scholarly journals A Comparison of Wildlife Use in Broomed and Unbroomed Ponderosa Pine Trees in Northern Arizona

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Mathiasen ◽  
Gregg N. Garnett ◽  
Carol L. Chambers
Keyword(s):  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Passerine Birds ◽  
Dwarf Mistletoe ◽  
Erethizon Dorsatum ◽  
Resting Sites ◽  
Northern Arizona ◽  
Wildlife Use ◽  
Pine Trees

Abstract Dwarf mistletoe infections often induce structures known as witches' brooms that may provide an important wildlife habitat element. We compared evidence of wildlife use in broomed and unbroomed ponderosa pine trees at 12 mistletoe-infested sites in northern Arizona. We systematically sampled 12 broomed and unbroomed trees on each site (n = 144 broomed and 144 unbroomed trees) by climbing and inspecting each tree to document evidence of wildlife use. Broomed trees were used more frequently than unbroomed trees for wildlife activities including foraging/caching, nesting, and roosting/resting sites. We observed evidence of use by Abert squirrel (Sciurus aberti), porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), and passerine birds in witches' brooms. Of the 226 brooms we examined, 23% (n = 52) contained evidence of wildlife use. Mammal use was found in 80% (n = 42) of the brooms and of these, 39 were used by Abert squirrel. We recommend that management agencies consider retaining some of these broomed trees to provide habitat for wildlife. West. J. Appl. For. 19(1):42–46.

Dwarf mistletoe effects on fuel loadings in ponderosa pine forests in northern Arizona

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 662-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chad Hoffman ◽  
Robert Mathiasen ◽  
Carolyn Hull Sieg
Keyword(s):  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Fuel Loading ◽  
Dwarf Mistletoe ◽  
Forest Fuels ◽  
Ponderosa Pine Forests ◽  
Northern Arizona ◽  
Basaltic Soils ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Fuels Treatments

Southwestern dwarf mistletoe ( Arceuthobium vaginatum (Willd.) J. Presl ssp. cryptopodum ) infests about 0.9 million ha in the southwestern United States. Several studies suggest that dwarf mistletoes affect forest fuels and fire behavior; however, few studies have quantified these effects. We compared surface fuel loadings and predicted fire behavior among four levels of dwarf mistletoe infestation (none, light, moderate, and severe) in a total of 239 plots on 11 sites on basaltic soils in northern Arizona. In each plot we measured tree attributes, dwarf mistletoe rating and surface fuel loading. Stands severely infested by dwarf mistletoe had lower (P < 0.05) tree density and higher snag density, but higher (P < 0.05) total surface fuel loadings and total fuel loadings >7.62 cm and <7.62 cm, than non-infested stands. However, there were no statistical differences in any canopy fuel variables among infestation classes. Predicted fire behavior indicated that the wind speed required to promote the spread of a surface fire into the canopy was lower in severely infested stands than in non-infested stands. These results suggest that stands in northern Arizona that are severely infested with dwarf mistletoe should be priority areas for fuels treatments.

scholarly journals Western Dwarf Mistletoe Parasitizing Colorado Blue Spruce and Norway Spruce in California

Plant Disease ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Mathiasen ◽  
J. R. Allison ◽  
B. W. Geils
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Dwarf Mistletoe ◽  
First Report ◽  
Blue Spruce ◽  
Northern Arizona ◽  
Jeffrey Pine ◽  
Shoot Production

Western dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium campylopodum Engelm.), a common parasite of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) and Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.), was found parasitizing planted Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karsten) in Upper Cuddy Valley, CA (Kern County, T. 9 N., R. 21 W., Sec. 25). One tree greater than 6 m in height of each spruce species was infected and both trees were within 12 m of a Jeffrey pine severely infected with western dwarf mistletoe. Five to 10 branches were infected on each tree and a few of these had abundant mistletoe shoot production, which allowed identification of the parasite. This is the first report of western dwarf mistletoe on Colorado blue spruce. Although this is the first report of natural infection of Norway spruce in California, this mistletoe/host combination has been reported by Weir from artificial inoculation (2) and collected by Russell in central Washington (1). We recommend that these spruce species not be planted within 15 m of pines infected with western dwarf mistletoe. Specimens of western dwarf mistletoe on Colorado blue spruce and Norway spruce were collected and deposited at the Deaver Herbarium, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff. References: (1) F. G. Hawksworth and D. Wiens. 1996. Dwarf Mistletoes: Biology, Pathology, and Systematics. USDA Agric. Handb. 709. (2) J. R. Weir. Bot. Gaz. 56:1, 1918.

scholarly journals Comparing Classification Systems for Ponderosa Pine Snags in Northern Arizona

