Showing papers in "Australian Forestry in 1993"
TL;DR: The increased rate of hardwood plantation establishment in Tasmania, mainly of a single species of Eucalyptus, has placed increased emphasis on the need for applied research on insect species causing damage to this resource.
Abstract: Summary The increased rate of hardwood plantation establishment in Tasmania, mainly of a single species of Eucalyptus, has placed increased emphasis on the need for applied research on insect species causing damage to this resource
58 citations
TL;DR: In this article, stand stem volume yield prediction models are presented for six eucalypt species E. regnans F. Muell, E. obliqua L'Her., E. delegatensis R. Baker and E. pilularis Smith.
Abstract: Summary Stand stem volume yield prediction models are presented for six eucalypt species Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell., E. obliqua L'Her., E. delegatensis R. Baker. E. pilularis Smith, E. grandis Hill ex Maiden and E. diversicolor F. Muell. The data set used was collected over many years by eight of the major forestry agencies of Australia. It included data only from fully stocked, monospecific stands which had received no major natural or unnatural disturbance throughout their life-times. The bulk of the data was collected from regrowth forest, but some data from plantation forest were also included. The data did not sample formally or fully the entire area of natural occurrence of the six species. These data limitations must be borne in mind when applying the models. A site-index equation is developed for each species and these are then used in developing the stand stem volume yield prediction models which were based on the commonly used Schumacher model. The models are then used to compare growth rates ...
53 citations
TL;DR: An entomological overview of the eucalypt plantation programme being carried out by the Forestry Commission of New South Wales is presented and some of the insect pests known to damage eucallypt forests and plantations are listed and discussed.
Abstract: Summary An entomological overview of the eucalypt plantation programme being carried out by the Forestry Commission of New South Wales is presented. Some of the insect pests known to damage eucalypt forests and plantations in New South Wales are listed and discussed.
50 citations
TL;DR: Defoliation of Eucalyptus regnans plantations in Tasmania by the leaf beetle Chrysophtharta bimaculata (Olivier) over a two year period significantly reduced growth of one- year-old previously uninfested trees and six-year-old trees with a history of defoliation.
Abstract: Summary Defoliation of Eucalyptus regnans plantations in Tasmania by the leaf beetle Chrysophtharta bimaculata (Olivier) over a two year period significantly reduced growth of one-year-old previously uninfested trees and six-year-old trees with a history of defoliation. One-year-old trees defoliated by C. bimaculata had lost 45.6% and 52.1% of their potential height increment and basal area increment respectively by the end of the two year trial compared to protected trees. Six-year-old trees experienced similar growth losses and the biomass of leaves and stems/branches of unprotected trees at the end of the two year period was reduced by 44% and 39% respectively compared to protected trees. The impact of the defoliation levels recorded in these trials is discussed in relation to the current control strategy for C. bimaculata and the economics of eucalypt plantations in Tasmania.
47 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed data on native forest cover within a 3500 km2 area of the Batemans Bay region, south-east New South Wales, were analyzed in relation to a number of factors: land tenure, site productivity, accessibility (distance to nearest human habitation), the distribution of 31 forest tree (predominantly eucalypt) associations, and the extent of disturbance from logging and clearing activities.
Abstract: Summary Data on native forest cover within a 3500 km2 area of the Batemans Bay region, south-east New South Wales, were analysed in relation to a number of factors: land tenure, site productivity, accessibility (distance to nearest human habitation), the distribution of 31 forest tree (predominantly eucalypt) associations, and the extent of disturbance from logging and clearing activities. There were 11 tenure classes. To simplify analyses and presentation the tenure classes were lumped to three tenure categories that reflect likely forest management or land use practice: National Park (19.3% by area—preserved or protected forest), State Forest (47.5%—forest allocated to timber production), Freehold (33.2%—forest potentially available for clearing for agricultural, pastoral, semi-urban, etc. land use). Tree associations that characterised the most productive sites and, on average, the most accessible land were; (i) well represented in Freehold tenure, (ii) least represented in National Park and, (iii) mos...
33 citations
TL;DR: Of the listed pests of native forests, phasmatids are the only major group yet to cause damage in plantations here.
