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\"This book explores the specifically human dimensions of the problem posed by a new generation of invasive pests and pathogens to tree health worldwide. The growth in global trade and transportation in recent decades, along with climate change, is allowing invasive pests and pathogens to establish in new environments, with profound consequences for the ecosystem services provided by trees and forests, and impacts on human wellbeing. The central theme of the book is to consider the role that social science can play in better understanding the social, economic and environmental impacts of such tree disease and pest outbreaks. Contributions include explorations of how pest outbreaks are socially constructed, drawing on the historical, cultural, social and situated contexts of outbreaks; the governance and economics of tree health for informing policy and decision-making; stakeholder engagement and communication tools; along with more philosophical approaches that draw on environmental ethics to consider 'non-human' perspectives. Taken together the book makes theoretical, methodological and applied contributions to our understanding of this important subject area and encourages researchers from across the social sciences and humanities to bring their own disciplinary perspectives and expertise to address the complexity that is the human dimensions of forest and tree health. Chapter 5 and 11 are open access under a CC BY 4.0 license via link.springer.com\"-- Page 4 of cover.

Assessing exotic pest response and eradication programs can identify factors that will lead to increased pest detection and provide information for prioritizing and enhancing future eradication attempts. We review the forest-related insect and pathogen detections and responses in Australia between 1996 and 2017. Thirty-four detections of new exotic forest species were made in this timeframe; seventeen each of insects and pathogens. Twenty-nine of the species are now established in mainland Australia and another in the Torres Strait. Four of the established species cause high impact, and three of these were subject to failed eradication programs. Two of the four established high-impact species were not previously recognised as threats; indeed, 85% of all new detections were not considered high-priority risks. Only one forest pest has been successfully eradicated, suggesting a lower success rate of Australian forest eradication programs than the world average. Most of these exotic pests and pathogens were not detected early enough to attempt eradication, or they were not deemed a significant enough pest to warrant an eradication attempt. Early detection is key to successful eradication. We discuss current surveillance programs in Australia and the methods (general, specific), locations (urban, regional, amenity, plantation, nursery, native forest), and surveillance type (public, industry, ad-hoc researcher, forest health surveillance, high-risk site surveillance, pest-specific trapping) that detections were made under. While there has been an increase in detections using specific surveillance since 2010, there remains a need for a structured national approach to forest biosecurity surveillance, preparedness, and responses.

Meta-analyses have become a valuable tool with which to synthesize effects across studies, but in ecology and evolution, they are often characterized by high heterogeneity, where effect sizes vary between studies. Much of this heterogeneity can be attributed to species-specific differences in responses to predictor variables. Here, we aimed to incorporate a novel trait-based approach to explain species-specific differences in a meta-analysis by testing the ability of morphological traits to explain why the effectiveness of flight-intercept trap design varies according to beetle species, a critical issue in forest pest management. An existing morphological trait database for forest beetles was supplemented, providing trait data for 97 species, while data from a previous meta-analysis on capture rates of bark or woodboring beetles according to different trap designs were updated. We combined these sources by including nine morphological traits as moderators in meta-analysis models, for five different components of trap design. Traits were selected based on theoretical hypotheses relating to beetle movement, maneuverability, and sensory perception. We compared the performance of morphological traits as moderators versus guild, taxonomic family, and null meta-analysis models. Morphological traits for the effect of trap type (panel vs. multiple-funnel) on beetle capture rates improved model fit (AICc), reduced within-study variance (σ²), and explained more variation (McFadden’s pseudo-R²) compared with null, guild, and taxonomic family models. For example, morphological trait models explained 10% more of the variance (pseudo-R²) when compared with a null model. However, using traits was less informative to explain how detailed elements of trap design such as surface treatment and color influence capture rates. The reduction of within-study variance when accounting for morphological traits demonstrates their potential value for explaining species-specific differences. Morphological traits associated with flight efficiency, maneuverability, and eye size were particularly informative for explaining the effectiveness of trap type. This could lead to improved predictability of optimal trap design according to species. Therefore, morphologicaltraits could be a valuable tool for understanding species-specific differences in community ecology, but other causes of heterogeneity across studies, such as forest type and structure, require further investigation.

