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Forest insect and fungal pathogen responses to drought [Chapter 6]

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Recent changes in precipitation patterns and in the occurrence of extreme temperature and precipitation events have been documented in many forested regions of the United States (Ryan and Vose 2012). Changes in drought intensity and frequency have the potential to alter populations and impacts of tree-damaging forest insects and pathogens (Ayers and Lombardero 2000, Dale and others 2001, Weed and others 2013). Scientists, forest managers, and environmental policymakers need to better understand the role of drought in outbreaks of forest insects and diseases in order to anticipate the future condition of U.S. forests and to consider actions to mitigate undesirable changes.

Parent Publication

Keywords

forest insects, fungal pathogens, drought

Citation

Kolb, Thomas E.; Fettig, Christopher J.; Bentz, Barbara J.; Stewart, Jane E.; Weed, Aaron S.; Hicke, Jeffrey A.; Ayres, Matthew P. 2016. Forest insect and fungal pathogen responses to drought [Chapter 6]. In: Vose, James M.; Clark, James S.; Luce, Charles H.; Patel-Weynard, Toral, eds. Effects of drought on forests and rangelands in the United States: A comprehensive science synthesis. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-93b. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington Office. p. 113-133.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/52328