Assessment of relationship between host characteristics with the severity and occurrence of charcoal disease in oak forests of Golestan

The oak charcoal disease is an agent oak decline in forests of Iran, but there is no accurate information about risks and its threats. Therefore, in order to evaluate the relationship between severity of disease and host characteristics (diameter at breast height, crown position and trunk length), 385 oaks (Quercus castaneifolia) were considered by using pointcentered quarter method in Qoruq Forest Park. These oak trees were grouped in five levels based on the health status (healthy, low, moderate, severe and declines). For data analysis, Poisson regression, one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis and Duncan's test were applied by using R statistical software. The results showed that severity of disease had a significant relationship with diameter at breast height and crown position but the effect of trunk length was not significant. The Poisson regression analysis results showed that by increasing exp=(0.7)= 2.013 cm in diameter, it is expected the damage grade level rises one degree. Furthermore, the highest percentage of disease incidence and severity had occurred in the trees with a diameter greater than 35 cm and with middle crown position. In general, it can be concluded that the individual characteristics of trees can be influential factors in the severity and epidemic of the charcoal disease in oak trees.The development of epidemic models needs to better understanding of how the properties of the host influence the severity and spread of charcoal disease in long-term course of the disease.