Effects of Ramorum Leaf Blight on Tanoak and California Bay Foliage

Presentation Year

2020

College or Department

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Short Description of your Research or Creative Project (700 characters or less)

Redwood National Park, CA has recently been infected with Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen that causes sudden oak death and ramorum leaf blight. Two common understory hardwoods, tanoak and California bay, are commonly infected by ramorum leaf blight. Foliage samples were collected from Tall Trees Grove and, photosynthetic capacity, stomatal conductance, and water potential readings were taken. Ramorum leaf blight decreased the photosynthetic capacity in both of the study species without affecting water use efficiency. The decline in photosynthesis leaves plants vulnerable, increasing the chances of further infection from separate pathogens.

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No