leave a basal area in the range of about 22 to 35 m2/ha should yield 11 to 60 m3/ha of merchantable wood, depending on plantation age and intensity of cut, without reducing stand growth.

Estimation of butt rot in a white spruce plantation

Presence or absence of decay in trees in a 46-year-old white spruce (Piceaglauca) plantation was predicted from ocular observations and from one increment boring in each tree at 15–20 cm from the ground. Amount of decay was estimated from increment cores and compared with measurements taken after tree felling and dissection. Ocular and boring predictions of tree condition were 63.5 and 86.8% correct respectively. This accuracy was increased to 76.1 and 98.0% respectively when 2 dm3 of decay in a tree was considered negligible. There was a linear correlation (r = 0.67) between the estimated area of decay (in square decimetres) from the increment core and the total volume of decay (cubic decimetres) in the tree. A regression equation applicable on a stand basis is given.

Étude du Matériel sur Pied Relatif et Ses Implications sur L'Aménagement des Plantations

Problems of plantation management and silvicultural practices in over- and under-stocked white spruce and red pine plantations are presented in the light of observations made while preparing normal yield tables. This study points out the crucial problem of initial density of man-made forests. For successful growth of light-demanding species such as pine, a minimum of 4 000-5 000 seedlings per hectare at planting are required. The use for stand density optimization is discussed.

Distribution of Cocoons of the Yellowheaded Spruce Sawfly 123

Cocoon distribution of Pikonema alaskensis (Rohwer) was studied in 10- to 12-yr-old white spruce plantations in Minnesota. Adjacent soil cores were taken radially from the trunk, extending 88 cm beyond the crown. Adult emergence traps were placed under, at the edge, and outside of the crowns. There were twice as many sawflies outside of the crown area with males predominating. The north and west sides had more sawflies. Fully developed larvae released in flats with one half of the area shaded did not show a cocooning preference for either the sunny or shaded side. Observations relate cocooning preferences to grass and moisture. Therefore, we feel that the preference for cocooning outside of the crown-covered ground is a grass and moisture related, rather than a sun-related, preference.

The Effect of Decay on Growth Rate in a White Spruce Plantation

In a white spruce plantation, sound dominant and co-dominant trees increased their total volume by 55.3% between ages 36 and 46 years, while trees with butt decay grew only 44.0%. In net terms, during that 10-year period, sound trees produced 27% more wood in volume than trees with butt decay. Growth reduction increased with increasing amount of decay present, but not in comparable proportions. This is explained by the presence mainly of root and butt rot fungi which severely affect the root system before causing much decay. Growth losses were evaluated from observations on trees still living at the end of the 10-year period; losses from trees which died during this time were not included. Polyporus tomentosus, a root and butt rot fungus which is relatively important in coniferous plantations, caused 66% (in volume and frequency) of the decay.

Spruce Budworm Control in a White Spruce Plantation, 1977

Abstract The test was designed to compare two experimental numbered compounds and a new formulation of Sevin to a standard formulation, Sevimol. Treatments were assigned randomly to three 30 x 30 ft plots marked out in the plantation. Treated plots were separated by 25 ft buffers. Each plot contained about 25 trees of 15 ft average height. Sprays were applied with a back-mounted mistblower at finished spray volumes of 20 gal/acre on June 11. All dilutions were with water. Most insects were in instar VI. Postspray counts of survivors were made on June 17. These involved insects on one, 18 in midcrown branch from each of 10 trees/plot. Treatments were delayed 9 days by rain and persistent rain throughout the postspray period probably reduced efficacy.

Etude économique des plantations de Grand'Mère 10 ans après fertilisation

The profitability of an aerial fertilization, in the Grand'Mère white spruce plantations, is considered in the light of results from a 10-year manual fertilization trial (1962-1972). In the fall of 1972, the additional wood volume associated with the best four treatments — K2, N2K2, N1K1, and K1 — exceeds that of non-treated plots by 27,8, 26,9, 14,7 and 12,6 cubic meters per hectare respectively (4,0, 3,8, 2,1 and 1,8 cunits per acre). It was then postulated that similar results could be obtained by means of aerial fertilization. Then, the economic assessment, based on current (1975) prices obtained from the most reliable sources of supply and services, was made by taking into account all costs that would be involved in producing by means of aerial fertilization the same extra wood volume realized by manual fertilization.The assessment shows that treatments with 224 kg/ha (200 lb/acre) and 112 kg ha (100 lb/acre) of potassium sulphate were the most profitable by producing fertilizer-grown wood at costs of $6.72 and $7.47 per cunit on the stump while the profitability level was established in 1962 by the Consolidated Co. at $10.000 per cunit. In 1973, this level was raised to $15.00 and in 1975 it reached $18.00 per cunit according to the company. There would appear to be a sufficient cost advantage to justify the application of potassium fertilizer. Fertilization where nitrogen is included should not be considered at Grand'Mère because of the high price of urea (45% N) — $220.00 per ton in January 1975.