Abstract: Summary Some of the most common and damaging insect pests of eucalypt trees in plantations and in native forests in Queensland are listed and discussed. Principal among these are stem boring longicorns (Tryphocaria), wood moths (Xyleutes, Uzucha), lerp insects (Cardiaspina), scarab leaf beetles (Anoplognathus, Epholcis) and subterranean termites (Coptotermes). Of the listed pests of native forests, phasmatids are the only major group yet to cause damage in plantations here.
31 citations
TL;DR: The effects of two prescribed low intensity fires within three years on invertebrates in litter/upper soil were assessed in dry sclerophyll eucalypt forest near Daylesford in west-central Victoria, finding no discernible effect on total arthropods, total non-insects, total insects andtotal arthropod decomposers.
Abstract: The effects of two prescribed low intensity fires (from 137 to 209 kWm−1) within three years on invertebrates in litter/upper soil were assessed in dry sclerophyll eucalypt forest near Daylesford in west-central Victoria. The 5.9 year study was based on 65 210 arthropod specimens representing 34 ordinal or lower level taxa contained in 2 300 pitfall trap samples, and on in situ counts of earthworms (Annelida) in 2 120 litter/upper soil samples, from a twice burnt site and an unburnt “control” site within a 31.3 ha area. The two fires had no discernible effect on total arthropods, total non-insects, total insects and total arthropod decomposers, though activity of total predators increased significantly after the second fire due largely to the Dermaptera (earwigs). A reduction in activity, up to one year, was recorded after each fire for the commonly trapped Collembola (springtails). Earthworm populations also declined substantially, but recovered to “control” levels within three years of each fire. Activity of the Coleoptera (beetles) was significantly lower after the second fire compared with the first, but there was no difference in activities after the first and second fires relative to the respective pre-fire levels. The Diptera (flies) recorded a drop in activity during winter following the first fire only, and effects other than fire are believed to be the cause. As Collembola and earthworms are major decomposers of forest litter, it appears that two consecutive fires in spring may interrupt the decomposer cycle for up to three years. The effect of fire on the Coleoptera remains uncertain, as levels of activity had declined simultaneously on both the burnt and “control” sites, and it is not known whether this trend was caused by many or few beetle taxa. The practical implications of the results are that any fires prescribed in spring should be applied at intervals of more than three years (and outside protracted drought periods), to minimise adverse effects on the general invertebrate fauna, and on Collembola and earthworms in particular, within litter/upper soil of the type of dry sclerophyll eucalypt forest studied. © 1993 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
30 citations
TL;DR: The plantation estate of Eucalyptus globulus in Western Australia, though small in relation to hardwood plantations elsewhere, has generally been free of insect problems, but ten insect species have, however, been recorded causing significant, but sporadic, damage.
Abstract: Summary The plantation estate of Eucalyptus globulus in Western Australia, though small in relation to hardwood plantations elsewhere, has generally been free of insect problems. Ten insect species have, however, been recorded causing significant, but sporadic, damage. The four most important are Wingless grasshopper, African black beetle, Leafblister sawfly and Spring beetle. The first two have caused mortality though defoliation and bark chewing respectively and the other two height decrement. Preparation and dissemination of an Insect Manual in 1990 has helped co-ordinate the detection of damaging levels of insects and ensure the use of appropriate control measures. The major deficit in knowledge concerns the economic injury levels for insect species in plantations.
29 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the breeding of hollow-nesting birds and the distribution and availability of tree hollows in an area of sclerophyll forest in north-eastern Tasmania.
Abstract: Breeding of hollow-nesting birds and the distribution and availability of tree hollows were investigated in an area of sclerophyll forest in north-eastern Tasmania. The occurrence of potential tree hollows was assessed from the ground and used as an index of actual hollows. Entrance size was categorized as small, medium or large corresponding to the differing requirements of the birds present on the site. Smaller hollows were more abundant than larger hollows. The distribution of hollows amongst trees was highly clumped. Diameter at breast height and the presence of a fire scar explained one-third of the variation in numbers of hollows per tree. Streamside and non-streamside areas did not differ in the number of hollows/tree or the sizes of hollows present. Thirty trees were found that were utilized as nest sites by striated pardalotes Pardalotus striatus, laughing kookaburras Dacelo novae- gaineae, green rosellas Platycercus caledonicus and yellow-tailed black cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus. ...
