Annual/Termination Reports:

[02/17/2011] [11/01/2011] [12/21/2012]

Report Information

Participants

Wiliam Jacobi, John Moser, Richard Hofstetter, Stella Coakley, Brice McPherson, John Lundquist, Doug Street, Kenneth Raffa, Rick Meyer, Pienrico Bonello, Patrick Sherwood, David Shaw, Fred Baker

Brief Summary of Minutes

Opening Remarks by Fred Baker

Description of revised NIFA program by Rick Meyer.
NIFA modeled after NIH. Transition date not yet set.
Comments and suggestions about priority areas should be sent to Roger Beachy, Director NIFA:
Discussion of opportunities for forest pest-related research.
Rick encouraged our group to send suggestions and concerns to USDA NIFA. We decided to send a letter as a group, similar to what we did several years ago. Ken Raffa distributed that letter (Nov 11, 2002) by email and hard copy to the group.

Perspectives on the shifts in funding emphases and mechanics from a Land Grants Institution were provided by Stella Coakley.

State Reports were given by the above attendees.

The group elected William Jacobi as Secretary and Chair-elect.

The group voted to hold its next meeting in Portland, OR attached before or after the upcoming NAFIWC. David Shaw agreed to serve as local coordinator.

The group discussed strategy for writing a proposal to NIFA for a grant-writing workshop.

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Characterize the diversity and interactions among tree hosts, bark beetles, their natural enemies, and associated microbes.<br /> Several studies are testing putative effects of wildfire on tree susceptibility to mountain pine beetles. Results suggest moderately injured trees may be most susceptible, but brood production in fire-injured trees is not necessarily high.<br /> Comparisons of bacterial associates of mountain pine beetle in lodgepole, jack, and lodgepole-hybrid pines are underway.<br /> Several studies are comparing the defense chemistry of lodgepole versus whitebark pine, and other parameters of tree defense and mountain pine beetle colonization.<br /> Phenolic chemistry holds promise as a tool to identify coast live oak resistance to Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of SOD. A large scale experiment is testing whether phenolic chemistry can be used for this purpose.<br /> Work on ash resistance to the emerald ash borer has continued. The first proteomics study to compare resistant and susceptible species to identify resistance gene is in the publication process. We have developed a gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric protocol to quantify methyl jasmonate, a key phytohormone in resistance to pathogens and insects, in ash phloem. We have also contributed to generation of transcriptomic data from ash phloem and emerald ash borer midgut to further dissect the nature of host resistance in this interaction.<br /> Investigators established and surveyed 126 vegetation plots across 14 counties in the emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine area in northern Kentucky to assess forest susceptibility to and impacts of EAB invasion. EAB was first reported in Kentucky in May 2009. Susceptible host material ranged from 3-30% (no. stems of Fraxinus spp.) Crown thinning is evident in several plots, but no ash mortality directly attributable to EAB was noted.<br /> Several studies on aspen decline underway. These are aimed at trying to quantify comparisons between recent versus historical trends.<br /> Bacterial associates of Sirex noctilio have been characterized.<br /> Disease intensity has been quantified and survival modeled for the 3 principal host trees of Phytophthora ramorum in central California.<br /> An exactly dated history of red oak borer populations in 107 red oaks from 1938  2008 indicated that timing of these population phases varied geographically, although peak borer densities at most sites occurred in 2001, consistent with timing of observed regional host mortality. Borer numbers were growing across Arkansas since the mid-1970s, at least eleven generations prior to observed host tree mortality. Borer population growth was positively correlated with drought severity, however endogenous factors, such as maturity of northern red oaks, were also likely important due to geographic variation in timing of borer population phases.<br /> <br /> Objective 2: Characterize the diversity and interactions among tree hosts, bark beetles, their natural enemies and associated fungi.<br /> Bacterial associates of mountain pine beetles have been characterized. These have varying tolerances to host terpenes, and may be involved in degradation of host compounds that adversely affect beetles and their symbiotic fungi. <br /> Bacterial associates of Sirex noctilio have very strong celluloytic activity.<br /> Laboratory and field studies have been initiated to characterize and model the response of D. ponderosae-associated fungi to temperature. <br /> Systemic induced resistance (SIR) to pitch canker, caused by Gibberella circinata, has been shown in natural populations of Monterey pines in central California.<br /> <br /> Objective 3: Integrate and apply the knowledge gained from objectives 1 and 2 to forest ecosystems as influenced by emerging issues such as invasive species, global climate change, changing land use patterns and multiple and conflicting societal demands<br /> A study on Spruce beetles, thinning, and prominent root disease infestation is underway on the T.W.Daniel Experimental Forest. Studies on Fire, Dwarf mistletoe and Mt Pine Beetles are underway in CO and CA.<br /> A hazard-rating model for White Pine Blister Rust is under development. This includes a small-scale meteorological analysis of the risk of WPBR in the Rocky Mts. A demonstration study of pruning of blister rust impacted trees was installed at: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Medicine Bow NF in cooperation with UDSA Forest Service, Forest Health Management. Plots were remeasured and cankers pruned at GSDNPP in 2010, five years after the plot installation. A new project is studying regeneration issues related to natural regeneration and planting limber pine seedlings.<br /> Field studies have been initiated across four western states to gather baseline data on D. ponderosae lifecycle timing and associated weather variables. These data are being used to evaluate demographic models of D. ponderosa population success for use in forecasting population success in a changing climate. <br /> Common garden laboratory studies are being used to describe genetic differences in diapause thresholds among several D. ponderosa populations. These data will be incorporated into existing model frameworks for D. ponderosae that are being used to predict landscape-scale probability of population success in a changing climate.<br />

