h y.n GREAT PLAINS AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL Billings, Montana July 1 1-14, 1 983 Woody Draws OCT 141987 MJG 1 4 1991 MONTANA STATE LIBRARY S 634.99 G7pam 1983 c.1 Proceedings. 35th annual meeting/ 3 0864 00048822 4 PROCEEDINGS THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING GREAT PLAINS AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL - FORESTRY COMMITTEE JULY 11 - 14, 1983 Prepared by Division of Forestry Montana Department of State Lands TABLE OF CONTENTS MOTIVATION BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA MINUTES OF MEETING, FORESTRY COMMITTEE TREASURER'S REPORT ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA MINUTES OF MEETING, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE BY-LAWS OF THE GP-13 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE TABLE 1 - COOPERATING AGENCIES REPORT OF AWARDS COMMITTEE, FORESTRY COMMITTEE HISTORICAL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT PLANTING TRENDS IN THE GREAT PLAINS, by Richard M. Jeffers GP-13 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF THE PEST MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS - BUSINESS MEETING REPORT TO THE FORESTRY COMMITTEE PUBLICATIONS ACTIVITIES OF COOP. STATE RESEARCH SERVICE (TRENDS) DISEASES OF SIBERIAN ELM AND RUSSIAN OLIVE IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS, by J.M. Krupinsky THYRONECTRIA CANKER OF HONEYLOCUST, by William R. Jacobi CANKER-ROT CAUSED BY Phel lines punctatus ON WOODY PLANTS IN NORTH DAKOTA, by James A. Walla AN APHID PEST OF HONEYSUCKLE, by J. Ackland Jones and Mark 0. Harrell GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF TREES AND SHRUBS BY THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS RESEARCH LABORATORY, by Richard A. Cunningham HEIGHT GROWTH OF PONDEROSA PINE SEED PROVENANCE IN PLAINS PLANTATIONS, by Ralph A. Read PONDEROSA PINE OPEN-POLLINATED PROGENY TESTS FOR THE GREAT PLAINS, by R. M. Jeffers WOODY HABITATS IN SOUTHWESTERN NORTH DAKOTA, by Michelle M. Girard, Harold Goetz, Ardell J. Bjugstad STREAMBANK REVEGETATION ON LOWER YELLOWSTONE AND MISSOURI RIVERS, by Leon D. Logan CONIFER SEEDLING ESTABLISHMENT AND WATER RELATIONS ON STRIP-MINED LANDS IN EASTERN MONTANA FIRST YEAR RESULTS OF FERTILIZATION IN NEWLY ESTABLISHED DRIP- IRRIGATED WINDBREAKS, by Roger L. Stewart and Thomas C. Hennessey NEBRASKA LIVING SNOWFENCE PROGRAM, by Doak Nickerson LIVING SNOWFENCE - COLORADO, by Ed Olmsted GUIDELINES - LIVING SNOWFENCE PLANNING AND ESTABLISHMENT WYOMING AND LIVING SNOWFENCE HYBRID POPLAR CULTIVARS GROW WELL IN THE BLACK HILLS LEAFY SPURGE--A POTENTIAL CONFLICT WITH WOODY PLANTS ON THE NORTHERN HIGH PLAINS, by Ardell J. Bjugstad, Richard Francis, and Paul W. Skinner MOTIVATION MOTIVATING LANDOWNERS AND ALMOST EVERYBODY ELSE, by Bob Minor TARGETING LANDOWNERS, by Ervin G. Schuster THE FIELD WINDBREAK: PERCEPTIONS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS AND PROFESSIONALS IN EASTERN NEBRASKA, D. D. Dearmont, Bruce B. Johnson, and James R. Brandle APPENDIX Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting Great Plains Agricultural Council - Forestry Committee July 11 - 14, 1983 Holiday Inn West, Billings, MT MOTIVATION MONDAY - JULY 11, 1983 9:00 Registration 1:30 Forestry Committee & Task Force Business Meetings (Concurrent) 3:00 Coffee Break 3:30 State Reports (Concurrent) 5:00 Adjourn 7:30 Great Plains-13 Committee Meeting & Pest Management Task Force Meeting (locations to be announced) TUESDAY - JULY 12, 1983 JOINT RESEARCH FORUM MODERATOR - MARK HARRELL 8:00 Highlights on Research Progress - Glenn W. Peterson 8:10 Changes in Research Responsibilities at Research Unit in Lincoln - Glenn W. Peterson 8:20 Activities of Coop. State Research Service (Trends) - Wayne K. Murphy 8:45 Diseases of Siberian Elm and Russian Olive in Northern Great Plains - Dr. J. M. Krupinsky 9:10 Cankers of Honeylocusts - William Jacobi 9:25 Canker Rot Caused by Phellinus Punctatus on Woody Plants in North Dakota - James Walla 9:40 Hyadaphis tataricae, An Aphid Pest of Honeysuckle - Ackland Jones 9:55 COFFEE BREAK MODERATOR - WALT PASICZNYK 10:20 Genetic Improvement of Trees & Shrubs in the Northern Great Plains - Dr. Richard Cunningham 10:45 MIT0SIS--Montana Interagency Tree or Shrub Improvement Study - Bill Magnuson 11:00 Height Growth of Ponderosa Pine Seed Sources in Plains Plantations - Ralph A. Read -1- 11:20 11:30 12:00 1:00 1:20 1:40 2:00 3:00 3:30 3:50 4:10 6:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 10:30 12:30 2:30 Ponderosa Pine Open-pollinated Progeny Test for the Great Plains - Richard M. Jeffers Woody Habitats in SW No. Dakota - Michele M. Girard LUNCH MODERATOR - ROBERT H. HEINTZ Streambank Revegetation on Lower Yellowstone and Missouri River - Leon D. Logan Conifer Seedling Establishment and Water Relation on Strip-mined Lands in Eastern Montana - Nan Vance Fertilizer & Drip Irrigation Study - Thomas C. Hennessey Living Snowfence - Doak Nickerson, Nebraska Living Snowfence - Ed Olmsted, Colorado Living Snowfence - Dan Perko, Wyoming COFFEE BREAK MODERATOR - RICHARD A. CUNNINGHAM Hybrid Poplar Cultivars in Black Hills - Ardell J. Bjugstad Leafy Spurge--Woody Plant Potential Conflicts - Ardell J. Bjugstad Electronic Pest Survey - Dan Williams No Host Cocktails Banquet — Roger Bergmeier, MC Awards Presentation - Dick Gavit Speaker - Charles Sundstrom Coordinator, NR&ED Topic: Natural Resources Development on Montana Tribal Lands WEDNESDAY - JULY 13, 1983 - TOUR - Hal Hunter, Cruise Director Travel to Huntley, MT Tour Huntley Agriculture Research Center, Tree & Shrub Development and Antique Farm Equipment Museum. Travel to Bridger Plant Materials Center & LUNCH Tour Plant Materials Center Tree & Shrub Development & GP-13 Juniper Program Tour of Pryor Mountains Area Spruce Budworm Infestation, History, Geology, Archeological Sites & Ice Caves 5:30 Steak-Out (Barbeque) 6:45 Crow Tribal History Fireside Chat - Mar Dell Plainfeather, NPS 7:30 Return to Billings THURSDAY - ■ JULY 14, 1983 MOTIVATION SEMINAR 8:30 Motivating People - Bob Minor, Organization Management Specialist, USDA Forest Service, Denver, Colorado 10:00 COFFEE BREAK 10:30 Motivation Continued 12:00 LUNCHEON Brief Business Meeting 1:00 Motivation Continued 2:30 Landowner Targeting - Ervin Schuster, Economist, Forestry Sciences Lab, USDA Forest Service, Missoula, MT 3:00 COFFEE BREAK 3:15 Landowner Attitude Survey Results from Nebraska - James Brandle, Dept, of Forestry, Fish & Wildlife, U of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 4:00 Critique, Summary & Last Chance Comments ADJOURN GPAC-FORESTRY COMMITTEE - BUSINESS MEETING July 11, 1983, Billings, Montana AGENDA Call to order - 35th Annual Meeting - Ripley Introductions & announcements - Co-Chairmen Roger Bergmeier, Willis Heron Approval of 1982 minutes - Cunningham Treasurer's report - Cunningham Committee appointments: Nominations, audit, resolutions - Ripley Sub-Committee Reports Information and Education Committee - Heintz Newsletter Editor - Wal terscheidt Historical Committee - Ripley for Hentz Wildlife Committee - Heintz GP-13 Committee - Tauer - Brief Awards Committee - Gavit Tree Planting Trends - Ripley for Clark Pest Management Task Force - Harrell Administrative Advisor Report - Vetter! ing GPAC Executive Secretary Report - Holmes Updating the "Membership and Functions of the GPAC and its Committees" Forestry Committee - Page 7 (1981 edition) Old Business Mailing list process - Ripley Historical Subcommittee - Ripley for Hintz - Art Ferber assignment - Location of complete sets of Proceedings - Need New Mexico site for storage - contact Hintz for the set - Publish listing in 1983 Proceedings Response to tree improvement research resolutions - Ripley New Business 1984 Annual Meeting - South Dakota (tree improvement and seed collection workshop) - Helwig 1985 Annual meeting - Oklahoma - Craighead Funding requests - - National Arbor Day Foundation grant $300.00 - Ripley - "Tree Planting Handbook for the Dakotas" fund request - Cunningh Fund donation to Montana for '83 meeting - do we continue in future? - Cunningham - Forest Pest Handbook funding request - Peterson Nominations Committee report Audit Committee report Resolutions Committee report Oklahoma resolutions - Hull Others Announcements Closing remarks - Ripley Introduction of new Chairman Richard Gavit - Ripley Adjourn Minutes of Meeting Great Plains Agricultural Council, Forestry Committee Business Meeting, Monday, July 11, 1983 Billings, Montana The meeting was convened at 1:30 pm by Chairman Bill Ripley. Attention was called to the minutes of the June 24, 1982 meeting as published in the pro- ceedings. Walt Pasicznyk moved that the minutes be approved as distributed. Bob Heintz seconded, and the motion carried. Treasurer's Report Secretary-Treasurer Richard Cunningham reported a current balance of $6,754.02. Gil Fechner moved. Bob Heintz seconded, to approve the Treasurer's report as presented. Motion carried. A copy of the Treasurer's report is attached. Newsletter Report Bob Heintz reported that the current newsletter editor, Mike Walterscheidt, has one year remaining in his appointment as editor. Bob is open for suggestions or volunteers for the new editor to be selected at the 1984 meeting. Bob cautioned the members that the cost of mailing the newsletter was becoming very expensive and suggested that each state contact person review their mailing list and purge names of people not interested in receiving the newsletter. Wildlife Committee Bob Heintz reported that he has not yet had the opportunity to meet with the GPAC Wildlife Committee. Bob explained that North Dakota State University is hiring an Extension Wildlife Specialist who would likely have the responsi- bility for the Wildlife Committee rather than himself. Bob mentioned that the Wildlife Committee had produced a pest management booklet that was based on one developed in Kansas. GP-13 Technical Committee Chuck Tauer reported that he had assumed the chairmanship of the committee with the resignation of the current chairman, Jim Fisher. The annual meeting of the GP-13 Technical Committee was held July 11, 1983. A copy of the minutes of that meeting and a copy of the Committee's revised by-laws are attached. Awards Committee Dick Gavit reported that the Awards Committee had selected two recipients of awards and that they would be presented at the banquet. Recipients of the awards are Dr. Glenn Peterson, Nebraska and Mr. Robert Heintz, North Dakota. A more complete description of the awards is attached. Tree Planting Trends Chairman Bill Ripley reported for Bill Clark, chairman of the committee, that no report had yet been prepared. Ripley indicated that he would encourage Clark to prepare the report in time for inclusion in the proceedings. Administrative Advisor Report Dr. John Vetterling explained that this was the first Forestry Committee meeting he had been able to attend and briefly reviewed his education and background in forestry, wildlife management, veterinary science and agri- cultural research. John emphasized the need to update the list of official members of the Forestry Committee. He also pointed out the need for a one page summary of the minutes of the business meeting for Wendall Holmes to present at the Great Plains Agricultural Council meeting. Old Business: Mailing List Update Chairman Ripley proposed the following procedure for updating the Forestry Committee mailing list: 1. Immediate past host forwards their mailing list to the secretary- treasurer. Secretary-treasurer gives copy to new host. 2. New host distributes copies to state representatives requesting an update (corrections, additions, deletions). 3. New host collects results and prepares an updated listing to be used for the next meeting. Furnish a copy to the secretary-treasurer. 4. Secretary-treasurer repeats cycle by forwarding the listing to the next host. After discussion, and a lack of any objections, Chairman Ripley indicated that this procedure would be followed in the future. Historical Committee Chairman Ripley reported for Dave Hintz, a member of the Historical Committee A copy of Hintz's report is attached. Bill reported that in a telephone conversation with him, Dave suggested that we consider asking someone else to complete the history since he doubted Art Ferber would be able to complete it. Bill suggested that the members consider the possibility of relievinq Art of his obligation to complete the Historical Project and that we ask someone else to complete the project. Bill deferred action on this proposal until the reconvened business meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Bill referred to Dave's report and the fact that a complete set of proceedings are now located at a permanent site in each state except New Mexico. Efforts are continuing to find a suitable site in New Mexico. Bill recommended that the proceedings of each annual meeting should contain a list of the locations of complete sets of proceedings for each state. This list should be a permanent feature of the proceedings. Response to Tree Improvement Research Resolutions Chairman Ripley reported that at the last meeting we passed three resolutions expressing our concern about recent cutbacks on the part of Federal and State agencies and land grant institutions in Great Plains tree improvement research These resolutions were forwarded to all Experiment Station Directors, Deans of Agricultural Colleges, Directors of Forest and Range Experiment Stations, and other member agencies. Some responses were received. Most supported the need for continuing tree improvement research in the Great Plains areas, but details on what actions might be taken were vague. Responses were received from: CSRS - WO SCS - KS FMHA - NM OSU - Department of Forestry USFS - R-2 and R-3 National Arbor Day Foundation Grant Last December the National Arbor Day Foundation (John Rosenow) contacted Chairman Ripley requesting a financial donation to help in the distribution of public service announcements promoting windbreaks in the Great Plains area. After consultation with members of the Executive Committee and our Administrative Advisor, it was agreed to grant the Foundation $300. This was done in June. The Foundation has acknowledged receipt with thanks. Distri- bution of the public service announcements has started. New Business: 1984 Annual Meeting Larry Helwig invited the Forestry Committee to hold its 1984 annual meeting in South Dakota. Tree improvement is the tentative theme and Watertown is the tentative site. Dick Jeffers moved, and Tom Warner seconded, we accept South Dakota's invitation. Motion carried. Funding Requests Chairman Ripley reported that in addition to the National Arbor Day Foun- dation's reauest for funding, two additional requests for funds had been received. Bill asked spokesmen for each request to briefly describe their funding proposal. Rich Cunningham reported for Lee Hinds of North Dakota that the Tree Planting Handbook for the Dakotas was being revised and that financial assistance was needed in reproducing the color plates and in obtaining new plates for some species. No specific dollar amount had been computed. Glenn Peterson reported for the Pest Management Task Force that the Tree Disease Handbook was nearing completion. Thirty-one of the 35 chapters have been sent to the editor. At least 32 people are contributing to the chap- ters. Probable publication date is 1985. At least 3,000 copies will be printed. Estimated cost of publication is $27,000. Glenn asked for help from Forestry Committee in soliciting funds from other sources to finance the handbook. Chairman Ripley deferred action on these proposals until the reconvened business meeting on Wednesday. Dick Gavit moved and Roger Bergmeier seconded to recess the meeting until Wednesday. Motion carried. Chairman Ripley recessed the meeting at 2:48 p.m. Chairman Ripley reconvened the meeting on July 13, 1983 at 1:15 p.m. at the Bridger Plant Materials Center. -7- 1985 Meeting Chairman Ripley read a letter he had received from the Governor of Oklahoma in which the Governor formally invited the Forestry Committee to hold its 1985 annual meeting in Oklahoma. The proposed theme would be historical and would center around the observance of the 50th anniversary of the planting of the first Great Plains Forestry Project shelterbelt near Magnum, Oklahoma. Max Craighead described Oklahoma's proposal and indicated that they would be striving for considerable national publicity for the event. Max asked that a steering committee be formed to help plan for the meeting and that each state have a representative on the steering committee. Bob Heintz moved, and Phil Hoefer seconded to accept Oklahoma's invitation. Motion carried. History of the Forestry Committee Gil Gechner moved, and Bill Lovett seconded, that Ralph Read be asked to complete the historical project and that he be provided a stipend to help cover secretarial services. Motion carried. Roger Bergmeier moved, and Larry Helwig seconded that the Executive Committee be authorized to determine the amount of the stipend. Motion carried. Executive Secretary's Report 0. Wendell Holmes greeted the members and reiterated the need to update the membership list. Wendell asked for help from the Executive Committee and other members. John Vetterling volunteered to poll the GPAC member agencies and institutions for an updated designation of each agency's official rep- resentative. Audit Committee Marv Strachan reported that he and Bill Lovett had examined the Treasurer's books and found everything to be in order. Marv moved, and Bill Lovett seconded, to accept the Treasurer's report. Motion carried. Nominations Committee Report Bob Fewin reported that the Nominations Committee composed of Larry Helwig, Bill Loucks, Gil Fechner and himself were nominating Norm Baer and Keith Lynch as candidates for the office of Secretary-Treasurer. There were no additional nominations from the floor. A vote was conducted by written ballot and Chairman Ripley declared Keith Lynch the winner and Secretary- Treasurer for 1983-1984. Resolutions Committee Roger Steward, Oklahoma, presented resolution #1. Bill Ripley asked who the intended recipients of the resolution were. Max Craighead suggested that it be sent to all of the appropriate research agencies and institutions in the Southern Great Plains. Marv Strachan moved, and Dick Jeffers seconded, that resolution #1 be approved. Motion carried. Resolution #1 - Support for Research Needs in the Southern Great Plains: WHEREAS, trees, she! terbel ts , windbreaks and farm woodlots are a vital and necessary part of farm life in the Southern Great Plains, and WHEREAS, the Southern Great Plains Agricultural Research Station, in Woodward, Oklahoma, was established in 1913-1914 as a research center for agriculture in the region, including research in farm beautification, windbreaks and shelterbelts, tree species traits, and horticulture, and WHEREAS, research initiated in tree and shrub adaptability and use for the region in the period of 1934 to 1964 by Ernest Johnson, still exists today, incomplete in many instances, in a rapidly deteriorating state, and WHEREAS, there is need for tree improvement research to select and breed trees better suited for planting in the hostile Southern Great Plains environment, and WHEREAS, research being done in other parts of the Great Plains does not 'apply to the Southern Great Plains due to differences in precipitation, temperature and soil patterns, NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Great Plains Agricultural Council Forestry Committee actively support an increased commitment by federal and state agencies and land grant institutions toward the continuation of existing research and/or initiation of new research in tree improvement. Plains forestry, and/or horticulture in the Southern Great Plains. Resolution written by Patrick A. McDowell and Donna J. Hull, foresters of the Oklahoma Forestry Division. Resolution #2: WHEREAS, the 35th Annual Meeting of the Great Plains Agricultural Council Forestry Committee was held in Billings, Montana, July 11-14, 1983, and WHEREAS, we were all treated to excellent meeting facilities, well prepared speakers and informative presentations, topped off with mouthwatering steaks for two nights in a row, and WHEREAS, we were given a rerun of the "good old days" by viewing walking plows, freynos, and Ruth Dredgers, and WHEREAS, we rode all day to reach an elevation of 8,000 feet so we could walk back down 5,000 feet to the Big Ice Box, we learned to listen for tinkling bells when kicking bear scat, we were told by Mar Dell Plainfeather that General Custer was maybe not quite the nasty little fellow with the curly locks that we had always believed, and WHEREAS, Helen Murray with her excellent organization and contagious laughter added sparkle and enjoyment to our Big Sky experience, NOW THEREFORE, be it resolted that Roger Bergmeier, Willis Heron, Mark Herrell, Hal Hunter, Larry Holzworth, Roy Linn and Paul Moore, with Helen's direction and assistance, be commended and applauded for planning and conducting an excellent meeting for the Great Plains Agricultural Council's Forestry Committee. Resolution written by Robert Heintz and Max Craighead. -9- Funding Requests Rich Cunningham suggested that the Forestry Committee needed to develop a policy concerning the criteria by which funding requests should be judged and approved. Marv Strahan also voiced support for the development of such a policy. Chairman Ripley suggested that the new Executive Committee appoint a committee to establish such a policy and to have a report prepared by the next annual meeting. Glenn Peterson again discussed the Tree Disease Handbook. It was proposed that a letter of description be developed that could be used in soliciting funds. Glenn said that such a letter was being written. Bob Heintz moved and Gil Fechner seconded, that a committee be named to help solicit funds for publishing the handbook. Motion carried. Chairman Ripley discussed the granting of funds to the host state to use as a working capital fund to cover the expenses incurred before registration had occurred. Norm Baer moved, and Roger Bergmeier seconded, that this practice be approved as a permanent funding policy. Motion carried. Commemorative Stamp Bill Loucks proposed that the Forestry Committee petition the U. S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Great Plains Forestry Project shelterbelt planting. It was emphasized that the success of such an effort would require intensive lobbying efforts by all Forestry Committee members. Enlisting the support of Congressmen is crucial to gaining approval by the Postal Service. Bill Loucks moved and Dan Perko seconded, that a committee of himself. Max Craighead, and Dick Gavit be appointed to coordinate this effort. Motion carried. Chairman Ripleys Concluded Remarks About a year ago, Administrative Advisor John Vetter! ing received a letter from a past Forestry Committee member that was critical of the way our annual meetings have grown in attendance. John asked several of us for advice on how to reply. In responding to John's request, I was forced to closely examine my thouqhts on the value of the GPAC-Forestry Committee, and I'd like to share thesewith you. - The Forestry Committee serves a vital function in providing a medium for plains foresters to periodically assemble to exchange new ideas, identify problems and seek solutions, maintain interpersonal contacts between educators, researchers, field and extension foresters, and most importantly, the mi