Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
We used the Ripley’s K function to describe the spatial dynamics of chestnut blight
(Cryphonectria parasitica (Murrill) Barr) in sweet chestnut orchards to look at pattern in the
pathogen distribution over time and the effect of the location of infected trees on the pattern of
disease spread. We used data on infected and dead trees in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2009 in 4
orchards located in Curopos parish, Portugal. We found both random and aggregated patterns of
infected trees in the beginning of the study period and significant association of infected trees
between successive dates, particularly at short distances. Two of the 4 studied orchards showed
significant clustering of infected and dead trees in any of the dates observed but random spatial
pattern in the remaining two which can possibly be explained by both natural propagation of the
disease and management practices.
Description
Keywords
Cryphonectria parasitica Chestnut blight Ripley’s K function Portugal
Citation
Azevedo, J.C.; Coelho, V.; Castro, J.P. ; Spínola; D.; Gouveia; E. (2010). Spatial dynamics of chestnut blight disease at the plot level using the Ripley’s K function. In Azevedo, J.C., M. Feliciano, J. Castro and M.A. Pinto (Eds.) Forest Landscapes and Global Change - New Frontiers in Management, Conservation and Restoration. Proceedings of the IUFRO Landscape Ecology Working Group International Conference. Bragança. p. 456-161. ISBN 978-972-745-110-4