Blog List

Thursday 16 February 2017

Growth and Survival of Mesorhizobium loti Inside Acanthamoeba Enhanced Its Ability to Develop More Nodules on Lotus corniculatus

Author
The importance of protozoa as environmental reservoirs of pathogens is well recognized, while their impact on survival and symbiotic properties of rhizobia has not been explored. The possible survival of free-living rhizobia inside amoebae could influence bacterial abundance in the rhizosphere of legume plants and the nodulation competitiveness of microsymbionts. Two well-characterized strains of Mesorhizobium: Mesorhizobium loti NZP2213 and Mesorhizobium huakuii symbiovar loti MAFF303099 were assayed for their growth ability within the Neff strain of Acanthamoeba castellanii. Although the association ability and the initial uptake rate of both strains were similar, recovery of viable M. huakuii MAFF303099 after 4 h postinfection decreased markedly and that of M. loti NZP2213 increased. The latter strain was also able to survive prolonged co-incubation within amoebae and to self-release from the amoeba cell. The temperature 28 °C and PBS were established as optimal for the uptake of Mesorhizobium by amoebae. The internalization of mesorhizobia was mediated by the mannose-dependent receptor. M. loti NZP2213 bacteria released from amoebae developed 1.5 times more nodules on Lotus corniculatus than bacteria cultivated in an amoebae-free medium.


































For further details log on website :
http://paperity.org/p/59362888/growth-and-survival-of-mesorhizobium-loti-inside-acanthamoeba-enhanced-its-ability-to

Initial Phylogenetic Relatedness of Saprotrophic Fungal Communities Affects Subsequent Litter Decomposition Rates

Author
Ecosystem-level consequences of biodiversity loss of macroorganisms are well understood, while the repercussions of species extirpation in microbial systems are not. We manipulated species richness and phylogenetic relatedness of saprotrophic fungi in situ in a boreal forest to address this issue. Litter decomposition rates (as total mass loss) after 2 months were significantly higher in the least phylogenetically related fungal assemblages. Likewise, cellulose loss was also highest in the most distantly related treatments after 1 year. There were marginal effects of species richness on mass loss that only affected decomposition after 2 months. At the end of 1 year of decomposition, most fungal communities had collapsed from their original diversity to two species, mainly in the Penicillium or Hypocrea clades. Two concurrent processes may explain these results: competition between closely related fungal taxa and phylogenetic conservation in cellulose decomposition. Our results suggest that phylogenetic relatedness of fungal communities may be a more appropriate metric than species richness or community composition to predict functional responses of fungal communities to global change.































For further details log on website :
http://paperity.org/p/46522607/initial-phylogenetic-relatedness-of-saprotrophic-fungal-communities-affects-subsequent

Influence of Hyphal Inoculum potential on the Competitive Success of Fungi Colonizing Wood

Author
The relative amounts of hyphal inoculum in forest soils may determine the capacity for fungi to compete with and replace early colonizers of wood in ground contact. Our aim in this study was to test the flexibility of priority effects (colonization timing) by varying the timing of inoculum introduction (i.e., precolonization) and amount of inoculum (i.e., inoculum potential). We controlled these variables in soil-block microcosms using fungi with known competitive outcomes in similar conditions, tracking isolate-specific fungal biomass, and residue physiochemistry over time. In the precolonization trial (experiment I), a brown rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum was given 1, 3, or 5 weeks to precolonize wood blocks (oak, birch, pine, and spruce) prior the introduction of a white rot fungus, Irpex lacteus, a more aggressive colonizer in this set-up. In the inoculum potential trial (experiment II), the fungi were inoculated simultaneously, but with eightfold higher brown rot inoculum than that of experiment I. As expected, longer precolonization duration increased the chance for the less-competitive brown rot fungus to outcompete its white rot opponent. Higher brown rot fungal inoculum outside of the wood matrix also resulted in competitive success for the brown rot isolate in most cases. These temporal shifts in fungal dominance were detectable in a ‘community snapshot’ as isolate-specific quantitative PCR, but also as functionally-relevant consequences of wood rot type, including carbohydrate depolymerization and pH. These results from a controlled system reinforce fungal-fungal interaction and suggest that relative inoculum availability beyond the wood matrix (i.e., soils) might regulate the duration of priority effects and shift the functional trajectory of wood decomposition.








































For further details log on website :
http://paperity.org/p/59379581/influence-of-hyphal-inoculum-potential-on-the-competitive-success-of-fungi-colonizing

DR. BRIAN STANTON


CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

Brian J. Stanton, Ph.D. the Chief Science Officer and Managing Director at GreenWood Resources, Inc. With more than 25 years’ experience in forest genetics, Dr. Stanton is an internationally recognized expert in poplar genetics and applied hybridization and varietal selection. His research has produced some of the finest breeding populations of Populus deltoides, Populus trichocarpa, and Populus maximowiczii. Throughout his tenure with GWR, Dr. Stanton has overseen technological developments in poplar and cottonwood varietals that are now used in GWR’s commercial tree farms in the U.S., Chile, China, and Europe. He has authored three book chapters on poplar breeding and has published papers on poplar genetics in the Canadian Journal of Forest Research, Journal of Forestry, Silvae Genetica, and Forest Genetics.
Dr. Stanton served as the chair of the Poplar and Willow Genetics Working Party for the International Union of Forest Research Organizations over the period 2002-2010. He is also the past chair for the Society of American Foresters’ Genetics and Tree Improvement Working Group. Dr. Stanton received a B.A. in Natural Resources from West Chester State College, an M.S. in Forestry from the University of Maine and a Ph.D. in Forest Resources from The Pennsylvania State University.

