Cross-scale interaction of host tree size and climatic water deficit governs bark beetle-induced tree mortality

Michael J. Koontz (), Andrew M. Latimer, Leif A. Mortenson, Christopher J. Fettig and Malcolm P. North
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Michael J. Koontz: Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California
Andrew M. Latimer: Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California
Leif A. Mortenson: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station
Christopher J. Fettig: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station
Malcolm P. North: Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract The recent Californian hot drought (2012–2016) precipitated unprecedented ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) mortality, largely attributable to the western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis; WPB). Broad-scale climate conditions can directly shape tree mortality patterns, but mortality rates respond non-linearly to climate when local-scale forest characteristics influence the behavior of tree-killing bark beetles (e.g., WPB). To test for these cross-scale interactions, we conduct aerial drone surveys at 32 sites along a gradient of climatic water deficit (CWD) spanning 350 km of latitude and 1000 m of elevation in WPB-impacted Sierra Nevada forests. We map, measure, and classify over 450,000 trees within 9 km2, validating measurements with coincident field plots. We find greater size, proportion, and density of ponderosa pine (the WPB host) increase host mortality rates, as does greater CWD. Critically, we find a CWD/host size interaction such that larger trees amplify host mortality rates in hot/dry sites. Management strategies for climate change adaptation should consider how bark beetle disturbances can depend on cross-scale interactions, which challenge our ability to predict and understand patterns of tree mortality.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20455-y

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