Progress 08/01/06 to 07/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: INVASIVE FOREST PESTS - Explored populations of Carolina hemlock and eastern hemlock for ex situ conservation seed collections. Seed was collected from Carolina hemlock families. Among the Eastern hemlock populations explored, seed was collected from families. Established conservation banks for Carolina hemlock, at Predio Cuyimpalihue in the Los Alamos region, Chile and at the NCSU/NCDA Upper Mt Res Stn in Ashe Co., NC. Collection for range wide microsatellite (SSR) marker genetic diversity of Eastern hemlock across its entire geographic range. Gene expression levels in fir phloem varyied with infestation and response. 4 genes were significant for each level of infestation, amount of apical dominance loss, and bark reaction. In other samples 1 gene was significant for apical dominance loss and the level of infestation. Chemicals known to be involved in plant defense or auxin transport were applied to fir foliage. Gene expression found: 3 genes significant for chemical effect and 11 genes for chemical*time interaction. Gene expression differences between infested and unifested were studied in 3 fir spp. infested with BWA under controlled conditions. Fir varied in susceptibility to BWA, and is highly susceptible, suffering high mortality from infestation. Noble fir is moderately susceptible, and Veitch fir can tolerate infestation. The relatively low number of genes identified via microarrays were used in high-throughput DNA sequencing. Normalized cDNA libraries were prepared from roots and foliage of 1 fir seedling and from roots of 1 seedling and EST sequencing was done by GS-FLX technology from 454 Life Sciences obtaining over 220 million base pairs of DNA sequence data. Assembly of sequences into putative consensus transcripts yielded 11,000 transcripts of 500+ bp, with combined length of ca. 10.4 million bp. PROPAGATION AND DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR ELITE HARDWOOD GENOTYPES - Rooted cutting experiments and trials were continued and completed, and resulting protocols tested on related oaks species to examine the robustness of the system derived. Enrichment plantings in the western NC mountains were monitored and inventoried and impacts of treatments evaluated. A field trial of rooted cuttings, 1-0 oak bareroot seedlings and 1-0 containerized seedlings was established to examine the subsequent growth differences from plants originating from these various propagation systems. Further studies of oak competitive capacity, G&Y and the ecological constraints determing oak success were undertaken to provide insight into the design of systems to successfully deploy elite oak clones (as rooted cuttings) in enrichment planting settings. FORESTRY R&D EXTENSION COMPONENT - This component of the project was completed in a previous year of the study. PARTICIPANTS: Through this project there were many field foresters and forestry scientists made aware of the work and its purpose, especially in the early years of the project through the outreach component. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences were landowners and field foresters and forestry scientists in the region concerned with and working on similar problems. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
INVASIVE FOREST PESTS - Seed was collected from fewer populations of Eastern and Carolina hemlock in some years, and seed yields varied significantly. Collection emphasis was placed on populations not infested with HWA and those where chemical and biological controls have reduced HWA population levels below damaging levels. Results from the Microsatellite genetic diversity study of Eastern hemlock will build upon results from similar studies in the SE US reported previously. The data will describe patterns of genetic diversity across the species' NE, mid-west, and disjunct distributions and show areas for future gene conservation. The Establishment of ex situ conservation reserves in Chile and US where trees can be protected from HWA infestation means that these Carolina hemlock genotypes can be maintained in perpetuity until such a time as they are needed for forest restoration efforts in areas devastated by the adelgid. A template preparation technique was developed that provides higher yields of sequence information from pyrosequencing of amplified DNA fragments. This allows deep sequencing of nucleic acids isolated from very small tissue samples. A reference transcriptome library containing 13 million bp of DNA sequence was developed and putative SNPs identified. This will be used for future genetic studies including designing oligonucleotide probes for microarray analysis of gene expression and SNP genotyping assays. The Global NIR model has been used to compare lignin / cellulose compostion of 2340 samples from 16 pine species. Data clearly show that tropical and sub-tropical pines have higher cellulose and lower lignin than temperate species P. taeda and P. elliottii. Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Lignin / Cellulose in P. taeda - NIR model for P. taeda used to assess Lignin / Cellulose for 1780 P. taeda samples from designed field experiments to estimate genetic parameters were completed. No effect of intensive silviculture on Lignin / Cellulose content detected. Families and clones with high and low cellulose contents identified for further research. PROPAGATION AND DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR ELITE HARDWOOD GENOTYPES - A robust system for rooting oaks was developed for northern red oak, and evaluated for use with other oak species. It was found that success depends on strict control of environmental conditions in a greenhouse where rooting is to occur. These conditions include substantive shade, enclosure within a cheesecloth cage within the greenhouse, calm air and provision of near 1000% RH through intermittant misting. The enrichment planting treatments of weed mats and fertilizer did not provide a sufficient competitive advantage for the seedlings to grow well in the clearcut and shelterwood cut areas in which they were planted. Monitoring will continue. As will monitoring of studies to evaluate how oaks compete with other tree species and the impacts of fertility and competition. Our study suggests that oaks can benefit from fertility treatments and release when naturally regenerated, but that our understanding of how that advantage can be used in enrichment planting remains undeveloped. +
Publications
- Aspinwall, M., Li, B., McKeand, S., Isik, F., Gumpertz, M. 2010. Prediction of whole-stem cellulose yield, lignin content, and wood density in juvenile and mature loblolly pine. South. J. Appl. For. (in press).
