昆嵛山天然林13年演替动态——生物多样性变化、物种周转与食叶害虫的短期干扰

依托昆嵛山森林生态定位观察站所设市的40块永久性样地,比较了群落自然演替13 a的林内灌草多样性指数、物种周转率以及食叶害虫昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂的危害程度,评判食叶害虫对林分结构变化的短期潜在功能作用.结果表明:赤松纯林内灌草Shannon多样性指数和均匀度指数分别为2.50和0.79,分别低于1996年的2.69和0.85;黑松混交林内灌草Shannon多样性指数和均匀度指数分别为2.27和0.79,分别高于1996年的1.85和0.77.赤松和黑松混交林下的灌草种类13 a的整体物种周转率达到125.9%;昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂发生严重林分(虫口密度>25头·株-1)的树木死亡率(平均13.35%)极显著高于腮扁叶蜂发生较轻的林分(P=0.003 8),树木死亡率与腮扁叶蜂虫口密度呈显著的正相关,并与林分郁闭度显著相关,但与林分密度不相关;腮扁叶蜂发牛严重林分的树木胸径平均增长量略高于发生较轻的林分,但两者之间差异不显著.从本研究结果看,在昆嵛山,与未发牛腮扁叶蜂的林分相比,腮扁叶蜂危害导致树木死亡率升高有可能加速林分密度的调整.     

森林空间结构对昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫口密度的影响

【目的】明确天然赤松次生林中昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫口密度与森林空间结构之间的相关性,探索利用空间结构指标调控森林害虫的生态控制技术。【方法】在昆嵛山天然麻栎-赤松次生混交林中设置面积为6 hm2的样地,测定昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂寄主赤松、黑松、多脂松的空间结构指标树种角尺度、大小比数、混交度和虫口密度,分析各指标与虫口密度之间的关联性。对每株样木分别从上、中、下层,东、南、西、北4个方向统计虫巢数量,以虫巢数的3倍作为株虫口密度。【结果】赤松上昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫口密度与角尺度呈显著正相关(R~2=0.821,P=0.034),与胸径大小比数(R~2=0.903、P=0.013)和树高大小比数(R~2=0.906、P=0.013)均呈显著负相关,与混交度相关性不显著(R~2=0.177、P=0.481);黑松上昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫口密度与角尺度呈显著正相关(R~2=0.858,P=0.024),与胸径大小比数(R~2=0.043、P=0.739)、树高大小比数(R~2=0.237、P=0.406)均呈负向相关关系,但相关性不显著,与混交度相关性也不显著(R~2=0.251、P=0.390);多脂松上昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫口密度与角尺度(R~2=0.032、P=0.772)、胸径大小比数(R~2=0.180、P=0.447)、树高大小比数(R~2=0.194、P=0.458)、混交度(R~2=0.653、P=0.098)等各空间结构指标均无显著相关性。3个树种中,赤松和黑松的虫口密度与空间结构的相关性强于多脂松;不同空间结构指标相比较,虫口密度与角尺度和大小比数的相关性强于角尺度。【结论】空间结构指标角尺度和树种大小比数对昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂的生态调控作用优于混交度。森林经营实践中可以充分利用昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫口密度与空间结构指标之间的关系,通过尽量降低角尺度即营造均匀的松属树种林分以提高对虫害的抵御能力,同时尽量提高树种大小比数即改善林木生长状况以抑制昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂的发生。     

昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂发生特点及其无公害防治

为保证昆嵛山重要旅游景区赤松、红松的正常生长,维护景区沿线景观,于2009年开展昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂发生特点的调查,采用随机区组实验设计、利用无公害植物源杀虫剂1.2%烟碱.苦参碱乳油开展了昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂防治试验并确立了可靠的操作技术。结果表明:昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂在不同林分类型中的有虫株率差异极显著(F2,6=12.570,P=0.007),虫口密度差异也达到极显著水平(F2,6=12.807,P=0.007);其中赤松纯林的有虫株率和虫口密度均最高。1.2%烟碱.苦参碱乳油(750~1 500)g/hm2,按照原药与柴油容量比1∶9,1∶12和1∶5 3个浓度实施喷烟,15 d后各林分内的腮扁叶蜂校正死亡率均达80%以上,浓度1∶9处理后昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂校正死亡率显著高于其它2个浓度处理,因此,该浓度配比可以作为今后大面积防治腮扁叶蜂的最佳选择。     

