Effects of clear-cutting and single-tree selection harvests on herbivorous insect larvae feeding on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) in uneven-aged boreal Picea abies forests
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Published source details
Atlegrim O. & Sjöberg K. (1996) Effects of clear-cutting and single-tree selection harvests on herbivorous insect larvae feeding on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) in uneven-aged boreal Picea abies forests. Forest Ecology and Management, 87, 139-148.
Published source details Atlegrim O. & Sjöberg K. (1996) Effects of clear-cutting and single-tree selection harvests on herbivorous insect larvae feeding on bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) in uneven-aged boreal Picea abies forests. Forest Ecology and Management, 87, 139-148.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use selective or reduced impact logging instead of conventional logging Action Link |
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Use selective or reduced impact logging instead of conventional logging
A replicated, randomized, paired, controlled study in 1992 in three boreal forests in Lapland, Sweden (Atlegrim & Sjöberg 1996) found that bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus plants in selectively logged forests had a higher abundance of exposed moth caterpillars, but not concealed caterpillars, than clearcut forests. The abundance of exposed caterpillars (Geometridae and Noctuidae, which crawl on leaves while feeding) in selectively logged forests (2.3–3.5 individuals/m2) was higher than in clearcut forests (0.3–1.3 individuals/m2), and similar to undisturbed forests (3.0–5.7 individuals/m2). However, the abundance of concealed caterpillars (Tortricidae and Pyralidae, which spin leaves together and live between them) was not significantly different in selectively logged (0 individuals/m2), clearcut (0–0.3 individuals/m2) and undisturbed (0–1.3 individuals/m2) forests. Three forests were each divided into three 20-ha stands, which were randomly assigned to three treatments: selective logging (30% of trees and 45–50% of tree volume removed), clearcutting (all trees removed, followed by soil scarification and artificial regeneration), and undisturbed. Felling was staggered between winter 1987/88 and 1991/92. From late June–early July 1992, caterpillars feeding on bilberry were counted in three randomly placed 0.1-m2 plots in each of 10 sites within each stand.
(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)
