The chemistry of the blue stain fungi. Part 2. Some essential metal levels of diseased and healthy lodgepole pine

Abstract

The concentrations of 13 trace elements were determined in the needles and wood of a closely grouped stand of lodgepole pine infected with blue stain disease. Over 100 samples each of needles and wood from both healthy and diseased trees were analyzed to assess possible correlation between metal levels and degree of infection. Statistical analysis showed no difference in the concentrations of essential trace elements in the wood at the 95% confidence level. Differences were observed at this confidence level in the needles, however, for calcium, iron, zinc, and chromium, calcium being lower and the other three elements higher in the diseased trees. Levels of aluminum, iron, manganese, and calcium in the needles increase 20–30% per year in both diseased and healthy trees.