Southern Research Station

Title: Biology and Management of Insect Pests in North American Intensively Managed Hardwood Forest Systems

Author: Coyle, David R.; Nebeker, T. Evan; Hart, Elwood R.; Mattson, William J.

Date: 2005

Source: Annu. Rev. Entomol. 2005. 50:1­29

Description: Increasing demand for wood and wood products is putting stress on traditional forest production areas, leading to long-term economic and environmental concerns. Intensively managed hardwood forest systems (IMHFS), grown using conventional agricultural as well as forestry methods, can help alleviate potential problems in natural forest production areas. Although IMHFS can produce more biomass per hectare per year than natural forests, the ecologically simplified, monocultural systems may greatly increase the crop's susceptibility to pests. Species in the genera Populus and Salix comprise the greatest acreage in IMHFS in North America, but other species, including Liquidambar styraciflua and Platanus occidentalis, are also important. We discuss life histories, realized and potential damage, and management options for the most economically influential pests that affect these hardwood species. The substantial inherent challenges associated with pest management in the monocultural environments created by IMHFS are reviewed. Finally, we discuss ways to design IMHFS that may reduce their susceptibility to pests, increase their growth and productivity potential, and create a more sustainable environment.

Keywords: 

View and Print this Publication (170 KB)

Publication Notes: 

• We recommend that you also print this page and attach it to the printout of the article, to retain the full citation information.
• This article was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.

 Get the latest version of the Adobe Acrobat reader or Acrobat Reader for Windows with Search and Accessibility

Citation

Coyle, David R.; Nebeker, T. Evan; Hart, Elwood R.; Mattson, William J.  2005.  Biology and Management of Insect Pests in North American Intensively Managed Hardwood Forest Systems.   Annu. Rev. Entomol. 2005. 50:1­29