Variation in Wound Response among Cultivars of Red Maple

Abstract

Wound closure and growth data were determined over a 2-year period for 12 cultivars of red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and branch and trunk wounds were analyzed for extent of associated discolored wood. A cultivar effect was noted in both closure and compartmentalization rates. ‘Armstrong’, ‘Doric’, ‘Gerling’, and ‘October Glory’ exhibited below average closure rates; ‘Schlesinger’, ‘Autumn Flame’, and ‘Autumn Glory’ had a more rapid closure rate in response to wounding. ‘Red Sunset’ and ‘Schlesinger’ were above average and ‘Bowhall’ and ‘Scanlon’ were below average in capacity to compartmentalize wounds. Previous years' twig extension growth was a good prediction of a plant's ability to close wounds. Higher nutrient levels of callus were associated with higher closure rates.