温湿度对昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂的影响

[目的]通过研究温度、降水量、温湿度系数与昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂种群动态变化的关系,探索气象因子对昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂发生的影响。[方法]在昆嵛山区选取7块标准样地,调查昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂发育期内的温度、降水量和相对湿度以及越冬蛹数量,然后统计分析温度、降水量、温湿度系数与昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂种群动态变化的关系。[结果]昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂在生活史的不同阶段所需的温度不同。6、7月份较高的降水量有助于昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂产卵和孵化,较低的降水量有利于其下树入土。同一样地的昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂越冬蛹的数量在不同年份中差异极显著(P<0.001);且所有样地的越冬蛹总量和虫口密度也均达到极显著水平(P<0.001)。昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂的虫口密度与发育期降水量和温湿度系数的年份变化趋势一致,但与温度的年份变化趋势不一致。2011年较低的温度、较高的降水量和温湿度系数造成了昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂的越冬蛹数量增多。[结论]低温高湿环境适合昆嵛山腮扁叶峰越冬蛹的生活。气象因子在调控昆翕山腮扁叶蜂的发生方面起着重要的作用,其为森林有害生物生态调控机制的重要组成部分。     

昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数模型

[目的]为通过构建昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数(Pest based index,PBI)评价体系,定量评价出与林分因子共同作用后,立地因子对赤松纯林中昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂发生程度的作用等级。[方法]本研究基于森林虫害发生的基本原理,将影响昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂的结果归因于林分因子和立地因子的综合作用。在相同龄阶的赤松纯林生态系统中设立临时样地,筛选影响昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂发生的关键林分因子,建立关键林分因子与昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫情指数的函数关系,选取最优模型作为主曲线;将主曲线等比值拉伸得昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数曲线群,其自下而上依次表示不同的虫基指数,即立地对昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂发生程度的作用等级。[结果]1)基于森林虫害发生的基本原理,提出了虫基指数的概念。2)确定了昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数的定量方法,它包含样地的设立、虫情指数的调查、林分因子和立地因子的调查、关键林分因子的筛选、基准点的确定、备选主曲线模型的建立、主曲线模型的确定和评价、主曲线的绘制及曲线群的建立共9个步骤。3)逐步回归和偏相关分析确定冠幅是影响昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂发生的关键林分因子,依据所提定量方法建立主曲线方程:Q=75.53/(1+e~(-0.84x+3.40)),决定系数R~2=0.523 0,说明拟合方程较可靠,用该模型预估昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂的虫情指数时,平均预估精度是89.28%。4)将昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数主曲线等比值拉伸得曲线群,即建立了定量评价体系。体系中的5条曲线自下而上分别表示腮扁叶蜂发生的不同程度。[结论]昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数主曲线模型和曲线群图可以定量评价赤松林的立地因子对昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂的潜在发生程度的作用等级,为赤松纯林合理、有效的管理提供理论基础,它将成为森林有害生物生态控制方法的重要组成部分。     

赤松宜林地昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数的评估

[目的]通过构建昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数——立地因子评价体系,定量评估赤松宜林地潜在遭受昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂危害程度的等级,进而避免在严重为害的宜林地中种植赤松。[方法]基于昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数曲线群图,查找每块样地的虫基指数。通过相关性分析筛选关键立地因子,运用数量化理论Ⅰ分别建立昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数与全部立地因子和关键立地因子的关系方程,并对方程模型做出评价。[结果](1)相关性分析表明,海拔、坡度、腐殖质层厚度和土壤质地对虫基指数具有极显著的影响(P 0.01),且对其贡献力呈依次增大的趋势。(2)全部立地因子和关键立地因子与虫基指数的多元线性回归模型在统计学上均达到极显著水平(P 0.01),决定系数(R2)分别为0.823和0.730,说明模型的拟合效果较好,且可用4个关键立地因子代替全部立地因子作为方程自变量。(3)对由关键立地因子所建模型推算出的虫基指数进行评价,结果表明平均预估误差(MPE)是5.87%,即预估精度为94.13%,且TRE值均趋近于0,模型较可靠。[结论]昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂虫基指数——立地因子评价体系可以定量评估赤松宜林地潜在遭受昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂为害的程度,能够为适地适树地栽植赤松林以及预防昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂提供理论基础。     

