Article
Ecology
Yanzhuo Liu, Gean Rodrigues Anastacio, Guncha Ishangulyyeva, Jean C. Rodriguez-Ramos, Nadir Erbilgin
Summary: Recent studies have focused on the interactions between mutualistic bark beetles and ophiostomatoid fungi, showing how volatile organic compounds emitted by mutualist fungi can influence bark beetle behaviors. This study investigated the effects of a beetle pheromone, host tree volatiles, and their combination on the growth and biomass of two mutualistic fungi. The results suggest that both Grosmannia clavigera and Ophiostoma montium can utilize bark beetle pheromones and host tree volatiles as nutrient sources, supporting further research on the role of volatile organic compounds in mediating mutualistic bark beetle-fungi interactions.
Article
Ecology
Vanessa Agbulu, Rashaduz Zaman, Guncha Ishangulyyeva, James F. Cahill, N. Erbilgin
Summary: This study showed that host defense metabolites impact the suitability of hosts to bark beetles by influencing their fungal symbionts, and different species of fungal symbionts respond differently to host monoterpene blends.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandra Howell, Mario Bretfeld, Erica Belmont
Summary: This study compared and analyzed the combustion of healthy trees and trees killed by bark beetles in a forest fire in southeast Wyoming, USA, to explore the impact of beetle-induced mortality on carbon. Results showed that PyC production and energy output in beetle-killed boles were significantly higher than in healthy boles.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Paul J. Chisholm, Camille S. Stevens-Rumann, Thomas Seth Davis
Summary: In temperate coniferous forests, the probability of tree mortality during bark beetle outbreaks is influenced by factors such as tree diameter, stand density, and elevation. The study found that mortality rates were lower in trees with higher live crown ratios, and rose with increasing tree diameter, stand basal area, and elevation. The association between elevation and mortality risk was buffered by precipitation, with dry high-elevation stands experiencing more mortality than moist high-elevation stands. Tree diameter, crown ratio, and stand density affected tree mortality independent of precipitation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Aziz Ullah, Jennifer G. Klutsch, Nadir Erbilgin
Summary: Intraspecific variation in conifers has been studied in terms of defense against herbivores and pathogens, showing the influence of different compounds on insects and microbes. Research on biologically relevant defense compounds among tree populations is necessary. Variation in lodgepole pine monoterpenes was characterized in a progeny trial, revealing different effects on the mountain pine beetle and its fungal symbiont. The study highlights a co-evolutionary arms-race resulting in complementary defense metabolites among pine populations to enhance tree survival.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Zach M. Smith, Kevin D. Chase, Etsuro Takagi, Aubree M. Kees, Brian H. Aukema
Summary: The study found that using ipsenol, an aggregation pheromone of Ips grandicollis, on jack pine logs can attract more Ips grandicollis compared to logs baited with pheromones of mountain pine beetle and host volatiles. The presence of lures for mountain pine beetle inhibits colonization by Ips grandicollis, while longhorn borers are more attracted to logs baited with ipsenol. These results suggest that common bark and woodboring species like Ips grandicollis and longhorn borers may not compete with mountain pine beetles at tree-colonizing stages, posing little resistance to invasion if mountain pine beetle were to invade the Great Lakes Region.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biology
Catherine E. Wangen, James A. Powell, Barbara J. Bentz
Summary: A predictive oviposition model was developed for a southern population of mountain pine beetle, incorporating factors like temperature and fecundity. The model was compared with other models and their predictive capacities were evaluated.
BULLETIN OF MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Jackson P. Audley, Christopher J. Fettig, A. Steven Munson, Justin B. Runyon, Leif A. Mortenson, Brytten E. Steed, Kenneth E. Gibson, Carl L. Jorgensen, Stephen R. McKelvey, Joel D. McMillin, Jose F. Negron
Summary: The study identified factors influencing the fall rates of lodgepole pines killed by bark beetles, with slope aspect having the strongest influence. Northern aspects, increased canopy cover, and taller snag heights decreased the probability of snag fall, while southern aspects and increased height:dbh ratios increased the probability. The predicted half-life for snag fall was around 16 years since death, with a gradual decline in snag survival probability beyond that point.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Torres-Banda, Gabriel Obregon-Molina, L. Viridiana Soto-Robles, Arnulfo Albores-Medina, Maria Fernanda Lopez, Gerardo Zuniga
Summary: Dendroctonus bark beetles, the most destructive agents in coniferous forests, have molecular mechanisms to counteract the toxic compounds of their host's chemical defenses. By comparing the gut response of two sibling species of bark beetles after being stimulated with a blend of their main kairomones, differences in digestive process and xenobiotics metabolism were observed. The results suggest that terpenes metabolism is accompanied by an adaptive response, involving the activation of other metabolic pathways, to ensure energy supply and survival specific to each species based on their life history and ecological strategy.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jenna E. Morris, Michele S. Buonanduci, Michelle C. Agne, Mike A. Battaglia, Brian J. Harvey
Summary: Promoting ecological resilience to increasing disturbance activity is a key management priority under warming climate. Historical thinning treatments had minimal effect on resistance to bark beetle outbreaks, but they leave persistent legacies in shaping post-outbreak successional trajectories.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jenna E. Morris, Michele S. Buonanduci, Michelle C. Agne, Mike A. Battaglia, Daniel C. Donato, Brian J. Harvey
Summary: Anticipating consequences of disturbance interactions on ecosystem structure and function is important as disturbance activity increases with warming climate. Tree mortality from bark beetle outbreaks raises concerns about fire behavior and post-fire forest function. Silvicultural treatments may reduce outbreak severity and subsequent fuel loads, but their long-term effects remain underexplored, and they may trade off with other management objectives. Historical cutting intensity was found to affect post-outbreak fuel profiles and biomass carbon, with altered potential fire behavior and carbon storage in cut stands.
