Relation between quantitative characteristics and habitat conditions of juniper trees and the severity of infection to the Arceuthobium oxycedri semi-parasitic plant

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Dept. of Silviculture and Forest Ecology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, I.R. Iran

2 . Corresponding Author, Associate Prof., Dept. of Silviculture and Forest Ecology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, I.R. Iran

3 Associate Prof., Dept. of Silviculture and Forest Ecology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, I.R. Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The genus Juniperus (Juniperus spp.) is one of the most important conifer species in Iran, with about 60 species and subspecies. Juniperus excelsa, as one of the valuable species of this genus, is widely distributed in Iran and plays an important role in preserving mountain ecosystems, preventing soil erosion, and preserving biodiversity. However, Juniperus forests are under threat due to various factors, including drought, livestock grazing, fire, and rural land development. One of the most important threatening factors is the spread of the hemiparasitic plant Arceuthobium oxycedri (Arceuthobium oxycedri), which, by absorbing water and nutrients from host trees, causes physiological weakness, reduced growth, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of Juniper tree infestation by Juniper borer and habitat factors (including altitude above sea level) and quantitative characteristics of host trees in order to identify effective factors and provide appropriate management strategies for controlling this parasite.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in an area located northwest of Chaharbagh village (Golestan province) with an area of about 11,000 hectares of Juniper forests. The study area had a cold and Mediterranean climate with an average annual rainfall of 348 mm and an average temperature of 6.5°C. To investigate the effect of altitude above sea level on Juniper borer infestation, three elevation classes (2200, 2400, and 2600 m) were selected. In each class, 20 circular sample plots (1000 m2) were randomly deployed and quantitative characteristics of trees (such as collar diameter, height, stem volume, crown cover) and severity of Juniper borer infestation were recorded in five ranks (from healthy to 60-100% damage). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, independent t-test, and logistic regression.
Results: The results showed that with increasing altitude above sea level, quantitative characteristics of juniper trees, including height, diameter, stem volume, and crown cover, increased significantly. Also, the percentage and severity of juniper blight infection at an altitude of 2,600 meters were 1.92 and 2.25 times higher, respectively, than at 2,200 meters. Infected trees had greater collar diameter, height, stem volume, and crown area compared to healthy trees. Logistic regression analysis showed that there was a significant negative relationship between the height coefficient, stem volume, crown area, and vigor of trees with the probability of juniper blight infection. Also, infection was more common in all directions of the tree (especially at higher altitudes) than in specific directions such as north or south.
Conclusion: This study showed that larger and older juniper trees are more susceptible to attack by the arbuscular mycelium. Increasing altitude was also associated with increased infection intensity, which is probably due to harsh environmental conditions and reduced tree resistance at higher altitudes. Given the important ecological role of juniper forests, it is suggested that biological control methods (such as the use of specific fungal agents or insects) be considered for managing the arbuscular mycelium population. Also, protecting young trees and implementing continuous monitoring programs in high-altitude habitats can be effective in reducing the damage caused by this hemiparasitic plant.

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References

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 32, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 67-84

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