Occurrence and effect of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium globosum and A. vaginatum) in high-elevation forests in México

Abstract

Climate change has very important effects on high mountain forests (>3500 masl), which face various ecological problems associated with global change including the proliferation of pests and parasitic plants. These sensitive ecological systems cover approximately 39,000 ha of Mexican territory and occur around some of the highest volcanoes in the country. The objective of this research was to determine the spatial distribution and infestation levels of dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) in the main populations of Pinus hartwegii in five mountains of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic System (Pico de Orizaba, Nevado de Toluca, Cofre de Perote, Nevado de Colima and Monte Tláloc) and identify infestation patterns in relation to the structure of the forest. In the study, 2658 sampling sites (1000 m² each) were installed using the contour lines as access transects to the forest, distributed at every 100 of altitude, between 3500 and 4000 masl. Approximately 32 % of the sampled area had some level of attack by dwarf mistletoe, distributed across all diameter categories of the trees. The infestations affected the establishment of natural regeneration and rates of tree mortality.