Impacts of temperate lianas on tree growth in young deciduous forests

Lianas are often overlooked in temperate ecological studies even though they are important components of forest communities. While lianas have been shown to damage tropical canopy trees and reduce the growth of juvenile trees, the impact of lianas on canopy tree growth in temperate systems is largely unknown. Growth of trees ≥8 cm dbh was examined over a 9-year period within 50-year old post-agricultural secondary forests in the Piedmont region of New Jersey, USA. Five lianas, Celastrus orbiculatus, Lonicera japonica, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Toxicodendron radicans, and Vitis species, occurred throughout the forest. Total liana basal area, number of stems, and percent cover within host trees were evaluated to assess liana burdens on 606 previously censused trees. These data were related to tree growth to assess liana impacts. Forest trees were separated based on their dominance in the canopy to determine whether lianas had the potential to influence forest composition. In general, lianas in the forests were fairly abundant, with 68% of the trees having at least one liana present. On average, each tree supported 9.7 cm² of liana basal area and 23% of the canopy was covered by lianas. Most of the variation in tree growth was related to the dominance of trees within the canopy, with canopy dominant and co-dominant trees growing 2.5× more than suppressed trees. Liana basal area and number of lianas stems were not related to tree growth, but liana canopy cover decreased tree growth. However, not all trees were equally affected as canopy cover of lianas only reduced growth in dominant and co-dominant trees. Lianas were most influential on host tree growth in unsuppressed trees when occupying a majority of the canopy, only a minority of forest trees. This suppression was not related to differential liana colonization of canopy trees as all canopy classes supported equivalent liana burdens. Though lianas impacted only a minority of the trees in this system, some liana species, C. orbiculatus and Vitis spp., are still increasing and may pose future risks to forest growth and development.     

Liana habitat and host preferences in northern temperate forests

Lianas and other climbers are important ecological and structural components of forest communities. Like other plants, their abundance in a given habitat depends on a variety of factors, such as light, soil moisture and nutrients. However, since lianas require external support, host tree characteristics also influence their distribution. Lianas are conspicuous life forms in tropical regions, but in temperate areas, where they are less prominent, little is known about factors that control their distributions in these forests. We surveyed the climbing plant species in 20 mature (100 years and greater) forested habitats in the Midwest USA at a variety of levels from simple presence/absence, to ground layer abundances, to those species that had ascended trees. We also examined attributes of the tree species with climbers attached to them. Using cluster analysis, we distinguished five different tree communities in our survey locations. We determined that 25% of the trees we surveyed had one or more lianas attached to it, with Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) the most common climbing species encountered. Canopy cover and soil attributes both influenced climber species presence/absence and ground layer climber abundance. The proportion of liana species of a given climbing type (roots, stem twiner, tendril climber) was significantly related to the DBH of the host tree, with more root climbers and fewer stem and tendril climbers on large trees. In general, the DBH of climbing lianas had a significant positive relationship to the DBH of the host tree; however this varied by the identity of the liana and the tree species. The greater the DBH of the host tree, the higher the probability that it was colonized by one or more lianas, with tree species such as Pinus banksiana (jack pine) and Quercus alba (white oak) being more susceptible to liana colonization than others. Finally, some liana species such as Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet) showed a preference for certain tree species (i.e., P. banksiana) as hosts. The information obtained about the relationship between the tree and climber community in this study provides insight into some of the factors that influence liana distributions in understudied temperate forest habitats and how lianas contribute to the structure of these mature forests. In addition, these data can provide a point of comparison to other liana communities in both temperate and tropical regions.     

Liana abundance in a Puerto Rican forest

Liana (woody vine) abundance varies among tropical forests and is often high in disturbed forests. In two areas of subtropical wet forest in Puerto Rico, El Verde and Bisley, we recorded the density of liana stems ≥1 cm dbh, and the percent of tree crowns (trees ≥10 cm dbh) that lianas infested. Both study areas have been disturbed by hurricanes several times in the past century; however, sample plots in each area were divided between plots that were less disturbed and those that were more disturbed, by both hurricanes and humans. The mean density and basal area of liana stems at El Verde were significantly higher in the less disturbed plots than in the more disturbed plots. The percent tree crown infested by lianas was higher on certain tree species and on larger trees, both of which characterized the less disturbed forest. Results at Bisley were similar to those at El Verde. Liana density and tree crown infestation in these Puerto Rican forests were low compared with most other tropical forests, contrasting especially with high values in other disturbed forests. Liana abundance varies among forests for complex reasons, including differences in disturbance, biogeography, seasonality, and tree host features.     

