Oak trees are elemental carbon sinks in urban ecosystems: patterns and drivers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Ponette-Gonzalez ◽  
Jenna Rindy ◽  
Tate Barrett ◽  
Dongmei Chen ◽  
Evan Elderbrock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elemental Carbon ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Post Oak ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
A Minor

<p>Cities represent a significant source of atmospheric elemental carbon (EC), a minor constituent of particulate matter (PM) but a major climate-forcing agent and air pollutant. Urban trees scavenge PM and regulate material fluxes to the ground. As such, urban trees represent potentially important sinks—not only for PM but also for EC—in urban landscapes. Here we assess the magnitude and spatiotemporal drivers of EC removal by trees in urban atmospheres. We quantified foliar EC accumulation by, as well as throughfall EC flux under, the canopy of two oak species (<em>Quercus stellata</em>: post oak; <em>Quercus virginiana</em>: live oak), which are widespread across the southern United States. Sampling was conducted from March 2017 to March 2018 across the City of Denton, a city at the northern edge of the Dallas-Forth Worth metropolitan area in Texas. Over the year-long study period, we found that post oak tree canopies accumulated two times more EC (0.53 mg EC m<sup>-2</sup> leaf d<sup>-1</sup>) than live oak trees (0.22 mg EC m<sup>-2</sup> leaf d<sup>-1</sup>), with 95% of EC depositing to leaf surfaces as opposed to leaf waxes. Throughfall EC fluxes were also greater under post oak (0.15 mg EC m<sup>-2</sup> d<sup>-1</sup>) compared to live oak (0.12 mg EC m<sup>-2</sup> d<sup>-1</sup>) canopies, but these differences between post oak and live oak were far less pronounced than for foliar EC accumulation. These results suggest that considerable amounts of dry-deposited EC are retained in post oak canopies, reducing species differences in throughfall EC fluxes. Our findings also revealed strong, albeit, contrasting seasonal patterns for foliar EC accumulation and throughfall EC fluxes. For both tree species, EC accumulation on canopy surfaces increased, whereas throughfall EC fluxes decreased from spring to fall, providing additional evidence that EC retention on canopy surfaces results in decreased EC fluxes to the ground. In summary, our findings show that urban oak trees scavenge considerable amounts of EC from the atmosphere and that the magnitude of accumulation and delivery to soil vary by species and season. This research highlights the potential for urban trees and forests to contribute to climate and air quality mitigation.</p>

scholarly journals The Efficacy of Paclobutrazol Soil Application as it Relates to the Timing of Utility Right-of-Way Pruning

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Haugen ◽  
Kevin Tucker ◽  
Alex Smalling ◽  
Emily Bick ◽  
Steve Hoover ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth Regulator ◽  
Growth Response ◽  
Power Lines ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Application Timing ◽  
Right Of Way ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
The Ideal

The plant growth regulator paclobutrazol’s effect on live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) was evaluated to determine optimum timing of application and pruning time in Louisiana. Variables considered included length of branch regrowth, branch distance to conductor, pruning time and biomass chipping time. Data were evaluated to determine the ideal application timing of paclobutrazol relative to time of pruning. Live oak trees treated with paclobutrazol had significantly reduced branch regrowth, pruning time and chipping time, as compared to control trees regardless of application timing. Paclobutrazol application on live oak trees was idealized within 90 days pre- to 90 days post-prune. Economically, significant gains were found by utilizing this tool ranging from 180 days pre- to 180 days post-prune, allowing for application timing flexibility to reduce the growth of trees near power lines. Paclobutrazol treated live oak trees demonstrated significantly less re-growth response.

Hexazinone and Other Herbicides on Texas Woody Plants

Weed Science ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 358-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Meyer ◽  
R. W. Bovey
Keyword(s):  
Woody Plants ◽  
Prosopis Juliflora ◽  
Gleditsia Triacanthos ◽  
Acacia Farnesiana ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Post Oak ◽  
Ilex Vomitoria ◽  
Quercus Stellata ◽  
Honey Mesquite