x among such people. Moreover, the Forestry Committee is the only Great Plains organization to provide this opportunity. - Meeting attendance and committee participation are voluntary. People will attend, and our employing agencies will continue to pay our way only if there are benefits in doing so. Our annual meetings, work- shops, et. al . must continue to offer something of high value to sustain this interest. We've been successful for 35 years. Let's continue this success in the years ahead. Chairman Ripley turned the gavel over to incoming Chairman Dick Gavit. Chairman Gavit named an Awards Committee of Rich Cunnningham, Bill Loucks, Ed Holcombe and Marv Strachan. On behalf of the entire group, Bob Heintz congratulated Bill Ripley on the fine job he had done as Chairman and led the group in a round of applause for Bill. Roger Bergmeier moved, and Bill Loucks seconded, to adjourn the meeting. Chairman Gavit adjourned the meeting at 2:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted. RICHARD A. CUNNINGHAM Secretary-Treasurer TREASURER'S REPORT Forestry Committee, Great Plains Agricultural Council Annual Meeting, July 11-14, 1983 Billings, Montana BALANCE: As of February 22, 1983 $7,606.87 Received from Richard J. Gavit Treasurer, 1982 INCOME: 2/24/83 3/23/83 4/26/83 5/27/83 6/24/83 Interest on Money Market Checking Account Dakota Northwest Bank, Bismarck, ND II II II II II II II II Total Income 1.09 39.54 49.65 41.09 40.78 $ 172.15 SUBTOTAL: Starting balance plus income $7,779.02 EXPENDITURES: 3/28/83 - Mike Walterscheidt, Texas - newsletter 125.00 5/23/83 - GPAC, Forestry Committee, Montana - 500.00 Annual Meeting grant 6/3/83 - National Arbor Day Foundation - promotional 300.00 TV spot 6/27/83- Mike Walterscheidt, Texas - newsletter 100.00 Total Expenses $1 ,025.00 CURRENT BALANCE: As of 7/5/83 $6,754.02 Remarks : Funds are maintained in one money market checking account at the Northwest Bank, 4th St. & Broadway P. 0. Box 1538 Bismarck, ND 58501 Account requires $2,500 or more for highest interest rate. Balance between $900-2,499 yields 5.25% interest. Balance below $900 is charged $9/month service charge. Account is currently receiving interest rate of about 7.0% Richard A. Cunningham Treasurer, 1983 Annual Meeting GP-13 Committee July 11, 1983 Billings, Montana AGENDA Welcome and Introductions - Annual Report - Minutes of 1982 Meeting - GP-13 By-laws - Current Chairmanship status - Summary of State tree improvement needs and planting trends - Species Progress Reports Ponderosa Pine - 10 year results - Juniperus - Hackberry - New Ponderosa Pine Collection Plans - Other Old Business New Business Election of GP-13 Secretary Tauer Tauer Tauer Jeffers Tauer Jeffers Ralph Read Glen Peterson Rich Cunningham Jeffers ADJOURN Minutes of Meeting GP-13 Technical Committee Date: July 11, 1983 Attendees: J. Cook. K. Ticknor, W. Lovett, W. Heron, J. Vetterling, W. Ripley, L. Helwig, G. Howe, K. Lynch, W. Loucks, N. Baer, W. Holms, R. Gilmore, J. Berst, M. Strahan, D. Perko, R. Read, R. Cunningham, L. Holzworth, H. Hunter, D. Jeffers, G. Fechner, C. Tauer. The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by Acting Chairman Tauer at the Holiday Inn West in Billings, Montana. Charles Tauer announced that he was presently Acting Chairman due to the resignation of James Fisher. The minutes of the 1982 meeting were accepted as corrected. The correction to the minutes was that only one GP-13 Juniperus plantation was plowed under 'in South Dakota. Jeffers presented the GP-13 By-laws as proposed at the 1982 meeting. Discussion followed with several changes being made. It was determined that two mailing lists would be maintained, one of participating agencies and the other of interested cooperating individuals. The By-laws were approved as amended. Charles Tauer became Chairman with the approval of the By-laws. Tauer will serve one year as Chairman to finish the term started by Fisher. Jeffers reported on tree planting trends. It was noted that the number of conifers planted has steadily increased from 1970 to 1980 and the percentage of conifers, broadleafs and shrubs planted has stayed relatively constant. Jeffers reported on a survey made of the tree and shrub improvement needs of the states. The greatest interest was in bur oak, green ash, Russian olive and Siberian elm improvement. Read gave a brief report on the 10 year results of the ponderosa pine project of the Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. Cunningham reported on the status of the GP-13 Hackberry study. Fifty-eight of the.275 collections have been made. This appears to be a good seed year, so it is hoped that most of the collections can be made this fall. Peterson reported on the status of the Juniperus study. A call was made for the 5th year measurements to be taken in the fall of 1984. Dave Van Haverbeke will formulate a data collection sheet to be sent to all cooperators . Jeffers reported on a new ponderosa pine project. The project will consist of making single tree seed collections from areas that are showing superiority in the study reported on by Reed. The resulting seedlings will be planted in such a configuration that the planting may later be turned into seed orchards. It was moved and seconded that this project be an official GP-13 project. The motion passed. William Lovett was elected Secretary of the GP-13 Technical Committee effective July 11, 1983 and will serve for one year. The election of Secretary will be held at the 1984 meeting as stated in the By-laws. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, William R. Lovett BY-LAWS OF THE GP-13 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE "IMPROVED TREES AND SHRUBS FOR PLANTING ON THE GREAT PLAINS" Article 1. NAME The name of this Technical Committee of the Great Plains Agricul- tural Council shall be known as GP-13 "Improved Trees and Shrubs for Planting on the Great Plains" Article 2. OBJECTIVE To conduct research on the improvement of trees and shrubs for the Great Plains. Article 3. COOPERATING AGENCIES • Agencies participating in this GP-13 cooperative regional project are listed in Table 1 as amended annually. Article 4. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Executive Committee shall be responsible for providing general direction and guidance to the GP-13 Technical Committee. It shall consist of the following individuals: 1. Administrative Advisor, GP-13 Committee 2. Chairman, GP-13 Committee 3. Secretary, GP-13 Committee 4. Immediate Past Chairman, GP-13 Committee 5. Forestry Committee, GPAC, Representative Article 5. OFFICERS • Officers of the GP-13 Technical Committee shall be: (1) Chairman and (2) Secretary. Only GP-13 cooperating agency representatives shall be eligible for election as officers. (1) The Chai rman shall (a) preside at business and technical meetings of the Committee, (b) be responsible for arrangements for meetings, (c) appoint nominating and other special committees, (d) prepare annual committee report, and (e) act as Chairman of Executive Committee. (2) The Secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the Committee, (b) maintain a current mailing list of cooperating agency members, (c) conduct Committee correspondence with representatives, (d) announce meetings, (e) act as custodian of Committee records, (fj provide copies of annual report at annual meeting, (g) in the absence of the Chairman, preside at Committee meetings, (h) assist the Chairman in conducting Committee affairs as requested by the Chairman, and (i) maintain a list of participating agencies to be updated annually. -16- The term of duty for both officers shall be two years. The Secretary will assume the position as Chairman upon completion of a two-year term as Secretary. If the Chairman is unable to complete a full two-year term of office, the Secretary will assume the position of Chairman. Article 6. ELECTION OF SECRETARY Nominations for position as Secretary will be made by a Nominations Committee appointed by the Chairman. Additional nominations may be made by agency representatives at any time prior to election. The Secretary will be elected by attendees at the annual business meeting held in each even-numbered calendar year. Terms of office begin immediately after close of the meetinq at which elections are held. Article 7. MEETINGS Annual meetings will be held in conjunction with the annual meetings of the Forestry Committee, GPAC. Arrangements for and conduct of the annual meeting will be the responsibility of the Committee officers. Additional meetings may be held at the discretion of the Committee officers. Article 8. QUORUM Ten GP-13 Committee members shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business at the annual meeting. Article 9. SPECIES WORKING GROUPS Cooperating agencies conducting research on a species being researched by the GP-13 Committee will constitute a Working Group for the species. Agencies working on more than one cooperative species project will be members of each species working group. Members of each Working Group will select a Working Group Coordin- ator. Each Working Group will prepare a Regional Project Work Plan for approval by the Research Committee, GPAC. Annual progress reports will be presented by each Working Group at the annual business meeting. Article 10. AMENDMENTS Amendments to these By-laws may be proposed in writing by any Committee member to the Secretary not less than five months before an annual meeting. Proposed amendments shall be included in notices of meetings, and may be adopted by a favorable vote of the majority of the GP-13 members present and voting at the time of the meeting. -17- TABLE I - COOPERATING AGENCIES, GP-13 North Dakota North Dakota Agricultural Exp. Stn. Fargo, ND USDA Agricultural Research Service Northern Great Plains Research Center South Dakota South Dakota Agricultural Exp. Stn. South Dakota State University Brookings, SD Nebraska 'Nebraska Agricultural Exp. Stn. University of Nebraska Nebraska Dept, of Forestry, Fisheries & Wild! ife USDA Soil Conservation Service Midwest National Tech. Service Ctr. Lincoln, NE USDA Forest Service Rocky Mtn. Forest and Range Exp. Stn. Lincoln, NE Kansas USDA Agricultural Research Service Wind Erosion Laboratory Manhattan, KS Kansas State and Extension Forestry Manhattan, KS Oklahoma Oklahoma Agricultural Exp. Stn. Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK Texas Texas Agricultural Experiment Stn. Texas A & M University College Station, TX Texas Forest Service Texas A & M University College Station, TX Extension Forester Texas Agricultural Extension Serv. USDA, Texas A&M University System College Station, TX 77843 New Mexico New Mexico Agricultural Exp. Stn. New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region Albuquerque, NM Colorado Colorado Agricultural Exp. Stn. Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO Colorado State Forest Service Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region Lakewood, CO USDA Forest Service Rocky Mtn. Forest & Range Exp. Stn. Fort Collins, CO Wyoming Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Stn University of Wyoming Laramie, WY Wyoming State Forestry Division 1100 West 22nd St. Cheyenne, WY 82002 Montana Montana Agricultural Experiment Stn Montana State University Bozeman, MT Montana Department of State Lands Missoula, MT USDA Forest Service Northern Region Missoula, MT Saskatchewan PFRA Tree Nursery Indian Head, Saskatchewan SOG 2K0 Canada It is planned that individuals at these locations will maintain and keep the master sets up to date. If the location of the master sets are moved, the new location should be noted in the current year's proceedings. Consider- ation should be given to noting the location of all the master sets in each year's proceedings. I would like for someone from New Mexico to receive the complete set of proceedings that I have in storage within the next two to three months. Report of Awards Committee Forestry Committee - G.P.A.C. Chairman Richard Gavit reported the committee had selected two recipients for the Award of Merit from the Forestry Committee. The awards will be presented during the banquet on July 12, 1983. Awards of Merit presented as follows for 1983: Recipient - Certificate Notation - Nominator Robert H. Heintz, North Dakota Numerous contributions to windbreak and shelterbelt forestry in the Northern Great Plains. An active member of the Forestry Committee- G.P.A.C. for several years, including serving as past chairman. - Albert B. Frank Glenn M, Peterson, Nebraska Leadership in Great Plains, Great Plains, tree disease research for nurseries throughout the for leadership of conifer disease research in the and many years of service to the Forestry Committee. - Walter T. Bagley Awards Committee Richard Gavit Norm Smola Keith Tichnor Albert Frank HISTORICAL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT By David L. Hintz, Member A complete master set of all the proceedings of the Forestry Committee of the Great Plains Agricultural Council have been established for all ten Great Plains states and Saskatchewan. Master sets are on file or have been sent to the following locations: Col orado Rocky Mtn. Forest & Range Experiment Station USDA Forest Service 240 West Prospect Fort Collins, CO 80523 Kansas Extension Forester Environmental Forestry Cooperative Extension Service 2610 Clafl in Road Manhattan, KS 66504 Montana Department of State Lands Division of Forestry 2705 Spurgin Road Missoula, MT 59801 Nebraska (Complete set is presently in storage--contact David L. Hintz, USDA, Soil Conservation Service, MNTC, Federal Building, Room 345, 100 Centennial Mall North, Box 82502, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501, if a permanent site to store the proceedings can be found somewhere in New Mexico.) North Dakota Agricultural Research Service Northern Great Plains Research Center P. 0. Box 459 Mandan, ND 58554 Okl ahoma State Staff Forester Soil Conservation Service USDA Agricultural Center Building Farm Road & Brumley Street Stillwater, OK 74074 South Dakota Extension Forester Horticulture and Forestry Dept. Ag Hall South Dakota State University -21- Texas Extension Forester Texas Agricultural Extension Service USDA, Texas A&M University System College Station, TX 77843 Wyoming Wyoming State Forestry Division 1100 West 22nd St. Cheyenne, WY 82002 Saskatchewan PFRA Tree Nursery Indian Head, Saskatchewan SOG 2K0 Canada It is planned that individuals at these locations will maintain and keep the master sets up to date. If the location of the master sets are moved, the new location should be noted in the current year's proceedings. Consideration should be given to noting the location of all the master sets in each year's proceedings. I would like for someone from New Mexico to receive the complete set of proceedings that I have in storage within the next two to three months. -22- PLANTING TRENDS IN THE GREAT PLAINS Richard M. Jeffers Distribution of conifer, broadleaf, and shrub planting stock in the Great Plains in 1970, 1975, and 1980 is summarized in Table 1. These tables are summaries of data included in the Proceedings of the Annual Meetings of the Forestry Committee, GPAC Tree Planting Trends. It is interesting to note that there was a significant increase in distri- bution in planting stock of over 4.4 million plants between 1970 and 1975 and only a slight decrease (233 thousand) between 1975 and 1980. Since 1970 there has been a steady increase from 4.2 million in 1970 to 6.2 million in 1980, in conifer stock distribution; a significant increase in broadleaf distribution from 2.7 million in 1970 to 4.0 million in 1975 and a slight decrease to 3.9 million in 1980; while shrubs increased significantly from 1970 to 1975 (2.0 to 3.4 million) followed by a substantial drop of nearly 500 thousand shrubs between 1975 and 1980. While these general trends have occurred, the relative percentages of conifers, broadleafs, and shrubs have stayed essentially the same during this period with conifers making up slightly less than" half of all the stock, broadleafs about 30 percent, and shrubs slightly more than 20 percent. Coni fers Conifer distribution for 1970, 1975, and 1980 is summarized in Table 2. Between 1970 and 1980 there were steady increases in distribution of eastern red cedar, blue spruce, and Austrian pine. Scots pine during this period increased by over 50 percent from 1970 to 1975, then stayed about the same until 1980. In comparison. Rocky Mountain juniper and ponderosa pine increased significantly between 1970 and 1975, but decreased significantly between 1975 and 1980. These decreases have probably resulted from the unrel iabi 1 i ty of consistent seed and seedling production in Rocky Mountain juniper and inconsistency of long term survival of ponderosa pine seedlings. Because of the desirability of both of these species for use in Great Plains plantings, improving technology of seed production and seedling establishment will probably result in an increase in their use in future planting programs. Broadleafs Distribution of broadleaf species in 1970, 1975, and 1980 is summarized in Table 3. There was a significant increase in broadleaf distribution from 2.7 million in 1970 to 4.0 million in 1975 and a slight decrease to 3.9 million in 1980. Of particular note is the steady increase in the use of green ash (376 to 969 thousand), hybrid poplars (10 to 244 thous- and), and black locust (39 to 235 thousand) from 1970 to 1980. And as one might expect, there has been a steady decrease in the use of elms, especially American and Siberian elms, during this same period. Other species such as Russian olive, osage-orange, mulberry, cottonwood, and golden willow increased between 1970 and 1975, but decreased in use from 1975 to 1980. Perhaps the more important reason for the decrease in use of these species has been increased incidence of pest problems and lack of genetic variability and/or genetic information on these species. As more genetic information and variation, especially increased resistance, become available, these species will probably be in greater demand for planting in the Plains. Shrubs Shrub distribution in 1970, 1975, and 1980 is summarized in Table 4. In contrast to the trends in use of conifers and broadleafs, use of shrubs increased significantly from 2.0 to 3.4 million plants between 1970 and 1975, followed by a substantial decrease to 2.9 million in 1980. Between 1970 and 1980 there was a steady increase in the use of cotoneaster, autumn olive, honeysuckle, fragrant sumac, and common lilac. In compar- ison, there does not appear to be any species of shrubs that have con- sistently .decreased in use. Several shrub species, however, did increase in use between 1970 and 1975 to be followed by a decrease in their use; included in this group are Siberian peashrub, Siberian crab, Nanking cherry, American plum, and multi-flora rose. Perhaps it is to be expected to see these patterns in the use of shrubs because there has been an increasing interest in the use of this group of plants in the Plains for shel terbel ts , wildlife, and other multiple use purposes since 1970. Consequently, between 1970 and 1980 many shrub plantings with various species were established for several uses, and because of this relatively rapid growth and the short lives of shrubs, many species have since been found to be undesirable for one or more uses. In the future we will probably see less shrub species trials established and steady increases in use of species that have consider- able merit for multiple uses. Table 1 - Tree and Shrub Distribution in the Great PI a i ns • 1970 1975 19802/ M t M % M 0/ 1 0 Conifers^ 4,166 47 5,856 44 6,230 48 • Broadleafs 2,743 31 4,016 30 3,904 30 Shrubs 1 ,970 22 3,416 26 2,921 22 Total s 8,879 13,288 13,055 • 1/ Southern pines not included 2/ Texas data not included -24- Table 2 - Conifer Distribution in the Great Plains (M trees) Species 1970 1975 1980 Abies-White Fir 14 23 11 Cupressus-Arizona 1 2 Juniperus-Eastern Redcedar 1 ,798 1 ,619 2,423 Rocky Mt. Juniper 130 449 209 One-seed 6 Larix-Western 30 Siberian 15 5 Picea-Bl ue 417 675 923 Engelmann 51 18 Wh i te 92 22 112 Pinus-Afghani stan 6 Austrian 254 497 257 Eastern White 66 34 38 Jack 3 1 45 Lodgepol e 35 19 Pi nyon 5 4 1 Ponderosa 831 1 ,404 770 Scots 513 777 762 Taxodium-Bald Cypress 5 Thuja-Oriental Arborvitae 19 113 84 Pseudotsuga-Dougl as-f i r 18 101 45 Total 4,166 5,856 6,230 1/ Southern pines not included 2/ Texas figures data not included Table 4 - Shrub Distribution in the Great Plains (M Shrubs) Species 1970 1975 1980 Alnus-European Black 3 Amel anchier-Juneberry 2 14 1 Artemesia-Sage 6 Caragana-Siberian Peashrub 624 958 643 Cephal anthus-Bottonbush 7 Cornus-Red Osier 1 42 40 Cotoneaster 113 118 169 Crataegus -Hawthorne 1 Elaeagnus-Autumn Olive 5 56 111 Si 1 verberry 1 Euonymus-Wi nterberry 7 23 13 Eurotia-Winterfat 43 12 Lon icera -Honeysuckle 321 482 580 Mai us-Hardy 1 Manchurian Crab 1 43 Siberian Crab 26 103 64 Prunus-Russian Almond 1 Chokecherry 92 80 85 Hanking Cherry 65 277 129 Sand Cherry 53 164 38 American Plum 250 405 313 Rhus-Fragrant 34 33 120 Ribes-Golden Currant 16 14 Robinia-Bristly Locust 4 Rosa-Hansen 13 27 26 Mul tifl ora 99 105 39 Sal i x-Di amond 2 Laurel 4 Purple 3 4 Shepherdia-Buffal oberry 42 135 138 Symphori carpus-Snowberry 15 Syri nga-Common 198 267 326 Late 52 Tamari x 5 Total 1 ,970 3,416 2,921 -26- Table 3 - Broadleaf Distribution in the Great Plains (M Trees) Species 1970 1975 1980 Acer- Amur 21 22 26 Boxel der 4 Si 1 ver 41 67 74 Carya-Pecan 38 51 69 Catal pa 8 13 24 Celtis-Hackberry 52 89 136 Cercis-Redbud 24 29 23 Elaeagnus-Russian Olive 422 951 778 Eucalyptus 7 3 Fraxinus-Green 376 708 969 Gleditsi a -Honey Locust 110 75 166 Juglans-Engl ish 19 Black 164 287 282 Liqui dambar-Sweetgum 7 3 Maclura-Osage Orange 13 128 38 Mo rus-Mul berry 37 97 57 Platanus-Sycamore 19 21 15 Populus-Cottonwood (includes Siouxland) 170 224 162 Lombardy 17 14 4 Narrowleaf 1 4 9 Plains 5 Hybrids 10 117 244 Prunus-Apricot 9 7 21 Chickasaw Plum 9 Pyrus-Harbin Pear 10 3 2 Quercus-Bur 13 12 25 Cherrybark Red 19 Robinia-Black Locust 39 79 235 Sal ix-Diamond 4 2 Golden 67 134 97 White 24 43 19 Ulmus-American 81 49 4 Chinese 14 1 35 Chinkota 120 Dropmore 171 175 Siberian 650 561 334 Total 2,743 4,016 3,904 1/ Texas data not included -27- TREE AND SHRUB IMPROVEMENT NEEDS IN THE GREAT PLAINS Richard M. Jeffers At the 1982 annual meeting of the GP-13 Committee "Improved Tree and Shrubs for Planting on the Great Plains" in Dodge City, Kansas, it was agreed upon that a survey would be made to determine tree and shrub improvement needs for the Great Plains. This evaluation was made to update the initial survey of tree improvement work on the Great Plains which was summarized by Naughton (1973). Bibliographies on tree and shrub improvement research relative to the Great Plains have been prepared for the GP-13 Committee by Woessner (1973) and Cunningham (1982). Consequently, a review and summary of literature pertinent to this subject area will not be included in this report. In 1981 Cunningham published a summary of tree improvement activities involving windbreak species. Because Cunningham's paper includes essen- tially all of the tree and shrub improvement research projects underway in the Great Plains, a summary of these projects is not included in this needs projects summary. However, to determine what tree and shrub improvement needs still remain in the Great Plains, a questionnaire was sent in late 1982 to 26 agencies requesting information on tree and shrub improvement needs. Each agency was to prioritize up