哀牢山湿性常绿阔叶林木质藤本植物的物种多样性及其与支柱木的关系

分别在哀牢山湿性常绿阔叶林沟谷和坡面调查了10个20m×50m的样地,研究哀牢山湿性常绿阔叶林木质藤本植物的物种多样性及其与支柱木的关系。结果表明:研究区共记录到DBH≥1cm的木质藤本植物402株(隶属于23种21属16科)和DBH≥10cm的林木1522株(隶属于47种30属15科);与其他亚热带森林比较,该森林中木质藤本植物物种较为丰富但多度较低;藤本植物的物种丰富度、密度和基面积在沟谷显著高于坡面,而林木的差异性不显著;木质藤本植物在支柱木上呈集群分布,并且不同种支柱木被藤本植物攀援的百分比间存在显著的差异(P0.001),说明藤本植物的攀援对支柱木具有选择性;云南越桔、薄叶马银花和景东冬青等树种因其树皮光滑而不易被藤本植物攀援,而腾冲栲、七裂槭、山矾和多花山矾等则易于被藤本植物攀援;大径级支柱木被藤本植物攀援的比率高于小径级支柱木;茎缠绕和钩刺攀援藤本的胸径与支柱木胸径极显著相关(P0.001),根攀援和卷须攀援藤本的胸径与支柱木胸径相关性不显著(P0.05)。     

Impact of logging on tree,liana and herb assemblages in a Bornean forest

In the present study, the impact of logging was assessed on the forest structure, richness, and composition of trees, lianas, and ground herbs in Indonesian Borneo. There were no significant differences in tree height, diameter, basal area, or abundance between unlogged and logged forest. Liana abundance was higher in logged than unlogged forest, but the difference was marginally nonsignificant. There was also no significant difference in the percentage cover of ground herbs. Tree species richness was similar between unlogged and logged forest, while liana species richness was higher in logged forest and herb species richness between unlogged forest. Tree and liana compositions differed significantly between unlogged and logged forest, but logging explained only a small part (<7%) of the variance in composition. In contrast to trees and lianas, ground herb composition did not differ significantly between unlogged and logged forest. Our findings indicate that the modest extraction intensity practiced did not have a severely adverse impact on forest structure or plant composition. This highlights the important role that logged forests may play in conserving biodiversity and the need to protect these forests from further disturbance.     

Lianas and self-supporting plants during tropical forest succession

Lianas (woody vines) are an important component of tropical forests, with a strong impact on forest dynamics, but their responses during forest succession have received relatively little attention. Here, we present an analysis of the changes in stem density, biomass, and species richness of lianas and self-supporting plants during tropical forest succession. We surveyed lianas ≥0.5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) and self-supporting plants ≥2.5 cm dbh in 0.1 ha inventory plots in a chronosequence of 30 sites in northeastern Costa Rica, 23 sites on abandoned pastures 10–44 years of age, and seven sites in old-growth forest. Stem density of self-supporting plants showed no predictable chronosequence trend, but liana stem density declined significantly with forest age. Aboveground biomass of self-supporting vegetation increased rapidly during succession, with forests 31–44 years exhibiting higher levels of biomass than old-growth forests. Liana biomass accumulated more slowly, with the highest levels in old-growth sites. Species richness of self-supporting vegetation increased significantly during succession, but species richness of lianas showed no change or a slight decline with forest age, depending on the method of assessment. The differences between tree and liana responses during succession stem from the unique physiology and life history traits of lianas.     

Effects of human disturbances and plant invasion on liana community structure and relationship with trees in the Tinte Bepo forest reserve,Ghana

