Publications Published in Western Bark Beetle Research Group

1. Bark Beetle Responses to Vegetation Management Treatments. Joel D. McMillin, Christopher J. Fettig.
   Western Bark Beetle Research Group: 2007
   Notes
   Native tree-killing bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) are a natural component of forest ecosystems. Eradication is neither possible nor desirable and periodic outbreaks will occur as long as susceptible forests and favorable climatic conditions co-exist. Recent changes in forest structure and tree composition by natural processes and management practices have led to increased competition among trees for water, nutrients and growing space thereby increasing tree stress. As trees become stressed, their insect resistance mechanisms are compromised and thus they become more susceptible to bark beetle attack. In this presentation, we reviewed tree and stand factors associated with bark beetle infestations and analyzed the effectiveness of vegetation management practices for mitigating the negative impacts of bark beetles on forest ecosystems. We described the current state of our knowledge and practical application of this knowledge; identified future research needs required to make informed de isions on proposed silvicultural treatments; and discussed ongoing research efforts led by the Western Bark Beetle Research Group. Our discussion concentrated on pine-dominated systems in the western US.