to three tree and shrub species and traits to be improved in need of genetic improve- ment for use on the Great Plains. A total of 17 responses from one or more combined agencies was received. A summary of agency responses by species and traits in need of improve- ment is included in Table 1. A list of responding agencies and assigned agency numbers is included in Table 2. Species priorities for each agency were rated: Species Priority Wei ght 1 3 2 2 3 1 Total weights for each species were determined. Species needs are listed in Table 1 from the highest total weight to the lowest weight. For nearly all species, traits to be improved include survival, broad adaptability, growth, form, and resistance to pests and drought. Three species--bur oak, green ash, and Russian olive, were listed by six or more agencies and their total weighted scores exceeded ten. These species and perhaps the number four ranked species, Siberian elm, are all possible candidates for the GP-13 Committee to consider, in addition to the continuing Juniperus and hackberry programs, as future tree improvement activities. -28- Speci es Quercus macrocarpa, Bur Oak 23 Fraxi nus pennsyl vani ca , Green Ash 18 Elaeagnus angusti fol ia , Russian Olive 14 Ulmus pumila, Siberian Elm 8 G1 edi tsi a tri acanthos , Honey Locust 4 Pinus nigra, Austrian Pine 4 Pinus ponderosa, Ponderosa Pine 4 Popul us sp, Cottonwood and Hybrids 4 Abies concolor. White Fir 3 Acer negundo, White Fir 3 Maceura pomi fera , Osage Orange 3 Amelanchier alnifolia. Saskatoon Serviceberry 2 Juglans nigra. Black Walnut 2 Prunus vi rginiana , Chokecherry 2 Caragana arborescens, Caragana 1 Crataegus sp, Hawthorne 1 Juniperus communis. Common Juniper 1 Pinus sylvestris, Scots Pine 1 PI atanus occi dental i s , Sycamore 1 Prunus americana mexicana, Mexican Phum 1 Table 1 - Tree and Shrub Improvement Needs in the Great Plains Total Needs 1/ — — — — — «le i aht A^eiic i Tra i us cu Improve 1.2.3.4.5.14.15.16.17 1,5,8,12,14,15,16 1,2, 3, 4, 6, 7 2, 6, 7, 8 3,15 6.17 9,14 4,9 12 11 13 11 5 7 8 13 9 16 10 11 Survival, growth, form Survival, growth, resistance (borer, drought frost) Thornless, resistance (di sease ,wi nter injury) Resistance (chemical, disease), longevity Resistance (cold, disease) Growth, resistance (cold) Survival, growth, form, resi stance (i nsects ) Resistance (disease, drought) Growth, form Survi val , form Seedless, thornless Desi rabl e trai ts Survival, growth, form Survival, resistance (disease) Vari abi 1 i ty Broad adaptation Windbreak suitability (3-5 feet) Christmas trees Growth, form, resistance, (di sease, drought) Fruit, reduction, suckering reduction 1/ Species weights: 1st priority-3, 2nd priority-2, 3rd priority-1 -29- Table 2 - Agencies Responding to Tree and Tree and Shrub Improvement Needs Request Montana Department of State 9. Wyoming State Forestry Division Lands 1100 West 22nd Street 2705 Spurgin Road Cheyenne, WY 82002 Missoula, MT 59801 10. Nebraska State Forest Service Montana Interagency Tree & Shrub Room 101, Plant Industry Bldg. Improvement Study (MITOSIS) Univ. of Nebraska, East Campus c/o Mr. Harold Hunter Lincoln, NE 68503 USDA Soil Conservation Service P. 0. Box 9780 Bozeman, MT 59715 11. Department of Forestry Plant Materials Center 107 Plant Industry Building Univ. of Nebraska, East Campus Lincoln, NE 68583 USDA Soil Conservation Service Federal Building, Box 1458 Bismarck, ND 58501 12. USDA Forest Service Northern Great Plains Res. Ctr. Rocky Mtn. Forest and Range Experiment Station Forestry Sciences Laboratory USDA Agricultural Research Center Univ. of Nebraska, East Campus P. 0. Box 459 Lincoln, NE 68583 Mandan, ND 58554 13. USDA Soil Conservation Service North Dakota Forest Service P. 0. Box 600 NDSU-Bottineau Branch Sali na , KS 67401 Bottineau, ND 58318 14. Department of Forestry Horticulture & Forestry Dept. Call Hall South Dakota State University Kansas State University Brookings, SD 57006 Manhattan, KS 66506 7. South Dakota Division of Forestry Department of Game, Fish & Parks Sigurd Anderson Building Pierre, SD 57501 8. USDA Forest Service Rocky Mtn. Forest & Range Experiment Station Forestry Research Laboratory South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, SD 57701 15. Kansas State & Extension Forestry 2610 Clafl in Rd. Manhattan, KS 66502 16. Department of Forestry Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74074 17. Texas Forest Service Rt. 3, Box 216 Lubbock, TX 79401 -30- References Cunningham, Richard A. 1981. Tree improvement activities involving wind- break species. Jji: Proc. Second North Central Tree Improv. Conf Lincoln, NE, August 5-7, 1981, p. 48-64. Cunningham, Richard A. 1982. Bibliography of tree and shrub improvement research relevant to the Great Plains. Report prepared for the GP-13 Committee. Naughton, Gary G. 1973. The status of tree improvement work on the Great Plains. Report prepared for the GP-13 Committee. Woessner, Ronald A. 1973. Bibliography of tree and shrub research relevant to the Great Plains. Report prepared for the GP-13 Committee. GP-13 Technical Committee Meeting Billings, Montana, July 11, 1983 GP-13 Technical Committee Cooperative Provenance Test of hackberry, Cel ti s occidental is. Dr. Richard A. Cunningham, Study Coordinator, USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND. Objectives of the study: 1. Identify the extent and patterns of genetic variability within hackberry growing in ND, SD, MN, NE, IA, MO, KS, OK, AR and Manitoba, Canada. 2. To identify the seed sources of hackberry best adapted for planting in ND, SD, MN, NE, IA, MO, KS, OK, and AR. 3. To provide a highly variable gene pool that could be utilized for future selections and breeding. Current Status: Projected total number of collections - 275. A total of 58 field collections have been processed at the USDA-SCS, PMC, Bismarck, ND. Clean seed amounts range from 39 to 3,439 grams. North Dakota - 14 South Dakota - 8 Minnesota - 9 County County County Cass (2) Day (1) Bigstone (1) Trai 1 0) Brookings (1) Houston (2) Barnes (1) Hand (1) Lac Qui Parle (1) Benson (2) Spink (1) Swift (2) Ransom 0) Coddi ngton (1) Li ncol n 0) Richland (1) Beadl e (1) Clay (1) Ramsey (2) Potter (1) Pol k (1) McHenry (1) Stanley 0) Kidder 0) Morton (1) Kansas - 12 Nebraska - 11 Oklahoma - 3 County County County Crawford (1) Thayer (1) Grant (3) Pratt (1) Nance (1) Boyd (1) Adams (1) Butl er (2) Dawson (1) Canada - 1 Ellis (1) Boone (1) Pawnee (1) Sherman (1) Manitoba (1) Comanche (1) Clay (1) Clark (1) Hall 0) Sedgewick (1) Custer (1) Jewel 1 (1) Cherry (2) Barber (1) ( ) Number of collections MINUTES Meeting of the Pest Management Task Force of the Great Plains Forestry Committee Billings, Montana, July 11-14, 1983 The Pest Management Task Force met jointly with the Forestry Committee starting at 1:30 p.m. , Monday, July 11 , 1983 in Billings, Montana. Glenn Peterson (USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Lincoln, NE) reported to the group about the status of the Great Plains Tree Disease Handbook. Approximately 31 of 65 chapters have been turned over to the editor for final editing. Questions were raised as to why only include tree diseases. Glenn replied that there was also an Insect Handbook being prepared by several authors headed by Mary Ellen Dix. He also announced that a bibliography of Forest Pests, listinq research papers prior to 1982, will soon be available from his office. Peterson requested that the Forestry Committee form a special committee to seek funding for the handbook, which is estimated to cost $27,000. This joint meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m., after which both committees met separately. The Task Force reconvened at 3:30 p.m. for state reports. The following are highlights from each presentation: 1. Dr. William Jacobi - Colorado State University Research at C.S.U. includes: In Vitro experimentation with Thyronectria canker of honey- locust; urban pest survey methodology to evaluate methods of surveying for incidence and severity of diseases; ponderosa pine-dwarf mistletoe- relationships with site factors; comandra rust incidences and growth loss; comandra rust risk rating and ponderosa pine dwarf-mistletoe-impact in uneven-aged stands. 2. Richard Dorset - Division of Forestry, South Dakota. One gypsy moth was found in the Black Hills and was traced to a camper vehicle. An aerial spray of Bacillus thuringiensis was applied near Aberdeen, SD to control spring canker worms. Sixty-five communities have been surveyed for Dutch elm disease and over 4,000 trees have been marked and removed. A survey for mountain pine beetle in the Black Hills indicates populations are declining. A shelterbelt survey for insects and diseases was completed and will be analyzed later. 3. Dr. Joe Krupinsky - USDA, Mandan, ND. Research includes survey- ing for canker and die back diseases of Siberian elm and screening for resistance. Screening lines of poplar for resistance to canker and leaf spot diseases, especially Septoria musiva. Isolations from stem canker of Russian olive indicate that Tubercularia ulmea, Phomopsis elaeagni and Botryodi pi odi a theobroinae may be cause agents. Pathogenicity of these isolates will be studied. 4. Dr. Glenn Peterson, USDA Forest Service, Lincoln, NE. Glenn reported on all projects active with the research group at Lincoln which included: GP-13 Juniperus seed source study, jack pine flowering study, progeny test of scotch pine seed orchard selections, limber pine and southwestern white pine evaluated at age seventeen, progeny test of eastern redcedar, transfer of tree improvement studies from Bottineau, resistance of Siberian elm to canker worms, detection and evaluation of Prionoxystus robiniae (carpenterworms on hardwoods), assessment and control of pitch twig moths (Petrova metal! ica) on pines, biology and control of the western pinetip moth (Rhyacionia bushnelli), identification, biology and control of insects damaging the seeds and cones of ponderosa pine, identification, biology and control of ash seed weevils, Fomes fraxin-ophilus stem decay of green ash; incidence and damage, Phellinus robineae stem decay of black locust; infection and damage, endemic ectomycorrhizae fungi of Pinus ponderosa in central Great Plains plantings; identification of fungi and synthesis of ectomycorrhizae, diseases of honeylocust; etiology and biology, resistance of Juni perus vi rgi niana to Phomopsi s juni perovora , resistance of Juni perus virgini ana and scopulorum to Cercospora sequoiae var. juni peri , Diplodia~pinea blight of pines, and resistance to Dothi stroma pini in Austrian pine progenies. 5. Jim Walla - North Dakota State University. The research group at ' NDSU is currently working on: shelterbelt disease survey, etiology of ash anthracnose, taxonomy and host range of Melampsora rust on Populus, Lopho- demium needle cast of pine, western gall rust of pine, green ash heartrot- resurvey, Phellinus punctatus canker rot of trees and shrubs, Dutch elm disease in shel terbel ts , Siberian elm cankers and canker worm interactions, and blackstem on poplars. 6. Dr. Kenneth Conway - Oklahoma State University. The disease survey of windbreaks in two counties in Oklahoma was completed and published in Plant Diseases 67:289-291. Results indicate that incidence and severity of diseases in the Southern Plains are different from those reported in the Northern Plains. Research has been initiated to determine the feasibility of using biological control strategies for soilborne diseases in tree nurseries in cooperation with the Oklahoma Division of Forestry. 7. Steve Kohler - Montana State Forest Service, Missoula, Montana. Steve summarized Forest Insect and Disease Conditions 1982 in Montana, which is available as Report 83-2. The mountain pine beetle continues to be the most destructive forest insect. Spruce beetle and Douglas-fir beetle infestations are increasing. 8. Bruce Neill - PFRA Tree Nursery, Indianhead, Saskatchewan. The tree nursery distributes trees for shelterbelt plantings across the Canadian Prairies. Entomological research projects include: determin- ation of sex attractant and practical control methods for cottonwood crown borer (Sesia fibialis), determination of sex attractants of the spring canker worm (Paleacrita vernata), inventory of buffaloberry fruit pests, pheromones for monitoring shelterbelt pests, life history and control of the willow redgall sawfly (Pontania proxima), screening poplar selections for resistance to the poplar bud gall mite (Aceria parapopuli), and Dutch elm disease and elm bark beetle surveillance. 9. Scott Tunnock - USDA, Forest Service, Missoula, Montana. A biological evaluation of the variable oakleaf caterpillar (Heterocampa manteo) was conducted in 1982 and 1983. Populations in 1983 were low and no spray was needed. A cooperative study of carpenterworm pheromone traps was initiated in 1982 with Mary Ellen Dix, USDA Forest Service, Lincoln, 10. Dr. Robert James - USDA Forest Service, Missoula, Montana. Research projects include. nursery diseases, pinetip dieback, and evalu- ation of Sirococcus strobilinus. Red band needle blight is becoming more important in the Mountain Region. 11. Robert Averill - USDA Forest Service, Lakewood, Colorado. Pest management in Region 2 is not very active in the Plains. Projects include mountain pine beetle surveys and gypsy moth trappinq in Colorado. The Douglas-fir tussock moth has become a pest of urban'areas in Colorado. Questions were raised concerning why an integrated pest management system could not be developed in the Great Plains to disseminate information concerning insects and disease. 12. Mark Harrell - Nebraska Forest Service. Projects concern the biology and control of the Zimmerman pine moth (Dioryctria zimmermani) and the evaluation and development of treatments for chlorosis of pin oak and silver maple. A report of research activities of USDA Forest Service Southern Region, Pineville, Louisiana, was also read. The meeting was temporarily adjourned at 5:15 p.m. and reconvened at 7:00 p.m. Business Meeting Nominations for Co-Chairman (Entomologist) and Secretary-Treasurer were taken and Scott Tunnock and Kenneth E. Conway were elected Co-Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer , respecti vely. A motion by Walla to meet separately from the Forestry Committee next year was passed. A motion by Averill to meet in Denver, Colorado was passed after discussion about Lincoln, Nebraska and travel for Forest Service personnel. The meeting will be hosted by Region 2 - Robert Averill. A motion by Jacobi to hold the meeting during either the last two weeks of March or first two weeks of April was passed. The exact date will be determined by the Executive Committee and the local arrangement committee. Motion for adjournment by Walla was passed at approximately 9:45 p.m. Monday, July 11 , 1983. Kenneth E. Conway Secretary /Treasurer If you would like to continue receiving minutes and announcements from the Forest Pest Management Task Force, please send your name and address to: Dr. Kenneth E. Conv/ay Department of Plant Pathology Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078 NOTICE! Limited copies of "Forest Insect and Disease Publications of the Great Plains," compiled by Dix, Pasek, and Peterson (1983) will be available this summer from the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, 240 West Prospect Street, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526. The bibliography, which lists 335 forest insect and 323 forest disease research and extension citations published before February 1982, was compiled for the Pest Management Task Force of the GPAC Forestry Committee. Keyword and author indices are included. Chairman's Comments - Business Meeting July 11, 1983 Billings, Montana Mailing Lists - Proposed procedure 1. Immediate past host forwards their mailing lists to the Secretary- Treasurer. Secretary-Treasurer gives copy to new host. 2. New host distributes copies to state representatives requesting an update (corrections, additions, deletions). 3. New host collects results and prepares an updated listinq to be used for the next meeting. Furnish a copy to the Secretary- Treasurer. 4. Secretary-Treasurer repeats cycle by forwarding the listing to the next host. An alternative is to centralize the operation in one area with a computer, and computer updating capability. The Secretary-Treasurer would remain responsible for the over-all operation. Any volunteers? Response to Tree Improvement Research Resolutions Last meeting we passed three resolutions expressing our concern about recent cutbacks on the part of Federal and State agencies and land grant institutions in Great Plains tree improvement research. These resolutions were forwarded to all Experiment Station Directors, Deans of Agricultural Colleges, Directors of Forest and Range Experiment Stations, and other member agencies. Some responses were received. Most supported the need for continuing tree improvement research in the Great Plains area, but details on what actions might be taken were vague. Responses were received from: CSRS - WO SCS - KS FMHA - NM OSU - Department of Forestry USFS - R-2 and R-3 National Arbor Day Foundation Grant Last December the National Arbor Day Foundation (John Rosenow) contacted Chairman Ripley requesting a financial donation to help in the distri- bution of public service announcements promoting windbreaks in the Great Plains area. After consultation with members of the Executive Committee and our Administrative Advisor, it was agreed to grant the Foundation $300. This was done in June. The Foundation has acknowledged receipt with thanks. Distribution of the public service announcements has started. Tree Planting Trends - For Clark There will be no report this year. Next year's report will cover the 2 year period. Should these reports continue to be done annually or would another time frame suffice? Closing Remarks About a year ago Administrative Advisor John Vetter! ing received a letter from a past Forestry Committee member that was critical of the way our annual meetings have grown in attendance. John asked several of us for advice on how to reply. In responding to John's request, I was forced to closely examine my thoughts on the value of the GPAC-Forestry Committee, and I'd like to share these with you. - The Forestry Committee serves a vital function in providing a medium for plains foresters to periodically assemble to exchange new ideas, identify problems and seek solutions, maintain inter- personal contacts between educators, researchers, field and exten- sion foresters, and more importantly, the mix among such people. Moreover, the Forestry Committee is the onTy~Great Plains organi- zation to provide this opportunity. - Meeting attendance and committee participation are voluntary. People will attend, and our employing agencies will continue to pay our way only if there are benefits in doing so. Our annual meetings, workshops, et. al must continue to offer something of high value to sustain this interest. We've been successful for about 35 years. Let's continue this success in the years ahead. -38- REPORT TO THE FORESTRY COMMITTEE (RESEARCH FORUM) OF THE GREAT PLAINS AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL Billings, Montana, July 1983 STATION: USDA, FOREST SERVICE ROCKY MTN. FOREST & RANGE EXPERIMENT STATION FORESTRY SCIENCES LAB. UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA LINCOLN, NEBRASKA 68583 PROJECT: PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF TREES IN THE GREAT PLAINS MISSION: TO PROVIDE TECHNOLOGY FOR REDUCING DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF DISEASES AND INSECTS, TO SELECT ADAPTED TREE SPECIES, AND TO DEVELOP GENETICALLY IMPROVED SEED FOR PLAINS PLANTINGS AREA OF RESEARCH ADAPTABILITY: THE GREAT PLAINS PERSONNEL: Glenn W. Peterson, Project Leader, Plant Pathologist Jerry W. Riffle, Plant Pathologist David F. Van Haverbeke, Research Forester Mary Ellen Dix, Research Entomologist Judith Pasek, Research Entomologist PROGRESS OF CURRENT STUDIES GP-13 Juniperus Seed Source Study The 204-source eastern redcedar (J. juniperus L.) and Rocky Mountain iuni- per (J. scopul orum Sarg.) field test established in the spring of 1981 at Hastings in Southcentral Nebraska (part of the Plains-wide GP-13 cooper- ative study) was measured for third-year field survival and performance. Overall survival was 97.4%, and overall height was 115.5 cm (46.4 in). (D. F. Van Haverbeke). Jack Pine (P. banksiana Lamb) Flowering Study Conelets were counted on a 500 seedling cooperative (NC-99) genotype x environment interaction test of flowering and seed production established in 1979 at Hastings in Southcentral Nebraska. Ten families from each of five provenances from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada are represented in this test, one of six identical plantations established along a latitude, temperature, and precipitation gradient throughout the northcentral region. The objective of the study is to develop guidelines for the selection of jack pine seed orchard sites. Summary of ovulate and staminate conelet production is as follows: Year No. trees ? Conelets O-*- Conelets Total No. Average no. Range per per tree tree Total No. Average No. per tree Range per tree 1980 500 264 0.53 0-11 0 0 0 1981 500 730 1.46 0-18 0 0 0 1982 500 9818 19.64 0-143 1629 3.26 0-75 1983 497 83278 167.56 0-362 18634 37.49 0-135 (D. F. Van Haverbeke) Progeny Test of Scotch Pine (P. sylvestris L.) Seed Orchard Selections Container grown, 2+0, control -poll inated Scotch pine seedlings were field planted in progeny tests in the spring of 1981 in eastern Nebraska at Mead (3890 seedlings), and in south central Nebraska at Grant Island (800 seed- lings), and Hastings (3,360 seedlings). The field designs included 4-tree linear plots (Hastings) and single-tree plots (Grand Island and Mead). These progeny tests were designed and initiated to test the genetic worth of earlier selected phenotypes whose vegetatively propagated ramets comprise a 10-acre, 1,000 tree clonal seed orchard at the University of Nebraska Mead Field Laboratory. The first seedlings originating from seed collected from this first-generation seed orchard will be distributed through the Cl arke-McNary Tree Distribution Program in the spring of 1983. (D. F. Van Haverbeke). Limber Pine (P. flexilis) and Southwestern White Pine (P, strobiformi s ) Evaluated at Age Seventeen First- and 17-year survival percentages were 32 and 15 for Pinus flexilis and 85 and 72 for £. Strobiformi s . Fourteen of 32 P. Flexilis and 1 of 17 _P. strobi formi s progenies died during that period. Differences in survi- val were significant between species and among progenies within species. Surviving _P. flexil is trees attained a mean height of 7.1 m (23.3 ft). Differences in heights were significant between species but not among progenices within species. P_. f 1 exi 1 i s , except for low elevations, easternmost sources, is of little value for Great Plains plantings because of low survival and slow growth. P_. strobi formi s shows good potential for the Great Plains if seed is collected from higher elevations in central Arizona and New Mexico. (D. F. Van Haverbeke). Progeny Test of Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) An open-pollinated progeny test of 27 eastern redcedar trees, selected for narrowness of crown, was established in the spring of 1983 at the University of Nebraska Field Laboratory near Mead, Nebraska. Seedlings (2+0, container-grown) were machine-planted in the form of a 3-row wind- break in a randomized complete block design with 4-tree linear