Changes in radial increment of host and nonhost tree species with gypsy moth defoliation

Abstract

Ring widths from 1458 trees from Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey were measured to determine the influence of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) defoliation on both hosts (primarily oaks (Quercus spp.)) and nonhosts. Previous year's defoliation negatively influenced radial increment in all oak species. Defoliation also negatively affected radial growth of pitch pine (Pinus rigida Mill.), an intermediate host. There was little or no effect of defoliation on increment of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata Michx.), but both are preferred hosts. Defoliation of host trees in mixed stands resulted in increased increment in the nonhosts tulip-tree (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) and ash (Fraxinus spp.) in the year following defoliation. The effect of defoliation was also evident in the relative production of earlywood and latewood with a pronounced dominance of earlywood production in host trees during the same year as defoliation and often in the following year.