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin D. Waskiewicz ◽  
Peter Z. Fulé ◽  
Paul Beier
Keyword(s):  
Simulation Model ◽  
Tree Ring ◽  
Forest Structure ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Wood Decay ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Northern Arizona ◽  
Physical Traits ◽  
Individual Trees

Abstract The degree to which snag classification systems predict actual snag “age” (time since tree death) is rarely known. We used dendrochronology to determine the death dates of 79 large (more than 40 cm dbh, more than 3 m in height) ponderosa pine snags in northern Arizona and compared the snag ages to those predicted by a commonly used simulation model and to five classification systems. The methods are limited to trees for which intact tree-ring samples could be extracted, but the data provided evidence of some snags standing for long periods (to 141 years) and correlation of snag traits with age. The simulation model underestimated snag age in the first three categories. Mean ages of snags in the last category were estimated accurately but with low precision. Comparison of snag ages to their classification in five systems showed that bole breakage was unrelated to snag age, that limb loss occurs at divergent rates between individual trees, and that wood decay does not necessarily proceed sequentially. A system based on the attrition of bark from snag boles proved useful for distinguishing snags by physical traits, but different classification systems may be needed to meet specific needs for assessing past forest structure and wildlife habitat.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Rating Systems for Dwarf Mistletoe-Induced Witches' Brooms in Ponderosa Pine

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Parker ◽  
Robert L. Mathiasen
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Fire Ecology ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Wildlife Habitat ◽  
Rating System ◽  
Sample Sizes ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Dwarf Mistletoe ◽  
New System

Abstract We compared four methods of assessing dwarf mistletoe infection and estimating volume of dwarf mistletoe-induced witches' brooms in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). Witches' brooms can provide important wildlife habitat and can influence fire behavior. We used Hawksworth's dwarf mistletoe rating system (DMR), Tinnin's broom volume rating system (BVR), an estimate of the percentage of live crown occupied by witches' brooms (PCB), and a new system, total broom volume (TBV). We rated 12,536 trees for southwestern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum) infection and broom volume. Using Hawksworth's DMR and Tinnin's BVR systems, we were not able to distinguish trees with different witches' broom volumes at all sample sizes. At all sample sizes, TBV ratings accurately and precisely identified amount of witches' broom volume. We recommend that TBV be used to quantify witches' broom volume in ponderosa pine where wildlife habitat and fire ecology are primary concerns. West. J. Appl. For. 19(1):54–59.

scholarly journals First Report of Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum on Pinus mugo

Plant Disease ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 87 (11) ◽  
pp. 1395-1395
Author(s):  
R. Mathiasen ◽  
M. Haefeli ◽  
D. Leatherman
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Pinus Mugo ◽  
Black Forest ◽  
Dwarf Mistletoe ◽  
First Report ◽  
Northern Mexico ◽  
Northern Arizona ◽  
Positive Identification ◽  
Northern Arizona University

Southwestern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium vaginatum (Willd.) Presl subsp. cryptopodum (Engelm.) Hawksw. & Wiens, family Viscaceae) is a serious and common pathogen of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Lawson & C. Lawson) in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico (1). In July 2002, this dwarf mistletoe was observed parasitizing a 1.4-m tall mugo pine (P. mugo Turra) in the Black Forest north of Colorado Springs, CO (39°02.118′N, 104°36.028′W, elevation 2,250 m). The infected mugo pine was planted as an ornamental approximately 6 m from a ponderosa pine infected with A vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum. Dwarf mistletoe shoots were produced on the only infected branch observed but this was sufficient for a positive identification of the dwarf mistletoe. Although J. Weir successfully inoculated mugo pine with western dwarf mistletoe (A. campylopodum Engelm.) and lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe (A. americanum Nutt. ex Engelm.) (2), to our knowledge, this is the first report of a dwarf mistletoe occurring naturally on P. mugo, as well as the first report of A vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum on P. mugo (1). Specimens of A vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum from P. mugo have been deposited in the Deaver Herbarium, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff (Accession No. 73761). References: (1) F. Hawksworth and D. Wiens. Dwarf mistletoes: biology, pathology, and systematics. USDA Agric. Handb. 709, 1996. (2) J. Weir. Bot. Gaz. 56:1, 1918.

scholarly journals Mortality Associated with a Bark Beetle Outbreak in Dwarf Mistletoe-Infested Ponderosa Pine Stands in Arizona

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn Kenaley ◽  
Robert Mathiasen ◽  
E. James Harner
Keyword(s):  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Dwarf Mistletoe ◽  
Northern Arizona ◽  
Stand Attributes ◽  
Study Sites

