Do chestnut, northern red, and white oak germinant seedlings respond similarly to light treatments? II. Gas exchange and chlorophyll responses

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 1025-1037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Rebbeck ◽  
Amy Scherzer ◽  
Kurt Gottschalk
Keyword(s):  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Chlorophyll Content ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Shelterwood Cut ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Understanding differences in physiological and growth strategies in low-light environments among upland oak species may help managers address the challenges of oaks’ poor regeneration. Gas exchange and chlorophyll content were measured for northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.), chestnut oak ( Quercus prinus L.), and white oak ( Quercus alba L.) germinants grown at 25%, 18%, and 6% of full sun in one of two native forest soil mixes for two summers. Northern red and chestnut oak photosynthesis at saturating light (Amax, mass) increased by 23%–36% as light levels increased from 6% to 25% of full sun, while white oak Amax, mass declined by 20% and plateaued at 18% of full sun. White oak light compensation point is representative of deep shade (7.2 µmol·m–2·s–1), while northern red and chestnut oak averaged 17.8 µmol·m–2·s–1. Total chlorophyll content increased as light levels decreased for all species. Of the three species, the slow-growing white oak seedlings appeared to be more efficient in utilizing light than northern red or chestnut oak seedlings. This suggests no additional benefits to increasing light above that typically found in a light shelterwood cut; however, it is crucial to control faster-growing competing vegetation.

Do chestnut, northern red, and white oak germinant seedlings respond similarly to light treatments? Growth and biomass

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (11) ◽  
pp. 2219-2230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Rebbeck ◽  
Kurt Gottschalk ◽  
Amy Scherzer
Keyword(s):  
Forest Soil ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Shoot Mass ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) seedling growth has been extensively studied. White oak ( Quercus alba L.) and chestnut oak ( Quercus prinus L.), however, are far less investigated despite their importance among upland oak species in eastern North American forests. We characterized white and chestnut oak seedling response to light and available soil nutrients while using northern red oak as a benchmark. Germinants were grown within one of three shade treatments (25%, 18%, and 6% of full sun) in one of two native forest soil mixes over two growing seasons. Leaf area, shoot mass, and root mass of all three species showed positive growth responses to increasing light. Growth and biomass were higher for all species grown in the more nutrient-rich forest soil, but chestnut oak displayed the greatest positive responses to the higher nutrient levels. White oak seedlings were the slowest growers and demonstrated the most root-centered growth, with root to shoot ratios almost twice that of either chestnut or northern red oak seedlings. The oak species evaluated here responded differently to changes in resource availability. Our study demonstrates the differential response of upland oaks to low light and nutrients. These differences need consideration when developing oak management prescriptions for specific oaks.

scholarly journals Planting Oaks in Group Selection Openings on Upland Sites: Two Case Studies from Arkansas

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-122
Author(s):  
Eric Heitzman ◽  
Adrian Grell
Keyword(s):  
Group Selection ◽  
Quercus Rubra ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Height Increment ◽  
Ozark Mountains ◽  
White Oak ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Abstract Two upland sites in Arkansas were studied to test the performance of 1-0 northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and white oak (Quercus alba L.) seedlings planted in group selection openings. Both red and white oak seedlings were planted at one location in the Ozark Mountains,and only red oak seedlings were planted at a second site along Crowleys Ridge. Holes were dug with power augers and seedlings were planted by hand. At the time of planting, the mean height of red oak and white oak seedlings at the Ozark site were 3.4 and 1.9 ft, respectively. Red oak seedlingsat Crowleys Ridge averaged 3.0 ft tall when planted. After 4 years at the Ozark site, 77% of red oak and 86% of white oak were alive. After 3 years at Crowleys Ridge, red oak survival was 80%. Seedlings at both sites grew slowly. Mean 4-year height increment at the Ozarksite was 2.1 ft for red oak and 2.5 ft for white oak, and mean 3-year height increment for red oak at Crowleys Ridge was 1.6 ft. Three years after planting in the Ozark Mountains and 2 years after planting at Crowleys Ridge, naturally regenerating competition had suppressed over one-thirdof the red oak and about one-half of the white oak. This necessitated a release treatment around planted seedlings at both sites. Oaks that decreased in total height over a given growing season were common. Most seedlings that decreased in height had been pulled over or crushed by other vegetationor exhibited top dieback. South. J. Appl.For. 30(3):142–146.

scholarly journals Nut Selection by Captive Blue Jays: Importance of Availability and Implications for Seed Dispersal

The Condor ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 377-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey E. Moore ◽  
Robert K. Swihart
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Discrete Choice Models ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Large White ◽  
Shagbark Hickory ◽  
Black Oak ◽  
Blue Jays