Publications

Aukema, B.H., J. Zhu, J. Moeller, J. Rasmussen & K. F. Raffa. 2010. Interactions between below- and above- ground herbivores drive a forest decline and gap-forming syndrome. For. Ecol. & Management. 259: 374-382.<br /> Aukema B.H., J.S. Powell, M.K. Clayton & K.F. Raffa. 2010. Variation in complex semiochemical signals arising from insects and host plants. Environ. Entomol. 39:874-882.<br /> Adams A.S., Adams, S.M., C.R. Currie, N.E. Gillette & K.F. Raffa. 2010. Community analysis of bacteria associated with the red turpentine beetle, Dendroctonus valens. Environ Entomol. 39: 406-414.<br /> Baker, F.A., and Guyon, J.G. 2010. Distribution of Three Dwarf mistletoe species within their host tree crowns. Western Journal Of Applied Forestry, 25:194-198.<br /> Bentz, B.J., J. Régnière, C.J. Fettig, E.M. Hansen, J. Hicke, J.L. Hayes, R. Kelsey, J. Negrón, S. Seybold. 2010. Climate change and bark beetles of the western US and Canada: Direct and indirect effects. BioScience 60(8):602-613.<br /> Bonello, P. 2010. Potential of induced resistance as a tool for the management of pathogens and insects in trees  An ecological viewpoint. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science 40: S15-S24<br /> Bracewell R.B., M. E. Pfrender, K.E. Mock, and B.J. Bentz. 2010. Cryptic postzygotic isolation in an eruptive species of bark beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae). Evolution. doi:10.1111/j.1558-5646.2010.01201.x<br /> Egan, J.M., Jacobi W.R., Negron J.F., Smith, S.L. and Cluck, D. R. 2010. Forest thinning and subsequent bark beetle-caused mortality in Northeastern California. Forest Ecol. Management. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2010.08.030<br /> Eyles, A., Bonello, P., Ganley, R., and Mohammed, C. 2010. Induced resistance to pests and pathogens in trees. New Phytologist 185: 893908<br /> Fierke, M. K. and F. M. Stephen. 2010. Dendroentomological evidence associated with an outbreak of a native wood-boring beetle Enaphalodes rufulus. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 40: 679-686.<br /> Gordon, T.R., Kirkpatrick, S.C., Aegerter, B.J., Fisher, A.J., Storer, A.J., Wood, D.L. 2010. Evidence for the occurrence of induced resistance to pitch canker, caused by Gibberella circinata (anamorph Fusarium circinatum), in populations of Pinus radiata. Forest Pathology doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0329.2010.00678.x.<br /> Haavik, L. J., M. K. Fierke, and F. M. Stephen. 2010. Factors affecting suitability of Quercus rubra as hosts for Enaphalodes rufulus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Environ Entomol. 39(2): 520-527.<br /> Haavik, L. J. and F. M. Stephen. 2010. Stand and individual tree characteristics associated with Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) infestations within the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests. Forest Ecology and Management 259: 1938-1945.<br /> Haavik, L.J., and F.M. Stephen. 2010. Historical dynamics of a native cerambycid, Enaphalodes rufulus, in relation to climate in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. Ecological Entomology 35:673-683.<br /> Kleczewski, N.M., Herms, D.A., and Bonello, P. 2010. Effects of soil type, fertilization and drought on carbon allocation to root growth and partitioning between secondary metabolism and ectomycorrhizae of Betula papyrifera. Tree Physiology 30:807-817.<br /> McMahon, M.D., K. F. Raffa, Nordheim E. V. & B.H. Aukema. 2010. Too close for comfort: Effect of spacing distance and pattern on statistical inference of behavioral choice tests in the field. Ent. Exper. et Applic.136: 66-71.<br /> McPherson, B.A., Mori, S.R., Wood, D.L., Kelly, M., Storer, A.J., Svihra, P., Standiford, R.B. 2010. Responses of oaks and tanoaks to the sudden oak death pathogen after 8 y of monitoring in two coastal California forests. For. Ecol. Management 259: 2248-2255.<br /> Nagle, A.M., Long, R.P., Madden, L.V., and Bonello, P. 2010. Association of Phytophthora cinnamomi with White Oak Decline in Southern Ohio. Plant Disease 94:1026-1034.<br /> Sharik, T.L, Adair, W., Battaglia, M., Baker, F.A., Comfort, E.J., DAmato, A., Delong, C. DeRose, J., Ducey, M.J., Harmon, M., Levy, L., Logan, J.A., OBrien, J., Roberts, S., Rogers, P., Shinneman, D.J., Spies, T., Taylor, S.L., Woodall, C., And Youngblood, A. 2010. Some emerging themes in the ecology of North American Forests with Management Implications. International Journal of Forestry, Volume 2010 (2010), Article ID 964260, 11 pagesdoi:10.1155/2010/964260<br /> Wallis, C., Eyles, A., Chorbadjian, R.A., Riedl, K., Schwartz, S., Hansen, R., Cipollini, D., Herms, D.A., Bonello, P. 2010. Differential effects of nutrient availability on the secondary metabolism of Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) phloem and resistance to Diplodia pinea. Forest Pathology (available online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0329.2009.00636.x)<br />

