Direct-Seeding vs. Containerized Transplantation of American Chestnuts on Loose Mine Spoil in the Cumberland Plateau

Abstract:  American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) was formerly an important timber and nut producing hardwood species throughout much of eastern North America.  The introduction of an Asiatic fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr) in the early 20^th century resulted in a epidemic that decimated C. dentata populations.  The American Chestnut Foundation plans to release blight-resistant chestnut hybrids that are approximately 15/16 American chestnut in character in a widespread restoration program.  For the restoration to be successful, more information must be attained about the site requirements, establishment, and growth of American chestnut.  The establishment of founder populations of blight-resistant chestnut hybrids which may then act as reservoirs for chestnut dispersal into surrounding forests throughout the Appalachian coal region may aid in the restoration effort.  Four family lines of American chestnuts were planted using two planting techniques were replicated three times on freshly dumped mine-run spoil in the Cumberland Plateau region of eastern Kentucky.  The two planting techniques are direct-seeding and transplantation from container-grown seedlings.  Both planting techniques show approximately 80% initial survival after one growing season and preliminary data indicate that there are no significant differences between the two planting techniques in height growth, diameter growth, or survival.  Phytophthora, a root rot pathogen that has hindered chestnut breeding and restoration efforts is of special concern and the spoil is being baited and seedling mortality monitored to determine whether or not it will prove problematic for chestnut restoration on these sites.