Managing White and Lutz Spruce Stands in South-Central Alaska for Increased Resistance to Spruce Beetle

摘要

Thinning is recommended for maintaining vigorous tree growth to minimize losses caused by spruce beetles (Dendroctonus rufipennis) and windthrow in residual stands of spruce in south-central Alaska. The anatomy of conifer stems, the variation in stem diameter growth, and the variability of tree response to wounding are discussed to explain why trees become vulnerable to attack by bark beetles.