Impact Statements

1. Forecasts of population success for several native western bark beetle species were quantified for the western US and Canada using relatively coarse spatial and temporal projections of temperature through 2100.
2. We developed a method that utilizes selective ion screening (SIS) to quantify MeJA in ash phloem tissues that is simple, yet robust, and is 10 - 100 times more sensitive than other existing methods, with a detection limit of 1 picomole. This method can easily be extended to other plant systems.
3. Coast live oak trees that are resistance to P. ramorum are characterized by higher constitutive levels of ellagic acid, a tyrosol derivative, an unidentified phenolic, and total phenolics than susceptible trees. Ellagic acid and tyrosol-like compounds in coast live oak phloem are promising resistance biomarker candidates. The size distribution of cankers in coast live oaks produced in response to P. ramorum was consistent with multi-gene, potentially durable quantitative resistance, suggesting that there is sufficient genetic variability in natural populations to ensure the survival of this important tree species.
4. Graduate degrees were awarded to Erinn Powell (MS, Univ. Wisconsin) and Ryan Bracewell (MS UT State Univ.), and Laurel J. Haavik (Ph.D. Univ. Arkansas)

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Report Information

Participants

Fred Baker, Utah State University;
Enrico Bonello, Ohio State;
Ken Raffa, University of Wisconsin;
Barbara Bentz, USDA Forest Service, Ogden, UT;
Bill Jacobi, Colorado State University;
Dave Shaw, Oregon State University;
Dave Wood, University of CA, Berkeley;
Brice McPherson, University of CA, Berkeley;
Fred Stephen, University of Arkansas

Brief Summary of Minutes

Note: This annual meeting was held via Adobe Connect conference; it was hosted by Oregon State University.

Welcome and Introductions (Chair Ken Raffa)

Secretary Bill Jacobi (Chair for 2012)

• The committee elected Dave Shaw for Secretary in 2012 and Chair in 2013.


• The group voted to meet at the Western Forest Insect Work Conference at Penticton, BC, March 26-29, 2012. Discussion about the future of the group will be an agenda item for the meeting in 2012.

Administrative Advisor, Stella Coakley Reported the following.

• Oct 2009 W-2187 was set up for 5 yr project


• Oct 2012 we will need a 3 yr review


• Oct 2013- we will need a proposal for submission in January of 2014 to continue.


• Oct 1 of each year the annual report is due


• We need impact statements for each year and for the 3 yr review


• This year it would be good to talk about media coverage of MPB and EAB.

USDA Rick Meyer reported the following:

• Budgets are being cut and programs eliminated


• Roger Beachy retired.


• Rick Meyer is himself is retiring this year. The members all responded on how they appreciated his support and interest in the group over the past many years.


• We will need to find out who our new advisor will be.


• The AFRI program was not announced yet but should by August but all programs were cut.


• The best chance of funding in forestry would be under climate change.

State Reports were given by the attendees. See annual report for details.