Article
Plant Sciences
Kyle C. Rodman, Robert A. Andrus, Amanda R. Carlson, Trevor A. Carter, Teresa B. Chapman, Jonathan D. Coop, Paula J. Fornwalt, Nathan S. Gill, Brian J. Harvey, Ashley E. Hoffman, Katharine C. Kelsey, Dominik Kulakowski, Daniel C. Laughlin, Jenna E. Morris, Jose F. Negron, Katherine M. Nigro, Gregory S. Pappas, Miranda D. Redmond, Charles C. Rhoades, Monique E. Rocca, Zoe H. Schapira, Jason S. Sibold, Camille S. Stevens-Rumann, Thomas T. Veblen, Jianmin Wang, Xiaoyang Zhang, Sarah J. Hart
Summary: Recent outbreaks of native bark beetles have significantly impacted tree mortality in subalpine forests of the US Rocky Mountains. Although most areas are likely to recover to pre-outbreak tree densities, changes in species composition may persist due to regional variability.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
A. E. Musso, C. Fortier, D. P. W. Huber, A. L. Carroll, M. L. Evenden
Summary: When the mountain pine beetle expands its range into the western boreal forest, it encounters lodgepole pines and jack pines that have different constitutive and induced defenses. The induced terpene content in the attacked trees increases significantly only after the winter season.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rashaduz Zaman, Courtney May, Aziz Ullah, Nadir Erbilgin
Summary: This study investigated the impact of three fungal symbionts on the terpene chemistry of pine trees and found that these fungi can alter host defense chemicals, assist beetles in overcoming metabolite toxicity, and potentially provide chemical cues for attracting bark beetles.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kyle C. Rodman, Robert A. Andrus, Cori L. Butkiewicz, Teresa B. Chapman, Nathan S. Gill, Brian J. Harvey, Dominik Kulakowski, Niko J. Tutland, Thomas T. Veblen, Sarah J. Hart
Summary: This study used Landsat time series (LTS) products and Random Forest (RF) models to develop 30-m maps of beetle-caused tree mortality in subalpine forests in the Southern Rocky Mountains from 1997 to 2019. The research found that over 39% of the study area was affected by bark beetles, with 19.3% experiencing >= 70% tree mortality. Patterns of disturbance legacies, landscape connectivity, and susceptibility to future disturbance were also revealed.
Article
Forestry
Sadadi Ojoatre, Jos Barlow, Suzanne R. Jacobs, Mariana C. Rufino
Summary: This study evaluates the changes in a forest complex in Kenya and finds that within 20 years of disturbance, there is rapid recovery of aboveground biomass and carbon accumulation, and the species diversity remains high in these previously disturbed fragments.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Astor Torano Caicoya, Peter Biber, Miren del Rio, Ricardo Ruiz-Peinado, Catia Arcangeli, Robert Matthews, Hans Pretzsch
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of site and climate on the self-thinning line in Scots pine forests in Europe. The results showed that species tolerance, temperature, and precipitation influenced the slope of the self-thinning line. In terms of the intercept, latitude and radiation had compensating effects. Time did not show significant trends in the self-thinning line. The study highlights the need to adapt management strategies and models based on self-thinning to different latitudes. Climate change has not yet significantly impacted the self-thinning trajectory, but a continuous rise in temperature and high precipitation may accelerate the self-thinning process and result in increased biomass accumulation.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Haonan Zhang, Jianing Xu, Weiqi Meng, Zhonglin Li, Yanyan Ni, Weijie Li, Hao Chen, Xingshuo Zhang, Huanhuan Yuan, Zhi Wang
Summary: Secondary forests play a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity recovery. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying secondary succession in a restored secondary forest and found that deciduous tree species transition from diversity accumulators to repellents as they progress through different life history stages, while evergreen tree species can act as accumulators or remain neutral. The study also revealed the effects of density dependence on the mortality and regeneration of different tree species, and highlighted the importance of early-arriving tree species in facilitating the establishment and diversity of late-arriving counterparts.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Yierxiati Abulaiti, Zijian Huang, Guojiao Xie, Xiaojuan Zou, Qin Luo, Minhuang Wang, Qiong Yang, Ping Hu, Shixiao Yu
Summary: In this study, the resistance to pest infestation of native and exotic mangrove species was compared based on their traits and spectral reflectance. The results showed that exotic species exhibited higher resistance to pest infestation compared to native species.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Thomas Feiss, Vincent Robin, Delphine Aran, Joseph Levillain, Thierry Paul, Jean-Luc Dupouey
Summary: Fagus sylvatica L. is a competitive tree in European temperate deciduous forests, but often sporadic or absent in present-day stands where Quercus spp. are dominant. Through soil charcoal analysis in the Lorraine Plateau in France, the presence of Fagus and Quercus in mature Quercus stands was confirmed. Radiocarbon dating results indicated that historical forest management caused the replacement of Fagus by Quercus, starting from the Bronze Age.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Paula Halbig, Anne-Sophie Stelzer, Peter Baier, Josef Pennerstorfer, Horst Delb, Axel Schopf