There are conflicting reports on the role of disturbances in maintaining liana community structure, and in determining their relationship with trees. The effects of plant invasion on these attributes of lianas are not known. The study investigated the effects of human disturbances and plant invasion on liana community structure and relationship with trees in the Tinte Bepo forest reserve, Ghana, in three distinct forest types to reflect both human disturbances and invasion: Undisturbed, Disturbed-Invaded and Disturbed Forests (UF, DIF and DF respectively). Trees ≥10 cm dbh were identified and their dbh measured in two 0.25 ha plots in each forest type. The trees were examined for the presence of lianas (≥2 cm dbh) and their dbh measured. A total of 380 lianas ≥2 cm dbh belonging to 20 genera and 12 families were identified in the 1.5 ha forest. Twelve liana species were unique to the DIF suggesting the probable positive influence of plant invasion on their colonisation. Liana density differed significantly across the forest types (df = 2, p = 0.043) with the UF recording the greatest number. The mean liana stem diameter and basal area were greater in the DF. Large diameter lianas were absent in the UF. Tree density and number of trees hosting lianas were greater in the UF followed by the DIF and DF. Liana infestation was generally high with 90% in the DF, 88.2% in the UF, and 85.7% in the DIF. Both liana load per tree species and mean liana load per infested tree were highest in the UF followed by the DIF and then the DF. Liana density was highly dependent on tree density in all the forest types (df = 1, r² = 0.50, p = 0.007; df = 1, r² = 0.99, p = 0.000 and df = 1, r² = 0.72, p = 0.000 in the UF, DIF and DF respectively). There was a significant positive relationship between liana dbh and host dbh in the UF (df = 1, r² = 0.096, p = 0.000), DIF (df = 1, r² = 0.11, p = 0.000) and DF (df = 1, r² = 0.16, p = 0.008). There was no significant relationship between host dbh and liana loads in all the forest types.     

Comparative water relations of mature mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) trees with and without lianas in a subhumid,seasonally dry forest in Bolivia

Many evergreen mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) trees in the seasonally dry Bajo Paragua forest in northeast Bolivia carry substantial liana loads. Evergreen lianas may impede the growth of their host trees in various ways, including competition for water. Hypotheses tested were that water relations status differs (a) between lianas and their host trees, and (b) between trees infested with lianas that were cut 3.5 months previously (treated trees) and control trees with intact lianas. Diurnal measurements of stomatal conductance (g(s)) and leaf water potential (Psi) were made on canopy leaves of treated and control trees and lianas at the start and end of the dry season. Lianas had higher (less negative) Psi values (mean and predawn) and higher diurnal g(s) (expressed as mean or sum of diurnal values) than mahogany trees, indicating that lianas had a higher demand for, and ability to obtain, water than their host trees. Control and treated trees had a similar water relations status, suggesting that removal of lianas had no effect on the water relations of the trees, even at the end of the dry season. We conclude that either both life forms have conservative water relations that were unaffected by water availability in our study, or that the trees and lianas have access to sufficient and different sources of water because of differences in their rooting depths. Our data are consistent with studies of temperate species, indicating that lianas do not interfere with water availability to their host trees.     

海南霸王岭山地原始林与伐后林中木质藤本与支持木的多样性及其相互关系

研究海南霸王岭热带山地雨林原始林与伐后林的物种多样性及木质藤本与支持木的关系。结果表明:原始林中树木的物种丰富度和多度低于伐后林(P<0.05),而木质藤本的物种丰富度和多度在原始林与伐后林间无显著差异;原始林中树木的平均附藤率和平均每木附藤数均高于伐后林(P<0.05),而平均每藤攀附支持木个体数表现为伐后林高于原始林(P<0.05);在原始林中树木胸径与平均每木藤本数间呈显著的三次函数关系,伐后林中树木胸径与平均每木藤本数间呈显著的幂函数关系;树木高度与平均每木藤本数在2林型中均呈显著的三次函数关系。     

Effects of light and nutrients on seedlings of tropical Bauhinia lianas and trees

Lianas differ from trees in many life history characteristics, and we predicted that they are phenotypically more responsive to environmental variation than trees. We analyzed responsiveness to light and nutrient availability of five Bauhinia species (three lianas and two trees). Seedlings were grown in a shade house in two light regimes (5 and 25% of full sunlight) and two nutrient supply regimes (field soil and N fertilization equivalent to 100 kg ha(-1)), and important growth-related physiological and morphological plant parameters were measured. Light availability affected most of the measured variables, whereas N addition had only weak effects. In the four light-demanding species (two lianas and two trees), relative plant biomass growth rate increased and specific leaf area (SLA) decreased with increased light availability, whereas a shade-tolerant liana did not respond. Leaf N concentration and light-saturated photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area increased in response to increased irradiance or soil N in the light-demanding tree species and the shade-tolerant liana, but not in the two light-demanding lianas. The light-demanding lianas also had higher SLA and leaf mass ratio, resulting in a higher leaf area ratio (LAR) in high light, whereas the light-demanding trees did not. Across all treatments, mean plasticity indices of physiological and morphological traits, and all traits combined were similar among the studied species. Plasticity was higher in response to light than to N, indicating that light is the main factor controlling seedling responses of the studied species. Although lianas and trees did not differ in mean plasticity in response to light and N, the light-demanding lianas were phenotypically less plastic in LAR and in photosynthetic rates and biomass allocation than the trees. Light and N interacted in their effects on most physiological variables, but the consequences for relative growth rate differed little among species. We conclude that, contrary to our predictions, lianas were no more responsive to variation in light and N availability than trees.     