plots, replicated 10 times. These progenies will be evaluated to determine the genetic worth of the 27 ovulate selections of the species, which were established in 1982-3 in a clonal seed orchard at the Field Laboratory. (D. F. Van Haverbeke). Transfer of Tree Improvement Studies from Bottineau Tree improvement studies, previously conducted by the Bottineau Unit, have been transferred to the Lincoln Unit of the Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Lincoln, Nebraska. These include six (6) studies, involving the following tree species: ponderosa pine, Scotch pine. Rocky Mountain juniper, eastern redcedar, blue spruce and green ash. Resistance of Siberian elm to cankerworms; impact of cankerworms on Siberian elm Spring cankerworms (Paleacrita vernata) severely defoliate Siberian elms in both urban and rural plantings in the northern Great Plains. Siberian elms which are resistant or tolerant to cankerworm defoliation have been identified in shelterbelts by Dr. R. Cunningham, USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND. , and USDA-Forest Service personnel. During 1982 and 1983, the feeding behavior of cankerworms on leaves from Siberian elm selected for tolerance or resistance to cankerworm defoliation was compared to those from trees selected for other morphological characteristics and to non-select trees from the same plantings. The leaves tested in these trials were collected from rooted cuttings propagated by Dr. R. Cunningham. The cankerworms were reared from eggs collected in Bottineau and Burleigh counties during the spring 1982 and 1983. Since 1979 the effect of cankerworm defoliation on Siberian elm growth and food storage has been monitored by artificially defoliating Siberian elm and measuring the resulting growth. Dr. A. Frank, USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND is analyzing the trees for stored food. The field portion of this study has been completed. The greenhouse portion will be concluded in 1983. (M. E. Dix) Detection and evaluation of Prionoxystus robiniae (Carpenterworms) on hardwoods ~ The larvae of carpenterworms construct tunnels in the wood of ash, elm, and poplar killing portions of or entire trees. A method of trapping male carpenterworms in forested areas by use of the pheromone (Z,E)-3,5- Tetradecadien-1 -ol acetate was developed by USDA Forest Service personnel from the Great Plains and by Dr. J. Solomon, USDA Forest Service, Stone- vine, Miss. We are now modifying this technique for use in shelterbelts. Trap placement in shelterbelts and effective distance of the pheromone were tested in 1981. Trap catches of male carpenterworms, infestation levels in shelterbelts and pheromone concentration were tested in 1982 and will be tested in 1984. The effectiveness of wick and septum pheromone dispensers will be compared in 1983. (M. E. Dix) Assessment and Control of Pitch Twig Moths (Petrova metal! ica) on pines Pitch twig moths infest pines, especially ponderosa, throughout the northern and central Great Plains. During 1982 and 1983, Ted Underhill, Canadian National Research Council, Saskatoon, Sask., performed electro- antennagrams on the male moths and identified several attractants of the males. During 1983 we will screen these attractants at various concen- trations in the field. (M. E. Dix) Biology and control of the western pine tip moth (Rhyacionia bushnelli) T New" Study) — ' The western pine tip moth extensively damages the growing tips of young pine trees in the central and northern Great Plains. In 1983, we began documenting the life history of the tip moth in Nebraska. (J. E. Pasek) Identification, biology and control of insects damaging the seeds and cones of Ponderosa Pine (New Study) Each year insects such as cone worms (Dioryctria spp. ) and seedbugs (Leptoglossus occidental i s ) severely damage seeds in pine seed orchards. During 1983 the insects damaging the seeds and cones of ponderosa pine in Eastern Nebraska will be identified, their impact on the seed crop assessed, and the life history of the most important species documented. (J. E. Pasek) Identification, biology, and control of ash seed weevils Ash seed weevils (Lignoides spp.) can destroy up to 95% of the seed on a tree. During the summer and fall of 1980, the species of weevils infest- ing ash seed in North Dakota were identified and we began to document the biology of the weevils and their parasites. Because of a late freeze no seed was available in 1981 in North Dakota. In 1982, additional infor- mation was collected on the biology and impact of ash seed weevils in North Dakota and Nebraska. In 1983, we plan to obtain additional infor- mation on their biology. (M. E. Dix) Fomes fraxirophi 1 us stem decay of green ash: Incidence and Damage The survey for _F. fraxi nophi 1 us stem decay of Fraxinus pennsyl vanica in Nebraska native stands initiated in 1979 was completed in 1981. Over 7,000 living green ash trees were examined in 361 plots in 10 multi-county forest inventory units. Based on occurrence of sporocarps, infected trees were found in 55% of the plots and in 86% of the counties. Incidence of infected trees ranged from 1.6% in southeastern Nebraska to 24% in north- western Nebraska. We conclude that 10% of an estimated population of 20,014,810 living £. pennsyl vanica in Nebraska woodlands are infected with £• fraxinophilus. This study was a cooperative effort by USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, by Region 2, Timber, Forest Pest, and Cooperative Forestry Management, and by the Nebraska Forest Service. A manuscript on the study will be submitted for publication in Plant Diseases in 1983. We are currently assessing damage (volume of decay) caused by JF. fraxi nophi 1 us to green ash in Nebraska windbreaks. This assessment should be completed in 1983. (J. W. Riffle) Phellinus robineae Stem Decay of Black Locust: Infection and Damage A cooperative study of USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station and the Oklahoma Forestry Division was initiated in 1981 to investigate incidence, infection, and damage by Phellinus robineae to black locust in Oklahoma plantings. Incidence of Phellinus robineae infected trees was determined by examination of 14,957 black locust in 144 plantings of six ages in five major land resource areas (MLRA) from April 1981 to January 1982. Infected trees were found in 44% of the plantings. Incidence of infected trees between the five MLRA's ranged from 0 to 7%. Incidence of infected trees in plantings of age 10, 15, 20, 24, 30, and 40 years was 0.1, 1.0, 3.6, 5.1, 10.0 and 25.8% respectively. From data obtained, we estimate that 14% of the living black locust age of 20, 24, 30, and 40 years in Oklahoma plantings are infected with jP. rob i neae . Black locust trees are currently being dissected to determine infection counts for P. robineae and to assess damage caused by this pathogen. These dissections will be completed in 1983. (J. W. Riffle) Endemic ectomycorrhizal fungi of Pinus ponderosa in central Great Plains plantings, identification of fungi and synthesis of ectornycorrhiza~e Pure culture inocula of endemic ectomycorrhizal fungi for inoculation of pines used in Great Plains plantings have not been developed because the fungi have not been identified. A new study was initiated in 1982 under contract to Kansas State University (Forestry Department) to determine which ectomycorrhizal species occur in pine plantings in the Central Great Plains and which species are ectomycorrhizal symbionts of ponderosa pine. Diseases of honeylocust: etiology and biology Honeylocust was extensively planted in windbreaks in the central and southern Great Plains during the Prairie States Forestry Project (1935- 1942). In recent years honeylocust has been widely used in landscape plantings, especially in urban areas where American elms have been killed by phloem. necrosis and Ceratocystis ulmi. Damage to honeylocust bv patho- gens and insects is becoming increasingly serious in windbreak, energy, wildlife, and urban plantings in the Great Plains. A study has been initiated to determine etiology and biology of honeylocust diseases primarily in Great Plains windbreaks. (J. W. Riffle and G. W. Peterson) Resistance of Juniperus virginiana to Phomopsis juniperovera Inoculations of 86 progenies of jJ. virginiana have been completed using one isolate of _P. juniperovera. Final inoculations with a second isolate are in progress. (G. W. Peterson) Resistance of Juniperus virginiana and J. scopulorum to Cercospora sequoiae var. juniperi Inoculations of 150 juniper progenies with C. sequoiae var. juniperi were made in the summer of 1982. One-fourth of the trees were inoculated in 1982. A high percentage of the inoculated trees became infected. Additional inoculations were made in 1983 to assure that all trees have a chance to become infected. Infection will be evaluated in the fall of 1983. (G. W. Peterson) Diplodia pinea blight of pines Diplodia pinea readily infects new shoots of ponderosa, Scots, Austrian, Mugo, and many other pine species. Under some conditions, the fungus spreads from new shoots to older stem tissues; death of major branches and entire trees may thereby result. We are seeking to determine the con- ditions which result in infection of older stem tissues. The influence of several stress conditions on infection of older stem tissues is being evaluated. (G. W. Peterson) Resistance to Dothistroma pirn' in Austrian pine progenies Austrian pine progenies from trees highly resistant, moderately resistant, and highly susceptible to Dothistroma pini were field planted in 1979 and inoculated with D. pini in 1980 and 1982. Infection was evaluated in 1982. The fungus is now widespread in the planting. The evaluations to be made in the fall of 1983 should provide definitive information regarding inheritance of resistance to D. pini in Austrian pine. (G. W. Peterson) PUBLICATIONS Comer, C. W. , Robert P. Adams, and David F. Van Haverbeke. 1982. Intra- and interspecific variation of Juniperus virginiana L. and J. scopulorum Sarg. seedlings based on volatile oil composition. J. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 10:277-306. Dix, M. E., and R. A. Cunningham. 1983. Paleacrita vernata defoliation of Ulmus pumila. (Abstract) Abstracts of submitted papers for the 385th annual meeting of the North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America. St. Louis, Missouri. March 15-17, 1983. Number 62, p. 14. Dix, M. E., and R. E. Doolittle. 1983. Evaluation of trap design and attractant. dispenser for capturing Acossus centerensis in North Dakota. (Abstract) Abstracts of submitted papers for the 38th annual meeting of the North Dakota Branch of the Entomological Society of America. St^ Louis, Missouri. March 15-17, 1983. Number 61, p.14. Dix, M. E. , and R. T. Franklin. 1983. Behavior of four Braconid parasites and one Pteromalid parasite of the southern pine beetle. J. Ga Entomol. Soc. 18(1 ) : 1 25-1 37 Dix, M. E. , and J. L. Van Deusen. 1983. Carbofuran applications fail to reduce damage to seeds and cones of Scotch pine in North Dakota and Nebraska. USDA For. Serv. Res. Note RM , pp. Rocky Mountain Forest & Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, CO. (In Press) Dix, M. E. , J. D. Solomon, and R. E. Doolittle. 1982. Determining the presence and seasonal flight of Cossid moths with synthetic attractants. (Abstract) Abstracts of submitted papers for the 37th annual meeting of the North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America. Sioux Falls, South Dakota. March 23-25, 1982. P. 91. Dix, M. E., J. D. Solomon, J. Cross, and R. E. Doolittle. 1982. Evaluation of trap designs and attractant dispensers for capturing male carpenterworms. (Abstract) Abstracts of submitted papers for the 37th annual meeting of the North Central Branch of the Entomological Society of America. Sioux Falls, South Dakota. March 23-25, 1982. P. 91. Frye, R. D., John Hard, Donald Carey, and M. E. Dix. 1983. Day and night application of Bacillus thuringiensis for cankerworm control. North Dakota Research Report #94, 10 p. Marx, D. H., J. L. Ruehle, D. S. Kenney, C. E. Cordell, J. W. Riffle, R. J. Molina, W. H. Pawuk, S. Navratil, R. W. Tinus, and 0. C. Goodwin. 1982. Development of Pisolithus tinctorius ectomycorrhizae on container- ized tree seedlings with vegetative inocula produced by commercial and research procedures. Forest Science 28:373-400. Pasek, J. E. and W. H. Kearby. 198 . Larval parasitism of Psilocorsis spp. (Lepidoptera : Oecophoridae) , Leaf tiers of Central Missouri Oaks. J. Kans. Entomol. Soc. (In Press). Peterson, Glenn W. 1981. Pine and juniper diseases in the Great Plains. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, General Technical Report RM-86, 47 p. Peterson, Glenn W. 1982. Dothistroma needle blight of pines. USDA Forest Service, Forest Insect & Disease Leaflet No. 143, 6 p. Peterson, Glenn W. 1982. Phomopsis blight of junipers. USDA Forest Service, Forest Insect & Disease Leaflet No. 154, 7 p. Read, Ralph A., and John A. Sprackling. 1983. Flowering in a ponderosa pine provenance plantation in eastern Nebraska. U. S. Dept. Agric., Forest Service Research Note RM-423, 6 p. Riffle, J. W. , and D. M. Maronek. 1982. Ectomycorrhizal inoculation proce- dures for greenhouse and nursery studies, p. 147-155. Tn Methods and Principles of Mycorrhizal Research. American PhytopathoToqical Society, 244 p. Jr y j j Riffle, J. W., and R. W. Tinus. 1982. Ectomycorrhizal characteristics, growth, and survival of artificially inoculated ponderosa and Scots pine in a greenhouse and plantation. Forest Science 28(3) : 646-660. Riffle, J. W. , A. Myatt, and R. Davis. 1982. Phellinus robineae stem decay of Robinia pseudoacacia in Oklahoma plantings” Phytopathology 72:929. (Abstract) Riffle, J. W. , E. M. Sharon, and M. 0. Harrell. 1982. Fomes fraxinophilus stem decay of green ash in Nebraska woodlands. Phytopathology 72:959. (Abstract) Van Haverbeke, D. F. 1 98 . European black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold.) In Si Ivies of native and naturalized trees of the United States and Puerto- Rico. R. M. Burns, Ed. Soc. Am. Foresters, Wash., D.C. (in press). Van Haverbeke, David F. 1 98 _. Seventeen-year performances of Pinus flexilis and _P. strobiformis provenances in eastern Nebraska. Silvae Genetics 31 (5/6): (in press). Van Haverbeke, David F., and Ralph A. Read. 1 98 . Genetics of eastern red- cedar. U. S. Dept. Agric., Forest Service Research Paper W0-32 (revised) (in press). Van Haverbeke, David F., and David I. Cook. 198_. Controllino suburban noise with trees, shrubs and solid barriers. Proc. 8th World Forestry Congress. Jakarta, Indonesia (1978) (in press). Van Haverbeke, David F. 198_. Plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides var. occidental is Rydb.) _In SiTvics of native and naturalized trees of the United States and Puerto Rico. R. M. Burns, Ed. Soc. Am. Foresters, Wash. , D.C. (in press). Van Haverbeke, David F. , John A. Sprackling, Ted L. Hovland. 1982. Care and handling of experimental material - from seed identification to out- planting. Tree Planters' Notes 33(3) : 9-1 2. Activities of Coop. State Research Service (Trends) W. K. Murphy The Cooperative State Research Service (CSRS) has, among its missions, a monitoring function which includes relaying to interested parties the current agricultural and forestry research scene, where it has been, is and where it may be headed. This presentation is an attempt to predict future research directions by analyzing past and present research accom- plishments. The Department of Agriculture, through its inputs from many resources has defined five areas of research thrusts that have a high priority. Among these are three that impact on Great Plains forestry, as follows: water management, sustaining soil productivity and, forest and range productivity enhancement. The other two are concerned with human nutrition and developing export markets. Water is extremely important to much of the Great Plains, but it does not dominate the research efforts in Great Plains forestry. Its importance is exemplified by the recent media attention to clear-cutting aspen to increase runoff in the Rockies. The issue has developed into another emotion-driven campaign because fall foliage will be sacrificed. The headline was "Aspenglow Dims, Washington Post, June 12, 1983. The un- stated research base behind the cutting of aspen was that transpi ration would be reduced, therefore, more water would be available for consump- tion. No study was referred to that showed that the water to be gained because of the absence of aspens would flow to the streams. One assumes that the water would be available for movement to the stream. Is it? This example suggests we researchers have to assure the public that we are capable of intelligently studying natural resources and are working for the total public good. A recurring comment about forestry research is that we are not working at the frontier of knowledge--that basic science is not practiced by those associated with forest and rangeland research. This perception of us by others has some validity, but like all generalizations it lacks the specifics necessary for adequate response. The effort in federally sponsored research is to provide the underlying research needed to solve the problems facing the practitioners. The studies which examine the efficacy of herbicides or fertilizers are an example of those vulnerable to critical review. Why initiate such studies unless an objective is to determine the mechanisms underlying the results? A report that A is better than B with a statistical assurance of 95 or 99 or 99.9 percent, is the type of result that will not enhance our position as researchers. A legitimate question is — why don't the commercial interests support such studies? Who benefits? An answer, of course, is that our clientele will benefit, provided the results are applicable to perceived needs by that clientele. In order to discuss trends we must establish a base from which projections can be made. For our study, the current research information system (CRIS) was searched for Great Plains forestry. It produced some extran- eous material, but for the most part research progress submitted to CRIS in 1982 is included in the base presented here. The research can be classified into groups dealing with modeling, watersheds, tree improve- ment, and shelterbelts. Modeling of ecosystems is a continuing exercise that is dependent on data and verification of the model. It is these data that are needed to assure valid models from which future management decisions can be made. The effort in schools and departments receiving Mclntire-Stennis funds in FY 71 was 1.7 scientific years (SY's) and $253,125. Models of small watersheds can be extremely important to planning. Model of the effi- ciency of water use by reparian vegetation are needed. The modeling of marginal lands has important connotations providing such models are verifiable. The production of a model in itself has little impact unless its limitations can can be described in terms that other researchers or planners can use. One valid criticism of our work is its applicability. If one cannot test the sensitivity of the model system, one cannot determine the impact of the output of the model. While model- ing seems sophisticated, the actual "grunt" work may create the payoffs. The modeling of marginal lands may require someone at sometime to pi ant' a tree or seed a range. We may be overly impressed by emerging technologies and miss the information needed. In establishing vegetation on marginal or strip-mined land one finally has to plant, record, evaluate and report. The hard work must be done. The meld between the two must be assured by including sufficient variables and their interactions in the model and by recording sufficient data in the field. Neither of these exercises is inexpensive but they both are required to provide the information needed. Erosion is another of the priority items for research emphasis. In some projects that could be considered Great Plains forestry much of the erosion research is in conjunction with drastically disturbed soils. Little research is being done in the Great Plains in erosion control with 1.9 SY s and $106,822 allocated, and yet the major reason for windbreaks is to control erosion. The majority of research in forestry and range can be broken down into three categories: Tree and range improvement, insects and disease, and shelterbelts. Each of these includes portion of one or both of the others. The work on shelterbelts is, of course, one of long standing. Such research continues to be of importance. The buzz words now include energy and biomass". Thus, we see studies of biomass for energy from shelterbelts. A few studies in energy conservation affected by windbreaks and one study on the effects of windbreaks on crops (soybeans) are re- ported. Direct expenditures for shelterbelt research in the Mclntire- Stennis program are $292,466 and 2.1 SY's. Tree improvement research varies in scope from tissue culture to prove- nance tests, from Christmas trees to drought resistant forest trees. Studies specifically aimed at windbreaks continue, as do studies of insect and disease resistance, fall coloration, needle coloration, energy con- tent, wood quality, and growth and yield. The recognition that trees planted in windbreaks may be specific pheno- types has led to many studies in the improvement of these windbreaks by tree selection. "Aspenglow" is among such studies form the standpoint of fall coloration of specific clones. Provenance tests of various species continue to dominate much of the reporting of results of continuing studies. The wide range of species in these tests is impressive. 