Forest Health Management and Detection of Invasive Forest Insects

Abstract

Abstract:The objectives of this review paper are to provide an overview of issues related to forest health and forest entomology, explain existing methods for forest insect pest detection, and provide background information on a case study of emerald ash borer. Early detection of potentially invasive insect species is a key aspect of preventing these species from causing damage. Invasion management efforts are typically more feasible and efficient if they are applied as early as possible. Two proposed approaches for detection are highlighted and include dendroentomology and near infrared spectroscopy (NIR). Dendroentomology utilizes tree ring principles to identify the years of outbreak and the dynamics of past insect herbivory on trees. NIR has been successfully used for assessing various forest health concerns (primarily hyperspectral imaging) and decay in trees. Emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis), is a non-native beetle responsible for widespread mortality of several North American ash species (Fraxinus sp.). Current non-destructive methods for early detection of EAB in specific trees are limited, which restricts the effectiveness of management efforts. Ongoing research efforts are focused on developing methods for early detection of emerald ash borer.

Effectiveness of forest density reduction treatments for increasing drought resistance of ponderosa pine growth

“…65 cm) but not larger trees may relate to the combination of extreme abiotic stress and host preferences of western pine beetle ( Dendroctonus brevicomis ), the primary attacker (and proximate mortality agent) of most ponderosa pines during this extreme drought (Fettig et al, 2019). Because bark beetles preferentially attack larger trees due to their larger energy stores (Klein et al, 1978; Stephenson et al, 2019)—and because tree growth is often reduced even by nonlethal insect attacks (Finley & Chhin, 2016), including bark beetle attacks (Taylor et al, 2006)—the largest trees may have had limited potential to respond to treatments through increased growth. Our observation of insect activity at the majority of dead cored trees, but a far lower proportion of live cored trees (Table 1), corroborates the importance of insects as proximate mortality agents.…”

Identification of the Red-Necked Longhorn Beetle Aromia bungii (Faldermann, 1835) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) with Real-Time PCR on Frass

“…Even the use of pheromone-based trapping devices that may support and orientate direct treeinspecting tasks in the invasion areas, thereby identifying new RLB outbreaks [43][44][45][46], retain some degree of uncertainty and do not solve misidentification due to cohabitation among native and invasive pests [11]. Once potentially infested trees are detected, the availability of non-invasive diagnostic tools to screen suspected RLB infestations may prevent unnecessary heavy plant injuries or plant destruction without the misuse of important economic resources in accordance with the other detection methods proposed for invasive wood-boring species [47,48].…”

Diversity and Distribution of Forest Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Nepal: Implications for Sustainable Forest Management

“…The early detection of invasive species, pests, and pathogens is critical for preventing damage because early control activities are more feasible and effective [92,93]. Thorough monitoring of invasive ant species encroachment in forest areas is critical for protecting fragile ecosystems and maintaining sound forest health.…”