Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
SITE SELECTION, PREPARA TIO N AND
PLANTING
AMERICAN CHESTNUTPLANTING PRACTICES
Kendra Gurney 1
Major component of eastern forests Fast growth, large, extremely rot resistant High-value timber species Nuts valuable to wildlife Tannins used in tanning leather Nuts valuable to people and livestock Culturally significant
American Chestnut: The Tree
Spread of the Chestnut Blight…
Approximate movement of 20 to 50 miles per year because of American chestnut’s density and almost complete susceptibility to the blight.
What is the blight?
• The blight fungus enters the tree though the cracks typical of chestnut bark and through wounds.
• It forms a canker and quickly girdles the tree.
• Affects cambium, not roots.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Tom Volk, UW
A fungal disease caused byCryphonectria parasitica, introduced from Asia.
Chestnut SurvivalData
FIA 2010 data
Map courtesy John Scrivani, VADOF, VA-TACF
C ON SI DERATI ON S FOR SEL ECTI N G THE RI GHTSI TE FOR A MERI CAN CHESTN UT
SITE SELECTION
Kendra Gurney 6
Sara Fitzsimmons
Chestnut Growers Website http://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/chestnut/meetings/forest All presentations will be put here:
http://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/chestnut/meetings/forest/2011-training/Phase%20I
Fertilizing Woody Ornamentals http://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/chestnut/meetings/forest/2011-
training/Phase%20I Penn State Soil Analysis http://www.aasl.psu.edu/SSFT.HTM
NRCS Web Soil Survey http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm
Official Soil Series Descriptions (OSD) https://soilseries.sc.egov.usda.gov/osdname.asp
References
Type of site selected could be: Field Forested –
Recent clear-cut Shelter wood Regneration Other
Highly disturbed site – Mine reclamation
Site Selection
Kendra Gurney 8
FieldField ForestedForested
Good access to light No clearing necessary Turf and other vegetation
to manage Lack of beneficial
mycorrhizae likely
Light availability dependent on level of clearing
Often little understory vegetation to manage
Beneficial mycorrhizae present
Interaction with forest
Site Selection
Kendra Gurney 9
Soils appropriate to chestnut are: Well-drained
Drainage Saturated hydraulic conductivity
Slightly acidic Soil pH of 4.5-5.5
Soils
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kalmia_latifolia_species.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Blueberries-Littleisland.jpg
Ericaceous plants, like mountain laurel and blueberries, are good indicators of acidic soils, though a soil sample is the best way to know for sure.
Kendra Gurney 10
A soil test is the best way to determine soil pH and learn more about the nutrient components Most land-grant Universities offer soil testing for a minimal fee Select blueberries or Christmas trees as the crop being grown, unless
you know chestnut-specific recommendations are available
Use NRCS’s Web Soil Survey to look at the site in question Explore many soil properties
Drainage, Permeability (Saturated HydraulicConductivity (Ksat)), Hydrology, etc.
Download results to keep on-file
Soils
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htmKendra Gurney 11
Possible soil issues to look out for: Compaction
Check land-use history Old log landings Previous construction
Ledge/depth to bedrock Roots need room to grow Depth to bedrock:
4-6 feet minimum Fragipan
Subsurface soil layer Restricts flow of water and
root penetration Bx or Btx in soil descriptions
Soils
Empty up-hill rows were planted over ledge. Chestnuts sprouted but quickly died.
Kendra Gurney 12
Land-use history can be very important during site selection: Compaction from pasture, old log landings or construction work Nutrient levels – either high or low – from previous agricultural
practice On-site accidents or spills could leave
behind toxins
Best to know what happened in the past to identify any potential issues early on
Soils
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:290X2Forestry.JPG
Kendra Gurney 13
Microclimates are areas with climates differing from the surrounding area: Warmer/colder Wetter/drier More/less prone to frost
Can be large or small Look for: Cold valleys Large bodies of water Topography
Microclimate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Frost_on_a_nettle,_Netherlands.jpg
Local knowledge can help identify on-site microclimates
Kendra Gurney 14
Phytophthora cinnamomi ink disease/root rot Relative of Sudden Oak Death (SOD)
Phytophthora ramoram Especially a problem in the South
And Europe and Australia
Strong program in TACF’s southern region to breed resistance into advanced backcross material
Phytophthora infection
15
http://www.unitus.it/dipartimenti/dpp/progetti/cost/phytopht.htm
Introduced about 200 years ago
Wiped out chestnut from many low-lying areas Most likely eradicated
chestnut from piedmont of South prior to introduction of chestnut blight fungus
Introduction and Distribution
Becky Bernard, http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/pp318/profiles/pc/pc.html
• Introduced to US about 200 years ago
• Wiped out chestnut from many low-lying areas in the South
• Most likely eradicated chestnut from piedmont of South prior to introduction of chestnut blight fungus.
