scholarly journals Cross-scale interaction of host tree size and climatic water deficit governs bark beetle-induced tree mortality

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Koontz ◽  
Andrew M. Latimer ◽  
Leif A. Mortenson ◽  
Christopher J. Fettig ◽  
Malcolm P. North
Keyword(s):  
Water Deficit ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Dendroctonus Brevicomis ◽  
Scale Interactions ◽  
Climatic Water Deficit ◽  
Host Mortality

AbstractThe recent Californian hot drought (2012–2016) precipitated unprecedented ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) mortality, largely attributable to the western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis; WPB). Broad-scale climate conditions can directly shape tree mortality patterns, but mortality rates respond non-linearly to climate when local-scale forest characteristics influence the behavior of tree-killing bark beetles (e.g., WPB). To test for these cross-scale interactions, we conduct aerial drone surveys at 32 sites along a gradient of climatic water deficit (CWD) spanning 350 km of latitude and 1000 m of elevation in WPB-impacted Sierra Nevada forests. We map, measure, and classify over 450,000 trees within 9 km2, validating measurements with coincident field plots. We find greater size, proportion, and density of ponderosa pine (the WPB host) increase host mortality rates, as does greater CWD. Critically, we find a CWD/host size interaction such that larger trees amplify host mortality rates in hot/dry sites. Management strategies for climate change adaptation should consider how bark beetle disturbances can depend on cross-scale interactions, which challenge our ability to predict and understand patterns of tree mortality.

scholarly journals Cross-scale interaction of host tree size and climatic water deficit governs bark beetle-induced tree mortality

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Koontz ◽  
Andrew M. Latimer ◽  
Leif A. Mortenson ◽  
Christopher J. Fettig ◽  
Malcolm P. North
Keyword(s):  
Water Deficit ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Dendroctonus Brevicomis ◽  
Scale Interactions ◽  
Climatic Water Deficit ◽  
Host Mortality

The recent Californian hot drought (2012-2016) precipitated unprecedented ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) mortality, largely attributable to the western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis; WPB). Broad-scale climate conditions can directly shape tree mortality patterns, but mortality rates respond non-linearly to climate when local-scale forest characteristics influence the behavior of tree-killing bark beetles (e.g., WPB). To test for these cross-scale interactions, we conduct aerial drone surveys at 32 sites along a gradient of climatic water deficit (CWD) spanning 350 km of latitude and 1000 m of elevation in WPB-impacted Sierra Nevada forests. We map, measure, and classify over 450,000 trees within 9 km2, validating measurements with coincident field plots. We find greater size, proportion, and density of ponderosa pine (the WPB host) increase host mortality rates, as does greater CWD. Critically, we find a CWD/host size interaction such that larger trees amplify host mortality rates in hot/dry sites. Management strategies for climate change adaptation should consider how bark beetle disturbances can depend on cross-scale interactions, which challenge our ability to predict and understand patterns of tree mortality.

INFESTATION OF CERATOCYSTIS WAGENERI-INFECTED PONDEROSA PINES BY BARK BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE) IN THE CENTRAL SIERRA NEVADA

1980 ◽  
Vol 112 (7) ◽  
pp. 725-730 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Goheen ◽  
F. W. Cobb
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Dendroctonus Brevicomis ◽  
Disease Category ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Periodic Examination ◽  
Apparently Healthy

AbstractThe relationship between bark beetle infestation of ponderosa pine and severity of infection by Ceratocystis wageneri was investigated by closely monitoring 256 trees (136 apparently healthy, 60 moderately diseased, and 60 severely diseased at initiation of study) for beetle infestation from summer 1972 to fall 1975. Disease ratings were updated by periodic examination, and some trees changed disease category during the study. Ninety trees were infested by Dendroctonus brevicomis, D. ponderosae, or both, five by buprestids alone, and one tree died from effects of the pathogen alone. Sixty-two of the beetle-infested trees were severely diseased at time of infestation, 25 were moderately diseased, and only three were apparently healthy. Thus, the results showed that bark beetles were much more likely to infest infected than healthy trees. Among diseased trees, those with advanced infections were most likely to be infested. There was evidence that buprestids (especially Melanophila spp.) and possibly Ips spp. attacked diseased trees prior to Dendroctonus spp. infestation.