Tree by Tree is a warning and a toolkit for the future of forest recovery. Scott J. Meiners investigates the critical biological threats endangering tree species native to the forests of eastern North America, providing a needed focus on this plight. Meiners suggests that if we are to save our forests, the first step is to recognize the threats in front of us. Meiners focuses on five familiar trees-the American elm, the American chestnut, the eastern hemlock, the white ash, and the sugar maple-and shares why they matter economically, ecologically, and culturally. From outbreaks of Dutch elm disease to infestations of emerald ash borers, Meiners highlights the challenges that have led or will lead to the disappearance of these trees from forests. In doing so, he shows us how diversity loss often disrupts intricately balanced ecosystems and how vital it is that we pay more attention to massive changes in forest composition. With practical steps for the conservation of native tree species, Tree by Tree offers the inspiration and insights we need to begin saving our forests.

The western conifer seed bug (WCSB), Leptoglossus occidentalis, has expanded rapidly in the southern peninsula of Korea since it was first reported in southeastern Korea in 2010. Two types of human-mediated passive movements were devised for modeling the rapid advancement of the pest population in this study: traffic effects and forest-product transportation. A lattice structure model (LSM) was developed to accommodate the traffic effects pertaining to the local area along with the natural population dynamics of the pest. Separately, a spatial network model (SNM) was constructed to present the passive movement of the WCSB because of forest-product transportation between all local areas in Korea. The gravity rule was applied to obtain the parameters for forest-product transportation between the local areas. LSM and SNM were linked to the two present types of passive movements in the model. The model simulated fast, linear advancement in a short period, compared with slow, circular advancement because of the conventional natural diffusion process of populations. Simulation results were comparable to field data observed in the southern peninsula of Korea, matching the rapid advancement of about 400 km to the north area (Seoul) from the south area (Changwon) within six years and expanding across the nation in 10 years. Possible saturation of populations was predicted in the 2020s if survival conditions for the WCSB were favorable and no control efforts were given in field conditions. Dispersal because of SNM notably surpassed the dispersal simulated by LSM when the WCSB population rapidly dispersed over a wide area. The Allee-effect and contribution ratio of SNM were the factors governing the rapid expansion of pest populations. The possibility of using the combined model was further discussed to address different types of human-mediated passive movements associated with population dynamics in forest pest dispersal.

Ips calligraphus (Germar) is a conifer pest that causes economically and ecologically significant tree mortality, particularly when forests are stressed. As forests become increasingly vulnerable to pest outbreaks due to habitat fragmentation, invasive species, or climate change, innovative management strategies are needed to augment traditional approaches. Manipulating the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway is emerging as a novel pest management technology that could serve as a means of managing I. calligraphus while minimizing non-target effects. Demonstrating effectiveness of exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in inducing changes in gene expression and causing mortality is an essential step. In this study, oral ingestion of dsRNA caused significant changes in gene expression and increased mortality for two of the three target dsRNAs tested. Additionally, we sequenced 5 mRNA libraries from adult beetles to assemble a transcriptome, from which we identified sequences of target genes for dsRNAs, and 10 genes in the I. calligraphus transcriptome putatively involved in the RNAi pathway. We demonstrate that oral ingestion of exogenous dsRNA can trigger the RNAi pathway. This is the first published study to artificially trigger the RNAi pathway in an Ips spp. and the first step in evaluating the potential for pest management strategies utilizing RNAi against this pest.

Forests have been decreasing in number and volume constantly since the oldest detectable date. Although human behaviors constitute the main responsible factor for this decrease, pests, such as insects, fungi, etc. also cause significant destruction in this respect. Approximately 50 harmful insect species are effective in our country's forests every year, and the control against these pests is carried out in about 500 thousand hectares of land. It is vital that authorities become aware of the threats occurring in forest areas, such as fires, insect outbreaks, etc., as soon as possible and initiate the control with the support of the public. There is a need to increase the level of knowledge and awareness of all segments of the society in this regard. On the other hand, tools, such as facilities established in forest areas, traps, and bird nests in forest areas to control pests, should also be protected, or at least not damaged by people living in the environment or by those somehow visiting these areas. In recent years, it has been observed that insects, which cause more damage to forests more than fires, have caused significant economic losses in forest enterprises. These harmful bark beetles cause great destruction and loss of wealth in spruce forests in Artvin region, which is one of the most damaged places in this respect. In this study, the province of Artvin where insect damage is experienced was selected. The methods of combating forest pests that damage spruce trees of the forestry organization working in the province of Artvin and their management methods have been examined and evaluated. The effects of the changes in the forest organization structure on the combat management and the situation in the legal legislation have been examined. In addition, a survey was conducted with 100 people to learn about the behavior and attitudes of the local people on this issue. Authorities must first act with the people of the area to be successful in protecting forests. People of the area should be informed about the control carried out by the forest administration, and their contribution should be considered. In this way, the level of success will increase in this control. In addition, a more effective forest organization structure is required for a successful control.

