Postfire survival in south Florida slash pine: interacting effects of fire intensity, fire season, vegetation, burn size, and bark beetles

2001 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric S. Menges ◽  
Mark A. Deyrup
Keyword(s):  
Bark Beetles ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Fire Season ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
South Central ◽  
Season Of Burn ◽  
In Fire

We used path analysis to examine postfire survival of south Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) at Archbold Biological Station in south-central Florida. We considered the interacting factors of bark beetle infestation, fire intensity (estimated by bark char, percentage of canopy green, and other measures), season of burn, burn size, and vegetation structure and composition. Trees were sampled in 24 burned areas for 3 years after each fire. Fires on recently-burned sites (5–19 years since previous fire) killed fewer trees (44% mortality) than fires on sites > 25 years postfire (71%). For long-unburned sites, we used multiple regression to examine 35 variables and form a path model linking nine variables at four levels. Pine survival was most affected by season of burn; fall burns decreased survival indirectly through increases in fire intensity. Higher mortality was associated with greater char height, larger area burned, more intense attacks by the beetle Platypus, occurrence of hickory scrub or flatwoods vegetation, and complete needle consumption. The final path model explained over 90% of the variation in pine survival. It suggested that beetle effects reflect fire intensity, and detailed many complex interactions. Both preburn and fire intensity data were needed to explain a high amount of variance. Analyses of survival within burns produced similar results, but added some patterns due to vegetation differences within burns and higher survival for larger trees. Fire-induced south Florida slash pine mortality did not spread to trees growing in adjacent, unburned areas. Fire intensity may influence pine densities over the upland landscape in all but the most xeric and hydric sites. Fire management to maximize pine survival is feasible, but management for landscape heterogeneity will tolerate variation in fire intensity and pine survival.

scholarly journals Twenty-first century droughts have not increasingly exacerbated fire season severity in the Brazilian Amazon

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Libonati ◽  
J. M. C. Pereira ◽  
C. C. Da Camara ◽  
L. F. Peres ◽  
D. Oom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fires ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
First Century ◽  
Fire Season ◽  
Fire Intensity ◽  
Amazon Forest ◽  
Active Fire ◽  
Fire Activity ◽  
Twenty First Century ◽  
In Fire

AbstractBiomass burning in the Brazilian Amazon is modulated by climate factors, such as droughts, and by human factors, such as deforestation, and land management activities. The increase in forest fires during drought years has led to the hypothesis that fire activity decoupled from deforestation during the twenty-first century. However, assessment of the hypothesis relied on an incorrect active fire dataset, which led to an underestimation of the decreasing trend in fire activity and to an inflated rank for year 2015 in terms of active fire counts. The recent correction of that database warrants a reassessment of the relationships between deforestation and fire. Contrasting with earlier findings, we show that the exacerbating effect of drought on fire season severity did not increase from 2003 to 2015 and that the record-breaking dry conditions of 2015 had the least impact on fire season of all twenty-first century severe droughts. Overall, our results for the same period used in the study that originated the fire-deforestation decoupling hypothesis (2003–2015) show that decoupling was clearly weaker than initially proposed. Extension of the study period up to 2019, and novel analysis of trends in fire types and fire intensity strengthened this conclusion. Therefore, the role of deforestation as a driver of fire activity in the region should not be underestimated and must be taken into account when implementing measures to protect the Amazon forest.

Pinus elliottii (slash pine).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Praciak
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Solid Wood ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Wood Products ◽  
Dendroctonus Frontalis ◽  
Small Range ◽  
Timber Species ◽  
Tree Form