For further details log on website :
http://greenwoodresources.com/about/our-people/dr-brian-stanton/

Brad Bender

6005 J Road
Escanaba, MI 49829
(906) 786-1575 
Brad is operations forester for all three MSU forests in Upper Michigan. Bender’s responsibilities include overseeing research plot establishment, data collection and data handling. He also coordinates work schedules and supervises temporary laborers.
Brad received his bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State College and has been a member of the Upper Michigan Forestry staff since 1989.

For further details log on website :
http://agbioresearch.msu.edu/staff/brad_bender

Raymond Miller

Adjunct Associate Professor, Forest Biomass Innovation Center

Raymond Miller
PhD
Forest Biomass Innovation Center, Escanaba, MI
Phone: (906) 786-1575

Current Position

Director, Forest Biomass Innovation Center
MSU Forest Biomass Innovation Center
6005 J Road Escanaba, MI 49829

Education

PhD, Forestry (1984). Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI: Woody-Biomass Production in Michigan: Species, Genotype, and Cultural Investigations.
MS, Silvics (1978). State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY: The Effect of Artificial Light Duration and Family Variability on Containerized Sugar Maple Seedlings.
BS, Forest Resource Management (1975). State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY

Research Interests

Improving forest plantation establishment and management systems to optimize growth and yield while maintaining positive cost, energy, water, greenhouse gas, and nutrient budgets.
Understanding natural forest regeneration and early development in the presence of stress factors.
Optimizing the woody feedstock supply chain in Michigan in support of the emerging bio-energy industry.
Seeking innovative and integrated ways to advance the bioeconomy of Michigan through the establishment of cooperative relationships among universities, companies, and governmental agencies.

Selected Publications

Nikiema, P., D. Rothstein, and R. Miller (In Review). Initial greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen leaching losses associated with converting pastureland to short-rotation woody bioenergy crops in northern Michigan, USA. Submitted to Biomass and Bioenergy.
Volk, T.A., et. al. 2011. Yields of willow biomass crops across a range of sites in North America. From the proceedings of Biomass and Energy Crops IV conference. IN: Aspects of Applied Biology 112:67-74.
Miller, R.O. 2011. A Pathway Forward to Sustain Rising Global Demand for Food and Energy Products From a Limited Land Base. AT: 2011 Yangling International Agri-Science Forum. Yangling, China. November 5, 2011.
Miller, R.O. and B.A. Bender. 2011. Spacing Effects on Stand Developoment and Tree Growth of Seven Hybrid Poplar Clones After Four Years in a Replicated Trial in Escanaba, Michigan. IN: Poplars & Willows on the Prairies, Joint Conference of the Poplar Council of Canada, the International Poplar Commission, and the Poplar Council of the United States. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. September 18, 2011.
Miller, R.O. 2011. Woody Biomass Feedstock Development. AT: Biofuels and Bioenergy Short Course. East Lansing, MI. August 22, 2011.
Miller, R.O. 2011. Woody Energy Crop Production Research in Michigan. AT: Chinese Academy of Forestry Institute of Chemical Engineering/Nanjing Forestry University. August 11, 2011.
Miller, R.O. 2011. Woody Biomass Production Systems for the Upper Great Lakes Region of the United States. AT: Internation Conference on Response of Forests and Adaptation Management to Climate Change. Yichun, Heilongjiang, China. August 9, 2011.
Miller, R.O., et. al. 2011. A Forest Feedstock Supply Chain Analysis for the Frontier Renewable Resources Center of Energy Excellence. AT: United States Society of Econolgical Economists 6th Biennial Conference, “Building a Green Economy.” East Lansing, MI, June 27, 2011.
Froese, R., R. Handler, and R.O. Miller. 2011. Forest Biomass Statewide Collaboration Center. AT: 10thAnnual Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula Logger and Timber Industry Conference. Harris, MI, May 9, 2011.
Miller, R.O. Biomass Production Technology and Industry Developments. AT: From Coal to Clean: Poetntial Role of Biomass in Utility Resource Portfolios Conference. East Lansing, MI, December 3, 2010.

