Changing regularity of plant and insect community characteristics due to pest outbreaks in Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations

Abstract

Research has indicated that simple forest ecosystem composition, structure and diversity have uncomplicated community relationships and insufficient pest control capabilities. To investigate changing characteristics of plant and insect communities in under pest outbreaks in Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations, the research areas were defined as mature (48–50 years) and young (24–29 years) infested stands along with healthy stands. The results show a reduction in the complexity and diversity of plant communities and herbaceous plant guilds (polycultures of beneficial plants) and the complexity and dominance of insect communities, especially natural insect enemies. The results also show the relative simplicity of the main factors of community change and development that represent the characteristics of pest outbreaks in L. principis-rupprechtii plantations. The complexity and diversity of plant communities, particularly herbaceous plant guilds play a fundamental role in the regulation and development in forest ecosystems.

Keywords

Community characteristics / Species diversity / Ecology regulation / Pest outbreaks / Larix principis-rupprechtii