Accomplishments

<b>Objective 1. Characterize the role of biotic and abiotic factors in predisposing trees to bark beetle attack and subsequent mortality.</b><br /> <br /> We felled and intensively examined more than 240 oak trees from a variety of stands in the Ozark National Forest and Ouachita National Forest. We investigated adult red oak borer emergence, flight behavior, host tree selection, and how these factors influence borer and tree mortality. We examined how trees respond to infestation and investigated the relationship of forest site, stand and tree conditions to the distribution and abundance of the red oak borer outbreak.<br /> <br /> We developed a series of sampling techniques, specifically designed to estimate beetle densities within trees, within forest stands and across entire forests. We extended our sampling to historical analysis of red oak borer populations over the past 70 years using current methods of tree ring analysis. <br /> <br /> We initiated remote sensing and GIS-based studies to visually define susceptible forests and forest conditions associated with increased red oak borer populations and tree mortality.<br /> <br /> We developed molecular methods to survey for Armillaria, a root rot fungi thought to be another potential contributor to oak mortality in the Ozark Mountains, and determined that three species of this root pathogen are present in the Ozarks, the first confirmation of this fact. We remain uncertain if this is significant in relation to tree mortality and the red oak borer outbreak.<br /> <br /> We completed a survey of aspen in Colorado national forests and will be analyzing data to determine if aspen bark beetle occurrence is related to any site, stand or disease situation. Aspen bark beetles were more common in low elevation stands than high elevations, and east of the continental divide than west, and on summits than valley bottoms which suggests the beetles are more common in drier sites. <br /> <br /> We have started a survey of limber pine in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana that will provide data to determine the relationships among mortality agents of mountain pine beetle, white pine blister rust and site and stand conditions. <br /> <br /> We are collaborating with USFS PNW Research Station scientists, Rick Meinzer and David Woodruff on a project that seeks to determine the role of non-structural carbon in tree mortality. This is a fundamental question regarding how trees die. Although this project is not directly related to bark beetle caused mortality, the role of non-structural carbon in tree physiology and mortality has emerged as a key question among ecophysiologists. <br /> <br /> We examined the inducible defense response in ponderosa pine using repeated mechanical wounding with and without fungal inoculations with two different bark beetle-associated fungi (Ophiostoma minus and Grosmannia clavigera) and found that resin flow did not significantly increase in response to any treatment and necrotic lesion formation after fungal inoculation was minimal. Stand thinning, which has been shown to increase water availability, had no, or inconsistent results, on inducible tree defense. <br /> <br /> Characteristics of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) chosen for attack by roundheaded pine beetle (Dendroctonus adjunctus) were studied in a current outbreak in northern Arizona. We found significant differences in basal area increment, crown width, lengths of internodes, subbranches, and needles, phloem thickness, and resin composition between attacked and unattacked trees. Attacked trees had significantly lower basal area increment and internode and needle lengths but longer subbranch lengths at the top of the crown and longer crown widths. Attacked trees also had thicker phloem and contained a significantly higher percentage of ±-pinene in resin, but a lower percentage of longifolene than unattacked trees. A baited tree experiment showed that attacks by the beetle did not affect resin composition through time<br /> <br /> Our research has confirmed that certain phloem phenolics can be used as biomarkers to predict coast live oak resistance to Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of SOD.<br /> <br /> In a common garden experiment with small ash trees we have determined that topical treatment of ash tree trunks with a MeJA solution induces host resistance to the emerald ash borer.<br /> <br /> We are testing effects of wildfire on susceptibility of lodgepole and ponderosa pines to mountain pine beetles. Fire injury reduces the ability of lodgepole pine to mount induced defenses. Moderately injured trees may be most susceptible, but brood production in fire-injured trees is not necessarily high, largely due to interspecific competition and reduced substrate quality.<br /> <br /> We are comparing the resistance mechanisms and susceptibility of whitebark and lodgepole pines to mountain pine beetle.<br /> <br /> Phenolic compounds isolated from coast live oak phloem, including ellagic acid, a tyrosol glycoside, and total soluble phenolics, may influence the response of trees to infection by Phytophthora ramorum, the introduced pathogen that is the causal agent of Sudden Oak Death.<br /> <br /> <b>Objective 2: Characterize the diversity and interactions among tree hosts, bark beetles, their natural enemies and associated fungi.</b><br /> <br /> Several studies are comparing the defense chemistry of lodgepole versus whitebark pine, and other parameters of tree defense and mountain pine beetle colonization.<br /> <br /> A model describing temperature-dependent growth of the fungal associates of mountain pine beetle is being developed and will be coupled with a mountain pine beetle phenology model.<br /> Several studies are examining bark beetle attack and reproduction in fire-injured pines.<br /> <br /> Reproductive isolation patterns among mountain pine beetle populations and incipient speciation is being studied.