Aspen Bibliography

Some effects of defoliation by gypsy moth (Porthetria dispar L.) and Elm spanworm (Ennomos subsignarius Hbn.) on water balance and growth of deciduous forest trees

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Forest Science

Volume

18

Issue

4

First Page

326

Last Page

330

Publication Date

1972

Abstract

Soil moisture, and the xylem pressure potential, bole contraction, stomatal behavior, and growth of defoliated and undefoliated trees in forest stands were compared in July 1971 after a severe infestation of lepidopterous defoliators. The soil moisture content and xylem pressure potential were higher and the bole contraction was less in defoliated stands. The pressure potential of twigs was high—i.e. hydration was high—when they were more than 75-percent defoliated. In three or four species, stomatal resistance to evaporation was lower in the fully expanded secondary leaves appearing after defoliation than in the primary leaves that had escaped defoliation. Radial growth of the bole was severely reduced by defoliation.

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