- Hodge G, Woodbridge W, and Dvorak W. 2010. Global NIR prediction models for cellulose and lignin content of pine wood from tropical and temperate species. J. Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Special issue publication date Dec 2010.
- Berenguer, BJ, JL Schuler, DJ Robison, MH Gocke and E Treasure. 2009. Response of a rising 2-year-old natural Piedmont upland stand to fertilization. New For. 37:155-174.
- Kim, YW, R Newton, J Frampton and KH Han. 2009. Embryogenic tissue initiation and somatic embryogenesis in Fraser fir (Abies fraseir [Pursh] Poir.). In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant. 45:400-406.
- Whetten, R., S. Valenzuela and J. Frampton. 2009. Polymerase chain reaction preparation of template for massively parallel pyrosequencing. J. of Biomolecular Techniques. 20(2):128-134.
- Jetton, R, W Dvorak, A Whittier, K Potter, and R Rhea. 2009. Genetics And Conservation Of Hemlock Species Threatened By The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. USDA Research Forum on Invasive Species. USDA Forest Service Notes: 39-40
- Walker-Lane, LN. 2009. The Effect of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestation on Water Relations of Carolina and Eastern Hemlock. MS Thesis. NC State University, Raleigh, NC. 61 pp.
- Frey, HH. 2009. Factors affecting graft success and early growth of Fraser fir. MS Thesis. NC State University, Raleigh, NC. 56 pp.
- Williams, JL. 2009. Predatory Mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Fraser fir Christmas Tree Plantations in the Southern Appalachians of North Carolina. PhD Thesis. NC State University, Raleigh, NC. 116 pp.
- Kaur, N. 2008. Developing Artificial Rearing Techniques for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Adelges tsugae and Balsam Woolly Adelgid, Adelges piceae; Artificial Infestation and Epicuticular Wax Study of Carolina Hemlock, Tsuga caroliniana, Provenances. MS Thesis. NC State University, Raleigh, NC. 118 pp.
- Potter, KM, J Frampton, SA Josserand, DC Nelson, C. D. 2008. Genetic variation and population structure in Fraser fir (Abies fraseri): a microsatellite assessment of young trees. Can J For Res. 38:2128-2137.
- Jetton, RM. 2008. Biological Control, Host Resistance, and Vegetative Propagation: Strategies and Tools for Management of the Invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand. PhD Thesis, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. 211 pp.
- Schuler, JL and DJ Robison. 2008. The effects of intensive management on the leaf characteristics and growth phenology of young yellow-poplar stems. For Ecol Manage. 255:787-796.
- Whittier, A. and R. Jetton. 2008. Conservation of native hemlock ecosystems in the eastern U.S.Forest Landowner November/December 2008: 30-33.
- Emerson J L , J Frampton J , SE McKeand. 2008. Genetic Variation in Early Growth and Bud Production among Natural Populations of Fraser Fir. HortScience 43: 661-666.
- Aspinwall, ME. 2008. Chemical and Mechanical Methods to Reduce Leader Growth in Fraser Fir. MS Thesis. NC State University, Raleigh, NC. 81 pp.
- Jetton, R.M., W.S. Dvorak, and W.A. Whittier. 2008. Ecological and Genetic Factors that Define the Natural Distribution of Carolina Hemlock in the Southeastern United States and Their Role in Ex Situ Conservation. Forest Ecology and Management. 255: 3212-3221.
- Potter, K.M., W.S. Dvorak, B.S. Crane, V.D. Hipkins, R.M. Jetton, W.A. Whittier, and R. Rhea. 2008. Allozyme variation and recent evolutionary history of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in the southeastern United States. New Forests 35: 131-145.
