Ice damage in thinned and nonthinned loblolly pine plantations infected with fusiform rust

Abstract

Portions of two loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations in central Georgia were thinned in 1982 to remove trees with severe fusiform rust infections on the main stem. In January 1983, a widespread ice storm damaged both plantations. Stem breakage and storm-related mortality were greater in thinned than in nonthinned portions of the plantations. There was a weak association between the occurrence of stem breakage and location of rust infections. Tree-ring chronologies show that trees with the greatest potential for stem growth are also most susceptible to ice damage. Significant losses in the diameter and basal area growth of damaged trees occurred during the first year after the storm. The stem growth of trees with severe crown damage did not totally recover during the 5-yr period following the storm. The demands for restoring crown components in damaged trees appear to take precedence over lower stem growth. Findings are related to storm conditions, tree and stand characteristics, and management practices.