Insects and diseases

Abstract

Insects and diseases are a natural part of forested ecosystems. Their activity is partially regulated by biotic factors, e.g., host abundance, host quality; physical factors, e.g., soil, climate; and disturbances (Berryman 1986). Insects and diseases can influence both forest patterns and forest processes by causing, for example, defoliation and mortality. These effects may occur at small scales (gap phase) or large scales (forest development) and at any seral stage (Castello and others 1995). It can be useful to examine population trends for individual insect or pathogen species. However, for broadscale analysis, examining the cumulative effects of insects and pathogens gives a representation of ecosystem stress over time.

Parent Publication

• Forest health monitoring: 2006 national technical report

Citation

Couston, John W. 2009. Insects and diseases. In: Forest health monitoring: 2006 national technical report. General Technical Report SRS-117. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. (pages 47-51)