'The effort expended through the Mclntire-Stennis proaram is 2.4 SY's and $275,447. Another area of extensive work is in the insect and disease susceptibility of woody plants, particularly those used in shelterbelts. Such research is generally carried on outside of the Mclntire-Stenni s program depart- ments although some research is supported by Mclntire-Stennis funds amounting to $107,661 and 1.6 SY's. The main purpose of the foregoing has been to define a base, and thus serve as an introduction. The talk is to be about trends in Great Plains Research as I see them through my crystal ball. The push is for fundamental research, however that is defined. A component of Mclntire- Stennis funding is the education of scientists. Those programs with doctoral studies should, by definition, be working at the "frontiers of knowledge". Where are these frontiers? Biotechnology and bio-regulation are the new buzz words. Surprisingly, we in the natural resources have been working in this area for a long time. The work with biological systems has been limited by the set genetic makeup of the organisms making up that biological system. Biotechnology is defined as the technological use of biological agents, and as such is more than genetic engineering, although genetic engineering is the fore- runner of much of the publicity associated with biotechnology. The shortcuts offered by genetic engineering are attractive, particularly to those working with trees. Problems with tissue culture exist, among them are genetic instability, tissue differentiations and regeneration of plantlets. Tissue growth has been shown to be effective in predicting progency growth in Populus and loblolly pine in field studies. Traits such as photosyn- thetic efficiency, stress tolerances, resistance to diseases, frost, drought and herbicides, etc., can be screened in tissue culture. The establishment of some species of trees has been enhanced by the introduction of mycorrhizae into the soil. The association of funai and tree species may encourage shelterbelts in drastically disturbed sites or in sites where high stress potential exists. Bio-technology can play an important role in the development of biological control agents of insect pests. Bacillus thuringiensis (B.T. ) has been effective in the control of the Gypsy moth. Other microbial insecticides are available. The Italian demonstration of a virus that weakens or kills chestnut blight fungus is one that holds much promise for biological control of pathogens. Mentioned in the presentation was the emphasis on water and erosion. Both of these research areas are within the provenance of Great Plains forestry. Research into the conservation cf both water and soil as well as the utilization of water by trees will continue to be active topics. Energy is of decreasing importance in the short run. Those who look at funding don't seem to recognize that oil and gas are finite resources. In the long run research in energy conservation, wood chemistry, effects of shel terbel ts on adjacent homes and crops, and wood as fuel can be antici- pated. A thrust that is gaining momentum is export trade. One wonders how Great Plains forestry can be active in the export market yet the riparian forest may be ideal for such markets. High quality trees of species now traded internationally could be grown adjacent to streams. Harvesting of such trees is much easier during specific times of the year than of their counterparts in the traditional forests. Finally, the research direction in renewable resources is toward basic studies. While pragmatic research may pay the yearly bill, the extension of basic studies into the future requirements of the resource is badly needed. The statement that has attracted attention is that we continue to draw from the reserve of fundamental knowledge while adding little to that reservoir, is true. In our enthusiasm to answer pending practical prob- lems, we have neglected the underlying science. Althouah each of us has a clientele that needs immediate response, we also have aVesponsibil ity to future researchers to establish bases for their work. Diseases of Siberian Elm and Russian Olive in the Northern Great Plains J. M. Krupinsky Plant Pathologist, USDA, ARS Northern Great Plains Research Center P. 0. Box 459, Mandan, ND 58554 Siberian elm - Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila L., has been widely planted in windbreaks in the northern Great Plains. In 1979, Siberian elm cankers were collected from trees in eight windbreaks from five counties of north- eastern Montana, in seven windbreaks from six counties of western Minnesota, in eleven windbreaks from nine counties of northeastern South Dakota, and in 58 windbreaks from 36 counties of North Dakota . The area encompassed included 56 counties and is representati ve of the Siberian elm windbreak plantings in the northern Great Plains. Cankers were classified as: i) small branch cankers - on branches less than 2.5 cm in diameter; 1 } ) large branch cankers - on branches between 2.5 and 12.5 cm in diameter; and iii) basal cankers - located on the lower main trunks of recently killed trees. Isolations were made from 609 cankers. Of these, 66% were small branch cankers, 29% were basal cankers, and 5% were large branch cankers. The 528 cankers from which either Botryodiplodia hypodermia (Sacc.) Petr, and Syd. , Tubercularia ulmea Carter, or Cytospora sp. were isolated, account for 87% of the cankers processed. Wi thi n this group of cankers, compari- sons can be made between the fungi isolated and the type of cankers from which they were isolated. Forty-six percent of J3. hypodermia isolations, 16% of the _T. ulmea isolations, and 10% of the Cytospora sp. isolations were from basal cankers . Forty-eight percent of* B. nypodermia isolations, 82% of the _T. ulmea isolations, and 88% of the Cytospora sp. isolations were from small branch cankers. Thus over 80% of the T. ulmea and Cyto- spora sp. isolations were from small branch cankers while B. hypodermia was isolated almost equally from small branch and basal cankers. This study confirmed the presence of B. hypodermia and T. ulmea in wind- break trees over a larger area than previously reportedT Because the survey covered areas of major windbreak plantings, the results indicate a high probability of finding Siberian elm cankers wherever Siberian elm windbreaks are located in the northern Great Plains. Although several different fungi were isolated, B. hypodermia and T. ulmea were the only fungi capable of producing cankers under our conditions, and they were isolated from cankers from 88 and 59 percent of the counties for which cankers were processed. Growth and spore production of jl. hypodermi a were determined on different culture media . Growth and spore production were greatest on potato dextrose agar-Difco (PDA-D) or potato dextrose agar-"home made" (PDA-L) followed by yeast malt extract agar (YMA) and V-8 juice agar (V-8A). Growth and spore production were best at 25+1 C for PDA-D and PDA-L, while 21+1C was the optimum temperature for V-8A. Sterile wheat kernels added to the surface of these media promoted additional growth and conidial production and provided a convenient inoculum for inoculations. Variation in spore type and virulence of 218 isolates of B. hypodermia was examined (3). Seven percent of these isolates were considered to be atypical. Typical and atypical isolates of _B. hypodermia were compared in five inoculation studies in the glasshouse and three inoculation studies in the field. Overall five atypical and 14 typical isolates from 16 counties in four states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota) were used in these studies. Fifty-one percent of 240 branches inoculated in the glasshouse were dead above the point of inoculation. Only 16% of 80 branches inoculated with atypical isolates were dead, but 69% of 160 branches inoculated with typical isolates were dead. Sixty-three percent of the field inoculated branches were dead above the point of inoculation. Only 29% of the 52 branches inoculated with atypical isolates were dead, but 80% of the 106 inoculated with typical isolates were dead. In both glasshouse and field studies the atypical isolates of B. hypo- dermia consistently caused less disease development on Siberian elm seedlings than did typical isolates. Only 20% of 132 branches inoculated with atypical isolates were dead above the point of inoculation compared with 73% of the 266 branches inoculated with typical isolates. Thus atypical isolates should not be used when screening germplasm for resis- tance. Because there is some variation in virulence among typical iso- lates, several typical isolates should be used to evaluate U. pumila germplasm for resistance. Russian-ol ive - Russian-olive, Elaegnus augustifolia L., has been widely planted in windbreaks in the northern Great Plains. Unfortunately , canker diseases can be a problem that contributes to the decline of Russian-olive windbreaks. During 1978-82, 364 cankers were collected from diseased Russian-olive trees in 34 counties in North Dakota and South Dakota. Preliminary data indicate that cankers were caused by Tubercularia ulmea, Botryodi ploidia theobromae Pat. , and Phomopsis elaeaqni (Carter and Sacamano) Arnold and Carter. Of the 34 counties where cankers were collected, preliminary data indicate the presence of T. ulmea, theobromae , and _P. el aeagni in 76, 29, and 12% of the counties sampled. Thus Tubercularia ulmea appears to be the most common type of organism associated with cankers on Russian-olive trees in the northern Great Plains. No previous reports of cankers caused by B. theobromae and P. elaeaqni on Russian-olive in the northern Great Plains have been found. LITERATURE CITED 1/ Krupinsky, J. M. 1981. Botryodi pi odi a hypodermia and Tubercularia ulmea in cankers on Siberian elm in northern Great Plains windbreaks. PI ant Disease 65:677-678. 2/ Krupinsky, J. M. 1982. Growth and sporulation of Botryodiplodia hypodermi a in response to different agar media and temperatures. Plant Disease 66:481-483. 3/ Krupinsky, J. M. 1983. Variation in virulence of Botryodiploeia hypodermia to Ulmus pumila. Phytopathology 73:108-110. Thyronectria Canker of Honeylocust William R. Jacobi July 11, 1983 In recent years, honeylocusts (Gledistia triancanthos) have become popular shade and ornamental trees in Colorado. Primarily, this is because of the tree's rapid growth, tolerance of Colorado's climate and the small leaves which produce a diffuse shade which allows for good turf. A canker disease caused by Thyronectria austro-americana has become a common site in recent years. The disease is found on the east side of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and is located in most communities that have honeylocusts. We assume the current incidence is about 1%. The disease, however, is either becoming more prevalent, or we are more aware of it since workers in Colorado, Kansas, and Illinois are reporting considerable losses to urban and windbreak trees. The disease is usually first noticed when part of a tree begins to die back or there is early fall coloration. A basal or branch crotch canker is usually found and death occurs by girdling of the cambium. Death occurs in one-two years after initial symptom expression. The fungus profusely forms pycnidia and occasionally perithecia on cankered areas of the tree. The cankers are usually not very visible since many times they are not sunken and the fruiting bodies stick out through lenticels so they are hard to see. One can look for a reddish to brown stain under infected areas. The other problem is that Nectria canker (Nectria cinnabarina) looks very similar and is common in Colorado. The best way to distinguish these two fungi is to culture the fungi since Thyronectria has a distinct orange colony. Nectria canker also tends to be less aggressive and more often form sunken cankers. The fungus produces windblown ascospores and conidia that are probably moved by rain. The involvement of insects is unknown. We don't know when infection can occur and assume that wounds are necessary for the fungus to enter a tree. The main question is why some trees are infected and others not. We assume this to be related to some type of stress on the root system such as oxygen or drought stress or root rots. Our current research activities are looking at certain aspects of the disease in the tree and basic physiology of the fungus. We have a 500 tree nursery with five cultivars of honeylocust established and will be using them for a variety of experiments including determining if any of the cultivars are resistant. Field observations of diseased trees by myself and cooperators are key punched from a standard form. We are looking for trends in canker, tree, and site information that might give some hints as to why certain trees are attacked. So far about 50% of the sick or dead trees we've observed are attacked by Thyronectria, the others are too dead to determine cause of death or are killed by Nectria. The trees have ranged from twelve to twenty years old, six-twelve inches dbh, ana twenty to thirty feet tall. Tree dissection and culture work has indicated that: basal cankers girdle in one to three years; the fungus grows radially into the tree; verticle growth past the canker margin is limited; both Thyronectria and Nectria can be found on a tree but both can kill by themselves; and if both are present Thyronectria appears to be the initial invader. A preliminary study of how long wounds remain viable infection counts suggested that they are susceptible for at lease two months but infection is reduced over what a fresh wound would allow. We have also studied the effects of nutritional and environmental factors on in vitro fungal growth, spore release from pycnidia and spore germi- nation to get a better idea of how this fungus functions. The fungus grows over a wide range of temperatures , 10-40°C with the optimal growth at 25-30°C. Growth over a wide range of temperatures is probably very beneficial to the fungus in Colorado's climate. The fungus grew well on all carbon sources tested except for sorbose and grew the best on the following nitrogen sources--gl utamic acid, casamino acid, ammonium tartrate and asparagine. Spore release from natural pycnidia is very rapid (10-40 sec) when free water is added. Spore release occurs rapidly at 5-40°C and even after freezing at -15°C for eight months or being stored at room temperature for a year. No spore release occurred at less than 100% relative humidity. Thus pycnidia appear very durable sources of inoculum and probably require rain for spore release. The germination of the spores was assessed under various conditions to determine what type of environment is required for germination and thus presumably infection. Germination was enhanced by the presence of carbon and nitrogen compounds and by water extracts of honey! ocust wood. The best germination was at 25-35°C with inhibition at 10° and 40°C. The effect of relative humidity on germination was impressive. Germination occurred at 100%-75% RH and at 96-75% the germination was just delayed not inhibited. No germination occurred at 62% RH. In conclusion, we have found the fungus apparently well adapted to a wide range of nutritional and environmental conditions that allows it to attack trees from Massachusetts to Colorado. In the future we hope to focus on drought and oxygen stress of roots as possible stress factors that allow Thyronectria to attack honeylocusts. Canker-rot caused by Phellinus punctatus on woody plants in North Dakota James A. Walla, Plant Pathology Department North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105 Shel terbel ts remain important in North Dakota and several organizations are involved in working with them. One part of the shelterbelt research project at North Dakota c>tate University involves the study of shelterbelt diseases. Little information is available concerning incidence and distribution of diseases of shelterbelts in the Northern Plains. There- fore, surveys to determine which diseases are most important in shelter- belts have been part of our study. The major part of three field seasons, 1979-1981, involved a disease survey during which over 500 sites with woody plants in nine North Dakota counties were examined. The survey was designed to detect the most prevalent diseases and/or fungi in the sites examined. The counties surveyed were selected as representati ve of the entire state. At each site a standard form was used to record site factors and information about plants and plant diseases present. As many types of sites with woodv plants that could be found in each county were examined, including field shelterbelts, farmstead windbreaks, and native stands. A 1978 survey was designed to determine the incidence and distribution of Fomes fraxinophi lus stem decay of green ash in Prairie States Forestry Project shelterbelts. Information on other decay fungi on green ash was recorded and the survey was repeated in 1982. One of the fungi found in these surveys was Phellinus punctatus (Fr.) Pi 1 a t . It causes a canker-rot, that is, an expanding dead area in the bark of a live plant and a decay of the wood. The fungus causes a white rot of the wood. Stems with canker-rot appear to be infected through branch stubs. The canker symptom is not always present, especially on dead plants. In a review of the literature, it was found that _P. punctatus had been collected in North Dakota as early as 1916. Either the hosts were reported to be dead or no indication was given as to condition of the host. In addition, there is no report of _P. punctatus occurring on live hosts anywhere in North America. In contrast, it commonly occurs on live hosts in North Dakota. All information presented here concerning distribution and incidence of P. punctatus is based on the presence of sporocarps on trees. Because of ~ this, the information likely underestimates the actual incidence due to three factors: 1) not observing all trees at each site; 2) not noticing or recognizing the fungus on trees observed; and 3) not being able to detect infected trees where no symptoms were apparent. Amount of the likely underestimate is not known. Sporocarps of £. punctatus were observed on caragana (Caragana arborescena Lam.), green ash (Fraxinus penns.yl vanica Marsh.)', American plum (Prunus americana Marsh.), chokecherry (P. virqTniana L.), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.), white willow (Sal i x alba L.), diamond willow (S. missouriensis Bebb.), and common lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.). Phellinus punctatus was observed on live and dead plants of each of these hosts except chokecherry and white willow, where it was observed only on dead plants. Philllnus punctatus has been found in eleven counties. It was not found in two southwest counties surveyed. Age of plants on which P. punctatus was found ranged from 21 year old American plum to ca. 90 year ol d green ash. Known host species greater than 20 years old were found in 227 of the sites surveyed. Sporocarps of £. punctatus were found at 36% of the 227 sites. It was observed at many more sites (74 compared to 8) and on a higher percentage of sites (55 compared to 9) having hosts greater than 20 years old in eastern counties than in western counties. P. punctatus was found more often on each host in eastern counties than in western coun- ties. Sporocarps were found most often on green ash. The highest per- centage incidence was on diamond willow (43% of 7 sites), followed closely by green ash,(38% of 189 sites). This data has been suomitted for publ ication ' Data on incidence of £. punctatus within a host species is available only for green ash in Prairie States Forestry Project shelterbelts. In 1978, £• punctatus sporocarps were found in 43% of the 30 shelterbelts and on .01% of 25,558 live green ash examined. In 1982, when the same shelter- belts were resurveyed, £. punctatus sporocarps were found in 100% of 29 shelterbelts and on 3.6% of 24,730 live green ash examined. This data has been submitted for publ ication27 . Discussion In North Dakota, Phellinus punctatus is widespread, has a wide host range, and is common on some live hosts. The occurrence of P. punctatus on live hosts is important, as it had previously been reported only on dead hosts in North America. Based on sporocarp occurrence, this is one of the most important stem decay fungi in North Dakota. Amount of damage caused by £. punctatus in terms of volume of decay, growth loss, or number of broken stems is not known. Wood in the stems is rotted and stems broken at cankers were observed, so some damage is apparent. These losses remain to be quantified. LITERATURE CITED 1/ Walla, J. A. 1984? Occurrence of Phel 1 inus punctatus on live woody plants and its incidence in North Dakota. Mycologia 76? (submitted). 2/ Walla, J. A. 1984? Increase of stem decay fungi on green ash in North Dakota shelterbelts between 1978 and 1982. Plant Disease 68? (submitted). An Aphid Pest of Honeysuckle ?/ J. Ackland Jones ' and Mark 0. Harrelr' Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.Hs widely used in Nebraska landscaping but its major use has been in wildlife plantings, as understory plants in wind- breaks, and as living snowfences along highways. Until recently insects have not been a problem, but the sudden appearance on honeysuckle of an aphid that causes obvious and rather dramatic damage in the form of a witches' broom has altered our belief in the "pest-free" reputation of this plant. The aphid, Hyadaphis tataricae (Aizenberg) has had only a brief history in North America. It was first reported in Quebec Province, Canada in 1981. It apparently had been present for 5 or 6 years, possibly having been introduced on nursery stock from Europe (Boisert, Cloutier and McNeil 1981). The aphid is widely distributed in eastern Europe, but probably is of Asian origin (Voegtlin 1982). It is less than 2 mm long with short" cornicles, and varies from cream to pale green. There are no obvious distinguishing markings. It is often lightly covered with a white, powdery flocculence which is especially noticable in older forms. A summary of its life cycle, distribution and its effect upon honeysuckle was published by Jones (1983). In the fall of 1979, a state horticulture inspector observed the witches' brooms on honeysuckle in an Illinois nursery. No aphids were present on the samples, but the following year the aphid was identified and it was found in 5 northeastern Illinois counties, in northwestern Indiana and at Madison, Wisconsin (Voegtlin 1981). Since it occurred on nursery stock, state horticultural inspectors through the midwest were alerted. By the fall of 1981 the aphid had been found in one or more locations in Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. By the fall of 1982 horticulture inspectors of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture had reported the aphid present in 14 eastern Nebraska counties. This spring we began a statewide survey for the aphid. This survey is far from complete, but we think the distribution pattern is beginning to emerge. The aphid is abundant throughout the eastern third of the state. As one moves westward it becomes less abundant, but so does honeysuckle, and we have not yet found it in the western third of the state. However, at the rate it is spreading, we expect it will eventually occur wherever there is honeysuckle in Nebraska. 1/ Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lincoln, NE 68583-0816. 