Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, March, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 24-30).

Thesis (M.S.)--Miami University, Dept. of Botany, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF document. Document formatted into pages; contains [1], v, 38 p. : ill. Includes bibliographical references (p. 35-38).

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, March, 2004. / Title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 24-30)

In anticipation of widespread planting of putatively blight-resistant hybrid chestnuts (Castanea spp.), it is critical to understand the silvics and competitive ability of the species. This dissertation examines preliminary growth and survival of several species and genetic crosses of chestnut grown as 1-0 high-quality nursery seedlings and planted in two study sites: Southeastern Kentucky (Daniel Boone National Forest; chapter 2), and Northeastern Connecticut (Yale-Myers Forest; chapter 4). The effects of three silvicultural treatments on the Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF), and four silvicultural treatments on the Yale-Myers Forest (YM) were evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of initial seedling size on seedling performance was tested. In both studies, seedlings grew largest in height and root collar diameter in silvicultural treatments with the most available light. High mortality at the DBNF planting was caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, ink disease, and high mortality at the YM planting was caused by repeated deer, Odocoileus virginianus, browsing and competition from hay-scented fern, Dennstaedtia punctilobula. Additionally, seedlings at the DBNF study were repeatedly defoliated by Craesus castaneae, chestnut sawfly, during the first growing season (chapter 3). Seedlings with larger root collar diameters at planting demonstrated greater survival and growth in the DBNF study while seedlings larger in height and RCD added less growth and were more likely to die in the YM study, likely due to the high deer population and dense understory competition. These results indicate that silvicultural treatments that create high-light environments are ideal for chestnut, however the species can establish successfully under a variety of light conditions, from low light [10% photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)] to high light (65% PAR). Ink disease will present a formidable obstacle to chestnut reintroduction efforts in the south, while northern efforts will be challenged by deer browsing due to overpopulated deer herds.

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At the Bent Mountain surface mine, Pike County, Kentucky, a study has been ongoing since 2005 to assess the influence of various types of loose-graded mine spoils on water quality and forest establishment. Six research plots consist of two replicates of brown weathered sandstone, gray unweathered sandstone, and mixed brown sandstone, gray sandstone, and shale that were emplaced according to Forestry Reclamation Approach criteria. A series of analyses was initiated in 2007 to examine influence of spoil matrix composition on sulfate and carbonate geochemistry of infiltrated waters, as well as to investigate the occurrence of Phytophthora, a group of exotic forest pathogens that cause dieback and may affect success of founder species of hybrid American Chestnut (Castanea dentata Marsh.) Borkh.)), on the surface of mine spoils and in infiltrated waters. To identify the constituent responsible for elevated sulfate concentrations, as well as determine the role of alkalinity in spoil waters, PHREEQC geochemical modeling was used to analyze aqueous speciation of sulfates and carbonates with respect to time and tailing media. Variance of δ34S values was analyzed to determine source of sulfate minerals. Oxidation of minor amounts of pyritic coal enriched the δ34S value in the brown plots. Overall, plots had acceptable water quality parameters, substantiating various types of mine spoils for the FRA, although brown proved best for tree establishment. Methods were employed to determine whether Phytophthora were present in the surface of mine spoils and in infiltrated waters of 2005 plots as well as 2007 plots to determine if a chronosequential effect occurred. P. cryptogea was detected from surface spoil and from waters infiltrating brown sandstone plots. The brown spoil, relative to other spoil types, has greater soil moisture, greater nutrient availability, and lower pH, which may promote the occurrence and survival of the microorganism. The occurrence of the pathogen in the 2005 plots versus 2007 plots is notable; greater ground cover from colonizing species may be a precursor to Phytophthora detection on the plots. P. cryptogea is a possible threat to American chestnut, however, high infiltration rates in loose-dumped mine spoils should reduce damage by the pathogen. Over time, the relation between water quality parameters (as influenced by spoil matrix composition), tree success, and presence of Phytophthora, is of interest as certain hydrogeochemical parameters may cause stress on trees that may increase susceptibility of plants to disease caused by Phytophthora. Alternatively, certain water geochemical parameters may directly affect Phytophthora by promoting or inhibiting survival and transport of the pathogen in spoil and infiltrated spoil waters; this too has consequences for tree establishment on loose-dumped mine spoils.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, June, 2007. / Title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.