Pine In Alberta Research Articles

An analysis of age-age correlations in white spruce and lodgepole pine and how it applies to the growth and yield projection system (GYPSY) in Alberta

Tree improvement is considered an effective method to address the shrinking forest land-base in Alberta, Canada. It is also of great necessity to quantify the potential harvest from deployment of improved trees. However, the growth and yield models currently used in Alberta were originally developed based on growth measurements and projections from fire origin stands, and therefore, there is no widely accepted method to recognize the impact of managed stands, and even less information available to properly incorporate genetic gain in volume from tree improvement into managed stand models. Furthermore, there are considerable challenges associated with acceptance of an appropriate age-age correlation when selecting trees at a young age and projecting their anticipated increase in volume at rotations as long as 80–110 years.White spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.) are the most important commercial tree species in Alberta, and the focus of this study. Based on the most recent and comprehensive datasets from progeny trials from both species, two available age-age correlation equations, one developed by Lambeth (1980) and another by Rweyongeza (2016), were compared and adjusted. This study also explored a new method for age-age correlation prediction based on a sigmoid parabolic branch (SPB) equation.The results show that the adjusted Lambeth equations, with re-estimated parameters for white spruce and lodgepole pine in Alberta, are the most robust for both species and should be further incorporated into the growth and yield models, based on cross-validation results at a relatively young age (7–31 years for white spruce and 6–30 years for lodgepole pine). The phenotypic age-age correlation shows no significant deviation from the genetic age-age correlation for white spruce and lodgepole pine in Alberta. The stand volume generated from the growth and yield projection system (GYPSY) using an age-age correlation from the adjusted Lambeth equations shows that white spruce has a higher age-age correlation and therefore, a higher percentage improvement in volume per hectare compared to lodgepole pine regardless of rotation age.

A financial analysis of using improved planting stock of white spruce and lodgepole pine in Alberta, Canada: genomic selection versus traditional breeding

Genomics-assisted tree breeding (GATB) is an emerging biotechnology method that has the potential to produce improved planting stock in selected traits, such as greater volume or higher wood quality, more quickly and effectively compared with traditional field-based breeding (TB) methods. In this study, we conducted an ex-ante stand-level financial benefit-cost analysis that is linked to a provincial tree growth and yield projection model to investigate the potential financial benefits of using improved white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) planting stock identified via alternative tree improvement strategies (i.e. GATB vs. TB methods) for forest companies in the province of Alberta, Canada. With consideration of major tree breeding and establishment costs, expected sawlog price premiums at harvest, a shorter breeding cycle time, and additional genetic gain in volume achieved from using the GATB method relative to the TB method in the financial analysis; this study found that the use of GATB-selected third-generation planting stock was difficult to justify economically alone compared with TB-selected seedlings under the current sawlog market value and the current planting rate with improved stock in the province. However, results of our sensitivity analysis also revealed that the GATB method is: (1) more financially supported at lower discount rates; (2) strongly supported through decreased seedling costs with increased areas planted with improved stock; and (3) strongly supported through an increase in log price premiums at harvest resulting from potentially better wood quality and higher volume production relative to TB-selected stock. The findings of this study highlight several important market and biophysical factors that forest managers should take into account when adopting biotechnology in forestry.

Environmental and Financial Sustainability of Forest Management Practices

One of the guiding themes for forest management policy throughout much of North America is sustained yield. The basic premise behind this theme is that a constant or non-declining flow of services from the forest is socially desireable. Unfortunately, the act of capturing the benefits of this service (timber harvesting) often has detrimental effects on the timber-productive capacity of a forest site. This paper presents a dynamic program that is used to determine the optimal harvest system choice for a timber stand described by average piece size, stand density, a measure of site quality, and stumpage value. The harvest systems are defined by logging costs, reforesation and rehabilitation costs, and the impact of the system on the productivity of the site. An application of the model is presented for lodgepole pine in Alberta. We conclude that at high discount rates, soil conservation is not economically rational. At lower discount rates, some degree of soil conservation is desirable on the more productive sites. At lower discount rates, there also appears to be an incentive for mroe intensive forest management. Limitations on acceptable harvest practices can have a large impact on optimal rotation age and the volume harvested. There is a large opportunity cost resulting from a requirement for sustainable volume production because of the impact of harvsting on soil productivity.(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling of variable-exponent taper equations for lodgepole pine in Alberta, Canada

Four variable-exponent taper equations and their modified forms were evaluated for lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.) trees in Alberta, Canada. A nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach was applied to account for within- and between-tree variations in stem form. Even though a direct modeling of within-tree autocorrelation by a variance–covariance structure failed to achieve convergence, most of the autocorrelation was accounted for when random-effects parameters were included in the models. Using an independent data set, the best taper equation with two random-effects parameters was chosen based on its ability to predict diameter inside bark, whole tree volume, and sectioned log volume. Diameter measurements from various stem locations were evaluated for tree-specific calibrations by predicting random-effects parameters using an approximate Bayesian estimator. It was found that an upper stem diameter at 5.3 m above ground was best suited for calibrating tree-specific predictions of diameter inside bark, whole tree volume, and sectioned log volume.