28 citations
TL;DR: There were large differences in height and diameter growth between ages I and 5 years between subgenera, species and provenances and survival was also greater in Symphyomyrtus than Monocalyptus species except at the uppermost site where snow and frost killed E. globulus.
Abstract: Summary Four eucalypt species. Eucalyptus delegatensis, E. globulus, E. nitens and E. regnons were established at each of four plantations situated between 60 m and 650 m asl in SE Tasmania. E. grandis and E. pauciflora were also established at the lower and upper two plantations respectively. Each plantation was managed intensively through the application of fertiliser and pest control. There were large differences in height and diameter growth between ages I and 5 years between subgenera, species and provenances. In general, E. globulus and E. nitens of subgenus Symphyomyrtus grew faster than E. delegatensis and E. regnans of subgenus Monocalyptus. Survival was also greater in Symphyomyrtus than Monocalyptus species except at the uppermost (650 m) site where snow and frost killed E. globulus. The faster diameter growth across all sites at age 5 years was from the Upper Toorongo provenance of E. nitens with mean diameters at breast height between 9.6 and 10.5 cm; the tallest species. 11.1 m was the Otway...
27 citations
TL;DR: The status of eucalypt plantations in Victoria is summarized and the insect pests that can cause severe damage to foliage during the first three years after planting on farmland, before canopy closure and foliage maturation are identified.
Abstract: Summary This paper briefly summarises the status of eucalypt plantations in Victoria and identifies the insect pests that can cause severe damage to foliage during the first three years after planting on farmland, before canopy closure and foliage maturation. Also discussed are various factors presumed to predispose such plantations to severe insect attack, the nature of the damage, the present and future pest management options and the associated research. Predominant among economically important insect pests are the Christmas beetles (Anoplognathus chloropyrus and A. hirsutus), leaf beetles (Chrysophtharta agricola, C. variicollis and Paropsis porosa), the Autumn Gum Moth (Mnesampela privata), the Leafblister Sawfly (Phylacteophaga froggatti) and the Wingless Grasshopper (Phaulacridium vittatum). At present control of outbreaks is by spraying insecticide. Environmentally more acceptable multi-pronged control programs are being developed, comprising a mix of compatible preventative and curative genetic, ...
TL;DR: The growing of eucalypts in plantations is very new in South Australia and few insect problems have been encountered so far though Mnesampela privata and Eriococcus coriaceous have caused considerable damage.
Abstract: Summary The growing of eucalypts in plantations is very new in South Australia. Few insect problems have been encountered so far though Mnesampela privata and Eriococcus coriaceous have caused considerable damage. Of more recent concern are Tryphocaria acanthocera and Heteronyx elongatus. The more common pests in eucalypt plantations are listed.
TL;DR: Artificial inoculations of radiata pines with the nematode Beddingia siricidicola from 1985 to 1988 have resulted in less than 30% of the emerging Sirex noctilio being parasitised by these nematodes.
Abstract: Summary Artificial inoculations of radiata pines with the nematode Beddingia siricidicola from 1985 to 1988 have resulted in less than 30% of the emerging Sirex noctilio being parasitised by these nematodes. In contrast, the original inoculation procedure, developed in 1974, consistently produced greater than 95% parasitism. Because various components of the inoculation procedure have been changed since 1974, a study was started during 1989 to investigate the effects of gelatin concentration of the nematode carrier, of hammer type used to make inoculation holes, and of moisture content of the wood on parasitism rates by the nematode. Results indicated that these factors were not responsible for the low rates of parasitism. The infective capacity of nematodes produced in laboratory cultures needs to be investigated.
TL;DR: Above-ground nutrient accumulation and potential nutrient removal through thinning, clearfelling and slash burning were estimated for three areas of 21 year-old radiata pine plantation differing in previous land use prior to plantation establishment.
