Effects of Stand Density Management on Forest Insects and Diseases

Abstract

Strategic ImportanceAs the dependence on second-growth forest increasesfor a wide variety of objectives, stand management is becoming increasinglyimportant in British Columbia and Canada. Forest managers must notonly choose methods that are economically, silviculturally and environmentallysound, they must also be aware of the implications of stand manipulationon incidence of diseases and insects. For example, some pests thriveunder more open conditions and some will only become harmful whencrown closure is complete. Depending on the biology of the pest,changes in the stand environment may increase, or decrease or notsubstantially affect the damage the pest causes.