Refinement of a grafting program for the propagation of BBD-resistant American beech
Bal TL , Myers AL, Panella TE, Dickinson YL, Storer AJ. 2025. Refinement of a grafting program for the propagation of BBD-resistant American beech. Science Report. NPS/SR—2025/276. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2310332
A grafting program for creation of beech bark disease-resistant American beech (Fagus grandifolia) has been established in a cooperative agreement between Michigan Technological University and the National Park Service (NPS). The resistant trees are being used in a restoration project at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This report provides an overview of the methods for propagation and planting of American beech, with suggestions for refinements including a forest planting trial. Rates of resistance are quantified for target NPS properties based on survey methods. Resistant trees were located and confirmed through field challenge tests to serve as scion donors for grafting. Resistant tree locations and conditions are not presented to maintain security of valuable individuals but are maintained by each property and revisited annually. This report will be used to inform continuing work towards restoring and preserving American beech in the landscape within NPS properties.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Bal, Tara; Myers, Andrea; Panella, Thomas; Dickinson, Yvette; Storer, Andrew
- Date of Issue
- 2025-04
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2310332
- Units
- NRSS , PIRO , SLBE
- Keywords
- American beech, Beech Bark Disease, beech scale, Cryptococcus fagisuga, disease resistance, Fagus grandifolia, grafting, invasive species, Michigan, Neonectria