Natural regeneration in oak wilt centers

Openings, 0.2 ha and less, and 3–12 years old, caused by the oak wilt fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum had abundant oak reproduction, averaging 4700 stems per ha. Species of other woody reproduction made up over 27 000 stems per ha. Seedling sprouts comprised 54%, seedlings 30%, and stumps sprouts the remainder of the reproduction. No infections were found except a few on stump sprouts of diseased oak stumps. Oakhickory reproduction was abundant on all site qualities, but especially so on the poorer sites with over 8000 stems per ha. Sugar maple reproduction was much more abundant on high quality sites, also with over 8000 stems per ha. The reproduction in the oak wilt openings was judged to be similar to that of selection cuttings in disease-free but otherwise similar stands, and should respond in like manner.