Student Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
The invasive insect oystershell scale (OSS) is responsible for severe dieback and mortality of aspen in Arizona. Secondary metabolites, namely condensed tannins and phenolic glycosides, may affect OSS population density and infestation rates on aspen. This research explores whether OSS infestation severity and individual tree secondary metabolite concentrations are correlated.
Learning Objectives:
Audience will develop an understanding of the consequences of the antagonistic relationship between OSS and aspen and why aspen conservation is important.
Audience will gain awareness of aspen chemical defenses and their potential relevance to forest management under the selective pressure of OSS.
