Abstract
Pinus strobiformis (southwestern white pine, abbr. PIST), a species that comprises a small but significant component of the mixed-conifer forests of the U.S. Southwest, faces an increasing threat from white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola, abbr. WPBR). This potentially lethal, non-native fungal pathogen is windborne and, therefore, virtually impossible to control. However, silvicultural strategies, such as thinning, reintroduction of natural fire regimes, and encouraging natural selection for rust-resistant genotypes, show promise for maintaining or restoring infected stands. To expand ecological knowledge of the species and guide management, we surveyed PIST in mixed-conifer stands throughout Arizona and portions of New Mexico. We examined PIST forest structure, regeneration, and competitive interactions. We found that PIST occupied lower canopy positions in Pinus ponderosa-dominated plots, thereby supporting its classification as an intermediate shade-tolerant species. Plots where PIST was a dominant component showed evidence of succession towards more tolerant conifers. PIST regeneration occurred relatively rarely and was negatively associated with increasing understory plant cover and open conditions. Although PIST faced heavy tree competition, with Pseudotsuga menziesii the most important competitor, small suppressed trees showed evidence of persistence.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 159-170 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Forest Ecology and Management |
| Volume | 286 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 15 2012 |
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Keywords
- Competition
- Forest structure
- Mixed-conifer forest
- Pinus strobiformis
- Regeneration
- Southwest USA
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Forestry
- Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
- Nature and Landscape Conservation
Cite this
Patterns of forest structure, competition and regeneration in southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis) forests. / Looney, Christopher E.; Waring, Kristen M.
In: Forest Ecology and Management, Vol. 286, 15.12.2012, p. 159-170.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Patterns of forest structure, competition and regeneration in southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis) forests
AU - Looney, Christopher E.
AU - Waring, Kristen M
PY - 2012/12/15
Y1 - 2012/12/15
N2 - Pinus strobiformis (southwestern white pine, abbr. PIST), a species that comprises a small but significant component of the mixed-conifer forests of the U.S. Southwest, faces an increasing threat from white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola, abbr. WPBR). This potentially lethal, non-native fungal pathogen is windborne and, therefore, virtually impossible to control. However, silvicultural strategies, such as thinning, reintroduction of natural fire regimes, and encouraging natural selection for rust-resistant genotypes, show promise for maintaining or restoring infected stands. To expand ecological knowledge of the species and guide management, we surveyed PIST in mixed-conifer stands throughout Arizona and portions of New Mexico. We examined PIST forest structure, regeneration, and competitive interactions. We found that PIST occupied lower canopy positions in Pinus ponderosa-dominated plots, thereby supporting its classification as an intermediate shade-tolerant species. Plots where PIST was a dominant component showed evidence of succession towards more tolerant conifers. PIST regeneration occurred relatively rarely and was negatively associated with increasing understory plant cover and open conditions. Although PIST faced heavy tree competition, with Pseudotsuga menziesii the most important competitor, small suppressed trees showed evidence of persistence.
AB - Pinus strobiformis (southwestern white pine, abbr. PIST), a species that comprises a small but significant component of the mixed-conifer forests of the U.S. Southwest, faces an increasing threat from white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola, abbr. WPBR). This potentially lethal, non-native fungal pathogen is windborne and, therefore, virtually impossible to control. However, silvicultural strategies, such as thinning, reintroduction of natural fire regimes, and encouraging natural selection for rust-resistant genotypes, show promise for maintaining or restoring infected stands. To expand ecological knowledge of the species and guide management, we surveyed PIST in mixed-conifer stands throughout Arizona and portions of New Mexico. We examined PIST forest structure, regeneration, and competitive interactions. We found that PIST occupied lower canopy positions in Pinus ponderosa-dominated plots, thereby supporting its classification as an intermediate shade-tolerant species. Plots where PIST was a dominant component showed evidence of succession towards more tolerant conifers. PIST regeneration occurred relatively rarely and was negatively associated with increasing understory plant cover and open conditions. Although PIST faced heavy tree competition, with Pseudotsuga menziesii the most important competitor, small suppressed trees showed evidence of persistence.
KW - Competition
KW - Forest structure
KW - Mixed-conifer forest
KW - Pinus strobiformis
KW - Regeneration
KW - Southwest USA
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84867327484&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84867327484&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.foreco.2012.09.008
DO - 10.1016/j.foreco.2012.09.008
M3 - Article
VL - 286
SP - 159
EP - 170
JO - Forest Ecology and Management
JF - Forest Ecology and Management
SN - 0378-1127
ER -