Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


BETSCH_Thesis_FINAL.pdf (2.37 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A Study of the Impacts of Dutch elm disease, Emerald ash borer, and Amur honeysuckle on the Flora of Rush Run Wildlife Area

Betsch, Brody Bly
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1564514690185145

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Science in Botany, Miami University, Biology.
The secondary-growth hardwood forest of Rush Run Wildlife Area (RRWA), Preble County, Ohio was studied 54 years after an initial study was conducted in 1964. Although Dutch elm disease (DED) was likely present in the area by the late 1930s to early 1940s, American elm (Ulmus americana L.) was recorded as one of the dominant canopy species (avg. relative density = 15.1%) and subcanopy species (9.0%) in 1964. Seedlings of American elm were also noted to be abundant across RRWA. Of the 17 plots used in 1964, 10 were chosen based on the previously recorded high relative density of American elm and resurveyed. By 2018, American elm was absent from the canopy, subcanopy, and seedling layers. A secondary analysis of measurements taken in 2018 that included dead standing Fraxinus spp. showed that the current loss of ash was extensive but non-impactful upon other species. Findings oppose the previous predictions that American elm can persist indefinitely in forest stands following introduction of DED but restricted to subcanopy and smaller stature. It is possible that previous studies have not allowed adequate time after introduction of DED to accurately assess the effects on American elm.
Michael Vincent, PhD (Advisor)
Richard Moore, PhD (Committee Member)
David Gorchov, PhD (Committee Member)
75 p.
Botany; Ecology; Plant Sciences
Dutch elm disease; DED; Emerald ash borer; EAB; Amur honeysuckle; American elm; Ulmus americana; Lonicera maackii; Fraxinus; secondary succession

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Betsch, B. B. (2019). A Study of the Impacts of Dutch elm disease, Emerald ash borer, and Amur honeysuckle on the Flora of Rush Run Wildlife Area [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1564514690185145

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Betsch, Brody. A Study of the Impacts of Dutch elm disease, Emerald ash borer, and Amur honeysuckle on the Flora of Rush Run Wildlife Area. 2019. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1564514690185145.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Betsch, Brody. "A Study of the Impacts of Dutch elm disease, Emerald ash borer, and Amur honeysuckle on the Flora of Rush Run Wildlife Area." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1564514690185145

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1564514690185145
288
© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.