喀斯特地区不同植被恢复模式幼林生态系统碳储量及其空间分布

研究喀斯特地区4种植被恢复模式幼林生态系统碳含量、碳储量及其空间分布特征。结果表明:不同树种同一器官中的碳含量存在差异;同一树种不同器官中的碳含量也不同,除楸树外,3种树地上部分各器官的碳含量普遍高于地下部分(根);不同树种各器官碳含量的变异系数为0.88%～7.02%;林下灌木层、草本层、死地被物层的平均碳含量分别为309.70～461.02,335.44～569.61和307.01～400.88g·kg-1,植被恢复初期,柏木林地、楸树林地土壤有机碳含量分别比对照地提高了56.37%和33.49%,而花椒林地下降了2.09%;不同林地土壤有机碳含量均随土壤深度的增加而逐渐下降;4种林分乔木层的碳储量表现为楸树林>车桑子林>花椒林>柏木林;楸树、花椒和柏木林地0～20cm土层碳储量分别为113.061,82.424和126.841t·hm-2,与对照地相比,楸树和柏木林地土壤碳储量分别提高了31.14%和47.13%,而花椒林地却下降了4.39%,车桑子林地0～10cm土层碳储量为50.517t·hm-2;楸树林、花椒林、柏木林和车桑子林生态系统碳储量分别为117.207,84.117,127.919和53...     

樟树对土壤中PAHs的修复及其影响因子

采用室内盆栽实验,利用柴油设置2 g·kg-1(L1),10 g·kg-1 (L2)和50 g·kg-1 (L3)模拟PAHs浓度梯度,对盆栽的1年生樟树幼苗对PAHs的修复机制及影响因子进行研究.结果表明:(1)不同浓度PAHs污染(L1、L2、L3)水平下,樟树幼苗土壤中PAHs的去除率分别为85.86％、91.95％、80.80％,均高于无植物处理.(2) PAHs在樟树不同器官中的积累浓度不同.中、低浓度污染处理水平(L2、L1)下,樟树各器官对PAHs的积累作用均表现为:叶＞根＞干;高浓度污染处理水平(L3)下则表现为根＞叶＞干.不同污染处理(L1、L2、L3)水平下,樟树吸收累积作用修复PAHs污染土壤的贡献率分别为64.26％、22.81％、11.39％.(3)随着PAHs污染浓度的增大,樟树不同部位生物浓缩系数逐渐减小.叶和根是樟树富集PAHs的主要部位.(4)5cm土壤温度和多酚氧化酶是影响樟树修复PAHs污染土壤的关键因子,真菌、放线菌数量和磷酸酶活性可以作为土壤PAHs污染评价的生物指标.研究结果可为南方城市PAHs污染修复优良绿化树种的筛选提供理论依据.     

广州市3种典型人工林碳储量及分布特征研究

采用样方法和取样法,研究广东省广州市流溪河林场黧蒴、木荷、杉木林生态系统碳含量、碳储量及其空间分布特征。结果表明:林木各器官平均碳含量为杉木(490.99 g·kg-1)黧蒴(447.18 g·kg-1)木荷(442.52 g·kg-1),各器官间存在差异,从高到低排列顺序杉木为皮叶枝干根;木荷为干根皮枝叶;黧蒴为叶干枝根皮;林分内乔木层碳储量为黧蒴(103.08 t·hm-2)木荷(83.19 t·hm-2)杉木(20.67 t·hm-2)。地被植物和枯落物碳含量均表现为灌木层草本层枯落物层。林地土壤容重随土层的加深而增大,各层次碳含量呈下降趋势且分布不均,表层(0~25 cm)土壤碳含量较高,3种林分土壤碳储量排序为木荷(154.52 t·hm-2)黧蒴(146.75 t·hm-2)杉木(131.29 t·hm-2)。3种人工林生态系统碳库的空间分布序列为土壤层植被层枯落物层。黧蒴林乔木层年净生产力为9.22 t·hm-2·a-1,是木荷的1.32倍、杉木的1.97倍,年净生产力阔叶林树种大于针叶林杉木;年净固碳量黧蒴为4.12 t·hm-2·a-1,木荷为3.08 t·hm-2·a-1,分别为杉木的1.79和1.34倍;各林分生态系统乔木层同化CO2能力为黧蒴木荷杉木。阔叶树种黧蒴(25 a生)和木荷(27 a生)的林分固碳能力优于针叶树种杉木(9a生)。     

