Bark temperature patterns in mountain pine beetle susceptible stands of lodgepole pine in the central Rockies

Abstract

Bark temperatures were recorded on five lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta Dougl. ex Loud.) in stands of different growing stock levels in Colorado and Wyoming. Mean bark temperatures were significantly different among growing stock levels. Temperatures in the partially cut growing stock levels were significantly warmer than in uncut controls during diurnal hours, but temperatures were cooler during nocturnal hours. Bark temperatures correlated with ambient air temperature. Equations were developed for predicting north- and south-side bark temperatures for partially cut stands of three growing stock levels and an uncut control from air temperatures. Bark temperature patterns in lodgepole and ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa Laws.) stands are compared. The relationship between growing stock level and mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonusponderosae Hopk.) infestation is discussed from the standpoint of bark temperatures.