Influence of Cryphonectria parasitica basal cankers on radial growth of scarlet oak in Pennsylvania

Basal cankers induced by Cryphonectria parasitica (=Endothia parasitica) occur throughout the natural range of scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) within Pennsylvania. Because colonization of scarlet oak is thought to be a long-term host/pathogen relationship, analyses were conducted to investigate effects of basal cankers on radial growth (expressed as area increment) at 1.4 m, breast height (BH). Moderately cankered oaks grew more slowly at BH than did noncankered trees. However, severely cankered scarlet oaks generally exhibited greater radial growth at BH than did noncankered trees. This apparent anomaly likely reflects stimulated growth at BH due to the fungal infection.