樟树林地土壤多环芳烃的含量及其分布特征

研究樟树林地和无林地土壤中PAHs的含量和分布特征,并对两种土地类型土壤中的PAHs含量水平进行评价.结果表明:两种土地类型土壤中PAHs主要积累在0～30 cm的表土层,并随土层加深而明显减少,各土层中以高环的PAHs组分为主,PAHs主要源于燃烧源;樟树林地土壤中PAHs含量明显低于无林地,无林地表土层中PAHs含量是樟树林地表土层的1.1倍;对两种土壤中的PAHs含量水平进行评价,得知樟树林地土壤PAHs超标5种,无林地土壤不仅超标8种,且超标倍数明显大于樟树林地,樟树林地土壤的PAHs污染程度小于无林地.     

兰州城区土壤中多环芳烃污染特征研究

采集了兰州市4个城区内28个土壤样品,研究了兰州城区土壤中多环芳烃(PAHs)的含量、分布和污染特征,并进一步分析了潜在的生态风险。结果显示:兰州市城区土壤中22种PAHs的污染浓度在59.7~3460.0μg·kg-1之间,平均含量606.9μg·kg-1,土壤污染主要以低分子量的2-3环PAHs为主。研究区域内土壤PAHs具有一定的潜在致癌性,应当引起环保及卫生部门的重视。     

黄土高原主要人工林土壤养分与酶活性的研究

本文以荒地为对照,对黄土高原沙棘、刺槐和油松三种人工林0~80cm土壤养分与酶活性进行了研究。结果表明:沙棘、刺槐和油松人工林土壤有机质含量8.1~11.9g·kg-1,全氮含量0.53~0.82g·kg-1,全磷含量1.34~1.75g·kg-1,含速效钾85.5~175.5μg·g-1,碱解氮32.9~66.4μg·g-1,速效磷3.08~5.14μg·g-1。与荒地相比三种人工林林地有机质和土壤养分明显增加。土壤表层(0~20cm)与下层养分含量差异显著,表层以下差异不显著;人工林地表层土壤土壤养分含量相对较高,向下逐渐降低。土壤中过氧化氢酶、转换酶、脲酶和酶活性总体水平表现为刺槐林沙棘林荒地油松林;土壤酶活性与土壤肥力有较好的相关性。     

速生阶段杉木人工林碳素密度、贮量和分布

利用定位观测取得的数据 ,对速生阶段杉木人工林的碳素密度、贮量及其空间分布特征进行了研究。结果表明 :杉木不同器官中碳素密度变化范围在 0 4 5 5 8gC·g- 1 ～ 0 5 0 0 3gC·g- 1 之间 ,各器官碳素密度的排列顺序为 :树皮 >树叶 >树干 >树根 >球果 >树枝 ,多年生枝、叶的碳素密度比其他年龄的枝、叶要高 ;灌木层、草本层的碳素密度分别为 0 4 344gC·g- 1 、0 4 0 0 9gC·g- 1 ,死地被物层碳素密度为 0 4 341gC·g- 1 ,土壤中各层次碳素密度分布不均 ,表土层的碳素密度略低于亚表土层 ;碳贮量在杉木不同器官中的分配 ,基本与各器官的生物量成正比例关系 ,树干生物量占林分生物量的 4 7 7% ,其碳贮量占林分碳素贮量的 4 7 5 % ,枝、叶、皮、根等当中的碳贮量占 5 2 5 % ;在速生阶段杉木林生态系统中 ,碳库的总贮量为 12 7 88tC·hm- 2 ,其中植被层中碳总贮量为 35 883tC·hm- 2 ,土壤层 (包括死地被物层 )的碳总贮量为 91 997tC·hm- 2 ;速生阶段杉木林年净生产力为 7 35 1t·hm- 2 a- 1 ,有机碳年净固定量为 3 4 89tC·hm- 2 a- 1 。     

