A study on community dynamics of a cool temperate oak (Quercus crispula) forest damaged heavily by oak wilt disease using field experiment.

We set two 50-m x 50-m study plots in cool temperate deciduous broadleaved forest on south facing slope of Kinpoku Mt., Sado Isl (480 m a.s.l.). One plot was used for monitoring, and another was used for field experiments with special reference to forest floor condition. 25 sets of sub plot for the field experiment were set regularly in the 50-m x 50-m plot, and four treatment was made; 1) excavation of soil surface, 2) removal of evergreen shrub layer, 3) excavation + shrub removal and 4) control. Seedling emergence and its demography was recorded at the four conditions.

Oak mortarity rate was 62.3% in all stem basal area base in study plot.

The positive effect of the treatment to seedling establishment (Ilex lanuginosa, Phellodendron amurense, Cornus contraversa and Castanea crenata) was clearly observed at treatment 2 and 4. Thus, removing shrub layer after mass dieback by oak wilt disease could have effect to accelerate quick seed regeneration. Excavation was, on the other hand, did not show remarkable difference comparing to control.