Browsing by Author "Denham, Sander"

Pinus taeda is an important timber species both economically and ecologically. In past years there have been severe economic losses, as well as ecological disruption, due to epidemic outbreaks of Dendroctonus frontalis. Resin flow is the first line of defense within conifer species acting as both a physical and chemical barrier to invading pests. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of utilizing aggregation pheromones to attract Ips spp. bark beetles to Pinus taeda plantation stands in order to study the resin flow defense response mechanism. Individual trees were selected to be baited with aggregation pheromones. Trees in close proximity to the baited tree were labeled as monitor trees, and a control was established. Results of a general linear model for the aggregation pheromone attracting Ips spp. beetles indicate that there was a significant different (p<0.0001) between the baited and control trees. Using a repeated measures ANOVA, differences of resin flow exudation in Pinus taeda were considered among varying stand conditions (fertilizer, fire, anc control plots) during the induced Ips spp. bark beetle attack. This study illustrates that different stand conditions elicit more or less of a response of Ips spp. to the baited trees, however, site treatment did not significantly affect resin flow. We conclude that utilizing pheromones to attract Ips spp. bark beetles in an effective technique for studying the resin flow defense in conifers. From a management perspective, it is concerning to see differences in bark beetle activity amond different stand conditions while simultaneously seeing no difference in resin flow defense, making this an important aspect of integrated pest management study, and an area in need of further research.