Effects of Eutypella Canker and Sugar Maple Borer on Merchantable Volume Loss in Sugar Maple

Eutypella canker, caused by Eutypella parasitica and sugar maple borer, Glycobius speciosus, affect sugar maple throughout its range. This study examines the effectiveness of visual inspection for assessing timber volume loss attributable to these two agents, estimates the value of that loss on a property in north central Vermont, and discusses how land managers can include control of E. parasitica and sugar maple borer in their management planning. Visual inspection alone does not appear to be reliable for estimating volume loss. The study site had an estimated loss of 3.4% of merchantable sugar maple sawtimber volume valued at $2000. This loss was not large enough to justify an intensive control program. However, a low-cost method for controlling these two agents consists of the removal of trees with Eutypella cankers and sugar maple borer scars whenever a stand is entered for silvicultural practices. North. J. Appl. For. 14(1):26-31.