For further details log on website :
http://www.for.msu.edu/people/raymond_miller

Dr. David R. Coyle


Dr. David R. Coyle 
Postdoc - Forest Health Outreach
Southern Regional Extension Forestry
University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
Email: drcoyle@uga.edu or dcoyle@sref.info
Twitter: @drdavecoyle 

Outreach Interests:

Developing a regional forest health and invasive species outreach and education program. I will create a template and materials for extension education for southern pine health, primarily focusing on pine stand management to mitigate potential insect and disease issues, as well as for several non-native species, including (but not limited to) emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, redbay ambrosia beetle, gypsy moth, thousand cankers disease, laurel wilt, sirex woodwasp, Chinese privet, and cogongrass.  Our target audience will encompass both rural and urban communities, including “absentee” landowners and underserved and underprivileged populations.  This project will integrate workshops, town hall-type meetings, traditional publications and hardcopy material, and new technologies (including webinars, social media, and other eLearning materials) in order to reach a wide range of audience.  Working with the Southern Regional Extension Forestry group (www.sref.info) will facilitate the efficient compilition and dissemination of necessary information.  The goal is to create materials and curriculum that can be used across Region 8, and to ensure consistent education among state and local extension agents with regard to pine health, non-native species ecology, and forest pest management in the southeastern U.S.
Research Interests:
1. Factors affecting forest health. Tree health is affected by many factors, including soil quality and characteristics, slope, aspect, water and nutrient availability, competing vegetation, non-native species, stand density, and insects and fungi. Often, several of these factors act together - either concurrently or sequentially - and contribute to reductions in tree health. As part of a large interdisciplinary team comprised of entomologists, pathologists, soil scientists, foresters, forest health specialists, and social scientists, from the University of Georgia, the USDA Forest Serivice, and state agencies, we are investigating factors related to pine health in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions of Georgia and Alabama. In addition to determining fine-scale abiotic influences on tree health, interactions between fungal-vectoring insects and fungi and their attractants, we are examining landowner perceptions and behavior related to pine management. Our goal is to relate tree growth to various abiotic and biotic factors, and be able to make management recommendations to landowners.
2. Belowground-aboveground interactions. Rhizophagy and folivory have very different effects on tree growth, allometry, and physiology, as well as the relative attractiveness of a tree to other herbivores. Often, stressed trees are attacked first by root-feeding insects and their associated fungi, which can weaken the tree and predispose it to aboveground herbivory. I am investigating factors that attract root-feeding Hylastes spp., Hylobius spp., and Pachylobius spp. beetles to pine trees, and the relationship between aboveground tree condition and susceptibilty to these herbivores. Examining the effects of water stress on these interactions is an area I would like to explore, as is the relative contribution of insects (below and aboveground) to the carbon (C) cycle. Currently, most models of C dynamics either do not include insect activity, or use artificially-girdled trees as a surrogate for insect mortality. Along with a tree physiologist (Dr. Doug AubreyUniversity of Georgia - Savannah River Ecology Lab) and biogeochemist (Dr. Kim NovickIndiana University) we have proposed to conduct a controlled field study to determine the influence of insects on tree C cycling and budgets.
3. Stand management as a method to improve health. The Southern Pine Beetle Prevention and Restoration Program has been successful in assisting land owners with changing stand structure to reduce susceptibility to SPB. However, we don't know exactly what level of management is optimal for reducing susceptibility to tree-killing insects. Evidence suggests that thinned stands are less susceptible to outbreaking insects such as SPB and the Sirex woodwasp. I am interested in different ways to use various silvicultural regimes to prevent pest outbreaks.
4. Effects of non-native species on community diversity. It has long been stated that non-natives (aka exotics, invasives) have detrimental effects on naive communities, and this relationship has been shown for many plant species. However, these relationships are less well-known for arthropods. I am in the preliminary stages of this work, and am examining data sets at the local, regional, and national level to determine the effects of non-natives on community diversity.

Education and Experience
Forest Health Associate, 2015 - present. Southern Regional Extension ForestryUniversity of Georgia, Athens, GA. Dr. William G. Hubbard, advisor.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, 2011 - 2015. D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesUniversity of Georgia, Athens, GA. Dr. Kamal J. K. Gandhi, advisor.
Ph.D., 2011. University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Major: Entomology. Dissertation research examined the ecology and impact of root feeding weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on sugar maple seedling growth in a northern hardwood forest. Dr. Kenneth F. Raffa, advisor. Co-Advised by Dr. William J. Mattson, Jr., USDA Forest Service.
Biological Science Technician, 2000 - 2004. USDA Forest ServiceSouthern Research StationCenter for Forested Wetlands Research, Charleston, SC. Lead technician for the Short Rotation Woody Crops Cooperative Research Program examining the effects of resource amendment treatments on tree production and physiology. Dr. Mark D. Coleman, supervisor. 
M.S., 2000. Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Co-Majors: Entomology and Forestry. Thesis research examined cottonwood leaf beetle, Chrysomela scripta (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), larval performance on poplar clones and the effect of larval defoliation on foliar phagostimulants in intensively-managed Populus plantations. Dr. Elwood R. Hart and Dr. Richard B. Hall, advisors.
B.A., 1997. Luther College, Decorah, IA. Major: Biology. Senior research project tested the relative efficacy of four baits for carrion beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) sampling. Dr. Kirk J. Larsen, advisor. 

