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A critique of silvicultural approaches to managing defoliating insects in North America

Formally Refereed

Abstract

A variety of silvicultural techniques have been suggested for managing forest defoliating insects. The objectives focus on minimizing defoliation or minimizing damage from defoliation. The theoretical foundations of many approaches have been built upon observation and correlation, and very little reliable empirical evidence exists to support the objectives of silvicultural manipulations. Existing experimental data have yielded inconsistent results. We review the conceptual framework and underlying assumptions of the major silvicultural approaches recommended or in use in North America. Well-designed, long-term studies are needed to clarify the effect of silviculture on defoliators and their effect on forests.

Keywords

Choristoneura fumiferana, Choristoneura occidentalis, gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, silviculture, spruce budworm, susceptibility, vulnerability

Citation

​Muzika, R.M.; Liebhold, A.M. 2000. A critique of silvicultural approaches to managing defoliating insects in North America. Agricultural and Forest Entomology. 2(2): 97-105.
Citations
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/54891