<br /> <br /> Physiological determinants of diapause in spruce beetle and mountain pine beetle are being investigated<br /> <br /> A new graduate student has started a project to determine fungal associates of mountain pine beetle and related mites along an elevational gradient and host types in Colorado. <br /> <br /> We are continuing a project that is determining the relationships of multiple hosts of mountain pine beetle and what hosts are selected by beetles emerging from each host and the epidemic system in the ponderosa and lodgepole pine interface habitat. <br /> <br /> We tested the hypothesis that the monoterpene composition of oleoresins of ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, mediates rates of host acceptance, oviposition behavior, and fecundity of the western pine beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis. We found that host chemotype and insect chemical history did not affect rates of acceptance of host material by female beetles. Insect chemical history affected egg gallery construction, and beetles constructed egg galleries that were longer when reared in host material that was chemically similar to their natal host material. However, mean oviposition gallery lengths did not differ between host chemotypes. Insect chemical history influenced fecundity: F1 beetles produced more offspring on average when reared in host material that was chemically similar to their natal host. <br /> <br /> We tested the effects of temperature in the southern pine beetle community by manipulating intact communities within naturally infested sections of pine trees. There were strong indirect effects of temperature via alteration of species interactions that could not have been predicted based on autecological temperature responses. Temperature altered the relative abundance of mycangial fungi in adult progeny. Percentage of beetles with Entomocorticium declined with increasing temperature. This was compensated by an increase in C. ranaculosus (in slash pine), while the proportion of beetles without mycangial fungi increased (in loblolly pine). Temperature affected phoretic mite abundance but patterns varied among genera of mites.<br /> <br /> We studied the reciprocal effects between the bark beetle associated yeast, Ogataea pini, and phytochemicals present in tree tissues (Pinus ponderosa). We tested six monoterpenes on O. pini biomass growth in vitro and found that most monoterpenes inhibited O. pini growth; however mean O. pini biomass increased when treated with myrcene or terpinolene, relative to control. Monoterpene concentrations declined in phloem over time, but phloem colonized by O. pini had significantly different concentrations of monoterpenes at two periods than phloem with no yeast. After 7 d, when O. pini was present, concentrations of ?-3-carene was lower than uncolonized phloem and concentrations of terpinolene were higher than uncolonized phloem. After 15 d phloem colonized by O. pini had higher concentrations of ±-pinene than uncolonized phloem. Volatiles produced by O. pini significantly enhanced the growth of the mutualistic Entomocorticium and inhibited growth of the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. GC/MS revealed that O. pini produced ethanol, carbon disulfide (CS(2)), and ?-3-carene.<br /> <br /> We are comparing bacterial associates of mountain pine beetle in lodgepole, jack, and lodgepole-hybrid pines, and the abilities of these bacteria to detoxify conifer monoterpenes and diterpene acids. Some bacteria can grow with terpenes as their sole Carbon source. The ability of bacteria to tolerate terpenes is higher among those isolated from D. valens than those isolated from D. ponderosae.<br /> <br /> Bacterial associates of Sirex noctilio have been characterized. Some of these exhibit very strong celluloytic activity.<br /> <br /> We are studying the effects of interactions between below-ground (Hylobius root weevils and associated Leptographium fungi) and above-ground processes (Ips bark beetles and associated Ophiostoma fungi) on black-legged tick populations in Wisconsin.<br /> <br /> We are studying mechanisms of host finding by native and introduced parasitic wasps attacking native and invasive Agrilus species.<br /> <br /> Ambrosia and bark beetles that attack coast live oaks infected by P. ramorum were shown to introduce a variety of filamentous fungi, including potential pathogens, deep into sapwood, likely accelerating tree mortality.<br /> <br /> <b>Objective 3: Integrate and apply the knowledge gained from objectives 1 and 2 to forest ecosystems as influenced by emerging issues such as invasive species, global climate change, changing land use patterns and multiple and conflicting societal demands</b><br /> <br /> Mountain pine beetle life cycle timing and associated phloem temperatures are being monitored at multiple sites in several western US states to develop a baseline database for future climate changes and to evaluate models that are being developed.<br /> <br /> Transcriptomes are being used to analyze signatures of selection across latitudinal gradients where mountain pine beetle populations are currently found.<br /> <br /> We and cooperating scientists are in year two of a three year project entitled: Temporal dynamics of ground, surface, ladder, and crown fuels and their potential effects on fire behavior, following Dendroctonus ponderosae epidemics in the Pinus contorta zone of south-central Oregon.<br /> <br /> We released two larval parasites and one egg parasite of Emerald ash Borer in Wisconsin. These are host-specific. Prior releases were conducted in nine other states<br /> <br /> The effects of Sudden Oak Death on forest composition and structure at the urban-wildland interface is being evaluated in the East Bay Regional Park District, in the San Francisco Bay area.<br /> <br /> Monterey pine regeneration, which is negatively affected by pitch canker, caused by Fusarium circinatum, appears to be limited by competition, light and water. Among these factors, competition with understory vegetation appears to be the most important.<br />

