New Phytologist · 1971 · 22 citations · 0 references
AgriculturePlant BiologyPlant SciencesPlant VirologyViral Plant PathologyVirologyDisease DynamicsPlant Virus Disease ManagementPlant Virus ResistancePlant VirusesTree MeasurementVirus-host InteractionsCompressive StrengthDry Matter LossesForest Disease EcologySpecific GravityTree Growth ResponseViral Infection ProcessesWood DevelopmentWood Mechanical Properties
S ummary Measurements have demonstrated severe growth losses in virus‐infected poplars, particularly during the first 2 years in the nursery. There is considerable clonal variation. Losses in height growth frequently exceed 10%, which in combination with a reduction in diameter of the stem, can result in a 25% reduction in the dry matter production of virus‐infected trees. These growth reductions were only apparent in the nursery, as no additional effects were noted on trees up to 11 years old in the plantations. Quantitative measurements are presented for the first time showing effects of virus infection on wood properties, particularly specific gravity and compressive strength. These effects are most apparent in wood produced during the first 2 years in the nursery, but there was also a significant increase in strength of branchwood from older trees.