Abstract: Summary Above-ground nutrient accumulation and potential nutrient removal through thinning, clearfelling and slash burning were estimated for three areas of 21 year-old radiata pine plantation differing in previous land use prior to plantation establishment. One area carried native eucalypt forest, another had been cleared and grazed (pasture), while the third had been cleared, grazed, and later used for crop production (cultivated pasture). Stands on the the previously cultivated pasture accumulated the largest amounts of nutrients (and above-ground biomass); an average of 62 kg phosphorus ha−1 in trees and 19 kg phosphorus ha−1 in the forest floor compared with 26 kg phosphorus h−1 and 6 kg phosphorus ha−1 in the trees and forest floor of the ex-native forest site, respectively, and 30 kg phosphorus ha−1 in and 8 kg phosphorus ha−1 in the trees and forest floor of the ex-pasture site, respectively. Total tree nitrogen contents were 325. 418 and 564 kg ha−1 in the ex-native forest, ex-pasture and ex-cult...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used MSS data collected over a forested area in eastern Victoria to study some of the factors that affect the reflectance from a vegetative canopy, including plant-age, leaf age, plant vigour, crown-structure, leaf area index, composition of incident light and measurement geometry.
Abstract: Summary To the naked eye, healthy foliage usually appears green, but shades vary between species because of their different spectral signatures in the visible range. Similar variations occur in the invisible near infrared band. If vegetation communities are to be separated by their reflectance, the variation between types must exceed the variation within types. Airborne multispectral scanners (MSS) simultaneously measure reflected radiation in a number of spectral bands and can therefore be used to differentiate vegetation types on the basis of their reflectance signatures. Many factors, however, affect the reflectance from a vegetative canopy, including plant-age, leaf age, plant vigour, crown-structure, leaf-area index, composition of incident light and measurement-geometry. The paper describes investigations using MSS data collected over a forested area in eastern Victoria to study some of these effects. Results showed that plantations of radiata pine could be distinguished easily from native communiti...
TL;DR: Nitrogenous fertilizer and insecticides were applied to 8 plots of young Eucalyptus grandis and E. dunnii established in a 2 × 2 factorial design and growth rates of saplings were significantly enhanced by the administration of fertilizer but were affected to a lesser degree by insecticides.
Abstract: Summary Nitrogenous fertilizer (NH4NO1) and insecticides were applied to 8 plots of young Eucalyptus grandis and E. dunnii established in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Growth rates of saplings were significantly enhanced by the administration of fertilizer (P≤0.05) but were affected to a lesser degree by insecticides (P>0.05). Twenty six weeks after planting, trees receiving both treatments were, on average, a third taller than the control trees. In the presence of an outbreak of psyllids (Cardiaspina fiscella and C. maniformis) mean height and diameter (DBHOB) of E. dunnii was greater than for E. grandis. The application of insecticide reversed this trend. Both species of psyllid were almost entirely restricted to the E. grandis saplings. The fertilizer did not appear to affect the level of psyllid infestation.
TL;DR: There were significant differences among populations for volume, and among subpopulations within populations for the incidence of forking, and there were no significant differences, either at the population or subpopulation level, for straightness or branch diameter.
Abstract: Summary The results at six years of a trial planted in three locations representing the range of commercial plantings of radiata pine in Chile, are reported. Each of the five natural populations (16 subpopulations), 5 seedlots of Chilean seed trees, 6 lots from Chilean seed orchards and 2 lots from seed orchards of other countries (a total of 29 subpopulations), were tested. There were significant differences among populations for volume, and among subpopulations within populations for the incidence of forking. There were no significant differences, either at the population or subpopulation level, for straightness or branch diameter. There were significant differences among trial locations for all traits. Among the mainland populations Monterey had marginally greater volume; the growth of the Guadalupe population was less and for Cedros significantly less than all other populations. The growth of the other three populations (Chilean orchards and seed trees, foreign orchards) were similar to each other and...
TL;DR: Eucalypt planting has increased rapidly in Chile in the last two decades, from 753 ha in 1974 to about 45 000 ha in 1992; there were an estimated 170 000 ha of plantations by 1992.