落叶松腮扁叶蜂综合防治

落叶松腮扁叶蜂综合防治＊⒇杨春（河北围场阴河林场０６８４５６）关键词落叶松腮扁叶蜂综合防治虫口减退率平均虫口密度落叶松腮扁叶蜂属膜翅目扁叶蜂科,腮扁叶蜂亚科。其幼虫暴食落叶松针叶,连续为害３年可使树木停止生长或死亡。该虫种适应海拔高度为１７００～１８...     

昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂生物学特性及防治技术研究

昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂1983年首次发现于烟台市昆嵛山林场，在烟台1年发生1代，以老熟幼虫入土做土室越夏越冬，主要危害红松、赤松等，严重影响林木生长。经试验证明以氧化乐果5倍液涂环防治幼虫可有效降低虫口密度。     

落叶松尺蛾大发生对林木生长影响的调查

<正>落叶松尺蛾Erαnnis αnkerαriα Steudinger是落叶松的重要食叶害虫,近几年在丰宁县北部落叶松人工林中大发生,虫口密度很大。5月下旬开始为害,到6月下旬往往把针叶食光,被害林分一片枯黄,如同火烧一般。7月下旬以后,被害林木又能发芽长叶,叶片黄嫩瘦弱。 为了搞清落叶松尺蛾为害对落叶松立木生长的影响,我们于1986年,对尺蛾的发生、为害情况进行了观察和树木解析。在观察样地内随机抽取15株活立木,测取害虫发生前四年和为害期间的胸径、树高、材积连年生长量,推算该虫害对林木胸径、树高、材积连年生长量     

塞罕坝腮扁叶蜂的测报与防治方法

塞罕坝机械林场人工林主要树种是华北落叶松。林场虫害以腮扁叶蜂等食叶害虫为主,严重受害林分像火烧一样枯黄,当年材积生长量几乎为零。该文综述了腮扁叶蜂生物学特性,春季、秋季虫情测报方法和综合防治措施。     

昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂生物学特性研究

昆嵛山腮扁叶蜂 Cephalcia kunyushanica Xiao1 983年首次发现于烟台市昆嵛山林场 ,在烟台 1年发生 1代 ,以老熟幼虫入土做土室越夏越冬 ,翌年 5月下旬成虫开始出现 ,6月上旬幼虫孵化 ,危害红松、赤松等 ,8月中旬老熟幼虫开始下树越夏越冬。     

Changes in the canopies of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies under alkaline dust impact in the industrial region of Northeast Estonia

Studies were carried out in 1999, 2005 and 2007 in the area of Kunda cement plant in Northeast Estonia on sample plots 3 km W and 2.5 and 5 km E of Kunda. As control stands, two plots for pine and spruce were established in Lahemaa National Park (34-38 km W of Kunda). The selected pine and spruce stands were 75-85-year-old Myrtillus site type, of 0.7-0.8 density and II quality class, with moderately dense or sparse understorey. The values concerning needle density and number of needle scars were higher for shoots formed in the period of higher pollution than for the shoots grown under a considerably lower pollution load. Although the cement dust pollution has notably decreased from year to year, the number of needle pairs per 1 cm of the shoot was 1.8-2.1 times greater in the shoots formed in 1998 than in those formed in 2003, whereas the changes were statistically reliable. Possibly the low temperatures at the time of shoot and needle formation affected the density of needles on all sample plots, and thus the number of needles on shoots formed in 2003 was many times smaller. After the significant fall in the pollution load since 1996 the length growth of needles intensified around Kunda cement plant, at the same time no changes occurred in the length growth of needles in the control area. As compared to the data from 1998, the length growth of pine needles had improved, especially 2.5 and 5 km E from the cement plant, needles being respectively 1.5 and 1.1 cm longer than 6 years ago. The stimulation of the growth of pine and spruce needles 2.5 and 5 km E of the cement plant may be a sign of a positive effect of reduced doses of cement dust in soil. The greater length of pine and spruce needles is the reason for the larger biomass of the needles.     