施氮对亚热带樟树人工林土壤氮矿化的影响

20世纪以后,全球工业、农业飞速发展,从而导致大量活性氮输入至森林生态系统,作为生物地球化学循环的重要部分,森林生态系统中土壤氮元素的转换过程及其对外源性氮输入的响应机制越来越被重视。以亚热带樟树Cinnamomum camphora人工林为研究对象,在施加氮肥(低氮5 g·m-2、中氮15 g·m-2、高氮30 g·m-2)的基础上,用树脂芯法对其不同季节土壤氮矿化特征的影响进行了研究。结果表明:经过施氮肥处理后,在1、4、7月份樟树人工林的土壤氮矿化量均表现为随施肥量的增加而递增,但10月份的高氮浓度处理樟树人工林土壤氮矿化量呈现下降趋势,但高于对照处理,说明施氮肥处理可以增加樟树林土壤氮矿化速率;施肥处理可以显著增加樟树林土壤铵态氮含量及氨化速率,但是对土壤硝态氮量和硝化速率影响不显著。     

南亚热带米老排成熟林碳库及其分布格局

以南亚热带地区广西宁明县米老排成熟林(34年生)为研究对象,采用标准样地法对其碳库及其分布格局进行研究。结果表明:1米老排不同器官碳素含量在472.6~509.3 g·kg-1之间,各器官碳素含量排序依次为树叶、干材、干皮、树枝、树根。灌木层、草本层、凋落物层碳素含量分别为480.4、469.1、483.2 g·kg-1。土壤(0~100 cm)土层中碳素含量为8.94g·kg-1,随土层加深土壤中碳素含量逐渐减少。2米老排人工林生态系统碳库为272.80 t·hm-2,其中乔木层为143.47t·hm-2,占52.59%;灌木层为0.44 t·hm-2,占0.18%;草本层为0.18 t·hm-2,占0.07%;凋落物层为5.07 t·hm-2,占1.86%;土壤层为123.64 t·hm-2,占45.32%。3米老排成熟林年净生产力为10.17 t·hm-2·a-1,碳素年净固定量为5.37 t·hm-2·a-1,折合成CO2的量为19.69 t·hm-2·a-1。     

陇东黄土高原沟壑区刺槐和油松人工林的生物量和碳密度及其分配规律

【目的】基于陇东黄土高原沟壑区刺槐人工林和油松人工林样地调查数据,分析其生物量、碳含量、碳密度及其分配规律,为该地区人工林碳效益估算提供基础数据。【方法】以陇东黄土高原沟壑区12年生刺槐人工林和12年生油松人工林为研究对象,采用样地调查与生物量实测的方法,研究刺槐人工林和油松人工林乔木不同器官、灌草层和枯落物层生物量,以及刺槐人工林和油松人工林乔木层、灌草层、枯落物层和土壤层碳储量及其分配特征。【结果】刺槐人工林乔木层平均碳含量(468.44 g·kg －1)低于油松人工林乔木层平均碳含量(512.77 g· kg －1);刺槐林乔木各器官碳含量为458.00～496.96 g·kg －1,不同器官碳含量表现为干＞枝＞叶＞根＞皮,油松人工林乔木各器官碳含量为503.83～536.27 g·kg －1,不同器官碳含量依表现干＞叶＞枝＞皮＞根;刺槐林草本层、灌木层及枯落物层平均碳含量分别为390.52,398.72和402.82 g·kg －1,油松林草本层、灌木层及枯落物层平均碳含量分别为413.17,436.85和414.03 g·kg －1;随着土壤深度增加,刺槐林和油松林土壤碳含量依次降低,0～10 cm土层土壤含量显著高于10～20,20～30和30～50 cm土层;刺槐林0～50 cm 土层土壤平均碳含量(4.96 g·kg －1)高于油松林(4.45 g·kg －1);刺槐林植被层生物量为54.80 t·hm －2,乔木层、草本层和灌木层分别占95.88%,2.65%和1.46%;油松林植被层生物量为24.37 t·hm －2,乔木层、草本层和灌木层分别占93.43%,5.17%和1.40%;刺槐林枯落物层生物量和碳密度分别为1.36和0.55 t·hm －2,分别是植被层的2.48%和2.12%,油松林枯落物层生物量和碳密度分别为0.92和0.39 t·hm －2,分别是植被层的3.78%和3.09%;刺槐林和油松林土壤层碳密度分别为31.15和24.35 t·hm －2,0～10 cm土壤层碳密度较高,分别占0～50 cm土层土壤碳密度的40.19%和38.73%;刺槐林植被层生物量(54.80 t·hm －2)高于油松林植被层生物量(24.37 t·hm －2);刺槐林和油松林生态系统总碳密度分别为57.60和37.38 t·hm －2,且均表现为土壤层＞植被层＞枯落物层。【结论】刺槐林和油松林植被层生物量表现为乔木层＞草本层＞灌木层,乔木层生物量均以树干占比最大,分别为40.02%和37.29%;2种人工林生态系统碳密度主要分布在土壤和植被中,且刺槐人工林生态系统具有较高的固碳能力。     