Abstract: Eucalypt planting has increased rapidly in Chile in the last two decades, from 753 ha in 1974 to about 45 000 ha in 1992; there were an estimated 170 000 ha of plantations by 1992. The most widely ...
TL;DR: Co-operative action is required if the forestry profession is to win the challenge of balancing sustained wood production and ecosystem conservation in the native forests of south-eastern Australia.
Abstract: Summary The forestry profession is under siege from an increasingly aware society motivated by deep concern over the possible environmental effects of logging native forests. The profession lacks the confidence and trust of the wider community. Consequently, forest management and related land-use decisions are surrounded by controversy, conflict, confusion and confrontation. This paper describes the challenge to the profession, its focus on native forest management, its political and scientific setting in south-eastern Australia, and the potentially pivotal importance to a besieged profession of recent co-operative research initiatives. Co-operative action is required if the forestry profession is to win the challenge of balancing sustained wood production and ecosystem conservation in the native forests of south-eastern Australia. In particular, the profession should initiate, and expedite, an open investigation of the adequacy of resources (people, operating funds and organisational arrangements) presen...
TL;DR: In this article, the concentration of pesticides in streams draining 20 plantations of Eucalyptus nitens in Tasmania were examined in relation to buffer strip width, and atrazine concentrations on the day of spray in stre...
Abstract: Concentrations of pesticides in streams draining 20 plantations of Eucalyptus nitens in Tasmania were examined in relation to buffer strip width. Atrazine concentrations on the day of spray in stre...
TL;DR: Tree guards made of wire, plastic mesh, plastic film and rigid plastic tubing were examined for their ability to prevent browsing by captive swamp wallabies and all plastic mesh guards guards were ineffective.
Abstract: Summary Tree guards made of wire, plastic mesh, plastic film and rigid plastic tubing were examined for their ability to prevent browsing by captive swamp wallabies. All plastic mesh guards guards were ineffective as were all guards less than 1.0 m high other than rigid plastic tubes. Wire mesh guards reduced browsing but installation was difficult and laborious.
TL;DR: In this article, risk analysis through monte carlo simulation is applied to appraise an agroforestry investment in South Australia and to compare it to agriculture and woodlots, and the economic merits of the three land uses are compared.
Abstract: Summary The relative economic merits of agriculture, agroforestry and woodlots depend on the balance of losses in agricultural production and gains from timber production. The merits of these land uses are usually assessed in terms of net present values, and the effects of uncertainty are usually incorporated through sensitivity analyses. Unfortunately, sensitivity analyses often fail to incorporate adequately the probabilities that outcomes will occur, and so can often give misleading results. An alternative procedure to incorporate uncertainty is risk analysis through monte carlo simulation. This procedure is applied to appraise an agroforestry investment in South Australia and to compare it to agriculture and woodlots. The procedure is assessed against the more usual sensitivity analysis, and the economic merits of the three land uses are compared.
TL;DR: The distribution and severity of pine needle blight disease (PNB), caused in spring 1989 by an outbreak of the needle cast pathogen Dothistroma septospora, was assessed within a 10 km radius of two study sites near Myrtleford in the Wangaratta Pinus radiata plantation complex of north-eastern Victoria.
Abstract: Summary The distribution and severity of pine needle blight disease (PNB), caused in spring 1989 by an outbreak of the needle cast pathogen Dothistroma septospora, was assessed within a 10 km radius of two study sites near Myrtleford in the Wangaratta Pinus radiata plantation complex of north-eastern Victoria. Areas of severe needle cast were located on colour aerial photographs in spring 1989, then checked by ground survey for the percentage of visible crowns infected. Population levels of the Sirex wasp (Sirex noctilio), rated in terms of the cumulative percentage tree mortality induced by the wasp since 1989, were estimated in autumn/winter 1991. Twenty-one unthinned plots, each of 400 trees aged 14–15 years, were examined for S. noctilio and associated symptoms of D. septospora. The effectiveness of parasitoids was evaluated in the laboratory by monitoring total insect emergents from 222 billets (0.8 m long), cut in winter 1991 from 100 herbicide-injected ‘Sirex’ trap trees. All emergents of S. noctil...
