The Mountain Pine Beetle In Lodgepole Pine Forests

Tree losses resulting from infestation by the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) were measured in two stands of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.) where the beetle population had previously been epidemic. Measurement data showed that larger diameter trees were infested and killed first. Tree losses ranged from 1 percent of trees 4 inches (d.b.h.) to 87 percent of those 16 inches and greater d.b.h. Numbers of adult beetle emergence holes averaged 1.3 per square foot of bark area in trees 7 inches d.b.h. and 62 in trees 28 inches and greater d.b.h. The observations indicate that large infestations of mountain pine beetle depend on the presence of large diameter trees within a stand of lodgepole pine, thus implying that beetle population growth is food-limited.

"This book presents a synthesis of published information on mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins [Coleoptera: Scolytidae]) biology and management with an emphasis on lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) forests of western Canada. Intended as a reference for researchers as well as forest managers, the book covers three main subject areas: mountain pine beetle biology, management, and socioeconomic concerns. The chapters on biology cover taxonomy, life history and habits, distribution, insect-host tree interactions, development and survival, epidemiology, and outbreak history. The management section covers management strategy, survey and detection, proactive and preventive management, and decision support tools. The chapters on socioeconomic aspects include an economic examination of management programs and the utilization of post-beetle salvage timber in solid wood, panelboard, pulp and paper products."--Publisher's description.