- Jetton, R.M., F.P. Hain, W.S. Dvorak, and J. Frampton. 2008. Infestation Rate of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) Among Three North American Hemlock (Tsuga) Species Following Artificial Inoculation. Journal of Entomological Science.
- Gocke, M, DJ Robison and E Treasure. 2008. Rooting stem cuttings of several species within the Geus Quercus L. Internat. Oaks J. 19:29-41.
- Jetton, R.M., W.A. Whittier, W.S. Dvorak, and K.M. Potter. 2008. Status of Ex situ Conservation Efforts for Eastern and Carolina Hemlock in the Southeastern United States. In: Proceedings of the Fourth Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Symposium. USDA For Serv. Notes:81-88.
- McTague, JP, D O'Loughlin, JP Roise, DJ Robison, RC Kellison. 2008. The SOHARC Model System for Growth and Yield of Southern Hardwoods. So J of App For. 32:173-183.
- Potter, KM, WS Dvorak, BS Crane, VD Hipkins, RM Jetton, WA Whittier and R Rhea. 2008. Allozyme variation and recent evolutionary history of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in the southeastern United States. New For. 35:131-145.
- Schuler, JL and DJ Robison. 2008. Performance of northern red oak enrichment plantings in naturally regenerating southern Appalachian hardwood stands. Submitted to New Forests.
- Gocke, MH, H Dreps, E Treasure and DJ Robison. 2008. Maximizing northern red oak rooted cutting opportunities. In: Proc. 14th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. Feb. 2007, Athens, GA. In Press.
- Balakshin M., E. Capanema, S. Kelley, R. Whetten and J. Frampton. 2008. A methodological approach to elucidate the effect of balsam woolly adelgid infestation on the structure of wood and bark. Conference of the Partnership for Saving Threatened Forests. N.C. State University. Raleigh. (presentation and abstract)
- Emerson J., L. van Zyl, J. Frampton and R. Whetten. 2008. Fraser Fir and the Balsam Woolly Adelgid: Applying Microarray Technology to Understand Host-Pest Resistance Interactions. Conference of the Partnership for Saving Threatened Forests. N.C. State University. Raleigh.
- Frampton J. 2008. Hemlock Response to HWA Infestation. Conference of the Partnership for Saving Threatened Forests. N.C. State University. Raleigh. (presentation and abstract)
- Whetten, R. and J. Frampton. 2008. High throughput DNA sequencing of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) p14-15 in: Thomsen, I.M., Rasmussen, H.N. and Sorensen, J.M. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 8th International Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference. Forest & Landscape Working Papers No. 26-2008. Forest & Landscape Denmark, Horsholm. 138p.
- Whetten, R. 2008. High-throughput DNA sequencing in Frser fir (Abies fraseri). 16th International Conf. on Plant and Animal Genomes. San Diego.
- Moore, S. (2007). An introduction to forest certification. Woodland Owner Notes.NC Cooperative Extension, Raleigh, NC. WON 42. 7 p.
- Berenguer, BJ, MH Gocke, JL Schuler, E Treasure and DJ Robison. Accelerating development with fertilization in a young natural piedmont mixed hardwood-pine stand. In: Proc. 14th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. Feb. 2007, Athens, GA.
- Sykes, R., B. Li, F. Isik, J. Kadla and H.-m. Chang. 2006. Genetic variation and genotype by environment interactions of juvenile wood chemical properties in Pinus taeda L. Annals of Forest Science 63 (8):897-904. Frampton, J., D.M. Benson, J. Li, A. Braham, E.E. Hudson, and K.M. Potter. 2006. Seedling resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi in the genus Abies. p95 in: Progress on Research on Phytophthora Diseases of Forest Trees. Farnham, Surrey, UK. 182p.
- Schuler, L, DJ Robison, 2006. Daniel J. Crop tree release options for young hardwood stands in North Carolina. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-92. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 637-638
- Gocke, M, J. Schuler, D. Robison and B. Goldfarb. 2006. Development of northern red oak rooted cutting and enrichment planting systems. In: Proc. Ninth Workshop on Seedling Physiology and Growth Problems in Oak Plantings. Oct 18-20, 2004, Purdue, West Lafayette, IN. USFS For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-262:5.
- Schuler, J.L. and D.J. Robison. 2006. The response of two very young, even-aged upland hardwood stands to weed control and fertilization. In: Proc. 13th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. Feb. 2005, Memphis, TN.
