Extractives associated with wound response of lodgepole pine attacked by the mountain pine beetle and associated microorganisms

Abstract

Extractive changes that occur in the sapwood of lodgepole pine (Pinus conforta Dougl. var. latifolia Englm.) in response to attack by the bark beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk.) and associated microorganisms were studied. The most striking change was a large increase in total terpene to levels well above that normally observed in sapwood or heartwood. Free acids, phenolics, and neutral components increased to a final concentration about the same as that in heartwood, but at a much slower rate than terpenes. Free sugar levels decreased. With the single exception of β-phellandrene no unusually high or unusually low levels of any one compound were observed in the wound response. All components found in the wound response were normal constituents of heartwood.