Abstract Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex C. Lawson var. scopulorum Engelm.) mortality was evaluated from a 2002 bark beetle outbreak in areas infested with southwestern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium vaginatum [Willd.] Presl subsp. cryptopodum [Engelm.] Hawksw. & Wiens) in a total of nine study sites in northern Arizona. Ponderosa pine mortality attributable to bark beetles (Ips and Dendroctonus spp., Scolytidae) was systematically sampled, and stand attributes, such as basal area, tree density, dwarf mistletoe severity, and site indices were recorded. Ponderosa pine mortality was predominately attributed to Ips spp. Although the prolonged drought likely was the inciting factor responsible for the Ips spp. outbreak, results suggested a strong relationship between ponderosa pine mortality and the interaction between crown class and dwarf mistletoe rating class. Ponderosa pines severely infected with dwarf mistletoe and in the intermediate crown class are at the greatest risk of Ips spp. attack during outbreak years in northern Arizona.

scholarly journals Southwestern Dwarf Mistletoe, Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum, Found Parasitizing Picea pungens in Colorado

Plant Disease ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-106
Author(s):  
R. Mathiasen ◽  
N. Marcus
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Morphological Description ◽  
Dwarf Mistletoe ◽  
First Report ◽  
Blue Spruce ◽  
Northern Arizona ◽  
Picea Pungens ◽  
Voucher Specimens ◽  
Pinus Spp

Southwestern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium vaginatum (Willd.) Presl subsp. cryptopodum (Engelm.) Hawksw. & Wiens, Viscaceae) severely parasitizes several species of pines (Pinus spp., family Pinaceae) in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, but it has not been reported to parasitize any species of spruce (Picea, family Pinaceae) (1). However, in June 2004, this dwarf mistletoe was observed parasitizing blue spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.) in the Black Forest north of Colorado Springs, CO (39°02.118′N, 104°36.028′W, elevation 2,250 m). The infected blue spruce was planted as an ornamental approximately 4 m from a 16-m-high ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Lawson & C. Lawson) severely infected with southwestern dwarf mistletoe. Mature dwarf mistletoe shoots were produced on five infected branches of the blue spruce. These shoots were compared with a morphological description of southwestern dwarf mistletoe (1) and this was sufficient for a positive identification of the dwarf mistletoe. The other dwarf mistletoes reported to infect blue spruce are Arceuthobium microcarpum (Engelm.) Hawksw. & Wiens, A. americanum Nutt. ex Engelm., and A. douglasii Engelm.; these are all morphologically distinct from southwestern dwarf mistletoe (1). Three of the infected branches formed small (less than 0.3 m in diameter), nonsystemic witches' brooms. All of the infections on the 6-m-high blue spruce were higher than 1 m on the tree. Thus, it is likely that the spruce was infected after it was transplanted. Three other blue spruces were also located within 4 m of the infected ponderosa pine, but these trees were not infected. To our knowledge, this is the first report of southwestern dwarf mistletoe parasitizing blue spruce and the first report of this dwarf mistletoe on Picea spp. Voucher specimens have been deposited in the Deaver Herbarium, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff (Accession No. 73959). References: (1) F. Hawksworth and D. Wiens. Dwarf mistletoes: Biology, pathology, and systematics. USDA For. Serv. Agric. Handb. 709, 1996.

Spatial analysis of ponderosa pine trees infected with dwarf mistletoe

1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 1808-1815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin M. Reich ◽  
Paul W. Mielke Jr. ◽  
Frank G. Hawksworth
Keyword(s):  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Distance Sampling ◽  
Specific Model ◽  
Point Pattern ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Sampling Errors ◽  
Dwarf Mistletoe ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Computationally Intensive ◽  
Using Data

Distance-based multiresponse permutation procedures are presented as an alternative method of characterizing the spatial point pattern of mapped data sets. Methods are described for studying the spatial relationships and patterns in populations consisting of two or more groups. The ability of multiresponse permutation procedures to detect both nonrandom spatial patterns and segregation is compared with Hopkins and Skellam's coefficient of aggregation and Pielou's index of segregation, respectively, using data on the size and severity of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobiumvaginatum ssp. cryptopodum (Engelm.) Hawksw. & Wiens) infection of ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa Laws.) trees. One advantage of multiresponse permutation procedures is that it uses all of the data in the analysis instead of a random sample that is subject to edge effect and sampling errors. Unlike distance sampling, multiresponse permutation procedures are not linked to specific model assumption and hence are more widely applicable as a descriptive measure. However, this method is computationally intensive and has certain limitations, which are highlighted in the discussion.

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