Abstract P. elliottii var. elliottii is an important timber species native to the lower coastal plain within the southeastern USA. Because of its rapid early growth and its production of highly valuable wood products, it has been widely introduced into other countries. As an exotic, it is used in Africa, especially in southern Africa, and in Australia and South America for various products ranging from lumber to pulpwood. In Brazil, it makes an important contribution to the resin production industry. The preferred method of regenerating P. elliottii is by clearcutting followed by chemical or mechanical site preparation, then direct seeding or planting of nursery stock. Although natural regeneration by seedtree, shelterwood, or group selection is an option, availability of genetically superior stock usually makes planting the favoured method of regeneration. Rotation lengths vary according to product objective. The optimum pulpwood rotation is about 25 years. In unthinned plantations, this age increases to 30 from 23 years as density increases and site index declines. South Florida slash pine (P. elliottii var. densa) is characterized by a grasslike, almost stemless stage, that lasts for 2 to 6 years. Variety densa has a small range, a less desirable tree form than var. elliottii, and is more difficult to regenerate. P. elliottii is particularly susceptible to fusiform rust (caused by Cronartium fusiforme) and is frequently attacked by the southern pine bark beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis). The best protection against insect attack is to maintain vigorous, healthy stands through good forest management. The wood is used for a wide variety of products. Markets and size and quality of the material determine whether it is used for sawlogs, veneer logs, poles, pilings, posts, pulpwood, particle board, or chip-n-saw logs. The straightness of the bole makes P. elliottii particularly suited for poles, pilings, and solid-wood products. Although it may often grow more slowly than P. patula and P. taeda, it can produce higher pulpwood yields due to its higher wood density. P. elliottii yields the best quality and highest quantity of commercial turpentine of all American pitch pines (Streets, 1962). However, this use has declined significantly as other sources of resins have become more readily available.

scholarly journals Tree-Ring Based Reconstruction of Historical Fire in an Endangered Ecosystem in the Florida Keys

Fire ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Lauren A. Stachowiak ◽  
Maegen L. Rochner ◽  
Elizabeth A. Schneider ◽  
Grant L. Harley ◽  
Savannah A. Collins-Key ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fire History ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Florida Keys ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Natural Fire ◽  
Natural Fires ◽  
History Of

Big Pine Key, Florida, is home to one of Earth’s largest swaths of the critically-endangered dry forests. Known as pine rocklands, this fire-adapted ecosystem must experience regular fire to persist and remain healthy. Pine rocklands are composed of a sole canopy species: the South Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa), along with a dense understory of various woody and herbaceous species, and minimal surface moisture and soil development. Slash pine record wildfire activity of the surrounding area via fire scars preserved within the annual tree rings formed by the species. Our study used dendrochronology to investigate the fire history of the pine rocklands on Big Pine Key, specifically within and around the National Key Deer Refuge (NKDR) because it is the largest segment of unfragmented pine rockland on the island. We combined the results found within the NKDR with those of a previous study completed in 2011, and incorporated historical documents and reports of prescribed and natural fires through November 2019 into our evaluation of fire history on Big Pine Key. We conclude that prescribed burning practices are vital to truly restore natural fire behavior, and repeated burning on these islands in the future must be prioritized.

scholarly journals Avian Breeding Season Diversity and Community Composition in Camden White Gum and Slash Pine Plantations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth J Messick ◽  
Christopher E Comer ◽  
Michael A Blazier ◽  
T Bently Wigley
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Community Composition ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
The United States ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Planted Forests ◽  
Eucalyptus Plantation ◽  
Short Rotation Woody Crops ◽  
Eucalyptus Plantations

Abstract In the southern United States, some landowners have established plantations of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) and are managing them on short rotations (<15 years) to provide wood for fiber and other potential uses. Establishment of short-rotation woody crops dominated by nonnative species has implications for resident fauna in the United States that are largely unknown. We compared avifauna abundance, diversity, and community composition in newly established Camden white gum (Eucalyptus benthamii) plantations with slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantations of the same age and height (one to two and six to seven years old, respectively) in southwestern Louisiana, USA. Species richness, diversity, and community composition in newly established eucalyptus plantations and six- to seven-year-old pines were similar. More birds were observed, and bird detections varied less in eucalyptus plantations. Indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea) and other shrub-associated species were detected more often in eucalyptus stands. In contrast, species that inhabit herbaceous-dominated communities, such as eastern meadowlarks (Sturnella magna), or that were associated with a dense graminoid community (e.g., Bachman’s sparrow [Peucaea aestivalis]) were detected less often in eucalyptus. Overall, breeding bird communities in eucalyptus plantations one to two years postestablishment differed little from plantations dominated by slash pine. Study Implications Compared with slash pine (Pinus elliottii Englem) plantations of similar age and height (one to two years and six to seven years old, respectively) we found one- to two-year-old eucalyptus (Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden & Cambage) plantations supported similar avian species richness and diversity to six- to seven-year-old pine stands. Furthermore, we found these eucalyptus plantations (E13) supported an avian community that was intermediate to similar aged pine (S13) and pine of similar height (S08). However, avian communities will likely change as eucalyptus plantations age (Christian et al. 1997). Continued monitoring and assessment of community composition, richness, and abundance is important for determining the magnitude of this change. Future investigations focused on nest success, fecundity, postfledging monitoring, and survivorship compared with other types of planted forests and native cover types would help us better understand eucalyptus plantation effects on avifauna demographics (Van Horne 1983, Martin 1998, Jones 2001, Wood et al. 2004, Sage et al. 2006, Riffell et al. 2011).

