Use of Water by Eastern Hemlock: Implications for Systemic Insecticide Application    (View PDF)

Chelcy R. Ford, James M. Vose, Michael Daley, and Nathan Phillips

Abstract: The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA; Adelges tsugae Annand) is causing widespread decline and mortality of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.) throughout most of the range of eastern hemlock. Stem injection of insecticide is widely used as a chemical control measure, but the effectiveness of this method depends on the hydraulic characteristics of individual trees. We present data quantifying the distribution of water flux within the stems and the seasonal variability of daily water use of eastern hemlock trees growing in New England, U.S. and the southern Appalachians. We provide simple mathematical and graphical models derived from these data that can be used by landowners, natural resource managers, and tree care specialists to estimate the amount and timing of water use by eastern hemlock based on tree size and climatic conditions. We anticipate that the data and models presented will be useful in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of systemic insecticide applications.

Keywords: Adelges tsugae; hemlock; imidacloprid; insecticide; systemic; transpiration; Tsuga spp.; water use

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.2007.048