- Sykes R, Li B, Hodge G, Goldfarb B, Kadla J, and Chang H-m. 2005. Rapid Prediction of Wood Properties of Loblolly Pine using Transmittance Near Infrared Spectroscopy. CJFR 35 (10): 2423-2431.
- Yeh, T. F.; Yamada, T.; Capanema, E.; Chang, H. M.; Chiang, V.; Kadla, J. F. 2005. Rapid screening of wood chemical component variations using transmittance near-infrared. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 53 (9), p.3328-3332.
- Sykes, R., F. Isik, B. Li, J. Kadla and H-m Chang. 2004. Genetic variation in physiochemical wood properties in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). TAPPI Journal 2 (12): 3-8.
- Hodge G, and Woodbridge W. 2004. Use of near infrared spectroscopy to predict lignin content in tropical and sub-tropical pines. J. Near Infrared Spectroscopy 12:381-390.
- Hodge, G.R., and W.C. Woodbridge. 2004. Prediction of Lignin and Cellulose Content in Tropical and Sub-tropical Pines using NIR Spectroscopy. Proc IUFRO Conference Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding in the Age of Genomics: Progress and Future. Nov 1-5, Charleston SC, USA
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Progress 08/01/06 to 07/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: INVASIVE FOREST PESTS - Explored 22 populations of Carolina hemlock and 56 populations of Eastern hemlock in 2007 for ex situ conservation seed collections. Seed was collected from 6 families in 1 population of Carolina and 69 families in 14 populations of Eastern hemlock. - Completed an AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) molecular marker study of Carolina hemlock using vegetative samples from natural stands and greenhouse seedlings grown from ex situ conservation seed. - Completed an allozyme diversity study of Eastern hemlock on the southern portion of the species range in GA, KY, TN, VA, NC and SC. - Completed a greenhouse artificial infestation study of tolerance to attack by the hemlock woolly adelgid in Carolina hemlock on a level similar to the putatively adelgid resistant Western hemlock that grows in the PNW. Eastern hemlock seedlings were highly susceptible to initial attack. ELITE HARDWOODS Northern red oaks were consistently rooted from excised cuttings in greenhouse culture, and in a repeatable manner. This technology was extended to otehr oaks species. Plant materials were prepared to field plant and contrast the growth habits and rates of northern red oak established in the field from two-year-old plants generated from rooted cutting procedures, as compared to 2-0 containerized planting stock and 2-0 bareroot nursery seedlings. These were planted in the field and will be assessed. Enrichment plantings across the NC mts were evaluated and a publication prepared on their preformace as related to site characteristics (location and clearcut versus sheltherwood regeneration sites). Further work was conducted on the response of individual oaks in natural stands from a variety of plant origins to treatments including fertilization and release. Measurements were taken of oaks and otehr species under a variety of conditions. Assessments were made of the relative competitiveness of the oaks in part as clues as to the requirements for enrichment planted oaks to thrive in future plantings. Publicaitons have been prepared from this work. FORESTRY OUTREACH Woodland Owner Short Course - 6 workshops developed to address various aspects of managing natural resources on private lands in Western NC. Landowners in the program were engaged with natural resource management experts in the classroom and the field. Major concepts addressed were land, wildlife, plant communities, forest, site design, firewise principles, inventory, conservation easements, water conservation, ownership liabilies, and recreational opportunities management and planning. NC Sustainable Forestry Teachers Academy - Two four-day residential workshops on Sustainable Forestry for K-12 teachers were conducted. Through hands on activities and discussions, teachers were educated on the impacts and uses of forestry and natural resources in our day-to-day lives and the importance to our state economy. Teachers toured a variety of mills, forests, research centers, and other educational sites, and were provided numerous lesson plans and other classroom resources. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
INVASIVE FOREST PESTS A combination of very high density hemlock woolly adelgid infestations and severe range-wide drought across the southeastern US greatly reduced seed cone production by hemlocks in 2007. AFLP results indicated the species has a moderate level of genetic diversity compared with other conifer species and high amounts of genetic differentiation among populations. Levels of genetic diversity between the field collected and greenhouse seedlings were comparable suggesting that ex situ conservation to date have adequately conserved the genetic variation in the species. A paper on this is being prepared. Allozyme diversity results indicated that in the southern portion of its range, hemlock has low genetic diversity compared to other conifers but higher population differentiation. A paper on this has been published. Greenhouse