Analysis of Resistance to Mountain Pine Beetle in Clonal Lodgepole Pines: An Opportunity to Guide the Choice of Cultivars for Planting a More Beetle-resistant Forest

The current major outbreak of mountain pine beetle (MPB) in the central interior of BC has prompted research into planning of a future forest that is more resistant to this insect. In the summer of 2005, a lodgepole pine seed orchard was infested by MPB. The orchard contains many clones and the clones are packed in regular rows in a randomized fashion. A great deal of data on the various attacked and unattacked trees has been recorded and this fortuitous situation will allow analysis of clonal characteristics to determine what factors influence the likelihood of specific trees being mass attacked by MPB. The results may serve to guide planning by tree breeders and silviculturalists.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Dezene Huber

Student:

Claude Hurtubise

Partner:

BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

Discipline:

Forestry

Sector:

Forestry

University:

University of Northern British Columbia