Publications

Adams AS, Jordan MS, Adams SM, Suen G, Goodwin LA, Davenport KW, Currie CR, & Raffa KF. 2011. Community and genomic analysis of cellulose-degrading bacteria associated with the invasive woodwasp Sirex noctilio. Intern. Soc. Microbial Ecology. In press.<br /> <br /> Adams, AS, CK Boone, J Bohlmann & KF Raffa. 2011. Responses of bark beetle-associated bacteria to host monoterpenes, and their relationship to insect life histories. J. Chem. Ecol. In Press.<br /> Bai X, Rivera-Vega L, Mamidala P, Bonello P, Herms DA and Mittapalli O (2011) Transcriptomic signatures of ash (Fraxinus spp.) phloem. PLoS ONE 6, e16368<br /> <br /> Bentz B.J., R.B. Bracewell, K.E. Mock, and M.E. Pfrender. 2011. Genetic architecture and phenotypic plasticity of thermally-regulated traits in an eruptive species, Dendroctonus ponderosae. Evolutionary Ecology. Doi 10.1007/s10682-011-9474-x<br /> <br /> Bentz, B.J., E. Campbell, K. Gibson, S. Kegely, J. Logan, and D. Six. 2011. Mountain pine beetle in high-elevation five-needle white pine ecosystems. In Keane et al. editors, The future of high-elevation, five-needle white pines in Western North America: Proceedings of the High Five Symposium. 28-30 June 2010, Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-63 (pages 78-84).<br /> <br /> Boone, C., B. Aukema, J. Bohlmann, A. Carroll, & K. F. Raffa. 2011. Efficacy of tree defense physiology varies with herbivore population density. 2011. Can. J. For. Res. 41: 1174-1188.<br /> Cardoza, Y.J., R.W. Hofstetter and F.E. Vega. Chapter: Symbiosis-mediated Outbreaks. In Insect Outbreaks Revisited (in press).<br /> <br /> Chen Y, Whitehill JGA, Bonello P and Poland TM (2011) Differential response in foliar chemistry of three ash species to emerald ash borer adult feeding. Journal of Chemical Ecology 37:29-39.<br /> <br /> Cipollini D, Wang Q, Whitehill JGA, Powell JR, Bonello P and Herms DA (2011) Distinguishing defensive characteristics in the phloem of ash species resistant and susceptible to emerald ash borer. Journal of Chemical Ecology 37:450-459.<br /> <br /> Costello, S.L., Negron, J.F and Jacobi, W.R. 2011. Wood-boring insect abundance in fire-injured ponderosa pine. Agriculture and Forest Entomology. DOI: 10.1111/j/1461-9563.2011.00531.x<br /> <br /> Crump, A. Jacobi, W.R. Lundquist, J.E. 2011. Dissemination of forest health research information in the Rocky Mountains. Journal of Forestry. 43-49.<br /> <br /> Crump, A., Jacobi, W. R., Burns, K. S., and Howell, B. S. 2011. Pruning to manage white pine blister rust in the southern Rocky mountains. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Res Station. Res. Note RMRS-RN-44. 10 p.<br /> <br /> Davis, T.S. and R.W. Hofstetter. 2011. Oleoresin chemistry mediates oviposition behavior and fecundity of a tree-killing bark beetle. Journal of Chemical Ecology (in press).<br /> <br /> <br /> Davis, T.S. and R.W. Hofstetter. 2011. Reciprocal interactions between the bark-beetle associated yeast Ogataea pini and host plant phytochemistry. Mycologia (DOI: 10.3852/11-083)<br /> <br /> Davis, T.S., R.W. Hofstetter, J.T. Foster, N.E. Foote and P. Keim. 2011. Interactions between the yeast Ogataea pini and filamentous fungi associated with the western pine beetle. Microbial Ecology 61: 626-634.<br /> <br /> Egan, J.M., Jacobi W.R., Negron J.F., Smith, S.L. and Cluck, D. R. 2010. Forest thinning and subsequent bark beetle-caused mortality in Northeastern California. Forest Ecol. Management. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2010.08.030<br /> <br /> Evans, L.M., R.W. Hofstetter, M.P. Ayres and K.D. Klepzig. 2011. Temperature changes a community: Dendroctonus frontalis and its symbionts. Environmental Entomology (in press).<br /> Fierke, M.K., D. Nowak, and R.W. Hofstetter. 2011. Chapter 9: Forest Health Monitoring. In Using the Baseline Mortality Concept in Forest Health (eds. John Castello and Steve Teale). SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Cambridge University Press.<br /> <br /> Gaylord, M.L., R.W. Hofstetter, T.E. Kolb and M.R. Wagner. 2011. Limited response of ponderosa pine bole defenses to wounding and fungi. Tree Physiology 31: 428-437.<br /> <br /> Hansen, E.M, B. J. Bentz, J.A Powell, D.R. Gray, and J. C. Vandygriff. 2011. Prepupal diapause and instar IV developmental rates of the spruce beetle, Dendroctonus rufipennis. Journal of Insect Physiology, doi.10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.06.011.<br /> <br /> Hofstetter, R.W. 2011.Chapter 11: Mutualists and Phoronts of the Southern Pine Beetle. In Southern Pine Beetle Encyclopedia (K.D. Klepzig & R. Coulson, eds.). Forest Encyclopedia Network (FEN) USDA Forest Service.<br /> <br /> Hofstetter, R.W. and M.R. Wagner. 2011. Carbon, bark beetles and biofuel. Journal of Forestry 109: 245-246. <br /> Hofstetter, R.W., J.C. Moser, and S. Blomquist. 2011. Mites associated with bark beetles and their hypophoretic fungi. In The Ophiostomatoid Fungi: Expanding Frontiers (Wingfield & Seifert, eds.). (in press)<br /> <br /> Hulcr, J, A Adams, K Raffa, R Hofstetter, K Klepzig & C Currie. 2011. Presence and diversity of Streptomyces in Dendroctonus bark beetle galleries across North America. Microb. Ecol. 61: 759-768.<br /> <br /> Hulcr, J., A.S. Adams, K.F. Raffa, R.W. Hofstetter, K.D. Klepzig, and C.R. Currie. 2011. Presence and diversity of Streptomyces in Dendroctonus and sympatric bark beetle galleries across North America. Microbial Ecology 61: 759-768.<br /> <br /> Jacobi, W. R., Goodrich, B.A. and Cleaver, C. M. 2011. Firewood transport by National and State Park campers: A risk for native and exotic tree pest movement. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. 37: 126-138<br /> <br /> Klepzig, K.D. & R.W. Hofstetter. 2011. From Attack to Emergence: Interactions between southern pine beetle, mites, microbes and trees. In The Ophiostomatoid Fungi: Expanding Frontiers (Wingfield & Seifert, eds.). (in press)<br /> <br /> Klepzig, K.D. & R.W. Hofstetter. 2011. Chapter 10: From Attack to Emergence: Interactions between southern pine beetle, mites, microbes and trees. In Southern Pine Beetle Encyclopedia (K.D. Klepzig & R. Coulson, eds.). Forest Encyclopedia Network (FEN) USDA Forest Service.<br /> <br /> McDowell NG, JS Amthor, DJ Beerling, RA Fisher, KF Raffa & M Stitt. 2011. The interdependence of mechanisms underlying vegetation mortality. Trends in Ecol. & Evol. In press.<br /> Mittapalli O, Bai X, Mamidala P, Rajarapu SP, Bonello P and Herms DA (2010) Tissue-specific transcriptomics of the exotic invasive insect pest emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). PLoS ONE 5, e13708.<br /> <br /> Nagle AM, McPherson BA, Garbelotto M, Wood DL and Bonello P (2011) Relationship between resistance to Phytophthora ramorum and constitutive phenolic chemistry in coast live oak. Forest Pathology. Available online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0329.2010.00703.x.<br /> <br /> Nagle, A.M., McPherson, B.A., Wood, D.L., Garbelotto, M., Bonello, P. 2011. Relationship between field resistance to Phytophthora ramorum and constitutive phenolic chemistry of coast live oak. Forest Pathology doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0329.2010.00703.x.<br /> <br /> Rajarapu SP, Mamidala P, Herms DA, Bonello P and Mittapalli O (2011) Antioxidant genes of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis): Gene characterization and expression profiles. Journal of Insect Physiology. Available on line: doi:10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.03.017.<br /> <br /> Riggins, J. J., Defibaugh y Chávez, J. M., Tullis, J. A., and F. M. Stephen. 2011. Spectral identification of pre-visual northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) foliar symptoms related to oak decline and red oak borer (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) attack. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 35(1): 18-25.<br /> <br /> Riggins, J. J., Defibaugh y Chávez, J. M., Tullis, J. A., and F. M. Stephen. 2011. Spectral identification of pre-visual northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) foliar symptoms related to oak decline and red oak borer (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) attack. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. 35(1): 18-25.<br /> <br /> Simard, M, EN Powell, KF Raffa & MG Turner. 2011. What explains landscape patterns of bark beetle outbreaks in Greater Yellowstone? Global Ecology and Biogeography. In press.<br /> <br /> Wallis C, Eyles A, Chorbadjian RA, Riedl K, Schwartz S, Hansen R, Cipollini D, Herms DA, Bonello P (2011) Differential effects of nutrient availability on the secondary metabolism of Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) phloem and resistance to Diplodia pinea. Forest Pathology 41:52-58.