The effects of species mixture on the growth and yield of mid-rotation mixed stands of Scots pine and silver birch

The effect of tree species mixture on stand volume yield and on tree-species-specific diameter and height growth rates were analysed in managed mixed stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Ehrn.).Data were obtained from 14 repeatedly measured stands located in Southern Finland on mineral soil sites with varying admixture of Scots pine and silver birch. Statistical analysis was carried out for studying the effect of species mixture on the development of stand characteristics. For the analysis, the plots were categorised into three groups (plot types) according to the species dominance. In order to analyse species-specific growth rates, individual-tree mixed linear growth models for tree diameter and height growth were developed for both tree species.The results clearly show that the yield of the managed mid-rotation, mixed stands was greater for stands dominated by Scots pine than for stands dominated by birch, and the stand volume increment decreased with an increasing proportion of silver birch. Analysis of diameter and height growth by tree species revealed that the main reason for this pattern is the negative impact of birch competition on the growth of pine trees. The increase in diameter of pine was clearly hampered if the proportion of birch was high. An abundance of birch also slightly decreased the growth in height of Scots pine, although the effect was less than on diameter growth. Species mixture did not affect the diameter growth of birch but did have a significant effect on height development. Height growth of birch was considerably greater in pine-dominated stands than in birch-dominated stands. In pine-dominated mixed stands, the height growth of birch was quite close to that of dominant pine trees, and birches can endure in competition with pines for light.The results apply for even-aged and single-storey managed stands, where stocking density and structure are controlled with pre-commercial and commercial thinnings. The results are not applicable to unmanaged mixed stands undergoing self-thinning. This study provides new information on mixed stands from a silvicultural perspective, which can be applied in decisions involving the management of mixed stands.     

Effects of thinning on growth of six tree species in north-temperate forests of Lithuania

This paper summarises the results from 35 years-observed thinning experiments on 256 permanent sample plots in 10–60 year-old stands of ash, aspen, birch, oak, pine and spruce in Lithuania. Thinning enhanced crown projection area increment of residual trees. The largest effect was observed in stands of aspen and birch (growth increase by 200%), followed by ash and oak (over 100%), and spruce and pine (about 80%). Thinning also promoted dbh increment, especially in younger stands, and the increase of dbh increment was positively correlated with the thinning intensity. The strongest reaction was exhibited by oak and aspen, while ash, birch and conifers reacted to a lower extent. Low and moderate intensities of thinning stimulated volume production in younger stands while the opposite was observed in older stands with increasing removals. Spruce stands exhibited relatively strongest increase of volume increment and pine, –the weakest, while the effect on deciduous species was intermediate. The results demonstrate that significant increase in volume increment is achievable with thinning of only young forest stands, e.g. 10–20 year-old pine, birch and ash, or 10–30 year-old oak, aspen and spruce.     

The effects of pine mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. austriacum) on the growth of Scots pine and Crimean pine in Turkey