Research Description
Current Research: I am a forest ecologist that examines abiotic and biotic factors and their impacts on forest health and functioning.  Currently, I am working on factors that affect pine health issues in southeastern pine forests.  Some areas in the region are experiencing pine dieback, but as of yet the reasons behind this phenomenon are unclear.  As part of an interdisciplinary team comprised of University, State, and Federal personnel, I am examining soil characteristics, insects, and fungi, and combining these data with tree growth and stand history to determine the root cause of pine health issues.  In collaboration with Ms. Christiane Helbig, an International Scholar from Germany, I am investigating the biology of several species of root weevils, and looking at the role they play in fungal vectoring and pine health.  I am also leading a survey to examine landowner and manager knowledge and perceptions of pine health issues so that we can better focus our educational efforts.
I am also interested in the ecological effects of non-native species, and their impacts on native insect communities.  In collaboration with Dr. Louise Loudermilk (USDA Forest Service) we recently showed that a very high proportion of non-native individuals in a managed hardwood forest occur – much higher than would be expected.  Further, examining several different insect taxa, our data show that as the proportion of non-native individuals in a community increases, the diversity of that community decreases.  I am still actively working in this area to determine the ecological ramifications of non-native species in forest communities.
Previous Research: Optimizing forest production via water and nutrient amendments. A 55 acre research plantation containing eastern cottonwood, sweetgum, sycamore, and loblolly pine was established in spring 2000 (Coleman et al. 2004) at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, SC, for the purpose of determing the effects of resource amendments (fertization and irrigation) on tree growth, biomass, and nutrient partitioning. Results from eastern cottonwood and sycamore (Coyle and Coleman 2005) and sweetgum and loblolly pine (Coyle et al. 2008) showed that fertilization was the primary driver of growth. We have completed a complete above and belowground nutrient budget through year 4 (Aubrey et al. 2012), as well as determined the optimal level of nutrient amendments for each of these species (Coyle et al. 2013). The final whole tree destructive harvests and nutrient analyses were recently completed, and we will be evaluating full-rotation growth, biomass and nutrient allocation, and nutrient budgets of these tree species.
Investigating a scale/pathogen complex related to white pine dieback in the Southern Appalachians. White pine is an economically and ecologically important tree species throughout eastern North America. Recently, increased mortality of seedlings, saplings, and mature trees has been observed in the Appalachian Mountains. A scale insect was discovered, and through molecular and taxonomic identification we have determined that this species appears to be new to the southern Appalachians. We are investigating its affect on tree survival and canker formation, as well as interactions between the scale and several fungi. This work is in collaboration with Ms. Ashley Schultz (former M.S. student in the Gandhi lab), Dr. Chris Asaro (USDA Forest Service), and several personnel from the USDA Forest Service.
Landscape-level stand management tactics to control southern pine beetle (SPB).  SPB is the single most destructive forest pest in the southeastern U.S. In collaboration with University, State, and Federal personnel I have evaluated stands across the southeastern U.S. that had undergone various types of thinning, prescribed burns, and longleaf pine replants, and recording several parameters related to stand structure in an effort to mitigate the detrimental effects of SPB outbreaks.  Our recent paper (Nowak et al. 2015) showed that area-wide management can greatly reduce forest susceptibility to SPB outbreaks.
Dissertation Research: A suite of invasive weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is established in the northern Great Lakes region (Coyle et al. 2008). Using field and laboratory experiments, I evaluated the effects of root weevil feeding on tree health and growth in the northern hardwood ecosystem. Phyllobius oblongus feeds primarily on sugar maple, Acer saccharum; populations are heavy in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Beginning in 2005, adult and larval densities were manipulated yearly in the field using weevil amendments and pesticide treatments. Sugar maple seedling health, aboveground and belowground growth, and community dynamics were recorded using minirhizotrons and traditional tree growth monitoring methodology. Annual destructive harvests were used to determine if root herbivory affected biomass and nutrient partitioning. Adult weevil phenology and host preference and performance were monitored. I monitored the effects of larval herbivory on microbe populations and biomass using phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA), and investigated larval weevil overwintering physiology.
Mentoring. I have mentored students ranging from high school to PhD candidates on all aspects of forest health research. Several of my mentees have gone on to attain advanced degrees (or gone to college, in the case of the high school student). So far, research with undergraduate mentees has resulted in two peer-reviewed publications, and several more are planned based on work currently ongoing.

