Impact of mistletoes (Amyema miquelii) on host (Eucalyptus blakelyi and Eucalyptus melliodora) survival and growth in temperate Australia

摘要: Abstract The damaging effects of mistletoes Amyema spp. on host eucalypts in rural Australia concern many landholders, but few data are available to evaluate mistletoe impacts or formulate management strategies. We used an experimental disinfection approach determine the a putative pest mistletoe, miquelii , its two principal hosts, Blakely's red gum ( Eucalyptus blakelyi ) and yellow box melliodora ), pastoral properties northern New South Wales. For each species, pairs nearby trees were matched for heigth, diameter at breast height, level infestation distance neighbouring trees. One tree per pair was chosen random all pruned. After 33 months treated still alive, among control seven 29 gums one 20 had died. difference survival between significant gum. Among surviving trees, both species significantly greater increments more foliage than untreated months, average increase relative biomass attributable removal 22% 24% box, compared with controls. radial growth 55% 49% box. Diameter increment negatively linearly related species. differences infected disinfected this experiment may underestimate impact because small amounts unavoidably lost during disinfection. In separate experiment, loss negative increment. Although results indicate that serious individual will be worthwhile terms immediate higher rate, prudent long-term well allow numbers farm when planning recruitment utilisation.