Tracking stand-level responses (mortality and recovery) in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.)- dominated stands following the recent jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus F.) infestation across northwestern Ontario

Abstract

This study investigates the stand-level responses (mortality and recovery) in jack pine-dominated forests following a recent infestation of the jack pine budworm across northwestern Ontario. The aim is to understand the extent and severity of the infestation's impact on these forests and to identify potential factors influencing the response of the stands. The research utilizes field data collected from 2019 to 2022, including tree mortality surveys and forest inventory assessments. The results show that the budworm infestation has caused changes in natural mortality in the stands. The results have shown a significant difference in crown density, whereas live tree density shows insignificant differences from 2020 to 2022. The overall diameter distribution between the JPBW stands and control stands showed that the control site had a higher diameter and volume over all and continued to grow over time whereas the JPBW stands maintained a similar distribution over time. Factors such as stand density, site quality, and diameter distributions are found to influence the stands' response to the infestation. The findings and literature indicate that a commercial thin of the affected stands could prove to be beneficial in preserving stands as a whole and creating short term profit.