What technique involves cutting a band around a tree stem to disrupt sugar flow?

• A. Frilling
• B. Girding
• C. Foliar spraying
• D. Root application

Answer: (B)

Girding, or girdling, is the correct technique that involves cutting a band around a tree stem, disrupting the flow of nutrients such as sugars. This method is often used to kill a tree or inhibit its growth because it effectively severs the vascular system. By removing a strip of bark from around the circumference of the tree, the transport of sugars produced in the leaves down to the roots is halted, while the roots continue to send water and minerals up to the leaves. This imbalance ultimately leads to the death of the tree due to starvation.

Other methods listed, such as frilling, foliar spraying, and root application, serve different purposes in weed management or tree control. Frilling is a technique where small cuts are made into the bark to allow herbicide to enter more easily, while foliar spraying involves applying herbicides directly to the leaves, and root application delivers chemicals to the root system. None of these methods specifically target the disruption of sugar flow in the same manner as girding does.