Summary: The incidence of oak processionary moth in Central Europe has been increasing, posing severe threats to oak trees, humans, and animals. To address this issue, researchers have developed an online early warning system that provides phenological forecasts and decision support for the protection of oak trees and human health.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Jean-Baptiste Ndamiyehe Ncutirakiza, Sylvie Gourlet-Fleury, Philippe Lejeune, Xavier Bry, Catherine Trottier, Frederic Mortier, Adeline Fayolle, Francois Muhashy Habiyaremye, Leopold Ndjele Mianda-Bungi, Gauthier Ligot
Summary: This study examines the influence of canopy structure on tropical tree growth using data collected through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and field measurements. The results show that combining UAV and field data can improve the prediction of tree diameter increment. Diameter at breast height and crown area are complementary predictors, and crown-based competition indices significantly enhance prediction models. The calibrated model at one site can accurately predict growth at another site.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Abebe Damtew, Emiru Birhane, Christian Messier, Alain Paquette, Bart Muys
Summary: Restoring degraded dryland requires a diverse mixture of trees and shrubs. Shading and species diversity can improve seedling survival and vitality. Shaded conditions led to higher seedling survival, vitality, and chlorophyll content, while increasing species richness improved seedling vitality in non-shaded conditions.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Francois Hebert, Isabelle Delisle, Marc Tremblay, Pascal Tremblay, Jean- Francois Boucher, Yan Boucher, Daniel Lord
Summary: Regeneration failures in the closed-crown boreal forest, resulting in the creation of open lichen woodlands, can be restored through clear-cutting, scarification, and natural seeding. Clear-cutting combined with scarification promotes seedling establishment, and scarification creates suitable microsites for germination. Seedling growth in lichen woodlands is higher when logging and scarification are combined, but lower compared to feather moss stands. Afforestation through natural seeding following scarification could be a cost-effective option for restoring lichen woodlands.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Bianca Wulansari Kassun, A. Maarit I. Kallio, Erik Tr Omborg, Meley Mekonen Rannestad
Summary: Mapping and analyzing forest ecosystem services in dry and mountain forests can provide valuable knowledge for sustainable forest management strategies.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Michael Premer, Eric Turnblom, Aaron Weiskittel
Summary: Managed forests serve as a natural climate change solution by sequestering carbon and storing it in harvested wood products, while also providing ecosystem services and wildlife habitat. This study focused on the stem sinuosity of juvenile coastal Douglas-fir and found that genetic improvement, silviculture practices, and local growing conditions can impact stem sinuosity. Factors such as tree spacing, vegetation control, and climate variables also affect the severity of stem sinuosity.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Bronwyn Lira Dyson, Rhea Herpel, Peter Karasch, Jorg Mueller, Dominik Thom, Claus Baessler
Summary: The study aimed to assess the effects of different forest management strategies, dead wood types, and microclimates on Fomes fomentarius. The results showed that the occupancy of Fomes fomentarius was lower in control stands, while the percent cover occupied on snags under a closed canopy was higher. Increasing the number of snags and maintaining dense forest canopies could enhance the presence of Fomes fomentarius as well as provide important microhabitats for various arthropods.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Di Liu, Chaofan Zhou, Xiao He, Xiangdong Lei, Huiru Zhang, Xianzhao Liu
Summary: Canopy structure plays a significant role in the distribution and growth of saplings. Traditional canopy metrics are inadequate in irregular stands. The innovative framework of canopy triangular units provides a comprehensive understanding of the canopy's three-dimensional attributes. Through this framework, we can analyze the differences in various triangular unit types and the spatial dispersion of saplings.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Amalia Valeria Ibanez Moro, Fabian Borghetti, Leonardo Galetto, Juan M. Cellini, Sandra J. Bravo
Summary: This study evaluated the size and persistence of soil seed banks (SSB) of six native woody species in dry subtropical forests of the western Argentine Chaco region. The results showed that SSB size was influenced by different sites and sampling years, and forest disturbances had varying effects on SSB.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Stephanie Landry, Marc-Andre Villard, Gaetan Pelletier, Martin-Hugues St-Laurent
Summary: In many regions of the world, excessive browsing by ungulates has reached unsustainable levels, threatening biodiversity and forest regeneration. Moose, as ecological engineers, have severe impacts on forest structure and composition through overbrowsing. The distribution of forage and cover patches affects moose browsing pressure, and this relationship has been explored in conifer-dominated stands but not in hardwood-dominated landscapes.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)