Abstract We assessed dietary preference of 14 captive Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) for different food types under different conditions of availability. In four separate feeding trials, we provisioned jays with the following: Trial 1, two nuts each of white oak (Quercus alba), pin oak (Q. palustris), black oak (Q. velutina), northern red oak (Q. rubra), and shagbark hickory (Carya ovata); Trial 2, two small and two large red oak acorns; Trial 3, two germinating and two nongerminating white oak acorns; and Trial 4, one large red oak acorn, one large white oak acorn, and one shagbark hickory nut. We used discrete choice models to describe selection under conditions of changing choice sets. Blue Jays displayed a clear preference for pin oak and strong avoidance of red oak acorns when alternative foods were available. White oak and black oak acorns were selected intermediately. Shagbark hickory nuts were never used. Correlation coefficients suggested that preference was inversely related to seed size and the proportion of seed consisting of hard seed coat. In the absence of alternative food items, small red oak acorns were readily taken, whereas large red oak acorns were mostly avoided but still used by some birds. These results highlight the importance of considering food availability when making conclusions about preference, and lend support to the hypothesis that Blue Jays can be important dispersers of even less-preferred oak species. We discuss the potential as well as the limitations for Blue Jays to act as seed dispersers, with respect to postglacial range expansion of fagaceous tree species, and in the context of present-day dispersal in regions where forests are highly fragmented.

scholarly journals Auger Planting of Oak Seedlings

2003 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-93
Author(s):  
Eric Heitzman ◽  
Adrian Grell
Keyword(s):  
Quercus Rubra ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Abstract In 2001, we used power augers to plant 1-0 northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Q. alba) seedlings in stony soils in Arkansas. After two growing seasons, red oak and white oak survival was 86% and 91%, respectively. Both species had only grown an average of 1 ft in height in 2 yr. North. J. Appl. For. 20(2):92–93.

FOLIAGE CONSUMPTION BY THE VARIABLE OAK LEAF CATERPILLAR, HETEROCAMPA MANTEO (LEPIDOPTERA: NOTODONTIDAE), ITS USE IN DEFOLIATION PREDICTIONS

1978 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 241-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Surgeoner ◽  
W. E. Wallner
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Quercus Rubra ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Consumption Data ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractTotal foliage consumption per larva of Heterocampa manteo (Doubleday) was 334 ± 49.3 cm2 of leaf area. Approximately 85% of the consumption occurred during the fifth larval stadium. There was no significant difference in consumption by H. manteo when fed northern red oak, Quercus rubra L., or white oak, Quercus alba L. Foliage consumption at 27 °C, 24 °C, and 21 °C did not differ significantly; but larvae reared at 15.5 °C consumed 42.6% less foliage. Larvae parasitized by Diradops bethunei (Cresson) consumed 61.3% less foliage than non-parasitized larvae reared at the same temperature. Two methods of predicting defoliation are discussed based upon larval foliage consumption data.

Selective feeding of pine voles on roots of tree seedlings

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Schreiber ◽  
R. K. Swihart
Keyword(s):  
Field Studies ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Yellow Poplar ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Field Evidence ◽  
Microtus Pinetorum ◽  
Belowground Herbivory ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Previous studies have implicated numerous physical and biotic factors as contributing to the failure of oak to regenerate successfully throughout substantial portions of eastern North America. Recent field evidence in southern Indiana implicated belowground herbivory by pine voles ( Microtus pinetorum (LeConte, 1830)) as a potentially important but overlooked mortality agent for oak seedlings. We used cafeteria-style feeding trials to determine whether selection of hardwood seedlings by captive pine voles differed according to species or age. White oak ( Quercus alba L.) was selected more frequently and experienced a greater proportion of root removal by pine voles than same-age seedlings of the other four species tested. Yellow poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera L.) was never eaten. White oak seedlings 3 and 6 weeks of age suffered proportionately greater root removal than conspecific seedlings 12 and 15 weeks of age; pine voles removed roughly constant levels of root biomass irrespective of seedling age. Our results confirm that pine voles selectively feed on oak seedlings. In areas where pine voles are abundant, belowground herbivory could limit regeneration of oak by reducing seedling growth and survival. The importance of pine voles as factors influencing the success of oak regeneration warrants closer scrutiny in future field studies.

Comparison of growth–climate relationships between northern red oak and white oak across eastern North America

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 1936-1947 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. LeBlanc ◽  
Mark A. Terrell
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Wood Anatomy ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Eastern North America ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
White Oak

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth–climate associations for northern red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) across much of its geographic range in eastern North America and to compare these associations with those of white oak ( Quercus alba L.). Tree-ring and climate data were obtained for a total of 82 sites, including 51 sites where both oak species were sampled. Northern red oak radial growth was most strongly and spatially consistently correlated with site water balance variables for the early growing season (May through July). Correlations with prior year autumn and winter precipitation were also identified at a smaller number of sites. The phenology of growth–climate correlations was virtually identical between northern red oak and white oak, although there was modest evidence that correlations were stronger for white oak. These results support the hypothesis that species with similar wood anatomy, geographic distribution, and habitat preferences may have similar growth–climate relationships. This suggests that functional groups of tree species may be defined a priori based on existing knowledge of their wood anatomy and ecology.