Hexazinone [3-cyclohexyl-6-(dimethylamino)-1-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione] was applied to honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthosL.), honey mesquite [Prosopis juliflora(Swartz) DC. var.glandulosa(Torr.) Cockerell], huisache [Acacia farnesiana(L.) Willd.], live oak (Quercus virginianaMill.), Macartney rose (Rosa bracteataWendl.), post oak (Quercus stellataWangenh.), saw greenbrier (Smilax bona-noxL.), whitebrush (Aloysia lycioidesCham.), and yaupon (Ilex vomitoriaAit.). Bromacil (5-bromo-3-sec-butyl-6-methyluracil) and tebuthiuron {N-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-N,N′-dimethylurea} were used for comparison in some experiments. Hexazinone was required at the following rates to kill at least 75% of the following species: 1.1 kg/ha for live oak, 2.2 kg/ha for post oak, 4.5 kg/ha for huisache (at Bryan, Texas) and whitebrush, and 9 kg/ha for honeylocust. Hexazinone was ineffective at 9 kg/ha for control of honey mesquite, huisache (at Washington, Texas), Macartney rose, saw greenbrier, and yaupon. Tebuthiuron at 1.1 kg/ha killed 80% of the live oak, and as a subsurface spray at 4.5 kg/ha, killed huisache (at Washington, Texas). Bromacil was effective on huisache at 9 kg/ha.

scholarly journals Water Stress and Osmotic Adjustment during Post-digging Acclimatization of Quercus virginiana Produced in Fabric Containers

1992 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 208-214
Author(s):  
R.C. Beeson ◽  
E.F. Gilman
Keyword(s):  
Water Stress ◽  
Osmotic Adjustment ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Root Weight ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Water Potentials ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
Osmotic Potentials

Abstract Quercus virginiana Mill. (live oak) trees produced in in-ground 61 cm (24 in) diameter fabric containers were overhead misted and given root ball irrigation after harvesting during early summer. Duration and frequency of overhead misting was reduced to zero over a 3 week period. Water potentials (ΨT) were measured diurnally and osmotic potentials measured from leaves at midday. Intermittent overhead misting was as effective as continuous overhead misting in maintenance of ΨT above −1.0 MPa. Water potentials of −1.5 to −2.0 MPa were measured when the period between overhead misting was expanded from 30 min to 45 min. Osmotic adjustment occurred only in trees receiving overhead misting. Trees receiving only root ball irrigation developed ΨT below −2.5 MPa within 5 days after harvesting. After 3 weeks, ΨT and osmotic potentials were the same for all treatments. In a second experiment, trees were root pruned inside the fabric container 11 weeks before harvest. All root pruned trees survived acclimatization, but only 50% of unpruned trees survived. Water relations were similar to trees in Experiment 1. Surviving trees, both pruned and unpruned, had a significantly higher percentage of fine root weight (roots < 2 mm diameter) than trees that did not survive.

scholarly journals Water Relations of Field-grown Quercus virginiana Mill. from Preharvest through Containerization and 1 Year into a Landscape

1994 ◽  
Vol 119 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.C. Beeson
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Water Potential ◽  
Water Relations ◽  
Water Status ◽  
Root Pruning ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Transplant Shock ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
Landscape Water

Large (≈5 m high) Quercus virginiana Mill. (live oak) trees produced in 0.64-m-diameter in-ground fabric containers were root pruned or not root pruned inside containers before harvest. Harvested trees were grown in two sizes of polyethylene containers for 10 months, then transplanted into a landscape. Water potential (ψT) of small branches (<4 mm in diameter) was measured diurnally during containerization and for 1 year in the landscape. Root pruning had no influence on postharvest survival. Neither root pruning nor container size affected tree water status during containerization or in the landscape. All surviving trees recovered from transplant shock following harvest after 16 weeks in a container, independent of treatment. In the landscape, 35 weeks of daily irrigation were required before dusk ψT declined to within 0.1 MPa of predawn values, a result indicating alleviation of transplant shock. Trunk growth rate during containerization was highest in larger containers. However, in the landscape, root pruning and small containers were associated with higher trunk growth rate. Tree water status during containerization and in the landscape is discussed.

scholarly journals Human-mediated disturbance in multitrophic interactions results in outbreak levels of North America's most venomous caterpillar

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 20190470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen R. Hood ◽  
Mattheau Comerford ◽  
Amanda K. Weaver ◽  
Patricia M. Morton ◽  
Scott P. Egan
Keyword(s):  
Species Interactions ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Multitrophic Interactions ◽  
Enemy Release ◽  
Ecological Disturbance ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Avian Predators ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Oak Trees

