FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Nyssa sylvatica | Black Tupelo 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
The effects of fire on black tupelo depends on the size of the
individual and severity of fire.  Most fires typically top-kill black
tupelo.  However, hot fires during dry periods can cause mortality and
deformity [5,55].

On the Atlantic Coastal Plain, prescribed summer fires caused some
top-kill in black tupelo up to 4 inches d.b.h (10 cm).  Top-kill
averaged 50 percent for trees 2 inches (5 cm) d.b.h. [11].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
Fire wounds can serve as entry points for various heart rot fungi [47].


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
When top-killed by fire, black tupelo sprouts prolifically, with each
individual producing several sprouts [44].  In a study conducted in the
southern Appalachians, trees 1 to 4 inches (2.5-10 cm) d.b.h. sprouted
quickly following a once-over braodcast burn [32].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Fire can be a useful management tool for controlling black tupelo and
other hardwoods.  Depending on the season and type of treatment,
repeated burning over a long period of time has been reported as an
effective control of black tupelo [38,54].  Riebold [47] suggests annual
winter prescribed burns for controlling black tupelo and other hardwoods
up to 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) d.b.h.  Black tupelo will sprout, but the
sprouts can be killed by repeated winter fires before they reach 1 to 2
inch (2.5-5 cm) d.b.h.

Repeated summer fires in the early growing season when the leaves are
fully expanded is also a very effective method of weakening and
eventually killing black tupelo [11].

Related categories for Species: Nyssa sylvatica | Black Tupelo