scholarly journals White Oak and Northern Red Oak Leaf Injury from Exposure to Chloroacetanilide Herbicides

HortScience ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 696-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayesh B. Samtani ◽  
John B. Masiunas ◽  
James E. Appleby
Keyword(s):  
Red Oak ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Leaf Injury ◽  
Leaf Unfolding ◽  
Red Oaks ◽  
Chloroacetanilide Herbicides ◽  
Leaf Tissues ◽  
Tree Injury

Previous research by the authors found simulated acetochlor (with atrazine) and s-metolachlor drift to white oak at the leaf unfolding stage caused loss of interveinal tissues (leaf tatters). Reports of leaf tatters in the landscape and nursery settings are more common on white oak (Quercus alba L.) than on northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.). Our objectives were to determine if white and northern red oak differed in susceptibility to chloroacetanilide herbicides, if injury varied between chloroacetanilide herbicides, and if adding atrazine increased leaf injury. Two-year-old seedlings at the leaf unfolding stage were treated with acetochlor, s-metolachlor, and dimethenamid-P alone or combined with atrazine at 1%, 10%, and 25% of the standard field use rate. Within 6 days, all chloroacetanilides at 10% and 25% field use rates, alone or combined with atrazine, caused leaf tatter injury in both species. Acetochlor, s-metolachlor, and dimethenamid-P caused a similar type of leaf injury. Atrazine did not cause loss of leaf tissues or increase injury from chloroacetanilides. At 1% field use rate, only acetochlor, acetochlor + atrazine, and dimethenamid-P caused leaf injury to northern red oaks. The white oaks were not injured by all of the chloroacetanilide treatments at 1% field use rate. The northern red oaks were slightly more susceptible to chloroacetanilides compared with the white oaks. A second study found acetochlor only injured northern red oak when applied at the leaf unfolding stage and only at 25% of field use rate. Acetochlor at 1% field use rate did not injure red oak. Research is needed to explain the greater frequency of leaf tatters on white oaks than on northern red oaks in the landscape and to develop strategies to avoid tree injury.

scholarly journals Effects of Scarification Disturbance on the Seedling and Midstory Layer in a Successional Mixed-Oak Forest

2003 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Lhotka ◽  
James J. Zaczek
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
Seedling Density ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Treatment Results ◽  
Southern Illinois ◽  
Soil Scarification ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Abstract This study investigated whether soil scarification during the presence of abundant white oak (Quercus alba L.) acorns and other mast could be used to increase the density of oak reproduction and reduce competitive midstory species in a mid-successional mixed-oak upland forest. The study was conducted in a 7.3 ha forest with a mature oak overstory and a well-developed midstory of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and pawpaw (Asmina triloba Dunal.) in southern Illinois. The soil scarification was conducted in the autumn after acorn dissemination using a crawler tractor with a six-tooth brush rake. One growing season after treatment, significantly higher numbers of oak seedlings, primarily white oak, were present in the scarified plots (5,164 ha-1) compared to the control plots (1,273 ha-1). Seedling density of all other species classes did not differ between treatments. Scarification affected 61% of midstory trees and thus reduced their density and competitive position. Of these trees, 21% of stems were completely removed by the scarification treatment. Results suggest that, in the presence of abundant acorns, scarification may increase the number of new oak germinants in stands lacking advanced oak reproduction. Finally, because scarification increased the density of oak seedlings and reduced competing midstory trees, it can play a role in promoting the establishment of advanced oak reproduction. North. J. Appl. For. 20(2):85–91.

A comparison of the effects of different shelterwood harvest methods on the survival and growth of acorn-origin oak seedlings

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 2359-2374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick H. Brose
Keyword(s):  
Seedling Growth ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Quercus Alba ◽  
White Oak ◽  
Quercus Velutina ◽  
Germination Success ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Oak Seedlings

Timely development of newly germinated oak (Quercus spp.) seedlings into competitive-sized regeneration is an essential part of the oak regeneration process. The amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor partly governs this development, and foresters often use the shelterwood system to expose oak seedlings to varying degrees of insolation. To further understand the seedling development–sunlight–shelterwood relationships, I conducted a multiyear study at five locations in Pennsylvania. Each location had four stands either uncut or recently treated with one of three shelterwood harvest methods (preparatory cut, first removal cut, or final removal cut) resulting in four different levels of sunlight reaching the forest floor. In each stand, four 32 m2 plots were prepared, and each was planted with 400 acorns of black (Quercus velutina Lam.), chestnut (Quercus montana Willd.), northern red (Quercus rubra L.), or white oak (Quercus alba L.) and protected from wildlife. Germination success was universally high and for the next 8 years, I monitored seedling survival and measured seedling growth. The final and first removal cut treatments had higher seedling survival than the preparatory cut and uncut treatments. Oak seedling growth was positively related to sunlight availability; seedlings in the final removal cut grew the most, followed in descending order by those in the first removal cut, preparatory cut, and uncut treatments. These findings provide insight into the subtleties of regenerating oak forests with the shelterwood system.

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