testing revealed that Carolina hemlock appears as resistant as western hemlock to HWA infestation and there may be conservation strategies that can use this finding. A paper on this is in press. ELITE HARDWOODS With current technology enrichment planting remains a difficult endeavor. We now have a robust system to rooted oak stem cuttings. We will be testing the growth of rooted oaks propagules as compared to more traditional methods of propagation. We better understand the dynamics of oaks in natural stands and will be able to use that information to better define enrichment planting procedures in the future. We are expanding the opportunities for management of oaks through new systems to multiply elite hardwood genotypes and to promote their growth in the field. FORESTRY OUTREACH Woodland Owner Short Course- Through hands-on learning, 60 participants developed -- - skills necessary for sustainable management of their land - networks with natural resource professionals and other landowners Participants who completed the series conducted a self-assessment of management priorities for their forestland and developed goals for their management. The expected long-term impacts are that participants will -- -implement practices that will achieve landowner goals -increase their quality of life and the sustainability of their lands through integration of appropriate management practices -improve the economic and environmental sustainability of their forests -be effective constituents for the sustainable management of public lands through increased understanding of land management. NC Sustainable Forestry Teachers Academy - 72 teachers were educated on the impacts and uses of natural resources in day-to-day lives and the importance to our economy. Teachers earned 2880 contact hours. Evaluations indicated that perceptions of forestry and natural resource management improved. The expected long-term impact is that teachers will use this information in classrooms/communities - increasing understanding of the value of forests to society.
Publications
- Berenguer, BJ, JL Schuler; DJ Robison, MH Gocke and E Treasure. 2008. Response of a very young natural piedmont upland stand to fertility. Accepted pending revision: New Forests.
- Gocke, M.H., D.J. Robison and B. Goldfarb. 2006. The effect of prune location on new shoot growth and subsequent rooting ability for containerized northern red oak seedling stock plants. So. J. Appl. For. Accepted pending revision.
- Berenguer, BJ, MH Gocke, JL Schuler, E Treasure and DJ Robison. Accelerating development with fertilization in a young natural piedmont mixed hardwood-pine stand. In: Proc. 14th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. Feb. 2007, Athens, GA. In Press.
- Gocke, MH, H Dreps, E Treasure and DJ Robison. 2008. Maximizing northern red oak rooted cutting opportunities. In: Proc. 14th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. Feb. 2007, Athens, GA. In Press.
- Jetton, R.M., W.S. Dvorak, and W.A. Whittier. 2008. Ecological and Genetic Factors that Define the Natural Distribution of Carolina Hemlock in the Southeastern United States and Their Role in Ex Situ Conservation. Forest Ecology and Management. 255: 3212-3221.
- Potter, K.M., W.S. Dvorak, B.S. Crane, V.D. Hipkins, R.M. Jetton, W.A. Whittier, and R. Rhea. 2008. Allozyme variation and recent evolutionary history of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in the southeastern United States. New Forests 35: 131-145.
- Gocke, M, J. Schuler, D. Robison and B. Goldfarb. 2006. Development of northern red oak rooted cutting and enrichment planting systems. In: Proc. Ninth Workshop on Seedling Physiology and Growth Problems in Oak Plantings. Oct 18-20, 2004, Purdue, West Lafayette, IN. USFS For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-262:5.
- Schuler, J.L. and D.J. Robison. 2006. The response of two very young, even-aged upland hardwood stands to weed control and fertilization. In: Proc. 13th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. Feb. 2005, Memphis, TN. In Press.
- Schuler, J.L. and D.J. Robison. 2006. Crop tree release options for young hardwood stands in North Carolina. In: Proc. 13th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference. Feb. 2005, Memphis, TN. Poster Abstract. In Press.
- Moore, S. (2007). An introduction to forest certification. Woodland Owner Notes.NC Cooperative Extension, Raleigh, NC. WON 42. 7 p.
- Jetton, R.M., F.P. Hain, W.S. Dvorak, and J. Frampton. 2008. Infestation Rate of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) Among Three North American Hemlock (Tsuga) Species Following Artificial Inoculation. Journal of Entomological Science. In Press.
- Jetton, R.M., W.A. Whittier, W.S. Dvorak, and K.M. Potter. 2008. Status of Ex situ Conservation Efforts for Eastern and Carolina Hemlock in the Southeastern United States. In: Proceedings of the Fourth Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Symposium. In Press.
- Schuler, JL and DJ Robison. 2008. Performance of northern red oak enrichment plantings in naturally regenerating southern Appalachian hardwood stands. Submitted to New Forests.
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