Blacks Mountain Experimental Forest: bark beetle responses to differences in forest structure and the application of prescribed fire in interior ponderosa pineThis article is one of a selection of papers from the Special Forum on Ecological Studies in Interior Ponderosa Pine — First Findings from Blacks Mountain Interdisciplinary Research.

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 924-935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Fettig ◽  
Robert R. Borys ◽  
Stephen R. McKelvey ◽  
Christopher P. Dabney
Keyword(s):  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Prescribed Fire ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Dendroctonus Brevicomis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Low Diversity ◽  
High Diversity

Mechanical thinning and the application of prescribed fire are commonly used tools in the restoration of fire-adapted forest ecosystems. However, few studies have explored their effects on subsequent amounts of bark beetle caused tree mortality in interior ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex P. & C. Laws. var. ponderosa. In this study, we examined bark beetle responses to creation of midseral (low diversity) and late-seral stages (high diversity) and the application of prescribed fire on 12 experimental units ranging in size from 76 to 136 ha. A total of 9500 (5.0% of all trees) Pinus and Abies trees died 2 years after treatment of which 28.8% (2733 trees) was attributed to bark beetle colonization. No significant difference in the mean percentage of trees colonized by bark beetles was found between low diversity and high diversity. The application of prescribed fire resulted in significant increases in bark beetle caused tree mortality (all species) and for western pine beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte, mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, Ips spp., and fir engraver, Scolytus ventralis LeConte, individually. Approximately 85.6% (2339 trees) of all bark beetle caused tree mortality occurred on burned split plots. The implications of these and other results to sustainable forest management are discussed.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Two Systemic Insecticides for Protecting Western Conifers from Mortality Due to Bark Beetle Attack

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald M. Grosman ◽  
Christopher J. Fettig ◽  
Carl L. Jorgensen ◽  
A. Steven Munson
Keyword(s):  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Dendroctonus Brevicomis ◽  
Emamectin Benzoate ◽  
The Third ◽  
Systemic Insecticides ◽  
Pine Beetle

Abstract Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) are important tree mortality agents in western coniferous forests. Protection of individual trees from bark beetle attack has historically involved applications of liquid formulations of contact insecticides to the tree bole using hydraulic sprayers. More recently, researchers looking for more portable and environmentally safe alternatives have examined the effectiveness of injecting small quantities of systemic insecticides directly into trees. In this study, we evaluated trunk injections of experimental formulations of emamectin benzoate and fipronil for preventing tree mortality due to attack by western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte) on ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) in California, mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) in Idaho, and spruce beetle (D. rufipennis [Kirby]) on Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm.) in Utah. Fipronil appeared ineffective for protecting P. ponderosa from mortality due to D. brevicomis over the 3 years in California because of insufficient mortality of untreated, baited control trees the first 2 years and high mortality of the fipronil-treated trees in the third year. Emamectin benzoate was effective in providing protection of P. ponderosa from D. brevicomis during the third year following a single application. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the successful application of a systemic insecticide for protecting individual conifers from mortality due to bark beetle attack in the western United States. Estimates of efficacy could not be made during both field seasons in P. contorta because of insufficient mortality in control trees. Both emamectin benzoate and fipronil were ineffective for protecting P. engelmannii from D. rufipennis. Lower ambient and soil temperatures and soil moisture may have limited chemical movement and thus efficacy at the Idaho and Utah sites.

Tree mortality patterns following prescribed fires in a mixed conifer forest

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (12) ◽  
pp. 3222-3238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leda Kobziar ◽  
Jason Moghaddas ◽  
Scott L Stephens
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Conifer Forest ◽  
Mixed Conifer ◽  
Mixed Conifer Forest ◽  
White Fir

During the late fall of 2002 we administered three burns in mixed conifer forest sites in the north-central Sierra Nevada. Eight months later we measured fire-induced injury and mortality in 1300 trees. Using logistic regression, an array of crown scorch, stem damage, fuels, and fire-behavior variables were examined for their influence on tree mortality. In Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), white fir (Abies concolor (Gord. & Glend.) Lindl.), and incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens (Torr.) Florin), smaller trees with greater total crown damage had higher mortality rates. Smaller stem diameters and denser canopies predicted mortality best in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex P. Laws. & C. Laws). Duff consumption and bark char severity increased model discrimination for white fir and incense cedar and California black oak (Quercus kelloggii Newberry), respectively. In tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus (Hook. & Arn.) Rehd.), greater total crown damage in shorter trees resulted in higher mortality rates. Along with tree diameter and consumption of large (>7.6 cm diameter at breast height, DBH) rotten downed woody debris, fire intensity was a significant predictor of overall tree mortality for all species. Mortality patterns for white fir in relation to crown damage were similar among sites, while those for incense cedar were not, which suggests that species in replicated sites responded differently to similar burns. Our results demonstrate actual fire-behavior data incorporated into mortality models, and can be used to design prescribed burns for targeted reduction of tree density in mixed conifer forests.