As the main defoliators of coniferous forests in Shandong Province, China, pine caterpillars (including Dendrolimus suffuscus suffuscus Lajonquiere, D. spectabilis Butler, and D. tabulaeformis Tsai et Liu) have caused substantial forest damage, adverse economic impacts, and losses of ecosystem resources. Therefore, elucidating the effects of drought on the outbreak of these pests is important for promoting forestry production and ecological reconstruction. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to analyse the spatiotemporal variation of drought in Shandong Province, using the Standard Precipitation Index, and to investigate the impact of drought on the outbreak of pine caterpillar infestations. Future trends in drought and pine caterpillar populations were then estimated using the Hurst exponent. The results showed that: (1) Drought decreased gradually and showed a wetting trend from 1981 to 2012, with frequency decreasing on a decadal scale as follows: 1980s > 1990s > 2000s > 2010s; (2) The total area of pine caterpillar occurrence decreased strongly from 1992 to 2012; (3) Long-term or prolonged drought had a greater positive impact on pine caterpillar outbreak than short-term drought; (4) In the future, a greater portion of the province’s area will experience increased wetting conditions (57%) than increased drought (43%), and the area of pine caterpillar outbreak is estimated to decrease overall. These findings help elucidate the relationship between drought and pine caterpillar outbreak in Shandong Province and, hence, provide a basis for developing preventive measures and plans.

Phoracantha semipunctata is a destructive invasive alien forest pest worldwide. It primarily damages the eucalyptus via adults, affecting almost all parts of the eucalyptus. Its larvae develop in almost all major tissues of the plant. Phoracantha semipunctata spreads both via the migration of adults and global trade in intercontinental translocation. Currently, this pest has spread to six continents worldwide, except Antarctica, resulting in substantial economic losses. Based on global occurrence data and environmental variables, the potential global geographical distribution of P. semipunctata was predicted using an ensemble model. The centroid shift, overlap, unfilling, and expansion scheme were selected to assess niche dynamics during the global invasion process. Our results indicated that the AUC and TSS values of the ensemble model were 0.993 and 0.917, respectively, indicating the high prediction accuracy of the model. The distribution pattern of P. semipunctata is primarily attributed to the temperature seasonality (bio4), mean temperature of the warmest quarter (bio10), and human influence index variables. The potential geographical distribution of P. semipunctata is primarily in western and southwestern Asia, western Europe, western and southern North America, southern South America, southern Africa, and eastern and southern Oceania. The potential geographical distribution of P. semipunctata showed a downward trend in the 2030s and the 2050s. The distribution centroid showed a general tendency to shift southward from the near-current to future climate. Phoracantha semipunctata has largely conserved its niche during the global invasion process. More attention should be paid to the early warning, prevention, and control of P. semipunctata in the countries and regions where it has not yet become invasive.

The walking-stick insect Ramulus mikado is occasionally considered a forest pest, as its mass occurrence can cause severe defoliation. It overwinters as eggs on the ground surface, and the hatched nymphs climb up to the host trees in spring. In this study, temperature-dependent development experiments were performed on R. mikado eggs under three constant temperatures (23.3, 28.3, and 29.2 °C) to extend the previously reported thermal response. The development times of eggs collected in summer and winter were also compared to investigate how development status is influenced by the seasons. The lower and upper developmental thresholds and thermal constants of R. mikado eggs were estimated to be 6.1 °C, 29.2 °C, and 1707.8 DD, respectively. The starting point for effective temperature effects on the eggs was estimated to be 1 August, based on the results of the experiment on field-collected eggs. A phenology model was constructed by using a development completion model scaled by the thermal constant, with a starting point of degree-day accumulation. The model showed good agreement, with a deviation of 3.2 ± 2.95 days between prediction and observation. The developed phenology model is useful for determining the appropriate timing for management decision-making regarding this insect.