Diversity, distribution and resource values of woody climbers in tropical forests of southern Eastern Ghats, India

We investigated the distribution and resource values of liana species assessed in six hill complexes of southern Eastern Ghats, India. 143 liana species (DBH (diameter at breast height) ≥1.5 cm) and 32,033 liana individuals were recorded from 110 transects (0.5 ha each covering 55 ha area) in the study sites. The resource values of lianas were broadly categorized into ecological and economic importance. About 90% (129) of liana species and 96% (30,564) of liana individuals were established ecological/economic values. Fruit rewards provided by 76 species and 20,325 individuals constituted the major resource of ecological importance. 82 species and 21,457 liana individuals are of economic importance as medicine, edible fruits, edible and medicinal values, and yet others are used for different domestic purposes including furniture, fuel wood, rope making etc.. Ecologically, the prevalence of succulent diaspores in lianas of Indian Eastern Ghats indicates the animal dependence of many liana species for dispersal and underlines the need for a holistic and whole-forest conservation approach in maintaining forest biodiversity.     

Liana species richness,abundance and relationship with trees in the Bobiri forest reserve,Ghana: Impact of management systems

Forest management practices which may represent various forms of disturbance regimes could influence liana species richness, abundance and relationship with their hosts. The study sought to determine the impacts of three management systems, namely, the Selection, Tropical Shelterwood and Post Exploitation Systems (SS, TSS and PES respectively) on liana species richness, abundance and relationship with trees in the Bobiri forest reserve, Ghana. Lianas with dbh ≥ 2 cm found on trees with dbh ≥ 10 cm were enumerated in 1 ha plot each in the SS, TSS and PES. All trees (dbh ≥ 10 cm) within the plots that did not carry lianas were also enumerated. A total of 640 liana individuals belonging to 27 species, 22 genera and 13 families were identified in the management systems. Griffonia simplicifolia (Vahl ex DC.) Baill., Motandra guineensis (Thonn.) A.DC. and Calycobolus africanus (G.Don) Heine were the abundant species in all the management systems. Unlike in SS, lianas in the TSS and PES were dominated by a few species. Larger diameter lianas were more abundant in the PES (32%) compared with the SS (18.3%) and the PES (13.1%). Liana diversity (H′) (species richness and abundance) was quantitatively higher in the SS (2.8) than the TSS (2.2) and the PES (2.0). The numbers of lianas carried by tree species differed significantly in the management systems (p < 0.001 each). Liana infestation in the forest was high. The level of liana infestation did not reflect the extent of liana load per tree in the management systems. Larger trees carried significantly more liana individuals than smaller trees in the PES (p = 0.019, r² = 0.15). There was a positive significant relationship between host dbh and liana dbh in the PES (p < 0.001, r² = 0.23) and TSS (p = 0.024, r² = 0.11). Tree diversity appeared to have influenced liana species richness and abundance.     

Horizontal distribution of stolons of a temperate lianaWisteria floribunda DC. and its ecological significance

The spatial distribution of stolons ofWisteria floribunda DC. was investigated, and the ecological significance of clonal growth of this temperate liana is discussed. The study plot (0.15 ha) was located in a secondary deciduous broad-leaved forest dominated byQuercus serrata in central Japan. The tree canopy was almost closed with a mean openness of 4.2%.W. floribunda was dominant among lianas accounting for 86% of their total basal area.W. floribunda stolons of three individuals branched numerous times and intersected among individuals, and showed a large horizontal “web-like” extension on the ground. The total length of stolons was 66.0, 260.2, and 310.6 m, respectively, for each individual. A mean of 25 ramets were established on stolons per individual, and one-third of the ramets obtained a host tree. These results suggested that the expansion of stolons was effective in obtaining host trees forW. floribunda individuals. On the other hand, clonal growth ofW. floribunda did not always contribute to vertical growth of ramets in the study forest, since few ramets reached the forest canopy. Lack of sub-canopy trees in this forest appeared to constrain the vertical growth ofW. floribunda ramets, since sub-canopy trees are thought to bridge lianas from smaller trees to canopy trees.     