Anthropogenic environmental change is predicted to disrupt multitrophic interactions, which may have drastic consequences for population-level processes. Here, we investigate how a large-scale human-mediated disturbance affects the abundance of North America's most venomous caterpillar species, Megalopyge opercularis . Specifically, we used a natural experiment where netting was deployed to cover the entire canopies of a subset of mature southern live oak trees ( Quercus virginiana ) to exclude urban pest birds (grackles and pigeons), throughout an 8.1 km 2 area encompassing a medical centre in Houston, Texas. We used this experimental exclusion to test the following hypothesis: release from avian predators increases caterpillar abundance to outbreak levels, which increases the risk to human health. Results from a multi-year survey show that caterpillar abundance increased, on average, more than 7300% on netted versus non-netted trees. Thus, increases in caterpillar abundance due to anthropogenic enemy release increase human exposure to this venomous pest, and should be considered a health threat in the area. This study emphasizes the unforeseen consequences of ecological disturbance for species interactions and highlights the importance of considering ecology in urban planning.

Seasonal Response of Woody Plants to Tebuthiuron Pellets

Weed Science ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 551-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney W. Bovey ◽  
Robert E. Meyer ◽  
L. Fred Bouse ◽  
James B. Carlton
Keyword(s):  
Woody Plants ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Post Oak ◽  
Ilex Vomitoria ◽  
Ulmus Alata ◽  
Vaccinium Arboreum

Pelleted tebuthiuron {N-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-N,N′-dimethylurea} was hand broadcast at 2.2 and 4.5 kg ai/ha every month for 2 yr on an area infested with live oak (Quercus virginianaMill. ♯4QUEVI), post oak (Q. stellataWangenh. ♯ QUESL), parsley hawthorn (Crataegus marshalliiEgglest. ♯ CSCMS), and yaupon (Ilex vomitoriaAit. ♯ ILEVO) on the Gulf Coast Prairie near Cordele, TX. Live oak, post oak, and parsley hawthorn trees were killed at most rates and dates of tebuthiuron application. Applications of 2.2 kg/ha of tebuthiuron killed 90% or more of the yaupon plants when it was applied in October and December 1975 and February, March, and June 1976 and less than 90% when applied at other dates. On another site, pelleted tebuthiuron was aerially applied at 2.2 and 4.5 kg/ha every 3 months during 1978 and 1979 in the Post Oak Savannah near Bryan, TX. At 2.2 kg/ha, tebuthiuron killed all post oak and 80% or more of the blackjack oak (Q. marilandicaMuechh.), yaupon, winged elm (Ulmus alataMichx. ♯ ULMAL), and mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosaNutt.) regardless of date treated. Tree huckleberry (Vaccinium arboreumMarsh.) killed by tebuthiuron when applied at 2.2 kg/ha ranged from 34% in July 1979 to 69% from application in February 1978. Application of 4.5 kg/ha of tebuthiuron killed 83% or more of the tree huckleberry when it was applied in January and April 1978 and January, April, July, and October 1979. Herbaceous plant cover usually increased by the second season.

Tree selection by the broad-headed skink, Eumeces laticeps: size, holes, and cover

1993 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
William E. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Nearest Neighbor ◽  
Nearest Neighbors ◽  
Significant Preference ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Eumeces Laticeps ◽  
Limit Detection

AbstractBroad-headed skinks (Eumeces laticeps) are semiarboreallizards that are strongly associated with live oak trees (Quercus virginiana). Examination of the frequencies with which lizards occupied the largest of four nearest-neighbor trees and those having holes revealed a strong preference for large trees having holes. The presence of holes large enough for entry was a more important factor than tree size per se, as indicated by consistent occupation of smaller trees having holes when the largest of the four nearest neighbors lacked holes, although a significant preference for large size was demonstrated by the significantly greater than chance occupation of the largest of four nearest neighbor trees among those having holes. Large adults occupied significantly larger trees than did smaller adults, suggesting that larger individuals aggressively exclude smaller ones from preferred trees. Pairs consisting of an adult female and the male guarding her preferred trees surrounded by dense bushes, presumably because bushes limit detection and attack by predators and possibly because they harbor prey. Broad-headed skinks thus prefer large live oaks having holes and a fringe of dense cover.

scholarly journals (168) Long-term Growth of Live Oak from Seed or Cutting

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1000E-1001
Author(s):  
Yin-Tung Wang ◽  
Genhua Niu
Keyword(s):  
Growth Habit ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
Polypropylene Fabric ◽  
Surrounding Soil

