Population Dynamics of Dwarf Mistletoe on Young True Firs in the Central Sierra Nevada, California

Young red firs (Abies magnifica A. Murr.) and white firs (A. concolor [Gord. & Glend.] Lindl. ex Hildebr.) on the Stanislaus National Forest, California, were inoculated with seeds of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium abietinum) for 5 successive years. Only 3 to 4 percent of about 7000 seeds placed on branches resulted in infections. Second-generation infections developed and populations of the parasite built up on some trees but not on others after 17 years. Variables that appeared to regulate population increases included an 8- to 9-year average between inoculation and fruiting of plants, low rate of fruit production among female plants, low proportion of plants producing abundant fruit (100 or more/year), and irregular production of fruit on plants over the years, Death of infected branches also helped keep populations of the parasite in check. In vigorous, well-managed stands of young firs, dwarf mistletoe populations may not build up rapidly enough to result in serious losses.