Subcontinental impacts of an invasive tree disease on forest structure and dynamics

Jeffrey R. Garnas; Matthew P. Ayres; Andrew M. Liebhold; Celia Evans

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2745.2010.01791.x

Treesearch

Subcontinental impacts of an invasive tree disease on forest structure and dynamics

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Jeffrey R. Garnas, Matthew P. Ayres, Andrew M. Liebhold, Celia Evans

Year:

2011

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2745.2010.01791.x

Source:

Journal of Ecology. 99: 532-541.

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Abstract

Introduced pests and pathogens are a major source of disturbance to ecosystems world-wide. The famous examples have produced dramatic reductions in host abundance, including virtual extirpation, but most introductions have more subtle impacts that are hard to quantify but are potentially at least as important due to the pathogens' effects on host reproduction, competitive ability and stress tolerance. A general outcome could be reduced host abundance with concomitant increases in the abundance of competitors. Beech bark disease (BBD) is a widespread, fatal affliction of American beech (Fagus grandifolia), currently present in c. 50% of beech's distribution in eastern North America. Despite high adult mortality, beech remains a dominant component of the forest community.

Keywords

beech bark disease, Cryptococcus fagisuga, disease impacts, Fagus grandifolia, forest ecology, Forest Inventory and Analysis, insect–fungal interactions, invasion ecology, Neonectria ditissima, Neonectria faginata

Citation

Garnas, Jeffrey R.; Ayres, Matthew P.; Liebhold, Andrew M.; Evans, Celia. 2011. Subcontinental impacts of an invasive tree disease on forest structure and dynamics. Journal of Ecology. 99: 532-541.