Diameter Growth Losses in Western Larch Caused by Larch Casebearer Defoliation

Abstract

Abstract The diameter growth of western larch, Larix occidentalis, was studied in two stands defoliated by the larch casebearer, Coleophora laricella. Before defoliation, the growth pattern of larch was highly synchronized (correlation coefficient ≥0.82) with that of Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, a nonhost for the casebearer on the same site, indicating that both species were under the influence of the same environmental factors. During the defoliation years, the growth of larch was only loosely related to the growth of Douglas-fir. A model which predicted growth of larch based on growth of Douglas-fir indicated that defoliation caused a loss of approximately 29% in the breast height diameter growth of larch. West. J. Appl. For. 6(4):105-108.