Karyotype of Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii) Using Patterns of Fluorescence in situ Hybridization and Fluorochrome Banding

1995 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Doudrick ◽  
J. S. Heslop-Harrison ◽  
C. D. Nelson ◽  
T. Schmidt ◽  
W. L. Nance ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Fluorochrome Banding

Breeding for improved growth and juvenile corewood stiffness in slash pine

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 1886-1893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaobo Li ◽  
Dudley A. Huber ◽  
Gregory L. Powell ◽  
Timothy L. White ◽  
Gary F. Peter
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Tree Improvement ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Narrow Sense Heritability ◽  
Improvement Programs

The importance of integrating measures of juvenile corewood mechanical properties, modulus of elasticity in particular, with growth and disease resistance in tree improvement programs has increased. We investigated the utility of in-tree velocity stiffness measurements to estimate the genetic control of corewood stiffness and to select for trees with superior growth and stiffness in a progeny trial of 139 families of slash pine, Pinus elliottii Engelm. grown on six sites. Narrow-sense heritability estimates across all six sites for in-tree acoustic velocity stiffness at 8 years (0.42) were higher than observed for height (0.36) and diameter at breast height (DBH) (0.28) at 5 years. The overall type B genetic correlation across sites for velocity stiffness was 0.68, comparable to those found for DBH and volume growth, indicating that family rankings were moderately repeatable across all sites for these traits. No significant genetic correlations were observed between velocity stiffness, DBH, and volume growth. In contrast, a significant, but small, favorable genetic correlation was found between height and velocity stiffness. Twenty percent of the families had positive breeding values for both velocity stiffness and growth. The low cost, high heritability and nearly independent segregation of the genes involved with in-tree velocity stiffness and growth traits indicate that acoustic methods can be integrated into tree improvement programs to breed for improved corewood stiffness along with growth in slash pine.

Variation among slash pine families in chlorophyll fluorescence traits

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1102-1109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita C Koehn ◽  
James H Roberds ◽  
Robert L Doudrick
Keyword(s):  
Photosystem Ii ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Nonphotochemical Quenching ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Photochemical Quenching ◽  
Full Sibling ◽  
Pretreatment Effects ◽  
Pattern Of Variation ◽  
Variance Profile

Photochemical quenching, nonphotochemical quenching, and yield of photosystem II were measured on seedlings of full-sibling, open-, and self-pollinated slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii) families. Our results reveal that genetic variation in photochemical quenching and yield of photosystem II exists within this species. The pattern of variation found in these traits is consistent with the variance profile expected to occur as a result of segregation among nuclear genes. Variation among families accounted for 17% of the total variation observed in photochemical quenching, whereas the component for trees within families made up slightly more than 25% of the total. Less variation, both among families as well as among trees within families, was found for yield of photosystem II. A strikingly different pattern was observed for nonphotochemical quenching. Other than the error term, only pretreatment effects contributed significantly to the variation observed. This suggests that nonphotochemical quenching is largely influenced by environmental factors. With regard to associations between fluorescence and growth traits, both height and diameter growth were found to be positively correlated with photochemical quenching (0.36 and 0.33, respectively) when selfed and open-pollinated families were analyzed along with control-pollinated families.

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