2/ Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lincoln, NE 68583-0814. In Europe this aphid occurs only on Lonicera spp. (Grigorov 1965) and, as far as we now know, that is the case in North America. However, not all species and varieties appear equally susceptible and the search for resistant varieties is already underway (Mainauist et al 1982; Lewis 1983). In Nebraska the three most commonly planted honeysuckle varieties, Tatarian, Zabel and Morrowii, are highly susceptible. A vine type, L. japonica var. Halls, is used rather extensively as ground cover. We- have not found the aphid damaging this type. The aphid usually feeds on the upper surface of the leaves, preferring succulent new growth. It causes the leaves to fold upward along the midvein and the leaves are stunted. Secondary buds are stimulated to grow and there is shortening of the internodes. The result is a characteristic witches' broom of many small, often crooked twigs bearing stunted, folded and curled leaves. The foliage on the brooms dies earlier in the fall than the uninfested foliage and persists longer. The witches' brooms are easily seen during winter. The limited literature on the aphid indicates that these witches' brooms usually die during the winter (Grigorov 1965, Boisvert et al. 1981), but this was not generally true in Nebraska this past winter. Most witches' brooms survived the winter and produced new growth this spring. We suspect, from limited observations, that brooms formed late in the year fail to harden off. These die while those that do harden off survive. If this proves correct, the aphid might not be as injurious as commonly thought from the extensive disfigurement of affected plants. In Europe, the aphid's overwintering eggs are deposited at the base of buds and on the dead leaves within the witches' brooms (Grigorov 1965). Last winter we carefully examined countless witches' brooms'but found very few eggs. It remains to be seen if this is due to our technique or if the aphid deposits most eggs somewhere other than the witches' brooms. In any case, the eggs hatch in early spring and the aphid multiplies rapidly. Every 10 days we examined 4 witches brooms from each of 4 sites around Lincoln. The first aphids, a total of 7, were found on April 16 when leaves first appeared. On April 26, our 16 brooms yielded a total of 93 aphids. On May 6 we found 221 and on May 16 the number rose of 2272. This included 18 winged forms and winged forms have been found in every sample since May 16. After May 16 we examined the new growth rather than the old witches' brooms. Each week at each site, we took the terminal 3 inches from 40 actively growing shoots. These were placed in small Berlese funnels and the aphids were collected in alcohol. Our first such collection. May 23, produced 5,100 aphids. For June 6, we had an excess of 50,000 aphids. When the population is this high, many aphids are found outside the folded leaves. They occur on the undersides of the leaves, on the leaf petioles and the stems. But young succulent foliage remains the preferred site and relatively few are found on the older, tougher leaves. The number of aphids per sample has been declining since late June. Grigorov (1965) found aphid populations were depressed in late July and August and in the autumn their numbers again increased. We expect to observe a similar cycle. Casual observations last September and October revealed populations as high as any we have found this year. This spring we began screening insecticides to control the aphid. No insecticide label mentions this specific aphid, of course. Thus, we are testing common insecticides registered for use on one or more deciduous trees or shrubs and labelled for use against aphids. We are screening several systemic and non-systemic organo-phosphates and a carbamate as foliar sprays at labelled rates of application. Although tests are not complete, preliminary results indicate that systemic chemicals may afford better protection. This is not surprising considering the protection offered the aphid by the folded leaves. We have not seen any phyto- toxicity in any of our tests. Tests to date indicate chemical control will be fairly easy to achieve with insecticides. The presence of winged forms during much of the year assures constant re-infestation. Thus applications may be necessary throughout the growing season. We are attempting to determine the number and timing of treatments needed to protect the plants from insect injury. Lastly we applied liquid and granular formulations of organophosphates to the soil around honeysuckle plants. This approach to aphid control will be evaluated in early fall. REFERENCES CITED Boisvert, J.M., C. Cloutier and J. McNeil. 1981. Hyadaphis tataricae (Homoptera: Aphiaidae), a pest of honeysuckle new to North America. Can. Entomol . 113: 415-418. Grigorov, S. 1965. Hyadaphis tataricae (Aizenberg) (Homoptera , Aphididae) -- Biology and means of control. Gradinar. Lozar. Nauk. Sofia 2(4): 493-501 . (Translation from the Bulgarian by Judith Ellison funded by the Illinois Nurserymen's Association). Jones, J. A. 1983. Hyadaphis tataricai, an aphid pest of honeysuckle, pp. 76-79. _In J.R. Brandle and K.W. Todd (eds.). Trees for Conservation and Function. 6th Annual Trees for Nebraska Conference Papers, Lincoln, Nebraska. Lewis, D.R. 1983. Variable susceptibility among cultivars to honeysuckle aphid — A new ornamentals pest in Iowa. North Central Branch, Entomol. Soc. Amer. , Abstracts of Submitted Papers, St. Louis, MO. Mai nquist , L., H. Pellett, S. Fuhrman and K. Vogel. 1982. Honeysuckle aphid update. North Central Nurserymen 4(10): 16-17. Voegtlin, D. 1981. Notes on a European aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) new to North America. Proc. Entomol. Soc. Wash. 83:361-362. . 1982 The distribution and spread of Hyadaphis tataricae (Homoptera: Aphididae) in the north-central states with notes on its hosts, biology and origin. Great Lakes Entomol. 15:147-152. Genetic Improvement of Trees and Shrubs by the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory Richard A. Cunningham*^ Abstract: — The genetic research program for tree and shrub species at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory is developing improved cultivars for planting in windbreaks and other conservation plantings. Two major genera — Ulmas and Populus receive the most emphasis. Less intensive efforts involve Fraxinus, Juniperus, Celtis and Pinus species. For most species, traits to be improved include: hardiness, pest and herbicide tolerance, growth rate, crown form and competition with crops. Strategies being used to improve each species are described and the progress to date is reported. Additional Keywords: provenance tests, pest resistance, Ulmus pumila, Populus, Fraxinus pennsyl vanica, Pinus sylvestris, Juniperus, Cel tis~occi dental is. The goal of the genetic research program for windbreak species at the Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory is to develop improved tree and shrub cultivars for planting in windbreaks, wildlife plantings and other types of conservation plantings. For most species, traits to be improved include: hardiness, pest and herbicide tolerance, growth rate, crown form, ana competition with crops. The majority of our time, effort and money are presently being spent on two major genera— Ulmus and Populus. Less intensive efforts involve, Pinus , Fraxinus , Juniperus, and Celtis species. We expect that over time there w i 1 1 be chanoes in emphasis as the work with various species reaches different stages of selection, testing and breeding. In the following discussion I will briefly explain why we are working on each species and what we are doing to improve them. U 1 mu s — — S i beri an elm (Ulmus pumila, L.) has long been a favorite species for planting in both field and farmstead windbreaks. Its rapid early growth, drought tolerance, and ease of establishment are the primary reasons for its popularity. In recent years, however, the planting of Siberian elm has decreased due to problems contributing to a general decline in vigor. Winterkill, herbicide damage, stem cankers, wind and snow breakage, and cankerworm defoliation have combined to cause extensive mortality in many area of the Great Plains. Cur strategy for improving this species involves utilizing genetic vari- ation within Siberian elm as well as variation among hybrids of U. pumila, U- rubra and U. japonica. Superior phenotypes of Siberian elm are being selected within the windbreaks in North Dakota and South Dakota. So far most selections have been for cankerworm resistance, stem canker resis- tance and good crown form. About 146 selections of this type have been made to date. Additional accessions of U. pumi 1 a x U. rubra hybrids and U. japonica have been acquired from various universities and 1/ Research Geneticist, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Mandan, ND 58554. government research agencies. Most of the selected phenotypes and acces- sions have been vegetatively propagated by softwood cuttings and are established in stool beds at the Mandan Laboratory. The cankerworm resistance of each clone is being evaluated in cooperation with Dr. Mary Ellen Dix, U.S. Forest Service, Lincoln, Nebraska. Dr. Dix is conducting laboratory feeding preference trials using rooted cuttings of clones that have been grown in the greenhouse. Of the 45 clones that have been screened so far, 4 clones appear to have useful levels of resistance. Evaluation of disease resistance is being conducted in cooperation with Dr. Joe Krupinsky at the Mandan Laboratory. Botryodiplodia hypodermia (Sacc.) Petr, and Syd. and Tubercularia ulmae (Carter) appear to be the most serious diseases of Siberian elm in the northern Great Plains. Greenhouse-grown ramets of each clone are being inoculated with pure cultures of fungi that Dr. Krupinsky has isolated from diseased trees in windbreaks in both Dakotas. All of the clones that demonstrate useful levels of insect or disease resistance will be planted in field trials to determine how well their resistance holds up under field conditions. Concurrently with the establishment of the field trials, an experimental seed orchard will be established with clones that are potentially superior in one or more traits. Seed produced in this seed orchard will be made available to nurserymen as an interim source of improved seed. As the results of the field trials and pest screening become available, clones can be removed or added to the seed orchard to upgrade its genetic quality. Once clones have been identified as having alleles favorable for one or more traits a breeding program will be initiated to combine these traits into a superior cultivar. Populus--Plains cottonwood, Populus deltoides var. occidentalis Rydb., and several of the hybrid poplars that have been planted for a number of years throughout the Great Plains are very fast growing and very tall trees. Experience has shown that Populus is quite site-sensitive and there are numerous examples of off-site plantings. Droughty sites and/or fine- textured soils generally are poor choices for Populus. Stem cankers that eventually girdle the main stem and kill the tree are common on off-site plantings. The organisms associated with stem cankers can include species of Septoria , Cytospora , Phomopsis or Dothichiza. A leaf rust, Melampsora medusae Thum, is a serious pest on many poplar clones from southern South Dakota south to Texas. One poplar clone, P. deltoides 'Siouxland* was selected for its resistance to leaf rust. Leaf spot diseases of poplars can be caused by species of Septoria, Marsonina, Septotinia and Phyl losticta. Other clones in common use such as P. deltoides x P. bal sami fera 'Northwest' are very susceptible to MeTampsora 1 eaf rust. A major insect pest is the poplar bud gall mite that often results in entire trees being covered with unsightly galls. Our selection objectives for Populus include: increased adaptability to problem sites; stem canker and leaf rust resistance; and poplar bud gall mite resistance. Our strategy for improving Populus takes advantage of the ease of vegetative propa- gation that most species offer. Rooting hardwood cuttings permits the rapid, economical propagation of many ramets of each clone. About 170 clones of Populus species and hybrids have been assembled in our stool beds at Mandan. Most of the clones were furnished by nurseries, universities, and federal research agencies. Several clones of the native Plains cottonwood have been selected along the Missouri River south of Mandan. Screening for disease resistance has been initiated in cooper- ation with Dr. Joe Krupinsky. Cultures of Septoria musiva Peck., isolated from windbreak trees are being used to inoculate rooted cuttings. The subsequent development of leaf spots and/or the development of stem cankers is permitting us to rate the degree of resistance of each clone. As with the elms, clones that perform well in the greenhouse screening trials will be field tested to examine the correlation between greenhouse and field performance. When five to ten clones have been identified as superior in greenhouse trials they will be released to nurserymen as a clonal mixture. Trial plantings of these clonal mixtures will be evalu- ated for their compatibility and performance. As additional information on each clone is accumulated, the clones constituting the mixture will be changed to meet the requirements of different planting sites. Clones that consistently perform poorly will be dropped from the mixture and new clones will be substituted for them. Juniperus--Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum Sarg. and eastern red cedar, J. Virginiana L. are planted in greater numbers in the Great Plains then any other conifer. Their high rate of survival, drought tolerance and wide range of site tolerance make them an excellent choice for a variety of uses, ranging from windbreaks and wildlife habitat to barriers for noise reduction, visual screening and living snow fences. Faster growth, better form and a reduced propensity to volunteer are improvements most needed. A cooperative provenance test of Juniperus species in the Great Plains has been established by Technical Committee, GP-13, of the Great Plains Agricultural Council. We have a cooperative test plantation at Mandan that includes 144 provenances planted in five replications. Fifth-year data will be collected this fall and the results should help describe the extent of genetic variation within these species and identify the best provenances for particular planting sites. Superior phenotypes will be selected, vegetatively propagated and assembled into a cooperative seed orchard to be managed by the North Dakota Forest Service. A breeding program to combine the best traits of selected phenotypes is in our long-range plans. Ce1tis--A cooperative provenance test of hackberry. Cel t i s occidential is L. has been initiated by the GP-13 Technical Committee. The procedure being used is modeled after that used in the Juniper study. Seed collections will sample the western and northern portion of hackberry's native range. A total of 275 seed collections are planned in nine states and one Canadian province. Fifty-eight of the collections were completed in 1982. The planting stock will be grown at the USDA-Soil Conservation Service's Plant Materials Centers in Manhattan, Kansas and Bismarck, North Dakota. We hope to establish at lease one test plantation in each of the states sampled. A test plantation is planned for Mandan. Earlier efforts at Mandan by the late Dr. Ernie George to improve hack- berry have resulted in the release of a new hackberry cultivar. 'Oahe' has been released cooperatively by the USDA-Soil Conservation Service and USDA-Agricultural Research Service. 'Oahe' was developed at ARS's Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory and tests by SCS's Plant Materials Center, Bismarck, and at other sites in the northern Great Plains. 'Oahe* is a seed propagated cultivar recommended for use as a medium to large tree in farmstead and field windbreaks, and wildlife and natural area plantings. 'Oahe' differs from common hackberry in its increased rate of survival and growth. 'Oahe' is recommended for planting within most of North Dakota and South Dakota. The release of 'Oahe' marks the first time a hackberry cultivar has been released for use in the conservation plantings. Fraxinus--Green ash, Fraxinus pennsyl vanica Marsh, has supplanted Siberian elm as the favorite hardwood species for windbreak planting in the Northern Plains. High rates of survival and a lack of serious pests have contributed to its popularity. Concerns are being expressed by foresters in the northern Great Plains about the "monoculture" that is developing as a result of green ash's popularity. Development of a serious pest problem in this species could result in the loss of thousands of acres of windbreaks, much as has happened to Siberian elm. Because of these concerns the United States Forest Service Shelterbelt Lab formerly located at Bottineau, North Dakota established a provenance test of green ash collected from native green ash growing in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. Thirty-three origins were collected. Test plantations containing 20 replications of each origin were established in Bottineau and Mandan, North Dakota, Watertown, South Dakota and Alliance, Nebraska. Fifth-year data will be collected in the fall of 1983 and a regional publication will be prepared. Pinus--At the present time only two pine species are planted in windbreaks Tntne northern Great Plains--ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) and Scots pine (P. sylvestris L.). Additional pine species are needed to increase species diversity. Lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifol ia Engelm. ex S. Wats., has the potential for such ai role, but little is known about suitable provenances for use in the Great Plains. To help obtain such information a provenance test of 25 origins collected in British Columbia, Alberta, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado was established at Mandan in 1980. Initial growth has been slow, but in the past year the growth rate of many origins has increased and considerable variation is becoming evident. A full-sib progeny test of controlled-matings among selected phenotypes within a Scots pine provenance test at Denbigh Experimental Forest was established by the Forest Service Shelterbelt Lab in 1979. Thirty full- sib families, replicated twenty times in 2-tree plots were planted at Bottineau and Mandan, North Dakota; Watertown, South Dakota; and Alliance, Nebraska. The purpose of the progeny test is to evaluate the genetic worth of the original selections and to provide germplasm for future selection. Fifth-year data will be collected in' the fall of 1983 and a regional publication will be prepared. Future Work--As the supply of money, time and manpower permits, future research at Mandan will be expanded to include the following projects: 1. Provenance tests - bur oak, honeylocust; 2. Tissue culture - hackberry, honeylocust, bur oak, pines; 3. Isoenzyme analysis - elms, poplars, junipers. Height Growth of Ponderosa Pine Seed Provenance in Plains Plantations Ralph A. Read Principal Silviculturist (retired). Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Lincoln, Nebraska It is with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction, I might add, that I have the opportunity to present the results of this study. After all it's not often that a researcher in forestry can start a study, over 20 years ago, and stay with it through the first important period of development. This is a report on the performance of 79 seed provenances of ponderosa pine, after 10 years testing in 17 wel 1 -scattered field plantations. In the Great Plains region, ponderosa pine once established, has shown itself to be a very hardy and useful tree for windbreaks and other pro- tection plantings. It does have some faults, as does every other tree, however. It is susceptible to a host of insect and disease pests, and its height growth can be strongly erratic. For those and other reasons, we decided back in 1960, to learn something about its genetic variations over the large range of easternmost natural stands. Mainly because little or no research information was available about these eastern populations, which had been used for the Plains plantings. Hans Neinstaedt, geneticist at the Northcentral Experiment Station, Rhinelander, Wisconsin initiated the plan, with the help of Dave Dawson in North Dakota and myself of the Rocky Mountain Station. We started the study in 1962, collecting cones from the natural stands for 3 years running, in order to get enough seed for a large study. We first plotted out roughly the coverage for collections, including most of the outlier stands in the area between the Plains and the Mountains. We also included stands in the Front Range, the Bighorns, the Black Hills, and central Montana. We included 4 stands in the Bitterroot Valley, and for good measure a stand each from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona. Except for these last five which were received from cooperators as composite stand collections, we picked cones from 10 to 15 average trees in each stand to represent each location; but keeping the individual tree lots separate. Dave Dawson at Bottineau, North Dakota made all collections from the Black Hills northward, and yours truly made all collections south of the Black Hills. We sowed the seed at two nurseries: Towner, North Dakota and Bessey, Nebraska in spring 1965. Before sowing however, we made composites of each stand collection by mixing seed of the 10 to 15 trees. We grew the seedlings for 2 years, then transplanted them for one more year. Seed- lings for each location were grown not only in large production beds for the field test plantations, but also in 10 replicated nursery beds for measurement of seedling traits over the three year study period. A report on the seedling research which contains a great deal of detail, is available in this Forest Science Monograph, copies of which are available for those who wish them. In spring 1968 we dug and shipped planting stock to field cooperators. From Bessey, Nebraska nursery we shipped bales of bareroot trees by air freight from North Platte, Nebraska. Trees from North Dakota were sent by ground transportation. We followed up in 1969 and 1970 by shipping twice transplanted stock to those cooperators needing replants. All plantations established were replicated. Most were 4-tree plots replicated 15 times. A few cooperators divided their materials to plant fewer replications at several locations. Land was usually carefully pre- pared, and weed and rodent control was practiced. In spite of the care taken, several plantations were near failures, and those of course are omitted in this analysis. At this point I wish I had time to acknowledge each and every cooperator and his technicians and graduate students, who were responsible for the excellent work in field establishment. Because had it not been for their planning and dil igence, I would have little to report today. You can read their names in the paper I have prepared for publication later this year. Ten years passed... and those three words do not begin to tell all of the blood, sweat and tears that went into the care and maintenance of plan- tations... and in the fall of 1977, all plantations were measured for their height growth. That little operation produced over 65,000 indivi- dual measurements of survival and height. But help was available for analysis in the name of a talented biometrician at our Rocky Mountain Station, Rudy King. He brought order from all those data. He first did analyses of variance and multiple range tests for the data of each plantation. Although high significance was shown among seed pro- venances for each plantation, it separated only the extremes, the tallest versus the shortest. So we took a different tack, and went to the cluster isodata analysis, which we had used for analysis of seedlina traits. Only this time we used plantations as the second variable (in place of traits). Taking all plantations and all seed provenances, the cluster analysis by computer minimizes variability among provenances within clusters, while simultaneously maximizing variability among clusters. In our cluster analysis we used 9 of the 17 plantations; these nine con- tained the full complement of all provenances. The clustering process involves the grouping of provenances first into two clusters, then 3, and so on, until the analysis reaches a point where no further logical clus- ters can be separated. Therefore at 6 clusters it appeared we had reached this point. Then Rudy did a discriminant analysis to assess the degree of separation among clusters, and to correct any provenances possibly misclassified. Only two needed to be corrected, and the results are shown on this map. A summary of the cluster means is shown on the handout table. This table presents the survival and mean heights guts of the cluster analysis, but the data to look at in the table are the percent of the plantation means. These allow direct comparison across al 1 pi anta- tions, i.e. over a range of site environments, by relating cluster mean heights to each plantation's mean height. These are the six clusters delineated on the map Looking first at the