The second study will be to determine the hazard posed by using uncomposted wood chips that contain cankered tree parts as mulch around trees. Different irrigation amounts, depth of mulch and exposure time will be the variables. Field and remote data collection on root disease occurrence and stand and environmental condition will be analyzed by GIS and spatial statistical methods. Three short term, flooding experiments were conducted over the last two years. Data analysis is under way.
Preliminary results suggest no treatment effects or canker expansion.
Many problems occurred in regulation of water application. Utilization of redox measurements of the soil did not indicate a significant difference between water treatments. The physical plant of a new research nursery was completed this year and plants will established in 1994. Potted trees grown in a shade house for two growing seasons with one set over watered and one set receiving normal water amounts. Inoculations were made in June and August and canker sizes recorded weekly for 6-8 weeks.