THE ARRIVAL SEQUENCE OF THE ARTHROPOD COMPLEX FOLLOWING ATTACK BY DENDROCTONUS BREVICOMIS (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE) IN PONDEROSA PINE

1976 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick M. Stephen ◽  
Donald L. Dahlsten
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Dendroctonus Brevicomis ◽  
Height Distribution ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Roptrocerus Xylophagorum ◽  
Sierra Nevada Mountains ◽  
Enoclerus Lecontei

AbstractContinuous trapping on the bark surface of Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte infested trees in the central Sierra Nevada mountains was undertaken with the objective of determining the spatial and temporal arrival patterns of the natural enemies and other insect associates of the western pine beetle. Over 100 species of D. brevicomis associates were collected and patterns of arrival were described for many of these. The main bark beetle predators were trapped during D. brevicomis mass arrival and shortly thereafter. Enoclerus lecontei, Temnochila chlorodia, and Aulonium longum, all predaceous beetles on D. brevicomis adults and larvae, were among the first species to arrive, as was Medetera aldrichii (Diptera), a larval predator. The bark beetle parasites Roptrocerus xylophagorum and Dinotiscus (=Cecidostiba) burkei (Hymenoptera) were well synchronized with the beetles’ life cycle as they arrived late in the beetles’ larval stages when suitable hosts were available.Approximately twice as many associates were trapped in the first (spring) beetle generation as in the second (fall). Differences between species with regard to height distribution were common, and these often varied with seasonal beetle generation.Calculations of changes in species diversity through time, of the associate complex trapped at the bark surface, were made for both the first and second beetle generation. Linear correlation analysis indicated a highly significant increase in species diversity occurred from the time of the beetles’ mass arrival until brood emergence. This increase may correspond to an increase in diversity of the structure of the subcortical community, as more insect species arrived and progressively modified the habitat of the newly killed tree.

Forest mortality in high-elevation whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) forests of eastern California, USA; influence of environmental context, bark beetles, climatic water deficit, and warming

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 749-765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance I. Millar ◽  
Robert D. Westfall ◽  
Diane L. Delany ◽  
Matthew J. Bokach ◽  
Alan L. Flint ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Deficit ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Mountain Pine Beetle ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Pinus Albicaulis ◽  
Whitebark Pine ◽  
Climatic Water Deficit

Whitebark pine ( Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) in subalpine zones of eastern California experienced significant mortality from 2007 to 2010. Dying stands were dense (mean basal area 47.5 m2/ha), young (mean 176 years), and even-age; mean stand mortality was 70%. Stands were at low elevations (mean 2993 m), on northerly aspects, and experienced warmer, drier climates relative to the regional species distribution. White pine blister rust was not observed; mountain pine beetle infestations were extensive. Ring widths were negatively correlated with climatic water deficit and positively correlated with water-year precipitation. Although trees that survived had greater growth during the 20th century than trees that died, in the 19th century trees that eventually died grew better than trees that survived, suggesting selection for genetic adaptation to current climates as a result of differential tree mortality. Air surveys (2006–2010) in the Sierra Nevada, Mt. Shasta, and Warner Mountains showed similar trends to the intensive studies. Observed mortality from air surveys was highest in the Warner Mountains (38%) and lowest in the Sierra Nevada (5%); northern aspects at lower elevations within each mountain region had the highest probabilities of mortality and dying stands had higher climatic water deficit. Scenarios for the future of whitebark pine in California are discussed.

scholarly journals Interactions between Climate and Stand Conditions Predict Pine Mortality during a Bark Beetle Outbreak

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 360
Author(s):  
Paul J. Chisholm ◽  
Camille S. Stevens-Rumann ◽  
Thomas Seth Davis
Keyword(s):  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Tree Stand ◽  
Tree Diameter