In this study, the effect of pine mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. austriacum) on basal area increment of Crimean pine and Scots pine was investigated. Dendrochronological data were collected from 223 (71 uninfected and 152 infected) Crimean pines and 195 (77 uninfected and 118 infected) Scots pines located in Kastamonu province of Turkey in 2014. Infected sample trees were classified as light, moderate or severe infection levels. Growth trends and basal area increment loses were compared between uninfected and infected trees for the periods of the last 10, 20 and 30 years. In addition, infection status of forest stands was investigated using temporary sample plots; 27 plots in Crimean pine stands and 26 plots in Scots pine. Results demonstrated that basal area increments were negatively affected by pine mistletoe for both species. Mean basal area increment losses of infected trees for the last decade were determined as 24% for Scots pine and 26% for Crimean pine. Basal area increment losses varied by infection levels (light, moderate and severe) as follows: 25%, 20% and 28% for Scots pines and 20%, 32% and 9% for Crimean pines. Scots pine stands were more severely infected by pine mistletoe than Crimean pine stands. There were negative correlations between number of infected trees and stand density for both species, while positive correlation was detected between the number of infected trees and mean diameter for Scots pine. The results of this study indicate that the pine mistletoe infection has negative effect on radial growth of Scots pine and Crimean pine trees. The results can be an important contribution to the forest management and protection activities in mistletoe-infected stands.     

The impact of forest fertilization on growth of mature Norway spruce affected by Sirococcus shoot blight

The effects of forest fertilization and Sirococcus shoot blight on growth of mature Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) were studied in a field experiment. The single tree fertilization experiment was established with 144 sample trees in the year 2000. These trees were selected among the dominant and co-dominant trees of the stand in a way that half of the trees exhibited symptoms of Sirococcus shoot blight and the other half did not. One-third of the sample trees were fertilized with dolomitic lime, one-third with kieserite and gypsum and one-third were left unfertilized as control. The treatments were randomly assigned to the sample trees. As the experimental design became unbalanced due to tree mortality caused by bark beetle infestation final analyses were performed with the volume growth data of 125 sample trees only. An analysis of covariance was used to evaluate the effect of fertilization and Sirococcus shoot blight on volume growth. The average volume increment of the period 1977–1980 was used as a covariate attribute, assuming that during this period growth was not yet affected by Sirococcus shoot blight. Indeed an effect of Sirococcus shoot blight on growth turned out to start after 1980 and the analysis revealed that over the whole period 1981–2006 trees with shoot blight symptoms had a significantly lower increment. The increment reduction of the nonfertilized trees by Sirococcus   was 7.46±2.90$7.46\pm 2.90$% in 1981 and was continuously increasing with time to 37±3.78$37\pm 3.78$% by the year 2000. A significant positive effect of fertilization was only found for the kieserite+gypsum$\text{kieserite}+\text{gypsum}$ variant from 2002 to 2006, with the highest surplus increment in 2004 with 31.6±15.2$31.6\pm 15.2$%, calculated as average over the diseased and healthy group. However, a mitigation of the Sirococcus-caused increment loss via fertilization with kieserite and gypsum was statistically significant only for the year 2003. A moderate relationship between basal area increment and disease severity was found, indicating decreasing basal area increment with increasing disease severity.     

Susceptibility of ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa (Dougl. ex Laws.), to mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins,attack in uneven-aged stands in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming USA

Mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins can cause extensive tree mortality in ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws., forests in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. Most studies that have examined stand susceptibility to mountain pine beetle have been conducted in even-aged stands. Land managers increasingly practice uneven-aged management. We established 84 clusters of four plots, one where bark beetle-caused mortality was present and three uninfested plots. For all plot trees we recorded species, tree diameter, and crown position and for ponderosa pine whether they were killed or infested by mountain pine beetle. Elevation, slope, and aspect were also recorded. We used classification trees to model the likelihood of bark beetle attack based on plot and site variables. The probability of individual tree attack within the infested plots was estimated using logistic regression. Basal area of ponderosa pine in trees ≥25.4 cm in diameter at breast height (dbh) and ponderosa pine stand density index were correlated with mountain pine beetle attack. Regression trees and linear regression indicated that the amount of observed tree mortality was associated with initial ponderosa pine basal area and ponderosa pine stand density index. Infested stands had higher total and ponderosa pine basal area, total and ponderosa pine stand density index, and ponderosa pine basal area in trees ≥25.4 cm dbh. The probability of individual tree attack within infested plots was positively correlated with tree diameter with ponderosa pine stand density index modifying the relationship. A tree of a given size was more likely to be attacked in a denser stand. We conclude that stands with higher ponderosa pine basal area in trees >25.4 cm and ponderosa pine stand density index are correlated with an increased likelihood of mountain pine beetle bark beetle attack. Information form this study will help forest managers in the identification of uneven-aged stands with a higher likelihood of bark beetle attack and expected levels of tree mortality.     