Northern plantations on the first page, we see that survival of all Southern cluster provenances was low to zero; pretty much as expected when you move plant materials from New Mexico to Canada. Next lets concentrate on the Best cluster named Northcentral Nebraska and the Poorest named Central Rocky Mountain. Growth of the NC Nebraska cluster ranged from 107 to 145 percent of the plantation means. On the other hand, growth of the CRM cluster ranged from only 75 to 94 percent of plantation means. Then, turning to the second sheet for the Central, Southern and Eastern plantations, we see that survival and growth of the Southern cluster provenances was only fair to good; but they grew well above the plantation means in Oklahoma and in Missouri. Then lets concentrate again on the NC Nebraska and CRM clusters. Here we see the growth of the NC Nebraska cluster ranged from 114 to 170 percent of the plantation means. In contrast, growth of the CRM cluster ranged from only 76 to 92 percent. The bottom line is that these 3 provenances in NC Nebraska and south- central South Dakota performed exceptionally and consistently well in practically all plantations. This is all the more remarkable considering the range in climatic conditions and soils that exists between Alberta or Saskatchewan and Oklahoma or Missouri. In contrast, the CRM cluster performed consistently poor in all plantations. Only in Alberta did these provenances show anywhere near the plantations mean. There's more... we should also note the Northern High Plains cluster, because six provenances in that area performed consistently well. The best were from Roundup and from Ashland, Montana, which showed higher than 110 percent of the plantation means in 15 of 17, over 80% of the planta- tions. Also in Montana, provenances near Helena, Jordan and Colstrip showed well above average in 10 of 17, 60% of the plantations. In Nebraska, the Merriman provenance, just up the Niobrara River 60 miles from the best cluster, showed superior growth in 8 of 16, 50% of the plantations. Since all of you will be interested in seeing how the individual seed provenances performed in all plantations, I plan to include that data in a forthcoming publication. For this presentation, however, the cluster means table will suffice, since these are the statistically sianificant data. So to the end this dissertation, I simply want to say that our first efforts to provide new knowledge of ponderosa pine seed provenances that will enable better use of that species in planting programs, have paid off. From here we go to the 15 and 20 year performance, to determine whether or not these population delineations will hold up. The Lincoln unit of the Rocky Mountain Station is now in process of analyzing the 15 year data. And the next step in the use of these research data will come in the selection of trees in the best cluster areas for open-pollinated progeny tests, which my colleague Dick Jeffers will describe to you in the next presentation. Ponderosa Pine Open-Pollinated Progeny Tests for the Great Plains R. M. Jeffers USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region Lakewood, CO Early results of the Great Plains test of ponderosa pine from the eastern portion of the species range indicated that trees from near Valentine in north-central Nebraska performed extremely well and were the best or among the best provenances at nearly all locations. Consequently, this prove- nance has been recommended for use in Great Plains planting programs, and demand for seed from this source has been so great that current needs cannot be met. Based upon 10-year results of this test which includes trees form 80 geo- graphic origins planted at 17 locations in two Canadian provinces, five Great Plains states, Michigan, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, Read (1983) has recommended that seed from four additional origins - two in Montana, one in south-central South Dakota, and a second source from north-central Nebraska be used in Great Plains planting programs. As a follow-up to the provenance study, a test of open-pollinated progenies from superior phenotypes selected in the five geographic areas recommended by Read has been initiated in Saskatchewan, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. Parent trees will be selected on the basis of traits desirable for use in Great Plains planting programs. Seed will be extracted, cleaned, and handled by the Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Lincoln, Nebraska. Seedlings for the progeny tests will be grown in containers by Saskatchewan, North Dakota Forest Service, Kansas State and Extension Forestry, Colorado Forest Service, and Texas Forest Service. All cooperators will test progenies from selections made at Rosebud, South Dakota, and from the Ainsworth-Valentine, Nebraska area. In addition to these progeny, Saskatchewan and the States of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma will also test progenies from selections made at Ashland and Roundup, Montana. Oklahoma and Texas will also test progenies from selections made in eastern New Mexico sources that performed well in the Oklahoma provenance test. Progeny from a few other selected sources may be included in individual state tests. Most plantings will include 20 or more progeny from about 100 parent selections from a minimum of five selected sources. A randomized, complete block, planting design will be used in each plant- ing with a restriction that seedlings from the same parent tree cannot occur closer than two planting spots apart. This type of design will permit thinning of the planting when the tree crowns begin to compete with each other, without seriously affecting final spacing. Based upon plant- ing evaluations, thinnings will be made to retain individuals with the best growth, form, and branching habits. The greatest number of indivi- duals retained will undoubtedly be from the best performing families. Trees form poorer-than-average families will also be retained if they meet the same evaluation criteria used to select the best individuals from the best families. The actual number of trees to be removed in thinnings will depend upon performance of all individuals and families in each planting. At the time of thinning the maximum number of families that may be entire- ly removed probably will not exceed one-third of the total number of families. Retention of at least two-thirds of the families will ensure maintenance of a broad genetic base. When an adequate number of female and male strobili area available in these progeny tests, controlled pollinations will be made to provide a series of full-sib families to be used in second generation seed orchards. Controlled pollinations will be made among the best individuals according to a crossing scheme designed to provide sets of full-sib families that can be evaluated as each set of pollinations is completed. Second genera- tion seed orchards can then be established with seedlings or rooted cuttings from the full -sib families. Reference Read, Ralph A. 1983. Ten-year performance of ponderosa pine provenances in the Great Plains of North America. USDA For. Ser. Res. Pap. RM (In press) Woody Habitats in Southwestern North Dakota Michelle M. Girard1 2 Harold Goetz1 ? Ardell J. Bjugstad^ INTRODUCTION Scattered throughout the prairies of western North Dakota are small pockets and draws of native woodlands. Their establishment is restricted to areas of increased moisture, hence their distribution is quite limited. Some of the woody species reach the outer extensions of their range here as the climate becomes unfavorable for their establishment, growth and regen- eration. Low precipitation, cold temperatures and a short growing season are all contributing factors. These woody draws represent less than 1% of the vegetation of North Dakota (Bjugstad 1978; Jakes and Smith 1982). While their extent is extremely limited, their importance and value is far reaching. These unique com- munities are important for wildlife and livestock habitats, soil stabil- ization, watershed. maintenance, firewood, aesthetics and species diversity. An estimate of their value has been placed at $10 million annually in the Northern Great Plains. This is primarily attributed to the production and the subsequent hunting of wildlife in these areas (Bjugstad 1983). Research began in 1981 and will continue through 1983 to establish a habitat type description and classification system for the woodland vege- tation of the Northern High Plains in western North Dakota. A habitat type is defined as a collective area composed of soil, climate and topographical variables which are capable of supporting a certain, relatively homogeneous plant community. The classification scheme is based on species composition, species canopy coverage, production, soil type and topography of relatively undisturbed woodland communities considered to be in excellent condition. The study area includes the counties of Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, McKenzie, Slope and Stark in western North Dakota. It lies in a region classified as the Missouri Slope of the Northern High Plains and is more commonly referred to as the Little Missouri Grasslands. Most of the study area is concentrated in the unglaciated regions of the Slope sur- rounding the Little Missouri River. The northern reaches of the study area do include the glaciated regions south of the Missouri River. 1. Botany Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota. 2. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Rapid City, South Dakota. Vegetation of the study area is a mosaic of several different plant commu- nities (Garrison et al. 1977). The predominant vegetation is broadly classified as mixed grass prairie, with shrubby stands and woody draws interspersed within it. These communities provide a stark contrast to the barren badland buttes which are also characteristic of the area. The rolling topography and steep buttes form some of the habitats which are favorable for woody species. Communities are found restricted to areas of run-in, draws or coulees, springs, streams and intermittent streams, concavities in the landscape, floodplains and north-facing slopes. METHODS Stands were subjectively selected to represent relatively undisturbed communities. Stands may have received use by wildlife and light grazing by domestic livestock, but had all the characteristics of a perpetuating stand, e.g., several layers, regeneration and lack of deterioriation. A 20 x 20 m macroplot was established within each stand where the vege- tation was most homogeneously distributed (Mueggler and Stewart 1980). Two transect lines were placed 5 m in from each of the 2 outside plot boun- daries which parallel the length of the community. Vegetation within the stand was then divided into 4 strata: herbaceous, shrub, sapling and tree. Strata were defined on the basis of height and/or diameter at breast height (DBH), not growth form. Therefore, a species normally considered a shrub, red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) for example, may be sampled in the herbaceous, shrub or sapling layer. Definitions and sampling methods were as follows: Herbaceous. Vegetation less than 1 m tall was sampled within a 20x50 cm mi cropl ant (Daubenmire 1959). All species and their percent canopy cover- age over the microplot were recorded by classes (Table 1). A total of 40 frames, 20 spaced evenly along each transect were sampled. Shrub . Woody vegetation more than 30 cm but less than 2 m in height were measured in 6 milacre plots, 3 evenly spaced along each transect. Species, height, crown vigor, number of stems and degree of browse were recorded for each shrub rooted within each milacre plot. Sapl ing. Saplings, were defined as woody vegetation more than 2 m tall but with DBH of less than 10 cm. All saplings within the macroplot were sampled. Height, crown, DBH, vigor and origin were recorded. Tree. Trees have a DBH of more than 10 cm. Sampling is identical to that for saplings. Four or five of the larger trees were cored in order to determine an average age of the stand. Table 1. Percentage classes used to estimate canopy coverage of herbaceous species in a 20 x 50 cm microplot (Daubenmire 1959). Class Percentage 1 in macroplot 2 0 - 1 % 3 1 - 5 4 5 - 25 5 25 - 50 6 50 - 75 7 75 - 95 8 95 - 100% -71- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Coupled with the inherent diversity of the plant species were a number of environmental factors which exerted a tremendous influence on community composition. Some of these were slope, aspect, topography, areal dis- tribution, soils, disturbances, moisture and the time of the year sampled. Attempts to "fine-tune" the habitat type classification by correlating the dominant species of each strata between stands have been unsuccessful up to this point. Shrub and sapling strata are quite similar in most of the stands, regardless of the dominant tree species. The herbaceous layer was so high in species richness and diversity that no correlations between stands, even those with the same dominant tree species have yet been established. Analysis of the data at this time only allows division of the communities based on the dominant tree species which are: Paper birch (Betula papyri fera), green ash (Fraxinus pennsyl vanica) , Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), cottonwood (Populus deltoides), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa). Communities will therefore be defined by dominant tree species. Table 2 shows the mean number of species encountered in each of the commun- ity vegetation layers. The tree canopy of most of the stands was usually dominated by one species, with individuals of other species occasionally found intermingled. The sampling layer showed a range of an average of 2 species in the juniper and pine stands, up to 7 species in bur oak. The shrub layers also illustrate a wide variance in the number of species, an average of 4 species was found in the ponderosa pine and up to a mean of 10 in the trembling aspen. The herbaceous layer was the most diverse, with the average number of species varying from 24 to 32. Ponderosa pine demonstrated the lowest species richness values, and trembling aspen showed the most diversity. Specific communities were often found in association with certain topo- graphic and/or edaphic conditions. These communities--habitat types--often have several understory species in common. A brief description of these habitat types and their characteristics will now be outlined. Table 2. The mean number communities. of species encountered in each strata of the Dominant tree Tree Sapl i ng Shrub Herbaceous cottonwood 2 3 6 26 bur oak 3 7 7 24 green ash 2 4 8 32 paper birch 2 5 9 33 ponderosa pine 2 2 4 24 Rocky Mountain juniper 2 2 5 28 trembling aspen 2 6 10 32 -73 GREEN ASH HABITAT TYPE Green ash dominated communities were the most frequent and most widely distributed of all the woodland habitat types in western North Dakota. It was commonly found in upland coulees and draws, broad valleys and on floodplains. The canopy coverage in all layers was usually quite dense. The tree canopy was composed primarily of green ash, sometimes associated with American elm (Ulmus americana) and less frequently with Rocky Mountain juniper. The sampling strata was most often dominated by chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). Green ash was also a significant component of the sampling layer of communities which were in excellent condition, ensuring its replacement in the treen canopy. Chokecherry and snowberry (Symphoricarops occidental is) dominated the shrub component. The total number of herbaceous species in green ash communities, 76, was the largest encountered. This high diversity caused low individual species cover values and thus makes it difficult to specify a dominant species. Kentucky blue. grass (Poa pratensis), burdock (Arctium minus) , black snakerood (Sanicula marylandica) and northern bedstraw (Galium boreal e) are commonly encountered. ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER HABITAT TYPE Rocky Mountain juniper forms one of the most rugged communities, restricted to steep, north facing slopes. However, scattered individuals were found on a number of diverse locations, rocky outcrops, butte tops, draws and floodplains. Junipers dominate the tree, sapling and shrub layers of the communities guaranteeing its regeneration and continued dominance. Little ricegrass (Oryzopsis micrantha) and moss (Thuidium abietinum) are typical herbaceous species. The distribution of little ricegrass was scattered across the communities, but its common for moss to form a continuous thick "carpet" on the substrate. COTTONWOOD HABITAT TYPE Cottonwoods were found distributed as scattered individuals in moist ravines and ditches, as narrow, stringer types along streambanks, and reach their best expression of community dominance along the floodplains of the Little Missouri River. Cottonwood is a serai or transitional species. There is no regeneration of the species under the mature tree canopy, but younger communities can be found along the riverbanks as the Little Missouri River meanders, depositing sediments favorable for its germination. The tree canopy and individual spacing was naturally much more open than the other tree types. Composition was cottonwood in association with juniper and green ash, the latter 2 species were also prevalent in the sapling layer. Snowberry density was high in both the shrub and herb strata. Other common herbaceous species were Kentucky blue grass and poison ivy (Rhus radicans). BUR OAK HABITAT TYPE Distribution of bur oak was quite sporadic, it was limited to the Killdeer Mountains, Lone Butte and Blue Buttes regions. It also is often considered a serai species, however, evidence of reproduction can be found. The tree canopy is dominated by bur oak along with a significant proportion of green ash. Diversity of the sapling and shrub layers is quite high dominated by beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) and chokecherry. The diversity of the herbaceous zone is relatively low, dominated by sedges (Carex species). TREMBLING ASPEN HABITAT TYPE Trembling aspen was found in numerous, small stands widely distributed throughout western North Dakota, and the frequency of its occurrence increased in the northern portions of the area. Communities were found in concavities in the topography, on north facing slopes and often at the crown of green ash draws. Mature aspen trees are usually closely spaced and green ash was occasionally intermingled in the canopy. Equal amounts of trembling aspen and green ash occurred in the sapling division which indicates that the trembling aspen, often considered a serai species, is being replaced by green ash. Chokecherry and snowberry dominated both the shrub and herb layers where the canopy coverage was quite dense. Other species which were often encountered in association with trembling aspen were poison ivy and sarsparilla (Aralia nudicaulis). PAPER BIRCH HABITAT TYPE Paper birch dominance is restricted to areas of very high moisture, often in association with springs and north facing slopes. The high moisture conditions also favor a lush understory. Association of paper birch and trembling aspen in the tree and sapling overstory is common. The shrub layer is similar to bur oak, beaked hazelnut and chokecherry dominate. Snowberry and false melic (Schizachne purpurascens ) compose a significant portion of the herbaceous layer. PONDEROSA PINE HABITAT TYPE Ponderosa pine communities are somewhat of an anomoly. Their distribution is restricted to approximately 4300 acres north of Amidon, with small outliers found in Bowman county and east of Medora, North Dakota. These represent the most northeasterly extension of the species. The pines are fairly homogenously distributed within the stands, which are interspersed with grasslands. Juniper is frequently encountered in the tree canopy also. This was the only type where skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata) dominated the shrub layer. However, it was similar to many of the other types of the herbaceous layer, which was dominated by snowberry and poison ivy. CONCLUSION Woodlands of western North Dakota form unique, diverse and productive communities important for wildlife and livestock habitats, soil stabilization, watershed maintenance and genetic diversity. The study was concerned with relatively undisturbed stands in excellent condition. A characterise c common to stands in excellent condition was reproduction of tree species and lack of disturbances such as grazing, browsing and trampling. Stands in lower condition classes lacked reproduction of tree species which will result in a decline of the quality and quantity of woodlands. Sampling will continue through the 1983 field season in order to refine the habitat type descriptions and community classifications. This information will then be used to formulate comprehensive management plans and to construct vegetation maps. LITERATURE CITED Bjugstad, Ardell J. 1978. Reestablishment of woody plants on mine spoils and management of mine water impoundments: An overview of Forest Service Research on the northern High Plains. In The Reclamation of Disturbed Arid Lands. Robert A. Wright, Ed. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque. 196 p. Bjugstad, Ardell J., and Daniel W. Uresk. Management practices for woody draws. _In Workshop Management of Public Lands in the northern Great Plains. The Wildlife Society and North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Bismarck, N. Dak. Daubenmire, R. 1959. A canopy-coverage method of vegetational analysis. Northwest Science 33:43-64. Garrison, George A., Ardell J. Bjugstad, Don A. Duncan, Mont E. Lewis, and Dixie R. Smith. 1977. Vegetation and environmental features of forest and range ecosystems. Agriculture Handbook No. 45. Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Jakes, Pamela J., and W. Brad Smith. 1982. A second look at North Dakota's timberland. Resource Bulletin NC-58. North Central Forest Experiment Station, St. Paul, Minn. 87 p. Mueggler, W. F. , and W. L. Stewart. 1980. Grassland and shrubland habitat types of western Montana. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report I NT-66 . Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, Utah. Streambank Revegetation on Lower Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers By: Leon D. Logan July 1983 Introduction and History The Forest Service, State Foresters and the Corp of Engineers cooperated on vegetative management around Corps Reservoir prior to Public Law 93-251, called the "Streambank Erosion Control Evaluation and Demon- stration Act of 1974". Under the "Streambank Erosion Control Act" the Forest Service, in cooper- ation with North Dakota Forest Service, North Dakota State University and the Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, began the streambank revegetation on the Missouri River below Garrison Dam and on the Yellowstone River in North Dakota. This was actuated by an agreement among the three institutions that produced two documents: 1. "Vegetation and Mechanical Systems for Streambank Erosion Control". ' 2. Site specific plans for sites to be treated. ' Projects In 1976-77, we gained planning and field experience in using vegetation to control ^Streambank erosion on the Cheyenne River, near Lisbon, North Dakota. This project was under Sec. 216 of the 1950 Flood Control Act and was done in cooperation with North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota State University. Slides of Cheyenne River project Discussion With this experience, we approached the Missouri and Yellowstone Projects. SI ides 1. Site delineations for species selection 2. Site preparation 3. Plant materials 4. Planting 5. Post Planting Project Conditions and Concerns 1. Site si tuation--dry , intermediate, wet 2. Species adaptability 3. Plant materials Project Conditions and Concerns, conti nued 4. Plant materials handling1 2 3 5. Planting 6. Plantation followup; i.e., irrigation, competition control, fertilization, etc. Results 75% to 95% survival and growth with irrigation the first growing season depending on species. Generally, at this time juncture, the vegetation projects are progressing very well and doing the job intended, protecting the site. References 1. "Guideline for Streambank Erosion Control Along the Banks of the Missouri River from Garrison Dam Downstream to~Bismarck, North Dakota, 1979, by an interdisciplinary team led by Leon D. Logan, USDA, Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Missoula, Montana. 