Evaluating Prescribed Fire As A Tool For Blight Resistant B3F3 Hybrid American Chestnut Seedling Introduction
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Felix Stith (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Mike Madritch
Abstract: The functional extinction of American chestnut (Castanea dentata) from the invasive chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) and wildland fire suppression have reduced the diversity and resiliency of southern Appalachian forests. Breeding programs have created Chinese-American B3F3 hybrid chestnut trees with some resistance to chestnut blight and physically resemble American chestnut. This hybrid chestnut may assist American chestnut restoration. A knowledge gap exists regarding the responses of hybrid chestnuts to various environmental factors. American chestnut has several fire-adapted traits. We established two research sites in western NC. Each site had a prescribed fire and control plot. Each plot was planted with two- and three-year old B3F3 hybrid chestnuts. Soil C and N samples were collected from the plots. Understory light, diameter, height, and leaf C and N measurements were collected for each chestnut in the study. After one year for one site, and two years at the other site, B3F3 hybrid chestnuts in the burned plots were taller and had larger stem diameters than in unburned plots. Understory light was higher in the burned plots.Hybrid chestnut leaf C/N ratios positively correlated to light availability. Prescribed fire may be an effective tool for introducing B3F3 hybrid chestnuts into certain forest communities.
Evaluating Prescribed Fire As A Tool For Blight Resistant B3F3 Hybrid American Chestnut Seedling Introduction
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Created on 8/4/2023
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Stith, F. (2023). Evaluating Prescribed Fire As A Tool For Blight Resistant B3F3 Hybrid American Chestnut Seedling Introduction. Unpublished Master’s Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2023
- Keywords
- Castanea dentata, forest ecology, restoration, seedlings, wildland fire