Pest risk to climate mitigation efforts using fast growing poplar: the case of the ambrosia beetle, Megaplatypus mutatus

RENÉ I. ALFARO, P.GONZALEZ AUDINO, GIANNI ALLEGRO

Seúl, Korea

Congreso; IUFRO; 2010

International Union of Forest Research Organizations

Accelerated warming of the earth’s atmosphere, resulting from human activity, is prompting renewed calls for using fast growing forests in mitigating climate change, because they offer accelerated CO2 uptake and potential as bio-energy. Poplars are a preferred choice because of their fast growth and multiple uses. However, reforestation efforts with this species are threatened by native and invasive pests. Accelerated global trade will increase the likelihood of cross-continental introduction of insects and diseases, plants and animals alien to native ecosystems, causing transformation and economic loss to ecosystems already stressed by global warming. The ambrosia beetle Megaplatypus mutatus (Chapuis) native to the subtropical area of eastern South America has extended its range in Argentina, reaching as far south as Neuquén in the Argentinean Patagonia. A recent introduction to Italy, demonstrates that this insect can be transported long distances between countries, and therefore, presents a threat to poplar cultivation world-wide. The damage is caused by the adults, which bore large gallery systems into living poplars, and many other broadleaf species. The galleries not only degrade the lumber, but weakened trees often break during windstorms. Forest pest management can play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change on forests and society.