Influences of climate on the radial growth of lodgepole pine in Alberta

We examined a network of 17 lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) sites in Alberta in the cordilleran forests along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and in western Cypress Hills, using a dendrochronological approach to identify the principal climatic factors that have influenced the historical, regional-scale pattern of radial growth of lodgepole pine. Correlation and regression analysis of the regional growth–climate relationships showed that radial growth was negatively associated with late-summer temperatures, and positively related to the late-summer precipitation totals from the previous growth season. Radial growth also responded positively to winter and spring temperatures, and was negatively related to late winter–early spring precipitation. The results suggested that the lag in response to heat and moisture stress, cold and snowy winters, and the length of the current growing season are important determinants of the radial growth of lodgepole pine in Alberta.

Economic Analysis of Growth Effects of Thinning and Fertilization of Lodgepole Pine in Alberta, Canada

Abstract This study examined the economic profitability of eight combinations of thinning and fertilization treatments applied to 40-year-old natural stands of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. Var. latifolia Engelm) in Alberta, Canada. The eight treatments, consisting of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer application (0, 180, 360, and 540 kg ha−1) and two levels of thinning (thinned and unthinned), were applied in 1984 in a randomized complete block design with factorial treatments and nine replications per treatment. The diameters and heights of all trees on the experimental plots were measured in 1984, 1989, 1994, and 1999. A simple factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the 1984 volume as a covariate showed that both fertilization and thinning increased volume growth significantly. Economic analyses showed that thinning without fertilization was the most profitable treatment combination. The ranking of profitability was based on the soil expectation value and assumed that the thinnings had a commercial value. If thinnings had no market value, then the unthinned treatments were more profitable than their corresponding thinned ones. The profitability ranking was robust for real discount rates of 4 to 10%. To improve economic profitability, fertilization of lodgepole pine should be carried out when the stands are in an optimal stand density range for the site to ensure that the increased growth is concentrated on the most valuable trees with the best growth potential.North. J. Appl. For. 22(4):254–261.

British Columbia Regional Meeting, 2004

British Columbia Regional Meeting, 2004

Annual Meeting, Ottawa, Ontario, 2004

Annual Meeting, Ottawa, Ontario, 2004

Construction of site index equations for Pinus sylvestris L. using permanent plot data in Sweden

Three general methods for construction of site index equations (the guide curve method, the parameter prediction method and the difference equation method) and 13 growth functions were tested on data from permanent plots in 156 Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris) stands. Most stands were of cultivated origin with known year of establishment. Data consisted of measured top height and total age at the start and at the end of observation periods of different lengths. Functions and construction methods were compared with respect to residual variation (root mean square error (RMSE), meter) from original data. The guide curve method gave RMSE ∼ 0.56 while the difference equation method with the anamorphic formulation gave RMSE ∼ 0.46, with appropriate functions. The difference equation method gave a higher RMSE with polymorphic than with anamorphic formulation. The special formulation of the Hossfeld function for the difference equation method proposed by Cieszewski and Bella [Cieszewski, C.J., Bella, I.E., 1989. Polymorphic height and site index curves for lodgepole pine in Alberta. Can. J. Res. 19, 1151–1160] gave a simple and straigtforward, polymorphic solution with RMSE = 0.40. The parameter prediction method, in combination with the deviation method proposed by Tveite [Tveite, B., 1969. A method for construction of site-index curves. Meddelelser fra Det Norske skogforsoksvesen 27, 134–159] and a four-parameter growth model, gave the lowest RMSE, but this solution had patterns of overfitting. Parameter prediction with the Mitscherlich function gave an equation with almost the same accuracy as the polymorphic difference equation with the Hossfeld function. These functions deviate much at higher ages, but too few observations in old stands in primary data prevented their separation. Published data from yield plots in old, natural stands supported the Hossfeld function. But, indications of a changed growth pattern in later decades still leave open the question of height growth pattern in old pine stands of cultivated origin. The presented Hossfeld equation can only be recommended for use in 10–80-year-old pine stands of cultivated origin.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

