Journal
ANNALS OF FOREST SCIENCE
Volume 78, Issue 2, Pages -Publisher
SPRINGER FRANCE
DOI: 10.1007/s13595-021-01066-z
Keywords
Forest dieback; Forest health; Egg-laying site; Insect ecology; Integrated pest management; Optimal oviposition theory; Optimal foraging theory; Associational resistance
Categories
Funding
- French National Research Agency (ANR) (Lab of Excellence ARBRE, BENCHAFOR project) [ANR-11-LABX-0002-01]
- French National Forest Office (ONF)
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Melolontha hippocastani is a major pest in European mixed and broadleaf forests. The dense shrub layer reduces the density of egg clusters and eggs in the soil, while canopy openness and a large proportion of oak trees are favorable conditions for oviposition.
Key message Melolontha hippocastani is a major pest in European mixed and broadleaf forests. Investigating its oviposition behavior, we observed that a dense shrub layer reduces the density of egg clusters and eggs in the soil. Conversely, canopy openness and a large proportion of oak appear as favoring conditions. Context Melolontha hippocastani is a major pest in European mixed and broadleaf forests. In north-eastern France, an epidemic phase has been observed since 2007, characterized by a high mortality rate of seedlings and young trees, and by massive swarming flights every 4 years. Aims We investigated the oviposition behavior of M. hippocastani in the northern Vosges Mountains. Methods We set up study plots in the infected area after adults had emerged and the females had laid their eggs. We excavated pits and counted the eggs and egg clusters they contained. We also carried out dendrometric surveys. Results A dense shrub layer had a negative effect on the density of egg clusters and the number of eggs in the soil, while canopy openness and the proportion of oak basal area had positive effects. Conclusion We hypothesized that a dense shrub layer could create a barrier for females. On the other hand, an open canopy may improve conditions for the larvae in the soil, just as a high proportion of oak trees in the surrounding area may provide a good food source for both larvae and adults. Wesuggest several research orientations and propose guidelines for forest management in view of our results.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available