Insect herbivore responses to management practices in conifer forests in North America

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2008

Abstract

Pine-dominated forests in southeastern North America and at low-to-mid elevations in western North America historically were characterized by frequent, low-intensity fire that maintained wide spacing of site-adapted tree species, conditions that optimized biochemical defenses of trees and dispersal distances of herbivorous insects. Mixed conifer forests at higher elevations were wetter, denser, and characterized by infrequent stand-replacing fire and relatively isolated insect outbreaks. Increased density and altered tree species composition in managed forests have increased forest vulnerability to extensive outbreaks of bark beetles and defoliators. Herbivore-generated tree mortality and litter accumulation increase the likelihood of catastrophic fire. Management practices that produce an appropriate mixture of site-adapted tree species and wide host spacing are recommended to minimize the negative effects of herbivorous insects and fire. However, the creation of stumps, as a result of mechanical thinning, can favor lower-bole and root-colonizing insects that also may vector root diseases. © 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Sustainable Forestry

First Page

204

Last Page

222

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