One of the guiding themes for forest management policy throughout much of North America is sustained yield. The basic premise behind this theme is that a constant or nondeclining flow of services from the forest is socially desirable. Unfortunately, the act of capturing the benefits of this service (timber harvesting) often has detrimental effects on the timber‐productive capacity of a forest site. This paper presents a dynamic program that is used to determine the optimal harvest system choice for a timber stand described by average piece size, stand density, a measure of site quality, and stumpage value. The harvest systems are defined by logging costs, reforestation and rehabilitation costs, and the impact of the system on the productivity of the site.An application of the model is presented for lodgepole pine in Alberta. We conclude that, at high discount rates, soil conservation is not economically rational. At lower discount rates, some degree of soil conservation is desirable on the more productive sites. At lower discount rates, there also appears to be an incentive for more intensive forest management. Limitations on acceptable harvest practices can have a large impact on optimal rotation age and the volume harvested. There is a large opportunity cost resulting from a requirement for sustainable volume production because of the impact of harvesting on soil productivity.

Environmental and Financial Sustainability of Forest Management Practices

One of the guiding themes for forest management policy throughout much of North America is sustained yield. The basic premise behind this theme is that a constant or non-declining flow of services from the forest is socially desireable. Unfortunately, the act of capturing the benefits of this service (timber harvesting) often has detrimental effects on the timber-productive capacity of a forest site. This paper presents a dynamic program that is used to determine the optimal harvest system choice for a timber stand described by average piece size, stand density, a measure of site quality, and stumpage value. The harvest systems are defined by logging costs, reforesation and rehabilitation costs, and the impact of the system on the productivity of the site. An application of the model is presented for lodgepole pine in Alberta. We conclude that at high discount rates, soil conservation is not economically rational. At lower discount rates, some degree of soil conservation is desirable on the more productive sites. At lower discount rates, there also appears to be an incentive for mroe intensive forest management. Limitations on acceptable harvest practices can have a large impact on optimal rotation age and the volume harvested. There is a large opportunity cost resulting from a requirement for sustainable volume production because of the impact of harvsting on soil productivity.(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Clones of Armillaria ostoyae and the pattern of infected juvenile lodgepole pine in Alberta, Canada

Small patches of dead trees were common among 7- to 15-year-old Pinns contorta var. latifolia in Alberta, Canada. The sizes of clones of Armillaria ostoyae, determined by pairing diploid isolates, was larger than these patches. Pairing diploid isolates on strips of Betula papyrifera provided a clear indication of clonal relationships.

HOST EFFECTS ON ALLOZYME AND MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATION OF THE MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE,DENDROCTONUS PONDEROSAEHOPKINS (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE)

AbstractAllozyme and morphological variation were investigated for mountain pine beetle populations in limber pine and lodgepole pine in Alberta and British Columbia. Fourteen gene loci, five of which were polymorphic, were studied. Heterozygote deficiencies were detected at the ME locus for 13 of the 16 groups of beetles sampled. Selection against heterozygotes appears to be the most plausible explanation. There was no significant difference in heterozygosity between beetles from lodgepole pine and those from limber pine. Relatively high levels of genetic differentiation, in terms of allele frequency, were observed among beetles from different sites, host species, seasons, and individual conspecific trees within a site. Low levels of differentiation were observed between beetle generations at a site and between sexes. We attribute significant host-associated genetic differentiation to differential survival in hosts rather than to differential host preference of beetle genotypes. Standardized discriminant function analysis of 12 morphological characters indicated significant differences in beetle shape between sexes, host species, and among sites. Overall, there was little evidence of preferential host selection by beetles which would imply substructuring ofDendroctonus ponderosaeHopkins populations along host lines.

Wind speed and snow evaporation in a stand of juvenile lodgepole pine in Alberta

Wind speed and snow evaporation were measured in a small artificial stand of 2.5-m lodgepole pines and in an adjacent field during the winter of 1987. Stand densities of 2500, 1650, and 800 stems/ha were obtained through periodic removal of trees. The reduction of wind speed brought about by the trees is a linear function of [Formula: see text], the angle of view from the anemometer to the tops of the surrounding trees. When the stand was at full density, snow evaporation was about one-third of that measured in the open field, and when stand density was reduced to 1650 stems/ha, snow evaporation was equal to that of the open field. Because of high melt rates, no data were obtained from the lowest stand density. The results are summarized in a predictive relation between the angle of view [Formula: see text] and the reduction in snow evaporation caused by the trees.