Decomposition and nutrient loss from prunings of different contour hedgerow species in tea plantations in the sloping highlands of Sri Lanka

Contour hedgerows of multipurpose tree species in the sloping tea lands of Sri Lanka are expected to reduce soil erosion and also add significant amounts of plant nutrients to the soil via periodic prunings. The objective of this experiment was to characterize the biomass decomposition pattern and quantify the amount of nutrients added through prunings of six tree species (Calliandra calothyrsus, Senna spectabilis, Euphatorium innulifolium, Flemingia congesta, Gliricidia sepium and Tithonia diversifolia) currently being used in hedgerows associated with tea. Withered leaf and stem prunings (50 g) were enclosed in 2-mm litter bags, placed at 5-cm depth and retrieved after one, three, six, nine and 12 weeks. Loss of initial dry weight, N, P and K was measured. Single exponential decay function adequately described both dry weight and nutrient loss. Tree species differed significantly in their rate of breakdown with decomposition constants (k) varying from 0.0299 to 0.2006 week⁻¹ for leaves and from 0.0225 to 0.0633 week⁻¹ for stems. Gliricidia showed the highest k for leaves with the rest in the following descending order: Senna > Tithonia ≥ Euphatorium > Calliandra > Flemingia. A similar pattern was observed for loss of all nutrients with Calliandra and Flemingia always having lower k values than the rest. Although N immobilization was not observed, immobilization of P and K was observed during the first week of incubation in some species, particularly in stem prunings. Annual biomass of prunings differed significantly between tree species in the following descending order: Calliandra > Senna > Flemingia > Tithonia > Gliricidia > Euphatorium. Calliandra added the greatest amount of nutrients annually to the soil with Euphatorium adding the least. Calliandra prunings provided the annual total K requirement and 49% of the N requirement of mature tea. However, none of the species provided more than 5% of the P requirement. It is concluded that among the tree species tested, Calliandra and Flemingia are the most suitable for contour hedgerows in tea plantations of this agroclimatic region because of their higher soil nutrient enrichment capacity and slower decomposition rates which would minimize leaching losses. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effects of Seed Weight and Seed Type on Early Seedling Growth of Pinus sylvestris under Harsh and Optimal Conditions

The effects of seed weight and seed type on seedling growth of Pinus sylvestris (L.) were studied by seeding individually weighed orchard and stand seed in different mixtures under harsh (direct seeding in field) and optimal (seeding in nursery) conditions. In the nursery experiment an increase in the seed weight from 3 to 7 mg increased the seedling height by 10-27% and total weight by 27-113%, and decreased the height/diameter ratio by 5-6% after 2 yrs. With elimination of seed weight effects, orchard seedlings were 2% taller than stand seedlings in year 2. Without elimination of seed weight effects, orchard seedlings were 7-13% taller. In the field experiment an increase in the seed weight from 3 to 7 mg increased seedling height by 18-65%, stem volume by 81-274% and the number of top-buds by 23-34% in year 5. After elimination of seed weight effects, orchard seedlings were 7-13% taller than stand seedlings and without elimination of seed weight effects 20-21% taller after 5 yrs. Even after elimination of both seed weight and genetic effects orchard seedlings were 3-9% larger than stand seedlings in the field experiment. In conclusion, the influence of seed weight and seed type on growth traits and slenderness is highly significant and the influence seems to be greater in harsh conditions.     

Modelling of adequate pretwist for obtaining straight timber

Abstract

Wood in general and wooden studs in particular are often distorted owing to uneven shrinkage during the drying process in the sawmill. Twist is often the most detrimental of all types of distortion, and it is caused by spiral grain in combination with variations in moisture content. For sawmills, the objective is to produce dried, straight boards, and one method of dealing with boards with excessive spiral grain is to sort them out and then dry them in a pretwisted position to obtain straight boards after drying. A model using the finite element (FE) method for the simulation of drying twist distortions was first calibrated against laboratory experiments in which boards were dried with and without restraints and pretwists. After the calibration, the FE results were compared with industrial test results for boards that were dried without restraints or with restraints with zero pretwist, i.e. straight restraints. The FE model used an elastic–ideally plastic material model to obtain permanent deformations. The calibration was to set the yield stresses so that there was a good match between FE results and results from the laboratory experiments. The comparison between the industrial test results and the FE results showed that the FE model is capable of realistic simulations of drying boards with and without restraints and presumably also pretwists.     

