Diseases
Dwarf mistletoe
is a parasitic plant whose host trees are commonly jackpine and lodgepole pine.
It attacks trees of all ages, reducing the growth and vigour of the host. In
1994, dwarf mistletoe severely affected 54,300 hectares of lodgepole pine and 112,000 hectares of jackpine forests
in Alberta. This resulted in mortality
and growth losses of 3.9 million cubic metres.
Armillaria root
rot is a root decay fungus that occurs in a wide variety of coniferous and deciduous hosts, and is one of the most serious diseases of young coniferous
stands. Small trees infected by this pathogen are usually killed quickly, while
larger trees can continue growing for some time after infection. Because
armillaria root rot can be very damaging to regenerating stands, silviculture
practices include treating logged areas for the disease before replanting.
Department of the Environment. State of the Environment Report, Terrestrial Ecosystems. Edmonton: n.p., 2001. With permission from Alberta Environment.
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