Western Dwarf Mistletoe Infects Understory Jeffrey Pine Seedlings On Cleveland National Forest California

Many young, understory Jeffrey pines (Pinus jefreyi Grev. & Balf.) were found to be infected by western dwarf mistletoe (Arcerrthobium cantpylopodurn Engelm.) on Laguna Mountain, Cleveland National Forest, in southern California. Under heavily infected overstory, about three-fourths of the young pines (about 15 years old on the average) were infected by dwarf mistletoe. Infections per tree averaged about two and a half, two-thirds of these on the bole. Attempts to regenerate Jeffrey pine under an infected overstory in southern California will probably lead to a severely infected and damaged understory. Planting nonhost species or resistant selections of Jeffrey pine would be practical in managing dwarf mistletoe on these highly valuable forest recreational areas.