Impacts of forest management on liana diversity and community structure in a tropical forest in Ghana: implications for conservation

We studied the impacts of liana cutting as a forest management tool on liana diversity(species richness,Shannon diversity index) and community structure(diameter distribution, basal area, species dominance) in the Asenanyo Forest Reserve, Ghana. Two types of silviculturally treated forests were studied: Logging treated(LT)and Tropical Shelterwood System(TSS) treated forests. An untreated primary forest was included as a control, resulting in three forest management systems. Lianas with diameter C2 cm were identified in ten 40 9 40 m2 plots within each management system. Liana cutting significantly reduced liana species richness, Shannon diversity index, and basal area in the LT forest after two decades.However, liana species richness and basal area werecomparable in the TSS treated and untreated forests, indicating significant recovery in the former after over six decades. S?rensen similarity index of liana species composition between the untreated forest and each of the treated forests was moderate. Our findings suggest that liana cutting most likely influenced the dominance of some liana species. In view of the adverse impact of blanket liana cutting on liana diversity, selective liana cutting is recommended as a means of controlling liana numbers while maintaining liana diversity.     

Patterns of Liana Abundance,Reproductive Traits and Liana-Tree Relationships in Relation to Forest Management in a Tropical Forest in Ghana

The study determined the impacts of three forest management regimes—logging treated (LT), tropical shelterwood system (TSS) treated, and untreated forest (UF)—on liana abundance, reproduction and climbing guilds, and liana-tree relationship patterns in the Asenanyo Forest Reserve, Ghana. The first two regimes involved liana cutting over 20 and 53 yr ago, respectively. Lianas and their hosts were sampled in 10 randomly demarcated plots (40 × 40 m²) in each regime. Liana abundance and infestation were significantly lower in the LT forest than the UF, whereas these attributes were comparable in the TSS treated and the UF. Overall, the patterns of liana reproduction and climbing guilds were similar in the treated and untreated forests. Tree diameter was positively and significantly correlated to liana load, basal area, and degree of colonization in the treated and untreated forests. Mean liana load was the same on different tree bark types in the forest management regimes. These findings suggest that the impact of liana cutting on liana abundance was still apparent in the LT forest but not in the TSS treated forest. Again, the impacts of liana cutting on patterns of liana reproduction and climbing guilds and liana-tree relationships were not noticeable in the treated forests.     

江西赣南藤本植物资源多样性调查研究

为了解赣南藤本植物资源的状况,对其藤本植物的物种丰富度、科、属组成、植物地理分布区类型及攀援方式等多样性进行了调查研究。结果表明：（1）赣南共有藤本植物51科、103属、225种（包括变种）;（2）以木质藤本属为主（49属）,占属总数的47．6％;（3）攀援类型分为4大类,缠绕类种类最多123种,占54．6％;（4）提出具有发展前景的藤本植物22种。     

Are lianas increasing in importance in temperate floodplain forests in the southeastern United States?

Floodplain forests of the southeastern United States are species rich, often with a dense and diverse liana community. Long-term trends in the density and distribution of lianas may indicate shifts in the composition of plant functional types in these forests. Liana communities in non-fragmented forests in Panama and across the Neotropics have increased in size and density over the last two decades of the 20th century. Are similar changes occurring in temperate forests? Evidence from long-term studies of liana communities in two floodplain forests in South Carolina support the findings from tropical forests. In second-growth forests of the Savannah River system, data from five 1-ha plots established in 1979 and monitored for 22 years indicate a steady increase in liana size and density. Likewise, in old-growth floodplain forests of the Congaree National Park, liana density has increased over 12 years in six 1-ha plots after Hurricane Hugo disturbed the forests in 1989. The increase in liana density and size in these floodplain forests of the southeastern United States is of sufficient magnitude to suggest that lianas are likely influencing stand dynamics in these forests. Consequently, we argue that lianas should be included in models of temperate bottomland forest development of the southeastern United States.     