In temperate coniferous forests, biotic disturbances such as bark beetle outbreaks can result in widespread tree mortality. The characteristics of individual trees and stands, such as tree diameter and stand density, often influence the probability of tree mortality during a bark beetle outbreak. However, it is unclear if these relationships are mediated by climate. To test this, we assembled tree mortality data for over 3800 ponderosa pine trees from Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots measured before and after a mountain pine beetle outbreak in the Black Hills, South Dakota, USA. Logistic models were used to determine which tree, stand, and climate characteristics were associated with the probability of mortality. Interactions were tested between significant climate variables and significant tree/stand variables. Our analysis revealed that mortality rates were lower in trees with higher live crown ratios. Mortality rates rose in response to increasing tree diameter, stand basal area (both from ponderosa pine and non-ponderosa pine), and elevation. Below 1500 m, the mortality rate was ~1%, while above 1700 m, the rate increased to ~30%. However, the association between elevation and mortality risk was buffered by precipitation, such that relatively moist high-elevation stands experienced less mortality than relatively dry high-elevation stands. Tree diameter, crown ratio, and stand density affected tree mortality independent of precipitation. This study demonstrates that while stand characteristics affect tree susceptibility to bark beetles, these relationships may be mediated by climate. Thus, both site and stand level characteristics should be considered when implementing management treatments to reduce bark beetle susceptibility.

scholarly journals Nonhost Angiosperm Volatiles and Verbenone Protect Individual Ponderosa Pines from Attack by Western Pine Beetle and Red Turpentine Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae)

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Fettig ◽  
Christopher P. Dabney ◽  
Stephen R. McKelvey ◽  
Dezene P.W. Huber
Keyword(s):  
Benzyl Alcohol ◽  
Bark Beetle ◽  
Pinus Ponderosa ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Dendroctonus Brevicomis ◽  
First Report ◽  
Western Pine Beetle ◽  
Dendroctonus Valens ◽  
Pine Beetle

Abstract Nonhost angiosperm volatiles (NAV) and verbenone were tested for their ability to protect individual ponderosa pines, Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex. Laws., from attack by western pine beetle (WPB), Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte, and red turpentine beetle (RTB), Dendroctonus valens LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae). A combination of (−)-verbenone and eight NAVs [benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, guaiacol, nonanal, salicylaldehyde, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, and (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol] (NAVV) significantly reduced the density of WPB attacks and WPB successful attacks on attractant-baited trees. A significantly higher percentage of pitchouts (unsuccessful WPB attacks) occurred on NAVV-treated trees during two of three sample dates. In addition, significantly fewer RTB attacks were observed on NAVV-treated trees during all sampling dates. The application of NAVV to individual ponderosa pines significantly reduced tree mortality, with only 4 of 30 attractant-baited trees dying from bark beetle attack while 50% mortality (15/30) was observed in the untreated, baited control. To our knowledge, this is the first report establishing the effectiveness of NAVs and verbenone for protecting individual ponderosa pines from WPB attack.

THE TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL ARRIVAL PATTERN OF DENDROCTONUS BREVICOMIS IN PONDEROSA PINE

1976 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick M. Stephen ◽  
Donald L. Dahlsten
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
Dendroctonus Brevicomis ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Significant Linear Correlation ◽  
Sierra Nevada Mountains ◽  
Temporal And Spatial ◽  
The University ◽  
Arrival Pattern

AbstractContinuous trapping on the bark surface of trees infested with Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte was carried out during six beetle generations from June 1969 to November 1971, at the University of California’s Blodgett Forest Research Station in the central Sierra Nevada mountains. Significant linear correlation was found between the density of D. brevicomis trapped on the surface of infested trees and the initial within-tree beetle densities. In the first beetle generation, mass arrival was rapid and intense (averaging 1167 beetles per 2.7 sq. dm of trapping surface on each tree, during a mean of 8.8 days). The arrival patterns during this generation were quite consistent between trees. During the second generation, mass arrival was prolonged over a mean of 19.4 days and fewer beetles were trapped ( per 2.7 dm2 of trapping area per tree). The patterns of arrival were more variable during this second generation. In generation 1, with the exception of one tree, the beetles were distributed equally at the three trapping heights (4.5, 7.5, and 10.5 m). In generation 2 they were more abundant on the traps at the lower portions of the tree.

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