Publications
Book Chapters:
Nowak, J.T., K.D. Klepzig, D.R. Coyle, W.A. Carothers, and K.J.K. Gandhi.  2016.  Chapter 5, p. 73-88. Southern pine beetles in central hardwood forests: frequency, spatial extent, and changes to forest structure.  In:  Natural Disturbances and Historic Range of Variation in Central Hardwood Forests.  C.H. Greenberg and B.S. Collins (eds.).  Springer Publishers, New York. 400 p.
Coyle, D.R. and K.J.K. Gandhi.  2014.  Plantation forests.  Vol. 1, p. 138-142. In: Biomes and Ecosystems: An Encyclopedia.  R.W. Howarth (ed.).  Salem Press, Pasadena, CA. 208 p.
Coyle, D.R., W.J. Mattson, and K.F. Raffa. 2008. Invasive root feeding insects in natural forest ecosystems of North America. Chapter 8, p. 134-151. In: Root Feeders: An Ecosystem Perspective. S. Johnson and P. Murray (eds.). CABI Press, London. 230 p.
Coyle, D.R., J.D. McMillin, R.B. Hall, and E.R. Hart. 2002. Deployment of tree resistance to insects in short-rotation Populus plantations. Chapter 9, p. 189-215. In: Mechanisms and Deployment of Resistance in Trees to Insects. M.R. Wagner, K.M. Clancy, F. Lieutier, and T.D. Paine (eds.). Kluwer Academic Publishers, New York. 332 p.
Refereed Journal Articles:
Coyle, D.R., G.T. Green, B.F. Barnes, K.D. Klepzig, J.T. Nowak, and K.J.K. Gandhi. 2016. Landowner and manager awareness and perceptions of pine health issues and southern pine management activities in the southeastern United States. J. For. 114: 541-551.
Helbig, C.E., D.R. Coyle, K.D. Klepzig, J.T. Nowak, and K.J.K. Gandhi. 2016. Colonization dynamics of subcortical insects on forest sites with relatively stressed and unstressed loblolly pine trees. J. Econ. Entomol. 109: 1729-1740.
Zalesny, R.S. Jr., J.A. Stanturf, E.S. Gardiner, G.S. Bañuelos, R.A. Hallett, A. Hass, C.M. Stange, J.H. Perdue, T.M. Young, D.R. Coyle, and W.L. Headlee. 2016. Environmental technologies of woody crop production systems. Bioenerg. Res. 9: 492-506.
Zalesny, R.S. Jr., J.A. Stanturf, E.S. Gardiner, J.H. Perdue, T.M. Young, D.R. Coyle, W.L. Headlee, G.S. Bañuelos, and A. Hass. 2016. Ecosystem services of woody crop production systems. Bioenerg. Res. 9: 465-491.
Pfammatter, J.A., D.R. Coyle, K.J.K. Gandhi, N. Hernandez, R.W. Hofstetter, J.C. Moser, and K.F. Raffa. 2016. Structure of phoretic mite assemblages across subcortical beetle species at a regional scale. Environ. Entomol. 45: 53-65.
Coyle, D.R., K.D. Klepzig, F.H. Koch, L.A. Morris, J.T. Nowak, S.W. Oak, W.J. Otrosina, W.D. Smith, K.J.K. Gandhi. 2015. A review of southern pine decline in North America. For. Ecol. Manage. 349: 134-148.
Lee, X., D.R. Coyle, D. Johnson, M.W. Murphy, M.A. McGeehin, R.J. Murphy, K.F. Raffa, and S.M. Paskewitz. 2014. Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs collected in managed red pine forests in Wisconsin. J. Med. Entomol. 51: 694-701.
Coyle, D.R., W.J. Mattson, A.L. Friend, and K.F. Raffa. 2014. Effects of an invasive herbivore at the single plant scale do not extend to population-scale seedling dynamics. Can. J. For. Res. 44: 8-16. Supplemental Data
Mech, A.M., C. Asaro, M.M. Cram, D.R. Coyle, P.J. Gullan, L.G. Cook, and K.J.K. Gandhi. 2013. Matsucoccus macrocicatrices (Hemiptera: Matsucoccidae): first report, distribution, and association with symptomatic eastern white pine in the southeastern U.S. J. Econ. Entomol. 106: 2391-2398.
Coyle, D.R., D.P. Aubrey, J.C. Siry, R.R. Volfovicz-Leon, and M.D. Coleman.  2013. Optimal nitrogen application rates for three intensively-managed hardwood tree species in the southeastern USA. For. Ecol. Manage. 303: 131-142.
Coyle, D.R., M.W. Murphy, S.M. Paskewitz, J.L. Orrock, X. Lee, R.J. Murphy, M.A. McGeehin, and K.F. Raffa.  2013.  Belowground herbivory in red pine stands initiates a cascade that increases abundance of Lyme disease vectors. For. Ecol. Manage. 302: 354-362. Supplemental Data
Zalesny, R.S. Jr., D.M. Donner, D.R. Coyle, and W.L. Headlee. 2012. An approach for siting poplar energy production systems to increase productivity and associated ecosystem services. For. Ecol. Manage. 284: 45-58.
Coyle, D.R. and K.J.K. Gandhi.  2012.  The ecology and biological control potential of hymenopteran parasitoids of woodwasps (Hymenoptera:  Siricidae).  Environ. Entomol. 41:731-749. (Invited Review).
Coyle, D.R., W.J. Mattson, M.S. Jordan, and K.F. Raffa.  2012.   Variable host phenology does not pose a barrier to invasive weevils in a northern hardwood forest.  Agric. For. Entomol. 14:  276-285.
Coyle, D.R., J.A. Pfammatter, A.M. Journey, T.L. Pahs, V.J. Cervenka, and R.L. Koch.  2012.   Community composition and phenology of native Siricidae (Hymenoptera) attracted to semiochemicals in Minnesota.  Environ. Entomol. 41:  91–97.
Pfammatter, J.A., D.R. Coyle, A.M. Journey, T.L. Pahs, J.C. Luhman, V.J. Cervenka, and R.L. Koch.  2011.   Bark beetle (Coletoptera:  Curculionidae:  Scolytinae) community structure in northeastern and central Minnesota.  Great Lakes Entomol. 44:  163–176.
