Agricultural and Forest Entomology (2005) 7, 237-244

Katherine P. Bleiker, B. Staffan Lindgren and Lorraine E. Maclauchlan (2005)
Resistance of fast- and slow-growing subalpine fir to pheromone-induced attack by western balsam bark beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytinae)
Agricultural and Forest Entomology 7 (3), 237-244
Abstract: 1 We investigated the resistance of fast- and slow-growing subalpine fir to pheromone-induced attack by western balsam bark beetle at two sites in the interior of British Columbia, Canada.
2 Attack success by the beetle and subsequent tree mortality were higher in slow-growing trees than in fast-growing trees.
3 Fast-growing trees were more likely to produce secondary resin, and in greater quantities, than slow-growing trees after attack.
4 Host vigour (indicated by recent radial growth) was positively related to the induced defense response and resistance of subalpine fir to bark beetle attack. These results are discussed in the context of plant defense and plant-herbivore interaction hypotheses.
5 Given the preference of western balsam bark beetle for weakened trees, as well as the reduced defenses and increased mortality rates in less vigorous trees, effective management tactics for this beetle may include strategies that increase the growth and vigour of its subalpine fir host.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Katherine Bleiker, Lorraine E. MacLauchlan

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
resistance/tolerance/defence of host
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Dryocoetes confusus	Fir (Abies)	Canada (west)