Polymorphic height and site index curves for lodgepole pine in Alberta

This new, biologically based, nonlinear regression model produces polymorphic site index and height curves as a function of prediction age and a height at any age. The curves are constrained to pass through the origin and appropriate heights at any index age. The model was parametrized on 970 stem-analyzed trees and tested on tree measurements from 147 permanent sample plots. Compared with other lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta var. latifolia Engelm.) height models in Alberta, this model had fewer parameters, yet showed better accuracy and precision than the other models. Above all, the new model provides compatible site index and height estimates, and it can predict height without prior knowledge of site index.

The stand dynamics of lodgepole pine

A general stand model is fitted to a set of permanent sample plot data for lodgepole pine in Alberta. The model represents a site-specific, variable-density stand model for volume growth and mortality of lodgepole pine. The structure of the model provides a general framework for examining volume growth and mortality in lodgepole pine. The model's performance is compared with the Alberta Forest Service yield tables and with the results of an experimental thinning study.

Western gall rust and insect leader damage in relation to tree size in young lodgepole pine in Alberta

In a sample of 121 young lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) stands in naturally regenerated cut blocks near Hinton, Alta., strong positive correlations were observed in the incidence of gall rust (Endocronartiumharknessii (J. P. Moore) Y. Hiratsuka) and leader damage from terminal weevil (Pissodesterminalis Hopp.) and from pitch twig moth (Petrova spp.) with tree size in both thinned and unthinned stands. Although tests on a selected number of the largest trees from each plot showed no significant differences in incidence of the two pest categories between thinned and unthinned stands, thinning that retains the large trees may result in an increase in relative incidence of these pests unless special effort is made to cut damaged trees and retain undamaged ones.

Pest Damage Incidence in Natural and Thinned Lodgepole Pine in Alberta

Thinned stands of young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) in west-central Alberta had a higher incidence of attack by common pest organisms than unthinned stands. Based on a sample of nearly 3000 potential crop trees (on 240 temporary plots) growing on 120 naturally regenerated cut blocks, the rate of attack in thinned vs. unthinned stands was 30% and 18% for western gall rust (Endo-cronartium harknessii (J.P. Moore) Y. Hiratsuka) and 25%. and 16% for leader damage due to terminal weevil (Pissodes terminalis Hopp.) and pitch twig moth (Petrova spp.) Damage from other agents, including that from small mammals, was low and little affected by thinning. Forest management implication of these results are discussed. Key words: western gall rust terminal weevil, pitch twig moth, snowshoe hares, red squirrels.

ATROPELLIS CANKER OF LODGEPOLE PINE: ETIOLOGY, SYMPTOMS, AND CANKER DEVELOPMENT RATES

The reproductive structures of Atropellis piniphila (Weir) Lohman and Cash are described from material collected on lodgepole pine in Alberta. Conidia probably precede apothecia. They are produced endogenously and are released in a mucilaginous exudate when the fructifications are wet. Inoculations and subsequent reisolations provide strong evidence of the pathogenicity of A. piniphila, although only a few of the inoculations were successful.The pathogen entered through undamaged bark, and most stem infections originated on stems at branch nodes. Some stem cankers originated as branch infections in a stand where the lower branches were alive, but none originated in this way where live branches were restricted to the upper crown. In stands with large amounts of inoculum, the likelihood of stem tissues becoming infected changed as tissues grew older. An initial period of very low likelihood of infection was succeeded by one of high likelihood, and this in turn by a period of low likelihood.The development of symptoms is described, and the rates of longitudinal and tangential development of cankers are given.

Occurrence of Pissodes terminalis Hopp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Canada: Life History, Behaviour, and Cytogenetic Identification

AbstractHopping’s P. terminalis, which attacks the elongating terminal shoots of lodgepole pine in California, similarly attacks lodgepole pine in the Yukon and northern British Columbia. Cytologically it is unique, and on this basis, although phenotypically variable, it is demonstrated to occur on jack pine in Saskatchewan. Cytogenetic analysis proves it to be a hybrid species, thus accounting for both its internal cytological and external morphological polymorphism. Its fundamental taxonomic characteristics, determinable only in living specimens, comprise an unparalleled sexual dimorphism of chromosome complements and a restriction in breeding to current growth of lodgepole and jack pines.After this article had been sent to press, we learned that G. R. Hopping (in "Lodgepole Pine in Alberta", Department of Forestry Bulletin 127, p. 84, 1962) had already discovered P. terminalis infesting lodgepole pine near Mercoal, Alta., in 1949.