Effects of 'Arceuthobium americanum' on Twig Growth of 'Pinus contorta'

摘要

Patterns of branch growth in (Pinus contorta) (lodgepole pine) on the east side of the Cascade Range in Oregon were significantly altered by Arceuthobium americanum (lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe). There were decreases in the number, length, mass of needles, as well as in the length and mass of twigs. These reductions were correlated with the infection status of individual branches. Generally, twigs from uninfected branches supported the greatest number, size, and mass of needles, as well as the greatest twig mass.