Crandall, Gravatt, and Ryan. Phytopathology 35: 162-180, 1945
Need to cut dying or *freshly* dead tree
Examine tissue near base of tree for distinctive black streaking just under bark
Send sample in for testing
Identification of Phytophthora cinnamomi infection
17
Photo courtesy Paul Sisco, TACF
If you have not yet planted, have the soil tested if you can: Refer to local institution’s instructions for further info Most Land Grant Institutions have pathology labs that may be able to do
testing Also check with local USFS State and Private Forestry Office
If you’ve already planted: Dig up a dying (not dead) seedling with roots and some soil. Put the roots and soil in a plastic bag to keep them moist and
send to our local plant pathology lab Be sure to put information about location of the seedling and
contact number.
Sending Samples for Phytophthora Testing
18
The best way to avoid Phytophthora infection is just that – avoid it!
Rule #1: DON’T plant in SWALES The ultimate defense is to plant in sandy, well-drained soils,
avoid low-lying and flat land (unless the soil is sandy), and also, avoid old fields in the Piedmont.
In cases where the soils are ordinarily well-drained but are heavy in texture, unusually wet conditions can slow the drainage to create a Phytophthora problem.
If diagnosed early, fungicide drench is possible Ridomil or Subdue Expensive! Labor-intensive!
Rule #2: DO NOT PLANT in areas IDENTIFIED to HAVE PHYTOPHTHORA Seed grass there to contain spread of fungus Do not plant in death holes or downhill from death area
Preventative measures
19
Photo courtesy Paul Sisco, TACF
P L AN N I N G F OR P L AN TI N G
SITE PREPARATION
Kendra Gurney 20
Site PreparationBegin planning for a planting at least one year in advance
It can take careful planning to prepare an orchard site
Develop a timeline Identify site preparations needed and target
dates for completion
Develop a budget Research options and begin purchasing
materials
Work on time-consuming projects like: Pricing/planning for deer fencing Extensive clearing or pre-planting vegetation
management Experimental design or planting layout
Kendra Gurney 21
Site PreparationVegetation management can be a big part of site preparation
Identify any invasive species early on - these will be the most difficult to remove and control
Forest site prep: Large existing vegetation to remove/manage Clearing, stumping, rock removal
Field site prep: Herbaceous vegetation to remove/manage Herbicide, black plastic, landscape fabric,
mulch
Pre-planting row cover can help kill vegetation prior to planting.
