Artificial Pruning and Phytopathological Problems in Hardwoods

1991

S. 57-68

6 Abb.

Unselbständiges Werk

200078958

Could artificial pruning cause rot to hardwoods? An general bibliographic suvery (mainly SHIGO, U.S.A.), field investigations on 20 forests (6 species, for a total of 39 trees), and laboratory analyses lead to the conclusion of a low level of risks, provided that pruning has been achieved early (branch diameter less than 3 cm), carefully (no bark torn out), and in the right season: at the end of winter as a general rule (maples, ash, oaks, beech a bit later), at the end of July for wild charry (the most susceptible species), July to August for nut-tree. Colorations may appear, but they are not pathogenous, and affect only the wood that was formed before pruning. The protection of pruning scars, with fungicides rather than antiseptics, is recommended for branches of more than 3 cm diameter.