2. Site specific plans on file at Northern Region, USDA, Forest Service, Missoula, Montana. 3. Cheyene River Project on file at Northern Region, USDA, Forest Service, Missoula, Montana. Conifer Seedling Establishment and Water Relations on Strip-Mined Lands in Eastern Montana By: Nan C. Vance School of Forestry University of Montana Abstract In 1982 three-year-old (3-0) bareroot and one-year-old (1-0) containerized ponderosa pine seedlings were planted on regraded mine soil at Colstrip, Montana. Shade cards were applied to determine if shading increased survival or reduced moisture stress. At the end of the growing season 97.2% of the 1-0 seedlings and 92.5% of the 3-0 seedlings had survived. Shade card treatment effects on survival or moisture stress were not detected. Seedling moisture stress peaked in August, the hottest month, and declined to near pre-summer levels by the end of October. Introduction In 1979 several studies related to mine spoil vegetation at Colstrip, Montana, were begun by the University of Montana, School of Forestry. One major concern was to reestablish ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain juniper on strip mined and regraded land that formerly supported these species. Nancy Richardson (M.S. thesis unpubl . ) in describing regeneration patterns at Colstrip suggested that seedling survival was dependent upon the seedling's ability to withstand the stress of high radiation loads and sporadic rainfall that commonly occur in eastern Montana in the late summer months. Dr. Steven W. Running began directing studies of ponderosa pine stress physiology in 1980. He found that characterizing stress develop- ment in pine seedlings planted in the area was confounded by the poor quality and off site origins of the seedlings. Beginning in 1982, better seedlings with seed origins at or near Colstrip were available which enabled long term monitoring of stress development. Permanent seedling study plots were established April 1982 for this and subsequent studies. The objectives of the 1982 study were to compare the survival of larger older bareroot ponderosa pine seedlings with smaller, younger container- ized seedlings planted at the same site, and to compare the effects of shade cards on seedling survival, morphology and stress development. Another objective was to monitor moisture stress during the growing season as in previous years to determine the relationship of moisture stress to survival and to assess the relationship of local weather patterns to stress development. Methods Establishing the Study On April 30, 1982, 600 three-year-old (3-0) bareroot ponderosa pine • seedlings grown at the North Dakota State Nursery, Towner, North Dakota, (seed origin Carter County, Montana) were planted on a gentle north slope of regraded mine soil in Area B at Colstrip, Montana. The seedlings were lifted, pacted in sphagnum moss and shipped April 23 by mail in reinforced paper containers. They arrived cool and moist and were kept in that condition as much as possible up to planting. Planting was aided by a power auger which drilled holes approximately 6 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. Shortly after planting seedlings were moistened with approx- imately one pint of water each. Watering each seedling at planting is not a usual operational procedure but was done to help alleviate the stressful conditions of planting and drying of upturned soil. Xylem pressure potential readings taken with a pressure chamber (Scholander et al. 1965, Ritchie and Hinckley 1975) indicated low moisture stress in seedlings prior to planting. In addition 105 containerized seedlings (1-0) grown in Plains, Montana, at the Champion greenhouse (seed source, Colstrip) were planted the following day by the above stated methods. Following planting, shade cards were • installed on the south-southv/est (uphill) side of the seedlings on alter- native rows. Measurements Monthly measurements were taken beginning the first week in June and ending the third week in October. Pre-dawn measurements of xylem pressure potential were taken with the pressure chamber of randomly sampled seedlings at the 3-0 and 1-0 plots. The measure of xylem pressure potential just before dawn when the water status of the seedling is in equilibrium with that of the soil indicates at that time the water available to the plant (Hinckley et al. 1978). Measurements taken over the course of the season provided a means for tracking any progressive soil moisture depletion and subsequent plant stress development. Monthly data were also taken at both plots tallying growth and survival of each seedling. A rating system was used where the following numbers were assigned to rate seedlings: (1) no visible damage, good color, leader # elongation and needle length (at least 3 cm by September); (2) no damage, less leader elongation and leader length; (3) no visible needle develop- ment or leader elongation; (4) significant damage or brown needles (greater than 25 percent); (5) dead (greater than 90 percent brown needles). Results and Discussion Moisture stress development based on pre-dawn xylem pressure potential taken monthly are summarized in Figure 1. The data points represent means of 6 to 8 seedlings measured from each plot. Stress for the 1-0 and 3-0 seedlings gradually increased during the summer to August and declined in • September and October. In 1982 mean monthly high temperatures reached a similar peak in August. Table 1 of average precipitation for each month from June -80- DEGREES (F) MOISTURE STRESS ( Group Centered Leader "Sells" Announces Presents Present Presents Gives group decides , decision decision , tentative problem. problem as much announces to group permits decision. asks for and freedom as decision questions consul ts group and decides ideas , decides bound- aries , group decides he has to define problem and decide Variables : 1. Interpersonal relations 2. Nature of the task 3. Unity of command 4. Environment -185- THEORY X ASSUMPTIONS (traditional ) 1. People are natrually lazy; they prefer to do nothing. 2. People work mostly for money and status rewards. 3. The main force keeping people productive in thier work is fear of being demoted or fired. 4. People remain children grown larger; they are naturally dependent on leaders. 5. People expect and depend on direc- tion from above; they do not want to think for themselves. 6. People need to be told, shown, and trained in proper methods of work. 7. People need supervisors who will watch them closely enough to be able to praise good work and reprimand errors. 8. People have little concern beyond their immediate, material interests. 9. People need specific instruction on what to do and how to do it; larger policy issues are none of their business. 10. People appreciate being treated with courtesy. THEORY Y ASSUMPTIONS (emerging) People are naturally active; they set goals and enjoy striving. People seek many satisfactions in work: pride in achievement; enjoyment of process; sense of contribution; stimulation of new challenges, etc. The main force keeping people pro- ductive in their work is desire to achieve their personal and social goals. People normally mature beyond childhood; they aspire to indepen- dence, self-fulfillment, responsi- bility. People close to the situation see and feel what is needed and are capable of self-direction. People who understand and care about what theya re doing can devise and improve their own methods of doing work. People need a sense that they are respected as capable of assuming respons i bi 1 i ty and self-correction. People seek to give meaning to their lives by identifying with nations, communities, churches, unions, companies, causes. People need ever-increasing under- standing; they need to grasp the meaning of the activities in which they are engagedl ; they have cognitive hunger as extensive as the universe. People erase genuine respect from thei r fel low men. -186- THEORY X ASSUMPTIONS (traditional ) People are natrually compartmen- talized; work demands are entirely different from liesure activities. People naturally resist change; they prefer to stay in the old ruts. THEORY Y ASSUMPTIONS (emerging) People are naturally integrated; when work and play are too sharply separated both deteriorate; "The only reason a wise man can give for preferring leisure to work is the better quality of the work he can do during leisure." People naturally tire of monotonous routine and enjoy new experiences; in some degree everyone is creative. -187- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station Ogden, UT 84401 Research Paper INT-320 October 1 983 Evaluating Nonindustrial Private Landowners for Forestry Assistance Programs: A Logistic Regression Approach Ervin G. Schuster THE AUTHOR ERVIN G. SCHUSTER is research forester and project leader with the Forest Economics Research Work Unit at the Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, Mont. Since receiving his Ph.D. in forest economics from Iowa State University in 1971, he has worked at Weber State College, the University of Idaho, the University of Montana, and with the Intermountain Station. He was responsible for all phases of this study. RESEARCH SUMMARY As budgets in forest management agencies become more restrictive, cost-effective programs become more important. This paper describes a quantitative tool for setting priorities for the forestry assistance program administered by the Montana Division of Forestry. Logistic regression was used to better identify the type of forest owners to which assistance should be directed. (In logistic regression, the dependent variable is a probability that a certain event or activity will occur.) Data supporting model development were obtained from a questionnaire survey of forest land- owners in the western portion of Montana. Four models were developed that pertain to past use of technical assistance, intention to harvest timber, and timber benefits as motivation for forest ownership. The most consistently useful independent variables were geographic region and past timber harvest activity. The author discusses procedures for interpreting results and for rating land ownerships for assistance One model is discussed in detail, but the discussion is applicable to the other three models. Supporting data are presented for all models. Evaluating Nonindustrial Private Landowners for Forestry Assistance Programs: A Logistic Regression Approach Ervin G. Schuster NTRODUCTION METHODS Public programs providing technical forestry ssistance /owners of nonindustrial ^est l^d have iec0me part of the forest economy in the United States. ^he Private Forestry Assistance (PFA) program ad- ninistered by State Foresters (formerly known as the Cooperative Forest Management [CFM] program) along S extension forestry within the USDA Extension Service, and to a lesser extent the State and Private Forestry division of the USDA Forest Service^ provide the bulk of assistance. Assistance is ostensibly aimed at enabling the landowner to make informed de sions to accomplish personal objectives. Although the programs have multiple-use goals, the landowners objec- tives usually favor timber growing harvest.ng and marketing. These programs, therefore, affect timb Tecently, renewed interest in small, privately owned timber holdings coupled with static or declining assistance program budgets have compelled a closer look at the processes by which technical assistance 1 deliveredto forest landowner,. Increasingly, ass, stance must be delivered in a more cost-effective manner Undersecretary of Agriculture John B. CroweU^ Jr recently spoke of the need to improve the effectiveness of pubhc programs aimed at encouraging more produc- tive management of nonindustrial, private lands speech to the Forest Industries Committee on ^mber Vduatio and Taxation, Scottsdale, Am., November 4 1982). Traditional programs wiU not meet that ^aUenge^ Assistance programs would be improved if foresters could identify the landowners who will be most respon sive to assistance. Better targeting of efforts and the rating of applicants would help. Given an aPPr0Pna data base, a logistic regression model is well suite this need This paper reports development of sue modeler western Montana and - by the Montana Division of Forestry, Department of SJate Although a few similar efforts can be foun States (see for examples Jones and Thompson 1981, Trokey 1981), none are known for the Intermountain West. The technique described in this paper, therefore, has the potential for widespread application. During the late 1970’s, the Montana Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service undertook a cooperative study of the attitudes and activities of private landowners in Montana. A questionnaire was mailed to a stratified random sample drawn from the listing of forest landowners maintained by the Division of Forestry for use in its fire protection program. Responses from owners of less than 40 acres of forest land and from owners in eastern Montana were eliminated from the data base due to sampling problems. The final 41 percent response rate was explicitly analyzed for response bias; no statistically significant bias was found. Results were published in 1978 (Schuster 1978). The 499 completely ^sahXe r^f^eS from that study constitute the data base of this present ^The Montana Division of Forestry requested that the Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station reanalyze data from the earlier study. I'he Hwobj^tive was to develop information and relationships that would enable service foresters to better identify andowners that not only wanted and needed technical assistance, but who would also be likely to use or apply the assistance provided. Unfortunately, the latter question was not addressed in the original questionnaire. Specific questions in the following categories were selected from that survey as the best indicators of land owner desire for and acceptance of technical assistance. - Landowner’s previous use of forestry assistance, either public assistance or private consultant. - Landowner’s stated intention to harvest timber products in the future. , , _ Landowner’s stated reasons for owning forest lan related to production of timber products. The first category was selected because it ob^ously ^d explicitly deals with using technical assistance. The lat tef two categories were included because of the strong tobrid wood products orientation of part, c, pants ,n assistance programs. Although the spcc. ic qoe^Kms were linked to the assistance program, each stands al and may be used to assess other issues. Responses to selected questions from these areas were used to repre- sent the dependent (Y) variables, the variables to be 1 pre&eied in this research. Note that these variables were not modeled to predict behavior of landowners who lomnH 1 t0 the mfmal SUrVey' RatHer the PurP°se is Hi t d ?!PreS fr°m previous Participants as an in- dication of behavior of other landowners The questionnaire also contained information about landowners and their forest holdings that would be useful m predicting the key indicators of landowner response to assistance: — Ownership-size class. — Timber-size class. — Previous timber harvest activity. — Landowner age. — Landowner education. Landowner income. — Landowner occupation. - Geographical location of forest land. This list represents potential independent (X) variables. , 0 analytical techniques are particularly well suited to the type of prediction needed in this research^ the discriminant function and the logistic function. The dif- ference can be illustrated with the question: Will a specific landowner use technical forestry assistance’ Given measurements on the independent (X) variables reflecting landowner characteristics, the discriminant function will predict an outcome (the Y) as being either yes or no. Given the same set of measurements, the ogistic function will predict the numerical probability For example, given a set of landowner characteristics the discriminant function might predict an outcome of no, will not use assistance; whereas the logistic func- bahilT^ f 6dlCt the °UtC0me as °-15’ a 15 percent pro- bability that assistance will be used. The logistic func- tion, sometimes referred to as a “logit model,” was judg- ed more suitable for this study. J g The logistic function resembles a typical multiple linear regression function, but also differs from it Three aspects warrant mention. First, while the multiple regression function is a linear function, the logistic func- ion is nonlinear. Second, in the case of multiple regres- sion, the statistical model is of the form: Y ~ Po + PiXj + p2X2 + ... + p.x. (1) The regression coefficients (p’s) show the linear relation- ship between the independent variables (X.) and the dependent variable (Y). A logistic regression model in- t?earat7n TteiS “ P?,babiIity- This * done by means of the ratio of natural logarithms: P(E) =-Y r Po + ^iXi + P2X2 + - + fiX, 1 + eY = p0+ P1Xl + p2X2 + ... + p.x. (2) A!] , , v 11 i^j tvofy77S T 7 hu\We’ except for P(E>’ the probabili- ty of an event, which lies between 0.0 and 1.0; and “e” 2 718a7hirHnatiral l0garithmS’ Which is approximately’ is diLInT T177Pr ? °f the regression coefficients « 11 6 C3Se °f multiple dnear regression, feet oTa ^ be dir6Ct,y int^preted as the ef- feet o a unit change in X, on Y, when all other variables are held constant. For the logistic model, pi represents This at? h 7 Uml Change in X; °n the exponent of “e”. is attribute makes it somewhat more difficult to inter- lo7 t fJ1CW.nts’ For a more complete discussion of the gistic function, see Pindyck and Rubinfeld (ch. 10, 1981) T ifcr 7 W6re analyzed by means of the Stepwise Logistic Regression feature of BMDP Statistical Soft- ware (Dixon 1981). Each dependent variable was transformed to take on only 0 or 1 values. All indepen- dent variables were formulated in terms of categories or classes For example, the variable, landowner age, has three classes, one of which is 65 years and older. All dependent varjaWes together with their class designa- tions are shown later as part of table 2 andlxR inV0lved restricted entry and exit of variables until no additional variable could “missimr” ' ?' Mffy S6tS °f observations (cases) had issmg values for one or more independent variables (some respondents did not answer some questions in the original questionnaire). Because the computer program utomahcaiiy excluded any case with missing values ef- fective sample size was frequently reduced to about 300 Final model construction involved refitting all data to modds containing only the statistically significant variables identified in initial model construction- the stepwise procedure was not used. This increased effec- tive sample size from 300 to between about 350 and 500 sul“ statistical measures of model goodness, such as R are not very useful to assess logistic regres- rdrhes- fr- their overai1 abmty to correctiy bv Ch, i 6Ve ng StUdied’ for example as reflected y Chi-square, is a more useful measure. This aspect will be discussed along with other study results. RESULTS This study estimaieri four logistic regression models whose dependent variables had been identified as being important to administration and implementation of the nvate Forestry Assistance program in Montana. Estimates for depencJent variables should be interpreted mg?pefEl)0 Th fty 3 land°Wner b6havi0r event occurr- F P n •' be, f0Ur landowner events studied pertain to- LI. Using the services of a Private Forestry Assistance (PFA) forester. E2. Using any technical assistance services, either from a PFA forester or a private forestry consultant. E3- t”"vesting timber from forest land at any future E4. Currently owning forest land either for timber production (income from the growth and sale of timber or other forest products) or for farm or domestic use (source of forest products for own use firewood, fenceposts, etc.). Logistic Models Although the specific details of the four logistic regression models are different, the form of the results d their interpretation process are identical. Additional ratiSv°me m°delsare sufficiently complex so that nar- rative presentation is too cumbersome. For these PFA w7UltS mK0nly tHe firSt (E1) mode1’ using a FA forester, will be presented. But the discussion also applies to the other models. Data needed to interpret those models will be displayed in tables and figures 2 The likelihood of a forest landowner using the services of a PFA forester was found to significantly vary as a function of size of ownership and region of location The region variable has three class categories: northwest, southwest, and central, as displayed in figure 1 The ownership size variable also has three classes: 40-159 acres (16.2-64.3 ha), 160-639 acres (64.8-258.6 ha), and 640 or more acres (259.0 or more ha). Other factors (tree size, owner age, income, etc.) probably influence use of PFA, but did not increase predictability by a statistical lv significant amount over ownership size and region. Overall, only about 18.8 percent of western Montana forest landowners have used the services of a PI A forester, but substantial differences exist between regions and size-classes. Table 1 shows the effect of these differences and the probability of using the PF program. There is a pronounced regional effect wherein, regardless of size-class, landowners in the southwest region have a higher probability of use than in the northwest and both greatly exceed the central region Similarly, owners in the middle size-class, independent of region, have the highest probability of use; the smalles . size-class has the lowest. Consequently, middle size-class owners from the southwest region have the highest prob- ability of use, while central region owners m the smallest size-class have the lowest use probability. Table 1.— Probability of Montana forest landowner using services of a PFA forester, by region and size-class Region Size-class Northwest Southwest Central Acres 40-159 0.127 0.150 0.037 160-639 .271 .311 .089 640 + .264 .303 .086 The probabilities of using the PFA program (El) are easily displayed. Only two independent variables were statistically significant, each with three classes or categories. Results could be displayed in a 3 X 3 table^ But those are the only easily displayed results. Table 2 shows all logistic regression models and information per- taining to the statistically significant variables. Rather than presenting a series of complex tables to