Response of bark beetles and their natural enemies to fire and fire surrogate treatments in mixed-conifer forests in western Montana

Four treatments (control, burn-only, thin-only, and thin-and-burn) were evaluated for their effects on bark beetle-caused mortality in both the short-term (one to four years) and the long-term (seven years) in mixed-conifer forests in western Montana, USA. In addition to assessing bark beetle responses to these treatments, we also measured natural enemy landing rates and resin flow of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) the season fire treatments were implemented. All bark beetles were present at low population levels (non-outbreak) for the duration of the study. Post-treatment mortality of trees due to bark beetles was lowest in the thin-only and control units and highest in the units receiving burns. Three tree-killing bark beetle species responded positively to fire treatments: Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae), pine engraver (Ips pini), and western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis). Red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens) responded positively to fire treatments, but never caused mortality. Three fire damage variables tested (height of crown scorch, percent circumference of the tree bole scorched, or degree of ground char) were significant factors in predicting beetle attack on trees. Douglas-fir beetle and pine engraver responded rapidly to increased availability of resources (fire-damaged trees); however, successful attacks dropped rapidly once these resources were depleted. Movement to green trees by pine engraver was not observed in plots receiving fire treatments, or in thinned plots where slash supported substantial reproduction by this beetle. The fourth tree-killing beetle present at the site, the mountain pine beetle, did not exhibit responses to any treatment. Natural enemies generally arrived at trees the same time as host bark beetles. However, the landing rates of only one, Medetera spp., was affected by treatment. This predator responded positively to thinning treatments. This insect was present in very high numbers indicating a regulatory effect on beetles, at least in the short-term, in thinned stands. Resin flow decreased from June to August. However, resin flow was significantly higher in trees in August than in June in fire treatments. Increased flow in burned trees later in the season did not affect beetle attack success. Overall, responses by beetles to treatments were short-term and limited to fire-damaged trees. Expansions into green trees did not occur. This lack of spread was likely due to a combination of high tree vigor in residual stands and low background populations of bark beetles.     

Establishment of native tropical timber trees in monoculture and mixed-species plantations: Small-scale effects on tree performance and insect herbivory

Plantations of native timber species established on former pasture are a potential strategy to reduce the logging pressure on remnant natural forests in the tropics. Such plantations may help to mitigate or reverse the negative impacts of land degradation, and they may contribute to the long-term livelihood of livestock farmers. Planting native trees is, however, perceived as a risky activity due to limited knowledge of their performance and due to marked losses of newly established seedlings attributed to insect pests. Our study focuses on the small-scale effects of environmental heterogeneity, tree diversity and insecticide treatment on the performance of three native Central American timber species two years after establishment, and on damage inflicted by insect herbivores. Growth, survival and herbivore leaf damage were quantified for Anacardium excelsum (Anacardiaceae), Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) and Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae) planted in an experiment in Panama as (1) monocultures, (2) mixed stands, and (3) mixed stands protected by insecticides. Our study revealed that small-scale effects can have a substantial impact on the success of timber trees planted on former pasture. Growth performance and survival of the three species was strongly affected by small-scale environmental heterogeneity, which was expressed as significant differences in growth and survival among different plantation plots at the same study site. Establishment of trees in mixed stands did not have significant effects on tree survival and growth compared to pure stands, although it reduced herbivore pressure in one of the studied tree species. All tree species grew best and suffered lowest leaf damage when protected by insecticides, indicating a general influence of insect herbivory on growth of newly established trees. In contrast to growth performance, survival was not significantly affected by different management practices or herbivory. The large variability among plots in tree survival and growth, and also in the effects of management practices such as planting design and insecticide treatment, emphasizes the importance of small-scale environmental heterogeneity on tree survival and growth.