This document summarizes a study on Beech Bark Disease. The study looked at how nitrogen to phosphorus ratios (N:P) in beech bark influences fungal lesion development, and whether treatments altering N/P levels impact disease severity, insect populations, or fungal growth. Samples were taken from beech trees in plots receiving different N/P treatments, including bark collections and long-term photography of marked trees. Analysis of images and fungal samples sought correlations between N/P levels and disease symptoms to better understand factors influencing the disease complex.

1. Beech Bark Disease
Bugs and Fun-Guys
An Nguyen / Mentor: Mariann Johnston
Thank you Ben and Dan for helping with the project!
Image credit: Jon Cale Image credit: Mariann Johnston Image credit: main.nc.us

2. Background:
- Higher N:P in bark predisposes beech to
fungal lesion development. (Cale et al. 2015)
- X. betulae might also be a causal agent in
the BBD disease complex.
Bartlett mid (C6) and old age (C7, C8)
stands:
- 5 beech trees per plot
- 8 frames painted per tree, for long-
term photographing and monitoring
- Fungal sample collection
Questions:
Is severity of BBD correlated with N:P
balance? And/or N/P treatment?
Correlation of bugs and fun-guys with
treatment?
Remaining work:
- Image analysis
- Fungal
identification
- Culturing
Neonectria

3. Background:
- Higher N:P in bark predisposes beech to
fungal lesion development. (Cale et al. 2015)
- X. betulae might also be a causal agent in
the BBD disease complex.
Bartlett mid (C6) and old age (C7, C8)
stands:
- 5 beech trees per plot
- 8 frames painted per tree, for long-
term photographing and monitoring
- Fungal sample collection
Questions:
Is severity of BBD correlated with N:P
balance? And/or N/P treatment?
Correlation of bugs and fun-guys with
treatment?
Remaining work:
- Image analysis
- Fungal
identification
- Culturing
Neonectria
Image analysis methods after Teale et al. (2009)