Potential to harness superior nutritional qualities of exotic baobabs if local adaptation can be conferred through grafting

Baobab leaves form an important part of the local diet in Sahel countries and elsewhere in Africa. Existing leaf nutritional data and agroforestry performance information are based solely on Adansonia digitata L., the baobab of continental Africa. The introduction potential of Adansonia species from the center of diversity in Madagascar and from Australia remains untapped. To assess this potential, the mineral contents and B₁ and B₂ vitamin levels of dried baobab leaves were determined for five-year old trees of A. digitata, A. gibbosa (A. Cunn.) Guymer ex D. Baum, A. rubrostipa Jum. & H. Perrier (syn. A. fony Baill.), A. perrieri Capuron and A. za Baill. grown in an introduction trial in Mali. Nutritional data were evaluated against survival and vigor to identify promising germplasm. Leaf vitamin and crude protein contents were highest in the Madagascar species, especially A. rubrostipa (B₁ 88 mg 100 g⁻¹, B₂ 187 mg 100 g⁻¹, protein 20.7% dry weight). However, the local species far outperformed the introductions in survival, tree height, basal diameter and resistance to termites. We suggest grafting as a way of harnessing the vigor of well-adapted local baobab varieties to the superior nutritional profiles of A. rubrostipa and others. Cross-species grafting tests in Adansonia were successful, thus creating new agroforestry possibilities with different scion/rootstock combinations.     

Biogeochemical impacts of clearfelling and reforestation on blanket-peatland streams: II. major ions and dissolved organic carbon

Streams and drains in blanket-peatland forest in western Ireland were sampled weekly over 5 years, 1996–2000, using continuous, depth-proportional passive sampling. Analysis was for pH, alkalinity by Gran titration, anions by IC, metals by ICP, aluminium speciation by loaded-resin exchange, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by absorbance at 320 nm.

Effects of felling are identified graphically from two forest drains whose catchments (both about 1 ha) were clearfelled, and partial clearfelling of one larger catchment (somewhat over 1 km²), in summer 1999. Calcium concentrations and alkalinity were increased in the drain- and streamwater from the felled areas. The pH was increased in drains, while in the larger stream, pH range decreased while the mean increased. Phosphorus increased markedly with clearfell, in the absence of recent fertilising, and also increased with fertilising; these results are reported in an accompanying paper. Ammonium-nitrogen concentrations were increased in the two drains with felling, and temporarily decreased in the larger stream. Nitrate increased in some cases. Potassium and manganese concentrations also increased. Concentrations of DOC and organic monomeric aluminium increased gradually, subject to a continuing strong annual cycle. There were no clearfelling effects on concentrations of solphate, suspended solids or inorganic monomeric aluminium. In the two drains (fully clearfelled), concentrations of sodium, chloride and magnesium, and conductivity, were all reduced after felling. Fertilising effects other than for phosphorus were indistinct.

Effects of the combined clearfell–reforestation treatment were testable statistically, using randomised intervention analysis, between two larger streams (1 km²) as a treatment–control comparison. There were statistically significant positive responses in streamwater concentrations of nitrate, potassium, calcium, DOC and aluminium fractions. The implications for management practice depend on whether the loss of nutrients is sustainable for future crop productivity, and whether critical limits and loads of receiving ecosystems are exceeded.     

Effect of Drought on Growth and Mortality of Actively Growing Norway Spruce Container Seedlings Planted in Summer

Survival, root egress and height growth of 13-month-old actively growing Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) container seedlings exposed to preplanting drying treatments (0, 4, and 8 days) and postplanting drought periods (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks) were studied in the field between 5 July and 18 August 1999. The mortality of seedlings increased and the height growth and root egress decreased throughout the postplanting drought period. Postplanting performance was also affected by preplanting drying treatments. The results indicate that no risk of excessive mortality and growth restrictions occurs when actively growing seedlings are planted in summer, provided that seedlings are well watered before planting and the drought period does not exceed 3 weeks.     

