Authors: Eckhardt, Lori G.; Weber, Ann M.; Menard, Roger D.; Jones, John P.; Hess, Nolan J.

Source: Forest Science, Volume 53, Number 1, February 2007 , pp. 84-92(9)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

Abstract:

Loblolly pine decline, characterized by an expanding area of declining and dead trees, is becoming increasingly prevalent in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) forests in central Alabama. A 3-year study was conducted to determine the fungal, root, and lower stem-infesting insect, and/or soil parameters associated with this decline. Hylastes salebrosus, Hylastes tenuis, Pachylobius picivorus, and Hylobius pales were significantly more abundant in declining plots than in asymptomatic plots. Root- and lower stem-infesting insects consistently carried Leptographium terebrantis, L. procerum, and L. serpens. Sampled roots had high levels of root damage, mortality, and staining typically associated with Leptographium species. Root damage and mortality preceded aboveground symptoms of short chlorotic needles, sparse crowns, reduced radial growth, and tree mortality. A sequence of biotic and abiotic factors is proposed as the cause of loblolly pine decline complex.

Keywords: bark beetles; forest decline; Leptographium; root disease; weevils

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Lori G. Eckhardt, Assistant Professor, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, AL 36849—Office Phone: (334) 844-2720; Lab Phone: (334) 844-1058; Cell Phone: (334) 332-6462; Ann M. Weber, Former Graduate Student, Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803—AnnWeber64@hotmail.com. Roger D. Menard, Biological Science Technician, USDA, United States Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection, Pineville, LA 71360—Office Phone: (318) 473-7298; rmenard@fs.fed.us. John P. Jones, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803—Office Phone: (225) 578-1383; jpjones@agcenter.lsu.edu. Nolan J. Hess, Plant Pathologist, USDA, United States Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection, Pineville, LA 71360—Office Phone: (318) 473-7287; nhess@fs.fed.us., Fax: (334) 844-1084, Email: eckhalg@auburn.edu.

Publication date: 2007-02-01

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