Estimating phloem thickness in lodgepole pine stands using electrical resistance measurements

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Abstract
Correlations among measurements of electrical resistance of cambial zone tissue, phloem thickness, and tree diameter, reported earlier for other species, were also found for lodgepole pine (Pinusconforta Dougl.). Using these relationships, a model was developed for estimating phloem thickness in lodgepole pine, an important factor in assessing stand susceptibility to mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonusponderosae Hopk.) epidemics. The predictive model and procedures for scaling estimates to specific time and location were tested with data from a lodgepole pine stand nearly 100 miles (161 km) away from the sample trees used in fitting the model. Results for stand data grouped into 3-in. (7.6 cm) diameter classes showed that class means of scaled model estimates were within ±4% of class means of phloem thickness for all diameter classes of the test stand. Model development and application procedures should be applicable to other species where estimates of phloem thickness and its distribution in stands is of interest.

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