Orrock, J.L., G.R. Curler, B.J. Danielson, and D.R. Coyle.  2011.  Large-scale experimental landscapes reveal distinctive effects of patch geometry and connectivity on arthropod communities.  Landscape Ecol. 26: 1361-1372.  Supplemental Data
Coyle, D.R., J.A. Zalesny, and R.S. Zalesny, Jr.  2011.  Irrigating poplar energy crops with landfill leachate negatively affects soil micro- and meso-fauna.  Internat. J. Phytoremed. 13:  845-858.  
Coyle, D. R., A. A. Allred, K. R. Kosola, and K. F. Raffa.  2011.  Altered GAI activity of hybrid aspen has minimal effects on the performance of a polyphagous weevil, Polydrusus sericeus.  Entomol. Exp. Appl. 138:  104–109.
Coyle, D.R., K.E. Clark, K.F. Raffa, and S.N. Johnson.  2011.  Prior host feeding experience influences ovipositional but not feeding preference in a polyphagous insect herbivore.  Entomol. Exp. Appl. 138:  137–145.
Hillstrom, M.L., L.M. Vigue, D.R. Coyle, K.F. Raffa, and R.L. Lindroth. 2010. Performance of the invasive weevil Polydrusus sericeus is influenced by atmospheric CO2 and host species. Agric. For. Entomol. 12: 285-292.
Coyle, D.R., D.P. Aubrey, and C.R. Hickman. 2010. Not sure about a PhD program? Work in science on a "pre-PhD". Front. Ecol. Environ. 8: 105-106.
Zalesny, J.A., R.S. Zalesny, D.R. Coyle, R.B. Hall, and E.O. Bauer. 2009. Clonal variation in morphology of Populus root systems following irrigation with landfill leachate or water during two years of establishment. BioEnergy Res. 2: 134-143.
Boyles, J.G., D.P. Aubrey, B.S. Cooper, J.G. Cox, D.R. Coyle, R.J. Fisher, J.D. Hoffman, and J.J. Storm. 2008. Statistical confusion among graduate students: Sickenss or symptom? J. Wildl. Manage. 72: 1869-1871.
Coyle, D.R., E.R. Hart, J.D. McMillin, L.C. Rule, and R.B. Hall. 2008. Effects of repeated cottonwood leaf beetle defoliation on Populus growth and economic value over an 8-year harvest rotation. For. Ecol. Manage. 255: 3365-3373.
Aubrey, D.P., M.D. Coleman, and D.R. Coyle. 2007. Ice damage in loblolly pine: understanding the factors that influence susceptibility. For. Sci. 53: 580-589.
Zalesny, J.A., R.S. Zalesny, D.R. Coyle, and R.B. Hall. 2007. Growth and biomass of Populus irrigated with landfill leachate. For. Ecol. Manage. 248: 143-152. 
Balser, T.C., K.D. McMahon, D. Bart, D. Bronson, D.R. Coyle, N. Craig, M. Flores-Mangual, K. Forshay, S.E. Jones, A.E. Kent, and A.L. Shade. 2006. Bridging the gap between micro- and macro-scale perspectives on the role of microbial communities in global change ecology.Plant and Soil 289: 59-70. 
Coyle, D.R., M.D. Coleman, J.A. Durant, and L.A. Newman. 2006. Multiple factors affect pest and pathogen damage on 31 Populus clones in South Carolina. Biomass and Bioenergy 30: 759-768.
Coyle, D.R., M.D. Coleman, J.A. Durant, and L.A. Newman. 2006. Survival and growth of 31 Populus clones in South Carolina. Biomass and Bioenergy 30: 750-758. 
Coyle, D.R., D.C. Booth, and M.S. Wallace. 2005. Ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) species, flight, and attack on living eastern cottonwood trees. J. Econ. Entomol. 98: 2049-2057. 
Coyle, D.R. and M.D. Coleman. 2005. Forest production responses to irrigation and fertilization are not explained by shifts in allocation. For. Ecol. Manage. 208: 137–152.
Allen, C.B., R.E. Will, R.C. McGarvey, D.R. Coyle, and M.D. Coleman. 2005. Radiation-use efficiency and gas exchange responses to water and nutrient availability in irrigated and fertilized stands of sweetgum and sycamore.Tree Physiol. 25: 191–200.
Coyle, D.R., T.E. Nebeker, E.R. Hart, and W.J. Mattson, Jr. 2005. Biology and management of insect pests in North American intensively-managed hardwood forest systems. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 50: 1–29.
Coyle, D.R., J.D. McMillin, R.B. Hall, and E.R. Hart. 2003. Effects of cottonwood leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larval defoliation, clone, and season on Populus foliar phagostimulants. Environ. Entomol. 32: 452–462.
Coyle, D.R., J.D. McMillin, R.B. Hall, and E.R. Hart. 2001. Cottonwood leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larval performance on eight Populus clones. Environ. Entomol. 30: 748–756.
Coyle, D.R., J.D. McMillin, and E.R. Hart. 1999. Pupal and adult parameters as potential indicators of cottonwood leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) fecundity and longevity. Great Lakes Entomol. 32: 107–113.
Coyle, D.R. and K.J. Larsen. 1998. Carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) of northeastern Iowa: A comparison of baits for sampling. J. Iowa Acad. Sci. 105: 161–164.
In collaboration with personnel from the University of Georgia and the USDA Forest Service we created web page to disseminate information pertaining to southen pine health.

