Invasion ecology of forest insects in pine plantations: risks and mechanisms associated with the introduction and establishment

GIMENA VILARDO; MARÍA VICTORIA LANTSCHNER; JUAN CORLEY

Conferencia; Invasion ecology of forest insects in pine plantations: risks and mechanisms associated with the introduction and establishment; 2019

Invasion ecology of forest insects in pine plantations: risks and mechanisms associated with the introduction and establishment

Invasion by non-native insects are increasing worldwide, often with strong negative economic and ecologic impacts on forest ecosystems. Understanding the global patterns and mechanisms driving the invasion of forest insects is important for predicting future invasions and improving mitigation strategies. Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) are a large and diverse group of insects commonly recognized as important forest pests and invaders. The main objective of this project is to describe and understand patterns and fundamental ecological process operating during the phases of arrival and establishment of alien bark beetles in pine plantations of Argentina and the southern hemisphere. The specific aims are: (1) To describe the patterns of non-native pine insect introductions in the southern hemisphere, by looking into the main pathways and routes of commerce of wood products to Argentina. (2) To describe the biological attributes of forest insects and environmental factors that determine the success of establishment in pine plantations of the Southern Hemisphere, through species distribution models. (3) To characterize the main population drivers of success of the establishment of the three recently arrived bark beetle species present in NW Patagonia (Hylastes ater, Hylurgus ligniperda y Orthotomicus laricis), exploring the existence of Allee effects and population thresholds. (4) To analyze the risk of invasion of pine scolytid species in Argentina. We expect to contribute with information to improve current early detection and monitoring practices as well as pest management interventions.