Kendra Gurney 22
Site PreparationSoils should be a big consideration when selecting a site
A soil test is the best way to confirm that the soils on-site are appropriate for growing chestnut
Your soil test results should include recommendations for your crop
Follow site preparation and management recommendations, some of which are best done 6-12 months before planting Soil amendments
Adjust the soil nutrition or pH to be most beneficial to growing chestnut
Fertilization plan Use the on-site soil nutrition to develop an
appropriate fertilization plan
Kendra Gurney 23
R ECOMMEN DATI ON S FOR I N STAL L I N G AN DM ANAGI N G YOUR C HESTN UT P L AN TI N G
PLANTING
Kendra Gurney 24
There are many ways to prepare the soil for planting Soil preparation will depend on the site and equipment
available Field sites: Big equipment: plowing, disking or use of a soil auger/post hole digger Hand equipment: hand digging, bulb planter, dibble bar
Forested or rocky sites: Big equipment may be more difficult to use Hand equipment: hand digging, bulb planter, dibble bar
Soil Preparation
Kendra Gurney 25
A weed-free planting mix is often used Reduces competition Provides more balanced moisture
Recommended planting mixes include: 1/3 each peat, perlite and vermiculite Scott’s Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control ® Potting Mix Sun Gro® Metro-Mix® 560 SUN-COIR
Including a small amount of forest soil may contribute beneficial mycorrhizae Most important in field sites where beneficial mycorrhizae are less likely
to be present
Planting Supplies
Kendra Gurney 26
Planting SuppliesShelters provide important protection against wildlife
Select shelters based on the expected wildlife pressure The shorter the shelter, the better Tall shelters prevent trees from forming
reactionary wood Many options for 18-24” shelters TREE PRO, Tubex, Blue-X ®
Make your own – flashing, mesh, etc Sink shelters ~2” to protect the base
of the trees Deer protection may best be
provided by fencing 8-feet – woven wire, electric, etc
Kendra Gurney 27
Fencing Repellent *NO* tall
treeshelters
Deer
28
Deer are greater problems in some areas more than others
10-20 trees: use wire cages – about 4’ in diameter and 4’ in height. ACCF website has instructions on building cages. Narrower diameter will require higher cages.
Highly recommend against using plastic tree shelters greater than 2.5’ to 3’ in height.
D’oh! A Deer!
29
Museum of Tube Horrors
30
Protection from deer should stand about 5-6 feet in height.
Some mesh type tubes are available. The Massachusetts Chapter recommends
use of hardware cloth cages. Stems and lateral branches may still get nipped Grow through holes and rub against metal
Be certain to check these protectors to be sure they are standing or have not been crushed by wind, rain, hooligans.
Other options
31
Deer repellents Must be applied to all new growth and after any rain event.
Approximately every 2 weeks Homemade egg sprays
Mix a cocktail of 3 eggs to 1 gallon water in a blender Strain through a cheese cloth (optional) Apply with a backpack or handheld sprayer.
Commercial repellents Bitrex, Plantskydd
Fencing options Baited electric fencing Woven wire (galvanized steel) fencing
For especially large plantings Plastic fencing
More About Deer
32
Stakes may be needed to secure shelters in place or mark the location of trees
Wooden stakes are the easiest to find but do need to be replaced over time
Options include: Hardwood Pine Bamboo Fiberglass Metal
Planting Supplies
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tpost1.jpg
A post-pounder is a handy tool for installing stakes.
Kendra Gurney 33
Many vegetation management plans involve the use of some type of physical barrier Often in addition to, or replacement of, herbicide Can encourage rodents/voles – be mindful
Landscape fabric Woven fabric or plastic Heavy-duty is best for long-term durability Can be run down rows or around individual
trees (competition mats) Mulch (if using) Around individual trees is best Most attractive to rodents/voles
Planting Supplies
Kendra Gurney 34
Whether nuts or seedlings, make sure all sources are clearly labeled
Nuts Most common way to plant Store somewhere cool until ready to
put in the ground Seedlings – could be bare-root
or potted Bare-root seedlings require special care
to make sure they do not dry out before planting
Planting Supplies
Remember: you can’t plant much without the chestnuts!
Kendra Gurney 35
Plant Seed vs. Seedlings?
Several experiments underway
May be personal preference
Observationally Seedlings lend little height advantage in
long-term But both do well if plots are well-
managed
Direct Seeding Chestnuts
Plant as soon as you can work the soil Pea-planting time May have sprouted by that time
Plant radical down If no radical, plant with pointy part to the side
(parallel to the soil
Use a light-weight planting mix Mix w/ native soil
Don’t plant too deep!
Planting Chestnuts Indoors
•Plant inside as early as February
•Outplant after danger of frost has passed.
•Be sure to harden off seedlings
Planting out Seedlings
Be sure to harden off seedlings between setting them out in the cruel world
Dig hole about 1.5-2 times as large as root ball
Water!! About 1 gallon per tree
every week for one month if no rain.