Rehabilitation of diseased cacao fields in Peru through shade regulation and timing of biocontrol measures

The objective of this case study was to test the effectiveness of biocontrol for the rehabilitation of abandoned, diseased (moniliasis, witches' broom and black pod) cocoa and to develop testable hypotheses regarding the effect of shade and biocontrol timing. Three trial fields differed in their shade regimes. Biocontrol was administered starting either at flowering or pod filling. Disease incidence and yield were compared with cultural control alone. Biocontrol reduced moniliasis from 49% to 25%, independent of the shading regime and application time. Witches' broom was most severe without shade and unaffected by biocontrol. No significant effects on black pod were observed. Although biocontrol increased percentage healthy fruit independent of shading and timing, only the shaded plot with biocontrol from flowering onwards responded with increased yield. Our hypothesis is: 'In the rehabilitation of abandoned cacao, only fields under sustainable shade management and early onset of biocontrol can realise their production potential.' This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Growth of Phlebiopsis gigantea in wood of seven conifer species

Heterobasidion parviporum and Heterobasidion annosum are widely distributed root‐rot fungi that infect conifers throughout Europe. Infection of conifer stumps by spores of these pathogens can be controlled by treating fresh stumps with a competing non‐pathogenic fungus, Phlebiopsis gigantea. In this study, growth of three Latvian strains of P. gigantea and the biological control agent ‘Rotstop’ strain was evaluated in stem pieces of Norway spruce, Scots pine, lodgepole pine, Douglas‐fir, Weymouth pine, Siberian larch and Sitka spruce. The growth rates of one H. parviporum and one H. annosum isolate were also measured in the same stem pieces. The growth rate of P. gigantea varied greatly in wood of different conifer species. It was higher in the three pine species, lower in Norway spruce and lowest in Sitka spruce and Siberian larch, and in Douglas‐fir, this fungus did not grow. The largest area of wood occupied by P. gigantea was in lodgepole pine. Growth of Latvian isolates of P. gigantea in the wood of Pinus and Picea species was comparable to that of the Rotstop isolate. Consequently, stump treatment with local P. gigantea isolates should be recommended. However, our results suggest that Douglas‐fir stump treatment against Heterobasidion by P. gigantea may be ineffective and other stump treatment methods should be considered.     

Growth of Mixed Birch-Coniferous Stands in Relation to Pure Coniferous Stands at Similar Sites in South-eastern Norway

Mean age, mean and top heights and yield were studied in 20 mixed stands of birch ( Betula pubescens Ehrh. and B. pendula Roth) and Picea abies (L.) Karst. and nine mixed stands of birch and Pinus sylvestris L. in south-eastern Norway. Each mixed stand and the adjacent pure coniferous stand (control) were growing under the same site conditions and had not been commercially thinned. There were no significant differences in mean age at breast height or in top heights between birch and conifers in the mixed stands, while mean height was significantly higher for birch than for spruce. A growth index was calculated based on total volume and age at breast height. For the spruce sites the growth in young mixed stands (birch < 17 m) was superior to that of pure spruce, while the difference was insignificant in older stands. The growth index correlated positively with the ratio between generatively and vegetatively regenerated birch trees, and negatively with the age of the oldest species in the mixture and with site quality. For the pine sites there was no significant difference in the growth index between mixed birch-pine and pure pine stands. A mixture effect of birch on the volume yield of spruce or pine could not be demonstrated.     

Defoliation by the Needle-shortening Pine Gall Midge,Thecodiplosis brachyntera,on Pines in Central Sweden

An outbreak of the needle-shortening pine gall midge, Thecodiplosis brachyntera , occurred on Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris (L.) and lodgepole pine, P. contorta (Dougl.) in central Sweden during 1995-1998. The larval feeding of T. brachyntera kills current-year needles and heavy infestation causes severe defoliation. A pattern of fluctuating defoliation among years and sites was found on both pine species. Defoliation was evenly distributed in the crown of P. sylvestris during years of high as well as low infestation; apical whorls had as much defoliation as basal whorls. In P. contorta , however, there was a tendency for defoliation to be concentrated on branches in the most apical whorls. Growth ring increments on P. sylvestris with high levels of defoliation (71%) did not differ from trees with moderate levels (26%) of defoliation. Shoot lengths were significantly shorter, however, on heavily infested trees the year after defoliation.