Figure 20.  Sources of dwarf mistletoe inoculum for a young stand, in order of importance. In the scenario used for illustration, a shelterwood has been established in a larger infested area, but a similar pattern could be established by mixed-severity wildfire. Sources of infection are: 1) residual overstory trees after seedling establishment; 2) pre-existing (advanced) regeneration that is infected; 3) spread from infected trees at the border of the treated area; and 4) vectoring of seed by wildlife. The first is critically important, the last is usually considered unimportant from a disease management perspective. BACK