Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Moore, Cheyenne [1], Loeffler, Carol [1].

Plant communities in eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) stands impacted by hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae).

The eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr) occupies several important niches within northeastern forest ecosystems. As an evergreen, it is the primary species providing shade at all seasons in riparian areas and provides important winter shelter as well as summer nesting sites for birds and other wildlife. Throughout much of its distribution the hemlock is being impacted by the invasive pest hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand). Woolly adelgid feeds on xylem at the base of hemlock needles, affecting tree health and mortality. This research builds on adelgid and tree health survey data collected yearly starting in 2014, in eight pairs of high and low elevation sites in south-central Pennsylvania. In 2014, 2015, and 2016, high elevation sites have seen significantly greater numbers of adelgid, while in 2017 adelgid abundance did not significantly differ. Historically more new growth has also been found in valley sites, as well as greater crown density and crown ratio. These data were also collected for 2018 from January to March, and those data will be discussed. In fall 2017 a new herbaceous component was added to surveys of the 16 sites. In September and October 2017, herbaceous and low woody vegetation was surveyed at all 16 sites, using transects and 1m x 1m quadrats to assess understory plant diversity and composition. This data may be able to indicate if early successional species are moving into areas where there are high populations of adelgids and new light gaps are being created. Key Words: eastern hemlock, Tsugae canadensis, hemlock woolly adelgid, elevation, understory

1 - Dickinson College, Biology, 28 North College Street, Carlisle, PA, 17013, United States

Keywords:
eastern hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
hemlock woolly adelgid
 elevation
understory.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Conservation Biology
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PCB004
Abstract ID:364
Candidate for Awards:None