Tree Health – Observation and Monitoring

by Dr. Steven Hendry, Forest Research

Transcript

1. Tree Health – Observation and Monitoring Steve Hendry Forest Research, NRS
2. 25/11/2013 2 Introduction • Threats to tree species in Scotland due newly emerging and existing pests and pathogens • Need to make good observations and record tree damage symptoms • Undertake preliminary investigation of tree damage and think about possible causes
3. 25/11/2013 3 Monitoring tree health Procedure for monitoring and recording tree health • Know what a healthy tree looks like! • Check the condition of trees regularly; maintain vigilance out in the forest • Record relevant field observations
4. 25/11/2013 4 • 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 What to record?
5. 25/11/2013 5 • When did damage occur? • Symptoms of damage ? • Distribution of damage ? Observing tree health problems
6. 25/11/2013 6 • Take a closer look at damaged trees ! • Write down observations ASAP • Consider non-living agents too (i.e. climate, site, soil, herbicide) Remember………
7. 25/11/2013 7 Foliage discoloration and dieback Pattern of damage on needles/leaves Pattern of damage on the tree Are bark and buds of affected shoots dead ? Assessing symptoms
8. 25/11/2013 8 Assessing symptoms
9. 25/11/2013 9 Assessing symptoms
10. 25/11/2013 10 Foliar discoloration, loss and necrosis Is the whole crown affected in a uniform manner ? If so, suspect damage to roots and/or stem base Assessing symptoms
11. 25/11/2013 11 Other indicators Resinosis or bleeding at stem base can indicate root disease e.g. Heterobasidion / Armillaria
12. 25/11/2013 12 Longitudinal stem cracking and resin bleeding can indicate drought damage Sitka spruce and firs susceptible Other indicators
13. 25/11/2013 13 Distribution of affected trees
14. 25/11/2013 14 Distribution of affected trees
15. 25/11/2013 15 Are affected trees in groups or scattered ? Distribution of affected trees
16. 25/11/2013 16 04-10-2011 Is damage confined to a particular area ? If so, what are the characteristics of the area ? e.g. stand edges, frost hollow, elevation/exposure, poor drainage, construction damage, herbicide applications, fire etc Distribution of affected trees
17. 25/11/2013 17 • Be observant • Damage can often be dated • Knowledge of recent, severe weather events • Take good photos! Timing the onset of damage
18. 25/11/2013 18 What equipment is needed?? Equipment
19. 25/11/2013 19 Summary • Symptoms on affected tree(s) • Distribution of symptoms on tree • Distribution of affected trees within crops • Presence of insects, fungal fruit bodies • Time when symptoms were first observed • Site-related factors which might be involved • Get new / unusual observations diagnosed!! Summary
20. 25/11/2013 20 Attach good photos to the email Send in good samples! Package in plastic bags* and send immediately Send an email describing symptoms, when they were noted & how they have developed along with site details and site location to: ddas.nrs@forestry.gsi.gov.uk Obtaining a diagnosis
21. 25/11/2013 21 Disease Diagnostic & Advisory Service Forest Research Northern Research Station Roslin Midlothian EH25 9SY Obtaining a diagnosis