Non-Refereed and Extension Publications:

Zalesny, R.S., Jr. and D.R. Coyle. 2013. Short rotation Populus: A bibliography of North American Literature, 1989-2011. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-110. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 103 p.
Coleman M.D., D.R. Coyle, J. Blake, K. Britton, M. Buford, B. Campbell, J. Cox, B. Cregg, D. Daniels, M. Jacobson, K. Johnson, T. McDonald, K. McLeod, E. Nelson, D. Robison, R. Rummer, P. Sanchez, J. Stanturf, B. Stokes, C. Trettin, J. Tuskan, L. Wright, and S. Wullschleger. 2004. Production of Short Rotation Woody Crops Grown with a Range of Nutrient and Water Availability: Establishment Report and First-Year Responses. USDA-Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Asheville, NC. SRS-GTR-072. 21 p.
Coyle, D.R. and D.R. Lewis. 1999. Common Butterflies of Iowa. Iowa State University Extension Press, Pm 1795. 16 pp.
In Review/Accepted:
Denham, S.O., D.R Coyle, A.C. Oishi, B.P. Bullock, K. Heliövaara, and K.A. Novick.  In Review. Effects of simulated, micro-infestations of bark beetles on tree resin dynamics.  Forest Ecology and Management.
In the works:
Coyle, D.R, J.H. Campbell, C.E. Cunard, A.H. Joslin, A. Mundepi, U.J. Nagedra, C.A. Phillips, and M.A. Callaham. Effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on soil biota. To be submitted to Soil Biology and Biochemistry.
Coyle, D.R., D.P. Aubrey, and M.D. Coleman. Nitrogen dynamics of four intensively-managed tree species receiving water and nutrient amendments over a full harvest rotation. To be submitted to Forest Ecology and Management.
Coyle, D.R., J.L.M. Gutknecht, and K.F. Raffa. Altered soil microbial communities as a result of an above-belowground pest and disease progression in red pine plantations. To be submitted to Soil Biology and Biochemistry.
Coyle, D.R., J.L.M. Gutknecht, T.C. Balser, and K.F. Raffa.  In Preparation.  The soil microbial community of a northern hardwood forest is altered by the abundance of rhizophagous weevil larvae.  To be submitted to Soil Biology and Biochemistry.
Spaine, P., M.M. Cram, D.R. Coyle, S.V. Lumpkin, and M.D. Coleman. Differential pathegenicity of Botryosphaeria species to intensively managed sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua.  To be submitted to Tree Planter's Notes.

For further details log on website :
http://davidcoyle.uga.edu/

Scientists & Staff


Deahn Donner

Project Leader / Landscape Ecologist
Institute for Applied Ecosystem Studies: Theory and Application of Scaling Science in Forestry
5985 Highway K
Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501-9128
Phone: 715-362-1146

Current Research

Current research focuses on (1) applying metapopulation, island biogeography, and gradient theoretical frameworks to examine how spatial and temporal habitat loss and fragmentation from changing land-use patterns affect biodiversity, (2) examining how forest management and restoration activities affect large-scale wildlife dispersal, habitat use, and conservation for multiple species groups to better link and integrate empirical evidence with theory, and (3) understanding the impacts of removing harvest residues (i.e., woody biomass) from native forests on biodiversity and other ecological services these forests provide. Several studies are using long-term monitoring and inventory data to determine how local and landscape factors influence populations (e.g., amphibians in vernal pools, beaver colonization events along trout streams across northern Wisconsin). Results have implications to current best management practices. I'm continuing research on the federally endangered Kirtland's Warbler with most recent activities assessing potential impacts of changing climate on the viability of Kirtland's Warblers by linking habitat and population stressors across winter and breeding grounds (i.e., migratory connectivity and full life-cycle modeling), analyzing 25 years of resighting records to determine short- and long-term dispersal movements during time periods with varying amounts of suitable habitat and populations levels, and how landscape factors have influenced brown-headed cowbirds trapping efficiencies over the past 25 years in Kirltand's Warbler Managerment Areas. I am also working with an interdisciplinary team investigating landscape resistance to movement and dispersal of wide-ranging species using landscape genetic approaches. Landscape genetics link large-scale landscape patterns iwth organism movement to determine how landscape features regulate populations. These approaches are being used to study coyote movements in New York, movement pattern of bats among winter hibernacula and summer roost sites, which also incorporates accoustic monitoring to determine movement patterns immediately following spring emergence. Adaptive genetic approaches are being used to determine resistance to White-Nose Syndrome in bat populations of the northern forest: exploring the critical disease-genotype-microbiome link. I continue to look for opportunities to investigate the impact of fine woody debris (FWD; <6 inches diameter) removal on above and belowground community assemblages, especially in rich soils under regenerating northern hardwood stands. Most recent research is assessing changes to butterfly pollinator diversity during a large-scale Northern Dry Forest and pine barren restoration project; primary objective is to determine how long after restoration activities will the butterfly community resemble surrounding barren's butterfly species assemblages, which incorporates the distance and size of restoration activities.

