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Abstract
Western white pine (WWP; Pinus monticola) is a keystone species in moist forests of western North America that displays adaptation to ranging climates and resilience to native root diseases. Since Cronartium ribicola, the cause of white pine blister rust (WPBR), was introduced to North America in the early 1900s, WBPR has caused dramatic reductions in WWP across its native range. Although WPBR is well established throughout WWP’s range, observations have suggested some recent, naturally regenerated WWP stands in northern Idaho, USA display lower rates of WPBR incidence than was recorded historically in WWP stands that were established at similar sites. Analyses of recent WPBR incidence rates in regenerated WWP at these sites may be useful to determine if favoring natural WWP regeneration can aid restoration of WWP stands with reduced WPBR in some areas. Areas with reduced WPBR rates can be prioritized by forest managers for encouraging WWP regeneration and fostering forest resilience. Although WWP is considered a generalist with populations that exhibit relatively broad climatic adaptation, ongoing climate change will likely alter its geographic range. However, inclusion of WWP in future forests might offer some resilience to climate change, provided that WPBR rates allow for WWP survival to maturity.
Citation
Stewart, Jane E.; Kim, Mee-Sook; Warwell, Marcus V.; Hanna, John W.; Zambino, Paul J.; McDonald, Geral I.; Klopfenstein, Ned B. 2024. Assessing historical and contemporary rates of white pine blister rust incidence in naturally regenerated stands of western white pine for the prioritization of restoration sites under changing climate. In: Brooks, Rachel K., compiler. Proceedings of the 68th Western International Forest Disease Work Conference; 5-9 June 2023; Rohnert Park, CA. Online: https://www.wifdwc.org/. p. 210-211.