Making holes for planting
40
It is important to randomize your chestnut planting Often planting several sources of interest Sources planted together may suffer from a local site issue or other
geographically-oriented stressor (remember the activity?) Randomization also reduces site effect on performance Genetic x Environment (G x E)
interaction Allows for a better snapshot of
blight-resistance Performance of an entire line not
dependent on potential stress (or lack of stress) in one part of the planting
Tracking the Planting
Kendra Gurney 41
Chestnut plantings usually include several different crosses or species Need a way to distinguish what goes where on the ground Especially important with a large group of planters
A color-coded layout works well Plastic flags Painted/colored stakes
Can be done pre-planting or on planting day If time to do prior to planting, this is a great prep
task
Tracking the Planting
http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=1115&title=Plain+Vinyl+Stake+Wire+Flags#
Kendra Gurney 42
Mapping the planting is crucial to knowing what is planted in each space Most of our plantings are really experiments Must know what the tree is for it to be of use
Mapping can be done pre- or post-planting Pre-planting: develop a randomized planting plan and layout the
planting according to that plan Verify in the field, make any changes or corrections needed
Post-planting: layout the planting in the field and then record what ended up in each space Make sure to capture this on planting-day!
Tracking the Planting
Kendra Gurney 43
Beyond mapping, there is a need to track the planting over time Yearly mortality, growth, performance, additional measures
Work with Regional Science Coordinator to develop a format and set expectations for data collection TreesDB in under development
Should be available “soon” to help track the trees in your planting
Tracking the Planting
Kendra Gurney 44
In addition to mapping, labeling your trees is very important, though how to do it is not always an easy choice Paint markers: write on the shelter, stake or tree itself
Permanent marker fades over time – not recommended Timber crayons: write on the tree itself
A better option once the trees get larger Need to go over the crayon about every year or two
Tags: aluminum or other plant/number tag DO NOT HANG ON TREE! Staple to stake
Tracking the Planting
Kendra Gurney 45
Protecting the base of the tree is important, especially while the trees are small Shelters should be removed BEFORE they begin to girdle the tree Good vegetation management will discourage rodent predators and
make it easier for raptors to keep populations under control
Deer browse can be a problem until the trees grow beyond browse height Fencing is key on high-pressure sites Tall shelters can also be used Deterrents – examples: Plantskydd®,
Tree Guard® with BitrexTM, Deer-Off!®
Management Recommendations
Kendra Gurney 46
Watering is important, especially during establishment Should have a water source available, even if it is trucked in Know your site:
Chestnut is fairly drought-tolerant but should be watered during dry periods Seedlings will need more water while their root systems catch-up
Fertilizing can enhance growth or provide lacking nutrients Use an acid-loving fertilizer Follow label instructions The amount needed will go up as the tree
grows Water-soluble is good while trees are small Granular is better as they get larger
Management Recommendations
Kendra Gurney 47
Weeds and other competing vegetation can be a big threat to chestnuts, especially during the first 3-5 years
A 3’ diameter vegetation-free zone around each tree is ideal Herbicide – requires a couple applications/year
Be careful spraying – avoid spraying the trees Follow all label instructions!
Landscape fabric or other mulches May require maintenance over time to maintain
effective control Can provide cover for rodents – keep vegetation
next to fabric or mulch short
Management Recommendations
Kendra Gurney 48
Why Plant American Chestnuts?
1. To preserve native germplasm 2. Early successional habitat3. Nuts for wildlife (and you!)4. To accustom oneself to the care and maintenance that chestnut
trees require. Side effects of planting and growing chestnuts can be several:
nut crops--yummy!; wood for making stuff; have a place where people can learn about the tree and, learn about how quickly the fungus can attack and kill a tree with no
intervention.
Haun Orchard Project
Haun Harvests
51
Superior Treesmudpack to keep many alive
160 Zillicoa Street, Suite DAsheville, NC 28801
828-281-0047 fax 828-253-5373
[email protected] www.acf.org
Administrative OfficesAsheville, North Carolina
Meadowview Research FarmsMeadowview, Virginia
New England Regional OfficeSouth Burlington, Vermont
North Central Regional OfficePenn State University
Mid-Atlantic Regional OfficeCharlottesville, VA
Southern Regional OfficeAsheville, NC