Research Interests

Conservation and restoration of open lands and early succession habitats and the species that rely on these systems; applying metapopulation, island biogeography, and fragmentation theory to answer critical questions associated with impacts of large-scale land use and cover changes from forest management and human development; using a landscape genetics approach to investigate influence of landscape pattern on population processes

Why This Research is Important

Information gained from the bioenergy studies will provide land managers and policy makers with scientific information they need to evaluate the trade-offs of harvesting woody biomass for energy use or converting lands to hybrid poplars against other ecological services. Advances in metapopulation and biogeogrpahy theory within a habitat fragmentation and landscape resistance context (i.e., landscape genetics) will inform local to international decisions on population conservation and habitat resotration programs. Using long-term monitoring data will be applied to cumulative effects models that evaluate forest managment, and also help assess best management practices. The Kirtland's Warbler research will link expected habitat changes as a result in changing climate to short- and long-term population viability assessments that are required to aid conservation efforts of this endangered population. Results will also be applicable to the expanding topic of 'migratory connectivity'.

For further details log on website :
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/people/Donner

Dr. William Headlee

Postdoctoral Fellow
Photograph of William Headlee
Broadly speaking, I am interested in quantifying the effects of climate, soils, and nutrient management on tree growth and productivity. My dissertation research with Dr. Richard Hall focused on the biomass production and allocation of hybrid poplars with respect to establishment at various topographic positions and fertilizer rates, regional productivity modeling based on climate and soils data, inventory and thinning techniques for hybrid aspen regeneration, and utilizing bio-energy byproducts as fertilizers and soil amendments. My current research involves expanding my productivity modeling efforts to include additional tree species, with a focus on optimizing species selection and economic feasibility on marginal farmland, in collaboration with researchers at the USFS-NRS Institute for Applied Ecosystem Studies and DOE Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Activities & Affiliations 

Honors & Awards

  • USDA-AFRI National Institute of Food & Agriculture Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-present)
  • International Phytotechnology Society / NIEHS Phyto Scholar Award (2013)
  • ISU Graduate College Research Excellence Award for research accomplishments in top 10% of graduating class (2012)
  • ISU NREM Outstanding Senior Award (2004)
  • ISU College of Agriculture Joseph F. Nelson Scholarship (2002 and 2003)
  • ISU NREM Xi Sigma Pi / Keith A. Bauer Memorial Award (2002)
Publications 

Headlee WL, Hall RB. Methods to inventory and strip thin in dense stands of aspen root suckers. iForest - Biogeosciences and Forestry, in press. (preview available here)

Zalesny RS, Headlee WL. Developing woody crops for the enhancement of ecosystem services under changing climates in the North Central United States. Journal of Forest and Environmental Science, in press. 

Headlee WL, Hall RB. 2015. Biomass fly ash as foliar fertilizer for hybrid aspen trees: nutrient uptake, growth response, and compatibility with nitrogen fertilizer. Journal of Plant Nutrition38: 647-662. (available by subscription here)

Lazarus WF, Headlee WL, Zalesny RS. 2015. Impacts of supplyshed-level differences in productivity and land costs on the economics of hybrid poplar production in Minnesota, USA. BioEnergy Research 8: 231-248. (available by subscription here)

Headlee WL, Brewer CE, Hall RB. 2014. Biochar as a substitute for vermiculite in potting mix for hybrid poplar. BioEnergy Research 7: 120-131. (available by subscription here)

Wilson DM, Heaton EA, Schulte LA, Gunther TP, Hall RB, Headlee WL, Moore KJ, Maier ME, Boersma NN. 2014. Establishment and short-term productivity of annual and perennial bioenergy crops across a landscape gradient. BioEnergy Research 7: 885-898. (available by subscription here)

Headlee WL, Zalesny RS, Hall RB, Bauer EO, Bender B, Birr BA, Miller RO, Randall JA, Wiese AH. 2013. Specific gravity of hybrid poplars in the north-central region, USA: within-tree variability and site × genotype effects. Forests 4: 251-269. (appears in special issue "Improving Wood Quality from Planted Forests"; available as open-access here)

Headlee WL, Hall RB, Zalesny RS. 2013. Establishment of alleycropped hybrid aspen ‘Crandon’ in central Iowa, USA: effects of topographic position and fertilizer rate on aboveground biomass production and allocation. Sustainability 5: 2874-2886. (appears in special issue "Sustainable Agroforestry"; available as open-access here)

Headlee WL, Zalesny RS, Donner DM, Hall RB. 2013. Using a process-based model (3-PG) to predict and map hybrid poplar biomass productivity in Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA. BioEnergy Research 6: 196-210. (available by subscription here)

Zalesny RS, Donner DM, Coyle DR, Headlee WL. 2012. An approach for siting poplar energy production systems to increase productivity and associated ecosystem services. Forest Ecology and Management 284: 45-58. (available by subscription here)

Zalesny RS, Wiese AH, Bauer EO, Headlee WL, Hall RB, Mahama A, Zalesny JA. 2007. An inexpensive and reliable monitoring station design for use with lightweight, compact data loggers. Tree Planters' Notes 52: 32-35. (available by subscription here)
Area of Expertise: 
Nutrient Management
Contact
515-294-2723
45 Science II
Ames
Iowa
50011-

For further details log on website :
http://www.nrem.iastate.edu/people/william-headlee

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