Impact Statements

1. We have completed several publications on the relationship of forest management and bark beetles and the potential of firewood to move native or exotic insects.
2. Studies in Arizona suggest that ponderosa pine bole defense against bark beetles and their associated fungi is primarily constitutive and not induced and that this defense is effective against fungal invasion.
3. Results of tree characteristics suggest that host selection by the roundheaded pine beetle may not be random and that tree growth characteristics and resin composition are probably important factors in host selection.
4. Our experiments with D. brevicomis demonstrate that the chemical history of bark beetles mediates egg gallery construction and fecundity, but not host acceptance. This implicates chemical history as a more important factor than host chemotype in the oviposition behavior and fecundity of D. brevicomis.
5. Experiments with beetle associated microbes suggest that yeasts responds to phytochemicals present in host tissues and the presence of yeast might alter the chemical environment of phloem tissues during the early stages of beetle development. The interactions between yeasts and phytochemicals in pine vascular tissues might have consequences for the bark beetle that vector microbes.
6. Ellagic acid and tyrosol-like compounds in coast live oak phloem can be used as biomarkers of coast live oak resistance to P. ramorum.
7. Treatment with MeJA protects small ash trees against the emerald ash borer at the same level as that conferred by treatment with a commercial topical insecticide.
8. We conducted an extensive outreach program, with multiple newspaper, radio, and television outlets, on biological control of emerald ash borer.
9. The ability to identify trees that are resistant to Phytophthora ramorum prior to arrival of this pathogen increases the options for managing threatened forests.
10. Studies of the impacts of pitch canker in native forests have indicated the importance of associated understory plant communities in influencing the success of Monterey pine regeneration.
11. These studies will provide management tools and a knowledge base to address questions relating to the long-term persistence of native Monterey pine in a diversity of stand types on the Monterey peninsula.
12. Graduate degrees awarded to Thomas Seth Davis (PhD, Northern Arizona University), Chris Foelker (MS, Northern Arizona University), Dan West ( MS, Colorado State University), Justin Whitehill, (PhD. Ohio State University)
13. Members have generated over $1.6 million in research grants related to this project.

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Report Information

Participants

1. Barbara Benz- USDA FS UT
2. Fred Baker- UT
3. Brice McPherson and Dave Wood- CA
4. Enrico Bonello- Ohio
5. Ken Raffa- WI
6. Bill Jacobi-CO
7. Steve Cook- ID
8. Fred Stephen- AR
9. Dave Shaw- Oregon
10. Stella Coakley, W2187 Advisor, Oregon State U/Land Grant/Agriculture Experiment Stations

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Characterize the role of biotic and abiotic factors in predisposing trees to bark beetle attack and subsequent mortality <br /> <br /> " Initiated a project examining tree community regeneration following mountain pine beetle and white pine blister rust infestations/infections in higher elevation whitebark pine stands.<br /> " Completed a project examining the use of systemic insecticides to manage ponderosa pine cone beetle in conifer seed orchards.<br /> " Tree mortality following severe defoliation by pine butterfly. Collaborating with Rob Flowers, Oregon Dept. of Forestry with Ari DeMarco, Graduate Student. This project is a attempting to determine if severe defoliation by pine butterfly in Central Oregon results in bark beetle mortality.<br /> " The effect of mountain pine beetle and dwarf mistletoe on canopy structure and fire behavior in Oregon lodgepole pine forests. This is a MS Thesis that Michelle Agne is working on. Although it is not directly a investigating the influence of dwarf mistletoe on bark beetles, it is determining factors associated the results of mt. pine beetle activity.<br /> " Patterns of non-structural carbon storage in western conifers. With Rick Meinzer and Dave Woodruff.<br /> " Managing Fuel Loads by Limiting Mortality Caused by Bark Beetles and Sudden Oak Death. With Rick Kelsey.<br /> <br /> Objective 2: Characterize the diversity and interactions among tree hosts, bark beetles, their natural enemies and associated fungi.<br /> <br /> Completed project on fungal species assemblages associated with Phytophthora ramorum-infected coast live oaks following bark and ambrosia beetle colonization in northern California. <br /> <br /> Objective 3: Integrate and apply the knowledge gained from objectives 1 and 2 to forest ecosystems as influenced by emerging issues such as invasive species, global climate change, changing land use patterns and multiple and conflicting societal demands " Identified the invasive Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid as occurring in Idaho. " Examined the impact of predicted climate scenarios on the distribution of tree-killing pest insects such as the invasive Balsam Woolly Adelgid in higher elevation Idaho forests and how they may interact with bark beetle outbreaks. " Temporal dynamics of ground, surface, ladder, and crown fuels and their potential effects on fire behavior, following Dendroctonus ponderosae epidemics in the Pinus contorta zone of south-central Oregon. Joint Fire Science Program, Boise, Idaho. " We recently finished this project: Spatial and Ecological Analysis of Red Fir Decline in California Using FIA Plots. Leif Mortensen graduated with an MS. Characterized the causal mechanisms that control bark beetle epidemics at the landscape level in greater Yellowstone ecosystem.<br /> <br /> Impacts of forest biomass removal on soil quality and biodiversity. M. Coleman, S. Cook, D. Page-Dumroese, D. Lindner and M. Jurgensen. 2012-2015, $499,000. USDA-AFRI- Environmental Implications of Direct and Indirect Land Use Change. <br /> <br /> Testing systemic insecticides against multiple seed orchard pests commonly present in the intermountain west. 2010-2013, $120,000. S.P. Cook and M. Rust. Part of an NSF-Center for Advanced Forestry Systems Program. <br /> <br /> Linking insect communities with environmental parameters in the Selkirk Mountains. 2010-2013, $57,060. Cook, S.P. and J. Johnson. USDA-Forest Service, Research Joint Venture Agreement (Rocky Mountain Research Station). <br /> <br /> Whitebark pine stand conditions after mountain pine beetle outbreaks in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. C. Jorgensen, S. Kegley, J. Schwandt, S. Cook, D. Perkins, J. Hoffman, B. Steed and L. Lazarus. 2012-2014, $62,000. USDA-Forest Service, Evaluation Monitoring Program. <br /> <br /> Tree mortality following severe defoliation by pine butterfly. $51,000. 2012-2013. OR Dept. of Forestry and USFS Forest Health Protection. With ODF Rob Flowers. <br /> <br /> Archival of post-mountain pine beetle fuels and fire behavior data of south-central Oregon. $9, 997. 2012-2013. David Shaw and Travis Woolley. Joint Fire Science Program, Boise Idaho. <br /> <br /> Continued funding for Patterns of non-structural carbon storage in western conifers. $8,000. 2010-2015. David Shaw, with Rick Meinzer and David Woodruff, PNW Research Station. <br /> <br /> Comparing aboveground biomass estimates using existing allometric equations, LIDAR, and tree based physiological models. $50,478. 2012-2013. USDA Forest Service, PNW Research Station, Western Wildlands Environmental Threats Assessment Center. With Travis Woolley, Michelle Agne, and USFS Nancy <br /> <br /> NSF Ecology. 2008. A conceptual and mechanistic approach to understanding interactions among multiple disturbance agents: compound effects of fire on resource availability to bark beetles K. Raffa, P. Townsend, E. Powell. 4 yrs. <br /> <br /> USDA NRI. 2008 How do interactions among microbial symbionts affect the host and range expansions of an eruptive forest insect?. K. F. Raffa, C. Currie, A. Adams. 4 yrs. <br /> <br /> McIntire-Stennis. 2008. Interactions among symbionts and bark beetles. K. Raffa. 4 yrs. <br /> <br /> Wisconsin Dept. Natural Resources. 2010. Biological control of Emerald Ash Borer in Wisconsin. K. Raffa. 3 yr. <br /> <br /> <br />