The influence of reproductive traits on liana abundance 10 years after conventional and reduced-impacts logging in the eastern Brazilian Amazon

Balancing timber production and conservation in tropical forests requires an understanding of the impacts of silvicultural manipulations on specific groups of organisms. Lianas are characteristic of many tropical forests, where they contribute to species diversity, ecosystem functioning, and biomass. However, lianas can also impede timber production by increasing logging damage and slowing tree growth. Cutting lianas prior to logging can mitigate the negative effects, but may adversely affect a forest's value for conservation. To evaluate the effects of forest management activities on lianas, this study assessed the impacts of logging, both with and without pre-logging liana cutting, on the relative abundance and population structure of five species of lianas that differed in primary reproductive strategies.Inventories of the five study species were conducted 10 years following logging in 4.4 ha plots in three adjacent treatment areas: (1) an old-growth forest reserve, (2) a selectively-logged forest that used conventional practices for the region, and (3) a forest that was logged using reduced-impact logging (RIL) techniques including complete liana cutting prior to logging. Liana species responses to logging varied according to their primary modes of reproduction. Croton ascendens, a pioneer species with a persistent seed bank, had a higher abundance in the two logging treatments relative to the old-growth forest, while Serjania caracasana, an early successional species lacking a persistent seed bank, showed abundant regeneration following conventional logging but negligible regeneration following RIL. In contrast, Acacia multipinnata, also an early successional species, showed abundant regeneration following RIL owing to the sprouting of persistent prostrate stems present on the forest floor prior to logging. In both logged areas, Bauhinia guianensis recruited abundant climbing stems from self-supporting seedlings that were present prior to logging, but it showed greatly reduced seedling density following RIL. By sprouting profusely from both fallen stems and stumps, Memora schomburgkii recruited abundant small-diameter climbing stems in both of the logging treatments. The results of this study demonstrate that there are interspecific differences in liana responses to different types of logging and that knowing species’ primary modes of reproduction is a valuable first step toward predicting those responses.     

Five-year radial growth of red oaks in mixed bottomland hardwood stands

We studied the relationships among 5-year radial (diameter and basal area) growth of red oak (genus Quercus, subgenus Erythrobalanus) crop trees and predictor variables representing individual tree vigor, distance-dependant competition measures, and distance-independent competition measures. The red oaks we examined are representative of the commercially and ecologically important oak species of the bottomland hardwood forests of the southeastern US. The crown class score, a quantitative measure of crown class and tree vigor, performed best in accounting for the variability in tree diameter growth. Plot-level variables failed to account for a significant proportion of the variability in tree radial growth. The basal area of the first-order neighbors that were taller than the crop trees and located within 2.4 times the mean overstory crown radius had the highest negative correlation with crop tree 5-year radial growth. Red oaks were a major part of these competitors and likely exerted the greatest competitive pressure. However, crop tree radial growth was positively associated with the basal area of the red oaks which were indirect (second order) neighbors and which were taller than the crop trees. It is possible that indirect neighbors do not compete with the crop trees, but they likely compete with the direct competitors of the crop trees, thus having an indirect positive influence on crop tree growth. Such reasoning is consistent with previously observed spatial dependence up to four times the mean overstory crown radius. The findings may have implications for thinning hardwoods stands and crop tree management in that foresters need to take into account (1) oak intra-genus competition, (2) the negative competitive effect of direct neighbors, and (3) the potentially positive effect of the indirect neighbors, the competitors’ competitors.     

Grapevine (Vitis spp.) dynamics in association with manual tending,physiography, and host tree associations in temperate deciduous forests

The role of lianas (woody vines) in the development and diversity of both tropical and temperate forests under differing management scenarios has not been thoroughly explored. We examined changes in grapevine (Vitis spp.) densities over time in clearcut stands as influenced by manual tending, physiography, and host tree associations. We used data from long-term studies on 66 clearcut stands dominated by temperate deciduous forest tree species on the Hoosier National Forest in south-central Indiana, USA. Fourteen of the stands had grapevines removed manually, approximately during the stem exclusion stage of development. Grapevine densities steadily increased from age 5 until age 15, which coincides with the period of stem exclusion of these stands. Subsequent grapevine mortality may have been related to light competition. Manually treated stands had similar grapevine densities as untreated stands after 20 years across sites, and it appeared that only on the most xeric area was the grapevine treatment effective in reducing grapevine densities. During early stand development, ranging from ages 5 to 17, grapevine density was strongly related to slope position, but as stands developed through the stem exclusion stage, aspect emerged as a stronger factor influencing grapevine density. Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), walnut (Juglans spp.), and elm (Ulmus spp.) were the most common grapevine host trees under both treated and untreated scenarios, which may be associated with the crown architecture of these species. Results suggest lianas play a critical role in the early development of disturbed forest sites in temperate deciduous forests. With concerns that lianas are increasing in abundance and distribution in these forest types, understanding their role in forest dynamics, such as host tree associations at different stages of development, competition dynamics on different sites and corresponding influences on tree growth, species composition, and diversity, will be critical to decision-making processes in achieving desired management goals in the future.