Relationship between phloem thickness and lodgepole pine growth characteristics

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Abstract
Depth of the phloem (inner bark) layers in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) is a factor in the development of outbreaks of the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk.). Five lodgepole pine stands in the interior of British Columbia [Canada] spanning the ages affected by this beetle (47-147 years) were studied. Relationships were determined between thickness of the phloem layer and radial and area increments over various periods of time, as well as DBH. The thickness of the phloem layer declined over the age spanned in this study. The best predictor of phloem thickness was the basal area increment in the 6-10 years before sampling. Diameter was a poor predictor of phloem thickness.