Crouch, C.D., Grady, A.M., Wilhelmi, N.P., Hofstetter, R.W., Moore, M.M., & Waring, K.M. 2024 Extent, impacts and drivers of oystershell scale invasions in aspen ecosystems. NeoBiota https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.95.121748

Keywords:

  • biological importance
  • climate change
  • control
  • distribution
  • ecology
  • host plant

    • Notes: We sampled aspen populations across Arizona and addressed three questions: (1) What is the geographic extent of OSS in Arizona? (2) What impacts does OSS have on aspen? (3) Which biotic and abiotic factors influence the proportion of aspen stems infested by OSS? We conclude by providing OSS monitoring and management recommendations, based on our findings, and emphasise that active management – such as prescribed fire, reduced reliance on ungulate exclosures or thinning – is required to suppress OSS populations and mitigate damage to aspen ecosystems.

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