Tree Halth monitoring

by Dr. Sarah Green, Forest Research

Transcript

1. Tree Health Monitoring Sarah Green Forest Research Northern Research Station
2. 26/11/2013 2 Introduction • Why monitor tree health ? • Threats to tree species in Scotland due to newly emerging pathogens • Need to make good observations and record tree damage symptoms • Enable a preliminary investigation of tree damage and think about possible causes
3. 26/11/2013 3 Monitoring tree health • Procedure for monitoring and recording tree health • Monitor trees regularly; maintain vigilance out in the forest • Record relevant field observations
4. 26/11/2013 4 What to record ? • Note obvious symptoms of damage or ill health in trees • This will provide a record of common or recurring forms of damage in the forest • New or unusual forms of damage are a particular concern • Take further action to diagnose the cause
5. 26/11/2013 5 Observing tree health problems • Symptoms of damage ? • Distribution of damage ? • When did damage occur ?
6. 26/11/2013 6 Remember….. • Take a closer look at damaged trees ! • Write down observations ASAP • Consider non-living agents too (i.e. climate, site, soil, herbicide)
7. 26/11/2013 7 How to assess symptoms Mortality
8. 26/11/2013 8 How to assess symptoms Foliage discoloration and dieback Pattern of damage on needles/leaves Pattern of damage on the tree Are bark and buds of affected shoots dead ?
9. 26/11/2013 9 Winter injury visible in May 2013
10. 26/11/2013 10 Winter damaged silver fir - October
11. 26/11/2013 11 How to assess symptoms Frost damage to Sitka spruce
12. 26/11/2013 12 How to assess symptoms Dieback of silver birch
13. 26/11/2013 13 How to assess symptoms Larch Case Bearer damage
14. 26/11/2013 14 How to assess symptoms Foliage discoloration and dieback Is the whole crown affected in a uniform manner ? If so, suspect damage to roots and/or stem base
15. 26/11/2013 15 Other damage indicators Resinosis or bleeding at stem base Can indicate root disease; Armillaria spp. Heterobasidion annosum
16. 26/11/2013 16 Other damage indicators Drought damage Longitudinal stem cracking and resin bleeding Sitka spruce and firs susceptible
17. 26/11/2013 17 Other damage indicators Stem bleeding may indicate bark-canker diseases, i.e. Phytophthora pseudosyringae on beech.
18. 26/11/2013 18 Distribution of damage Extent and distribution of damage; are affected trees of the same age class ?
19. 26/11/2013 19 Distribution of damage Extent and distribution of damage; is more than one species affected ?
20. 26/11/2013 20 Distribution of damage Extent and distribution of damage; are damaged trees in groups or scattered ?
21. 26/11/2013 21 Distribution of damage Extent and distribution of damage; Is damage confined to a particular area ? If so; what are the characteristics of the area ? i.e. stand edges, frost hollow, elevation/exposure, poor drainage, construction damage, herbicide applications
22. 26/11/2013 22 Timing occurrence of damage • Be observant • Damage can often be dated • Knowledge of recent, severe weather events • Take good photos!
23. 26/11/2013 23 Summary • Symptoms of damage • Distribution of damage on the tree • Distribution of damaged trees within area • Presence of insects/fungal fruit bodies • When were symptoms first observed • Indicate possible site-related factors • Get a diagnosis for new/unusual/severe damage
24. 26/11/2013 24 Tree Health Advisory Service Send an email with symptoms, site details and site location steven.hendry@forestry.gsi.gov.uk sarah.green@forestry.gsi.gov.uk roger.moore@forestry.gsi.gov.uk • Attach good photos to the email • Send in good samples! • Package in plastic bags and send immediately • Remember biosecurity!
25. 26/11/2013 25 Tree Health Advisory Service Tree Health Advisory Service Forest Research Northern Research Station Roslin Midlothian EH25 9SY