Intensification of Ash Decline in New York State from 1962 Through 1980. J. D. Castello, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse 13210. S. B. Silverborg, Professor Emeritus, and P. D. Manion, Professor, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse 13210. Plant Dis. 69:243-246. Accepted for publication 11 September 1984. Copyright 1985 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-69-243.

Incidence and severity of decline of white ash (Fraxinus americana) were monitored periodically in New York State from 1962 through 1980. From 1962 through 1970 in one set of plots, mortality increased linearly at about 6.3% per year. From 1968 through 1980 in a second set of plots established in 1968, mortality increased linearly at about 3.3% per year. The relationship between the incidence, severity, and rate of ash decline development and spring drought conditions as represented by the Palmer Drought Index was not distinct.