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Development and validation of a Gulf Coast hazard- and risk-rating model for southern pine beetle
PARTNERS: Texas Forest Service, Lanworth (formerly Forest One, Inc.)
SUMMARY: Numerous models have been proposed in the past for predicting hazard and risk of Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) infestation within pine stands and landscapes of the Gulf coastal areas of the southeastern United States (GSEUS). These different models are specific to different regions and stands and are highly localized, thus making it difficult to compare hazard and risk ratings across states and counties. The aim of this project is to develop a model for predicting hazard of SPB infestation across the GSEUS (including east Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama, southern Georgia, and north Florida). This project builds upon similar work carried out in the past that was of smaller scope and attempts to combine a set of known factors in a comprehensive modeling framework that is valid throughout the GSEUS. The study described here makes use of satellite imagery and other temporal and geospatial datasets to combine a set of a-priori factors in a modeling scheme. These factors have been chosen based on prior modeling and research efforts across many parts of the GSEUS.
STATUS: Ongoing
PROGRESS: Some of the key results from this work have already been presented in several workshops and conferences, notably at the “East Texas Forest Entomology Seminar” held near Lufkin on April 26 and 27, 2007.
Friedenberg, N.A., S. Sarkar, N. Kouchoukos, R.F. Billings, and M.P. Ayres. 2008. Temperature extremes, density dependence, and southern pine beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) population dynamics in East Texas. Environmental Entomology 37(3):650-659.
LINKS:
CONTACT: Sudipta Sarkar, Lanworth, ssarkar@lanworth.com or (630) 250-0468