Publications

Cook, S.P., F. Merickel, K. Ward & N. Havill. 2012. First report of Adelges abietis (Linneaus) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in Idaho. The Pan-Pacific Entomologist 88: 435-436.<br /> <br /> Hoffman, C.M., P. Morgan, W. Mell, R. Parsons, E. Strand & S. Cook. 2012. Numerical simulation of crown fire hazard immediately following bark beetle-caused mortality in lodgepole pine forests. Forest Science 58: 178-188.<br /> <br /> Hoffman, C.M., P. Morgan, W. Mell, R. Parsons, E.K. Strand & S. Cook. In Press. Surface fire intensity influences simulated crown fire behavior in forests with mountain pine beetle-caused tree mortality. Forest Science<br /> <br /> Cook, S.P., B.D. Sloniker & M. Rust. In Press. Using systemically-applied insecticides for management of ponderosa pine cone beetle in pine seed orchards. Western Journal of Applied Forestry.<br /> <br /> Strong, N.A., P.T. Oester, and D.C. Shaw. 2012. Pest Scene Investigators: A Peer-Learning Effort to Improve Forest Health in Oregon. Journal of Extension 50 (2). Article Number 2IAW2.<br /> <br /> Woolley, T., D.C. Shaw, L.M. Ganio, and S. Fitzgerald. 2011. A review of logistic regression models used to predict post-fire tree mortality of western North American conifers. International Journal of Wildland Fire 21:1-35. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WF09039. <br /> <br /> Chumura, D.J., P.D. Anderson, G.T. Howe, C.A. Harrington, J.E. Halofsky, D.L. Peterson, D.C. Shaw, and B. St. Clair. 2011. Forest Responses to climate change in the northwestern United States: ecophysiological foundations for adaptive management. Forest Ecology and Management. 261: 1121-1142.<br /> <br /> Hicke, JA, CD Allen, AR Desai, MC Dietze, RJ Hall, ET Hogg, DM Kashian, D Moore, KF Raffa, RN. Sturrock, J Vogelmann. 2012. Effects of biotic disturbances on forest carbon budgets of the United States and Canada. Global Change Biology. 18:7-34. <br /> <br /> McPherson, BA, N. Erbilgin, P. Bonello, and DL Wood. 2013. Fungal species assemblages associated with Phytophthora ramorum-infected coast live oaks following bark and ambrosia beetle colonization in northern California. Forest Ecology and Management 291: 30-42.<br /> <br /> Simard, M, EN Powell, KF Raffa & MG Turner. 2012. What explains landscape patterns of bark beetle outbreaks in Greater Yellowstone? Global Ecology and Biogeography. 21: 556-557.<br /> <br /> Powell, EN, Townsend PA & KF Raffa. 2012. Wildfire provides refuge from local extinction but is an unlikely driver of outbreaks by mountain pine beetle. Ecol. Monogr. 82:69-84.<br /> <br /> Jamieson MA, Trowbridge AM., Raffa KF & RL Lindroth. 2012. Consequences of climate change for plant-insect and multitrophic interactions. Plant Physiology, Update. 160: 1719-1727.<br />

Impact Statements

1. A new knowledge milestone has been met concerning the interaction of invasive species (white pine blister rust, sudden oak death), fungi, and bark beetles, and how they influence tree mortality and subsequent forest regeneration. This will aid practitioners in managing these invasive diseases.
2. Several studies have been completed on how bark beetles caused tree mortality influences forest fuels and fire over time, landowners and federal forest managers now target fuels management at key stand development periods to prevent wildfire.
3. New knowledge concerning the distribution, environmental controls, and complex interactions of biotic and abiotic factors on important forest insects (bark beetles, adelgids, cone insects, pine butterfly) is allowing forest managers to plan planting regimes more strategically.

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