Survey and monitoring of White Pine Blister Rust in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Duriscoe DM and Duriscoe CS. 2002. Survey and monitoring of White Pine Blister Rust in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. National Park Service, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Three Rivers, California
An extensive ground survey of the white pine species in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks was performed on foot from 1995-1999. The white pine distribution, including sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), foxtail pine (Pinus balfouriana), limber pine (Pinus flexilis), and western white pine Pinus monitcola) was modeled using existing (1995) data in the form of vegetation type maps and an aerially stratified random sampling scheme was devised for the installation and evaluation of 151 permanent monitoring plots. Three additional plots were installed in areas of particular interest. Observed white pine distribution was mapped in selected areas in conjunction with the plot establishment. Within each plot, an average of 48 white pines greater than one meter tall were measured and mapped for long-term monitoring, and evaluated for white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) infection. Data from these plots provides a rough estimate of the incidence and severity of effect of blister rust upon the populations of these species within the park boundaries. The average incidence of rust infection was 6.6% for all plots in the random sampling scheme; rust was found only in plots containing sugar pine (21.1% average incidence) and western white pine (2.7% average incidence). Incidence and severity of rust were related to associated Ribes species, elevation, and topographic position. Rust was found to be more often associated with Ribes nevadense and Ribes roezlii than other Ribes species, rarely found above 8800 feet in elevation, and most often found in valley bottoms. In certain areas, sugar pines and western white pines have been significantly affected by bole infections in smaller trees, which often results in mortality. The populations of foxtail, whitebark, and limber pines within these parks appear to remain virtually unaffected by blister rust.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Duriscoe, Daniel; Duriscoe, Cynthia
- Date of Issue
- 2002-02
- Publisher
- National Park Service, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Units
- SEKI
- Keywords
- Cronartium ribicola, foxtail pine, limber pine, Pinus albicaulis, Pinus balfouriana, Pinus flexilis, Pinus lambertiana, Pinus monticola, Ribes, Ribes nevadense, Ribes roezlii, SEKI, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra Nevada, stratified random sampling, sugar pine, survey, western white pine, white pine blister rust, white pines, whitebark pine