Live oak trees raised from acorns are highly non-uniform and many produce numerous undesirable rhizomic shoots. The objectives of this study were to 1) compare the growth rates between (Quercus virginiana Mill.) trees from seed and cutting in four production systems and 2) determine if trees from cuttings produce rhizomic shoots. Rhizomic shoot cuttings 25–30 cm long were taken from a single tree about 50 years old in late Aug. 1990, rooted, and planted in 2.6-L pots after 2 months. During the same week, acorns were collected from the same tree and germinated. All trees were planted into 13-L pots in July 1991 and then to a field in July 1992. Trees from both sources were planted either directly in the ground, in 36.6- or 45.7-cm-diameter polypropylene fabric bags buried in the ground, or in 13-L pots on the ground. Trunk circumference 10 cm above the soil line was roughly measured yearly between 1992 and 1999. Initially, trees from cuttings grew slightly slower than seedlings, having a smaller trunk circumference, diameter, and cross-sectional area. These differences diminished and all trees had similar circumferences after 1996. In 1992, trees in 36.6-cm bags and pots had more growth than trees in the ground. In 1993, trees in pots had better growth than those in the ground. After 1993, all trees had similar circumferences until the end of this study, probably due to roots extending beyond the bags and pots into the surrounding soil. About one-third of the seedling trees produced rhizomic shoots, whereas none of the trees from cuttings did. The rhizomic shoots of trees in pots were contained within the pot and none from the ground. Another significance of this research is that the cloned trees from cuttings were extremely uniform in growth habit and form.

scholarly journals Growth of Container-grown Trees Transplanted from the Field or Grow-bags

1992 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 415-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Tilt ◽  
Charles Gilliam ◽  
John Olive ◽  
Emmett Carden
Keyword(s):  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Field Soil ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
Loam Soil ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Field Production

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroe-mia L. × `Natchez'), live oak (Quercus virginiana Mill.), and Chinese pistachio (Pistacia chinensis Bunge) were planted into a sandy loam soil directly in the field or in grow-bags. Root and top growth were measured in March and July of the second year. Some of the trees were transplanted to 20-gal (76-liter) containers in March or July and grown for 3 months. Chinese pistachio developed a poor root system in field soil and was not ready for harvest in March or July. There was no difference in height, caliper, or top fresh weight for crape myrtle. Caliper and top fresh weight were similar for live oak trees. However, live oaks grown by traditional field production methods were taller than trees produced in grow-bags. With March transplanting, both crape myrtle and live oak trees from traditional field plantings were taller than trees transplanted from grow-bags 3 months after transplanting into containers. Tree top weight, caliper, and root ratings were similar for March-transplanted crape myrtle. Live oak trees transplanted from grow-bags had similar caliper and top weight but a higher root rating. July-transplanted crape myrtle trees had similar values for all variables 3 months later. All live oaks died when transplanted from traditional field plantings to containers in July. All live oaks grown in grow-bags survived transplanting.

scholarly journals Coryneum Twig Canker on Southern Live Oak in Florida

Plant Disease ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-442
Author(s):  
A. K. Wood ◽  
F. H. Tainter
Keyword(s):  
Weather Conditions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Quercus Macrocarpa ◽  
Central Florida ◽  
Quercus Virginiana ◽  
Live Oak ◽  
Oak Trees ◽  
Young Leaves

In May 2001, following several years of severe drought, a depressed twig canker was observed on southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) in central Florida. Disease symptoms included twig and branch canker and dieback, distortion of young leaves, and premature leaf drop. Observation of conidia from sporulating acervuli revealed that Coryneum japonicum was associated with the cankers (1,2). The fungus produced abundant, subepidermal, dark brown, linearly arranged acervuli on affected tissues. Conidia were light brown, narrowly fusiform, often curved, and tapered toward an obtuse apex. The conidia had truncate bases and were five to seven distoseptate. Septa were medium to dark brown and sometimes prominent. The length to width ratio of conidia was >4:1. Under normal weather conditions, twig elongation of live oak trees is usually 30 to 60 cm per growing season; however, only 7 to 10 cm was observed on trees affected by C. japonicum. The fungus has been reported on bark and dead twigs of Quercus macrocarpa, Q. gambelii, Q. dilatata, and other species of Quercus in Canada, Pakistan, and the United States (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. japonicum in Florida and on southern live oak trees. A specimen has been deposited in the U.S. National Fungus Collections (BPI number 841441). References: (1) B. C. Sutton. Mycol. Pap. 138:33, 1975. (2) B. C. Sutton. The Coelomycetes, CMI, Kew, England, 1980.

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