TL;DR: The main findings are that there should be an optimal range of unit areas for plantations in which the number of insect herbivore species is minimized and theNumber of species of parasitoids and invertebrate predators is maximized.
Abstract: Summary Because nothing appears to have been published on the entomological benefits of increasing patchiness by intercropping eucalypts in plantations or of choosing a particular unit area for plantations, I have reviewed the ecological and biogeographic literature relevant to these concepts. The main findings are that: there should be an optimal range of unit areas for plantations in which the number of insect herbivore species is minimized and the number of species of parasitoids and invertebrate predators is maximized; intercropping with other tree species should increase the abundance of species of natural enemies and decrease the abundance of insect herbivore species; neither of the above two points is sufficient to guarantee that one or more of the insect herbivore species present will not become a pest; within a plantation patchiness may or may not reduce the likelihood of insect outbreaks. These four concepts are worth testing with eucalypt plantations and may complement traditional management te...
TL;DR: Pinus radiata was planted at a second rotation site after three methods of site preparation: retention of logging residues, and clearing or broadcast burning of residues followed by cultivation, superimposed with weedicide and fertiliser treatments.
Abstract: Summary Pinus radiata was planted at a second rotation site after three methods of site preparation: retention of logging residues, and clearing or broadcast burning of residues followed by cultivation. These were superimposed with weedicide and fertiliser treatments. Growth and nutrition of trees were monitored over 15 years. Growth at age 5 years was significantly better where logging residues were retained rather than cleared or burned. A significant growth response was observed to weed control plus P applied at planting. Addition of N, K, Zn and other micronutrients at planting did not increase growth appreciably. Levels of N and P declined from 15 to 11 mg−1 and from 1.5 to 1.1 mg−1 respectively by age 8 years. Growth response to a second application of P at age 9 years was significantly better where logging residues were retained. However, levels of N in foliage remained low after this second application of P indicating a requirement for N as well as P fertiliser. Retention of logging residues impro...
TL;DR: It is theorized that scarcity of extensive scorching of codominant crowns in jarrah forest from the mid 1950s may have facilitated the spread of the outbreak and more extensive autumn burning should be operationally introduced to both test the theory and subdue outbreaks of jarrah leafminer.
Abstract: Summary During a period of 7 years we undertook 25 investigations of the ecology of jarrah leafminer Perthida glyphopa Common in relation to fire and logging of jarrah Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Sm. forest. Prescribed low intensity fires in spring or timber harvesting did not consistently favour jarrah leafminer or disfavour parasitization of its mines. Moderate intensity fire in autumn reduced the density of jarrah leafminer for 18 months. We integrate these findings with other relevant ecological and historical knowledge and theorize that scarcity of extensive scorching of codominant crowns in jarrah forest from the mid 1950s may have facilitated the spread of the outbreak. We recommend that more extensive autumn burning should be operationally introduced to both test the theory and subdue outbreaks of jarrah leafminer.
TL;DR: The analysis indicated that in the semi-arid environment of Israel, water, rather than soil, was the limiting factor for casuarina growth.
Abstract: Summary Drought-resistant provenances of Casuarina cunninghamiana Mig, Casuarina glauca Sieb. ex Spreng. and Allocasuarina verticillata L. Johnson were established in 1984 on two sites, one (Duda'im) with low, mean annual rainfall of 204 mm, and the other (Tiberias) with infertile soil and mean annual rainfall of 431 mm. The seedlings of nearly all provenances were taller and had a larger DBH at Tiberias than at Duda'im, with a highly significant main effect of “site”. The analysis indicated that in the semi-arid environment of Israel, water, rather than soil, was the limiting factor for casuarina growth.
TL;DR: In this paper, a Terminology for Forest Mensuration and Management in Australia is presented, along with a survey of the Australian Forest Management System (AFMS) and its management practices.
Abstract: (1993). Terminology for Forest Mensuration and Management in Australia. Australian Forestry: Vol. 56, No. 4, pp. 391-393.