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Title: USING REMOTE SENSING TO DETECT AND MONITOR A WESTERN PINE BEETLE INFESTATION IN WEST TEXAS

Author
item Everitt, James
item RICHERSON, JIM - SUL ROSS UNIV.ALPINE,TX
item KARGES, JOHN - NATL.CONS.CORP,ALPINE,TX
item Davis, Michael

Submitted to: Southwestern Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/2/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The western pine beetle is periodically destructive to ponderosa pines in the southwestern United States and British Columbia. Most infestations occur when trees are weakened by drought. Since 1992, drought conditions have prevailed in the Davis Mountains of west Texas and several infestations of western pine beetles have been observed in this area. Aerial color-infrared (CIR) and conventional color photographs were evaluated and compared over a 10-week period for detecting and monitoring an infestation of western pine beetles in ponderosa pines in west Texas. Stressed trees could be detected and monitored with both films, but CIR film was superior for detecting trees with early stress symptoms. CIR videography could also be used for detecting stressed trees. These findings should be of interest to forest and natural resource managers.

Technical Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using remote sensing techniques to detect and monitor an infestation of western pine beetles (Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte) in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. Ex. Laud.) trees in the Davis Mountains of west Texas. Aerial photography and videography were used in this study. Color-infrared (CIR) and conventional color aerial photography were evaluated and compared on four dates over a 10-week period. Although both films were useful for detecting and monitoring stressed trees, CIR film was best because trees exhibiting early stress symptoms could be more clearly delineated from trees showing no stress symptoms. Trees under moderate to severe stress could also be distinguished better with CIR film. CIR videography was evaluated on a single date and also showed potential for detecting pine beetle infestations.