Technique for studying arthropod and microbial communities within tree tissues.

Phloem tissues of pine are habitats for many thousands of organisms. Arthropods and microbes use phloem and cambium tissues to seek mates, lay eggs, rear young, feed, or hide from natural enemies or harsh environmental conditions outside of the tree. Organisms that persist within the phloem habitat are difficult to observe given their location under bark. We provide a technique to preserve intact phloem and prepare it for experimentation with invertebrates and microorganisms. The apparatus is called a 'phloem sandwich' and allows for the introduction and observation of arthropods, microbes, and other organisms. This technique has resulted in a better understanding of the feeding behaviors, life-history traits, reproduction, development, and interactions of organisms within tree phloem. The strengths of this technique include the use of inexpensive materials, variability in sandwich size, flexibility to re-open the sandwich or introduce multiple organisms through drilled holes, and the preservation and maintenance of phloem integrity. The phloem sandwich is an excellent educational tool for scientific discovery in both K-12 science courses and university research laboratories.

Using acoustic technology to reduce bark beetle reproduction.

BACKGROUND: Acoustic signals play a critical role in mate choice, species recognition, communication, territoriality, predator escape and prey selection. Bark beetles, which are significant disturbance agents of forests, produce a variety of acoustic signals. RESULTS: A bioacoustic approach to reducing bark beetle reproduction within wood tissues was explored. Playback of modified biological sounds reduced beetle reproductive output, tunneling distance and adult survival. CONCLUSION: The targeted use of biologically relevant sounds disrupts insect behaviors and could be a species-specific, environmentally friendly method of insect management.