A Comparative Analysis of Plant Functional Groups in Eucalyptus and Pine Plantations of West-Central Louisiana

Friday, September 20, 2024

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM MST

Location: Embassy Suites, River Birch B

Speaker(s)

Andrea De Stefano, PhD

Assistant Professor
Louisiana State University Agricutural Center
Homer, Louisiana, United States
Kana Furukawa (she/her/hers)

Forestry Research Specialist
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Homer, Louisiana, United States

Co-Author(s)

Noah A. Howie, n/a (he/him/his)

Forestry Research Associate
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Homer, Louisiana, United States

The study examines the impact of Camden white gum (Eucalyptus benthamii) on plant functional groups in locations previously occupied by slash pine. Eucalyptus may accelerate ecological degradation, reducing important functional groups with high conservation value, such as perennial forbs and legumes.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participant will be able to describe the potential impacts of Eucalyptus benthamii plantations on understory plant functional groups when established on sites formerly occupied by slash pine.
Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the differences in understory functional group composition and its relationship with abiotic and biotic factors as a result of land use change from slash pine to Eucalyptus benthamii.