Nutrient–Growth Relationships in the Grand'Mère White Spruce Plantations before and after Fertilization

Relationships were studied between the concentrations of N, P, K, and Mg in the needles and the growth of planted white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) on sandy marine and associated soils at Grand'Mère, Quebec. Multiple correlation analysis indicated a positive and highly significant relationship between K concentrations and growth expressed in terms of basal area and total volume. Foliar N was positively and significantly correlated with basal area and Mg with total volume. There was a negative relationship between P concentrations and both basal area and total volume. However, the coefficients of partial correlation for N, Mg, and P were low.Significant increases in increments of basal area and total volume were obtained with 50 and 100 kg/ha K, 5 and 10 years after application. There was a moderate response in total basal area to rates of 57.5 and 115 kg/ha N in the first 5 years only. No growth response was obtained with 45 kg/ha Mg for either period of observation. K, N, and Mg were applied as K2SO4, urea, and MgSO4 respectively. No significant residual effects of N or K on foliar levels of N, K, and Mg could be established 10 years after treatment, although a marked and significant residual effect of Mg on foliar Mg concentrations could still be detected in the fertilized plots. Thus, K appeared to be the main element that limited growth of white spruce in these plantations.

Biomass of Fine Roots in a White Spruce Plantation

Biomass of fine roots (≤3 mm diameter) in a white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) plantation in Maine was estimated at 696 ± 224 g/m2 or 3 kg per tree. Data consisted of 10 samples collected in midsummer from the top 45 cm of an imperfectly drained, silt loam, alluvial soil. Variation among individual samples was great, but appeared to be independent of distance to and size of closest tree. Results of this study compare favorably with published estimates of 2–3 kg per tree for other conifers in different parts of the world. The adequacy of this kind of study for understanding tree–soil relationships is discussed.

Establishment and spread of Polyporus tomentosus in pine and spruce plantations in Wisconsin

Polyporus tomentosus Fr. was found in the roots of stumps in a thinned red pine plantation and in roots of living and dead trees in established root rot pockets in a white spruce plantation. Infection apparently originated in the root collar or in declining roots of stumps or weakened trees. Direct stump top invasion was not evident. Localized spread of the fungus occurred through root contacts or grafts. Presence and approximate margins of root rot pockets in a white spruce plantation were indicated by sporophores. In 13 permanent plots embracing root rot pockets observed during a 4-year period, the reduction in number of living dominant trees was 2.1%, codominants 2.4%, intermediates 15.4%, and suppressed trees 48.5%. In control plots only the number of suppressed trees decreased by 29.3%. Of the remaining living dominant and codominant trees within the disease plots 26.8% probably were infected. Expansion of 10 of the infection pockets was measured showing an increase in area of 58.3%. During the 4-year period 18 new infection centers appeared in the stand.

Productivité de Plantations d'épinette blanche sur le sol sablonneux à Grand'Mère, P.Q.

About nine square miles of the Proulx Block white spruce plantations at Grand-Mère were inventoried in 1946, 1956, 1961 and 1966. Results of these inventories show that on about 20% of the studied area characterized by the Calliergon forest type, growth of trees planted in 1926 is most satisfactory; on about 45% of the area characterized by the Calliergon-Polytrichum type, growth is fairly good; while on about 53% of the area characterized by the Cladonia-Polytrichum type, growth rate is slow.It is concluded that, in general the growth of the white spruce plantations at Grand-Mère is no longer stagnant, and recovery, even on the poorest site, is encouraging.

Soil improvement trials using scarification and fertilization in stagnant white spruce plantations, Quebec, Canada

Scarification of a cleared Cladonia-Polytrichum site type on a deteriorated sandy area resulted, after 3 years, in a marked increase in height of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) transplants. This increase was presumably due to the incorporation of ground-vegetation organic matter in the surface soil. Additions of buckwheat residue, N, P, and K fertilizers, and bacterial compost, did not significantly increase height over that observed for seedlings in the scarified areas. In unscarified surface and root-zone soils, nutrients, pH, and organic-matter levels showed no appreciable difference over a period of 5 years. In scarified or in scarified-fertilized surface soils, nutrients and organic matter levels decreased during the 5 years after treatment, while soil acidity increased. In the root zone of the treated soils, potassium content increased with time, while phosphorus and pH levels remained almost constant, and nitrogen and organic matter contents declined. Nutrient-element levels in the needles of white spruce planted in treated soils exhibited changes somewhat similar to those found in the root zone of treated soils, while concentrations of N, P, and K in control transplants did not vary significantly over 5 years.

FRÉQUENCE ET INTENSITÉ DU CHANCRE CYTOSPORÉEN DANS LES PLANTATIONS D'ÉPINETTE DU QUÉBEC

Cytospora canker was observed in all the plantations of white and Norway spruce examined in the Province of Quebec and in some natural stands of indigenous spruce species. Disease incidence was particularly high in the Grand'Mère and Saint-Lazare plantations where it has existed since at least 1943 and 1955, respectively. Favorable periods for infection occurred at fairly regular intervals and development of cankers was more pronounced some years than others. No clear-cut correlation was found between rainfall, temperature, and disease intensity. The disease is becoming more prevalent and poses a threat to existing spruce plantations in Québec.