Forest Health Protection
The Forest Health Protection (FHP) program provides forest insect, disease, and invasive plant survey and monitoring information, and technical and financial assistance to prevent, suppress and control outbreaks threatening forest resources.
The FHP program works with natural resource managers, private landowners, and various partners to maintain, enhance, and restore healthy forest conditions. Forest Health specialists provide information to land and nursery managers on integrated pest management and Phyto sanitation methods.
Partners and collaborators work with researchers and natural resource managers to look at the relationship between changing climates, invasive plant species, pest conditions, and overall forest health conditions to provide specialized assistance for incorporating disturbance considerations into forest management plans and decisions.
Our Programs
Forest Health Monitoring Program
Training and orientation to the scope and goals of forest health monitoring in eight Puerto Rico Commonwealth forests was completed. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) forest health coordinator, a contracted biologist, as well as the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM) project leader were trained in basic forest measurements, establishment and data recording of fixed monitoring plots, and vista point evaluation of forest conditions. A shared database for plot information and image collection was also created. A smartphone-compatible GPS application was used for data collection and retrieval to ArcGIS.
Monitoring Forest Health
Each person was mentored using the “train the trainer” model to support the goal of technology transfer to enable forest managers and field technicians to observe, collect and report changes in forest health conditions in accordance with the prescribed methodology. Forest managers were also briefed and given the opportunity for input as to the final application of this program in order to promote a cooperative work environment.
UPRM Entomology Museum
To date, 24 fixed monitoring plots and 12 vista observation points are regularly monitored and reported. This information is shared with cooperators from UPRM and DNER to support opportunities for research, management and development of the UPRM Entomology Museum and the future interactive website of forest entomology in Puerto Rico.
Additionally, three new occurrences of insects that affected forests and two potentially undescribed insect species were observed. A reforestation management recommendation has been developed regarding the use of certain tree species for roadside planting and defoliation.
Our Projects
Protecting Forests from Threats
Destructive insects, diseases and animals of trees have long been observed throughout the State Forests and Natural Reserves administered by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER). These agents are responsible for tree damage, decline, and mortality. Regular surveys of the forests are necessary to detect damages and monitor pest populations. Forest damage surveys provide reliable information on pest occurrence and distribution. Information gleaned from these surveys can be used to develop pest management strategies and aid in long-term forest health planning. In 2015, the Forest Health Program of the Department of Natural & Environmental Resources (DNER) implemented a monitoring program to detect, identify, and monitor damaging forest insects, diseases, and animals in DNER managed forests and reserves. This project will continue monitoring four distinct protected areas, which are representative of the forest types described by Ariel Lugo. The four forests selected for monitoring are the State Forests of Boquerón, Guajataca, Toro Negro, and Guánica.
Project Objectives:
At the end of the day, students gathered in the forest pavilion to create an ‘accordion book’ that demonstrated what they learned in the Forest. Each child chose one concept to illustrate and write about on their page. This proved to be a wonderful way to evaluate the effectiveness of each presentation and to improve future activities.
- Prepare qualified personnel on how to detect, survey and monitor forest pests.
- Contract a forest health specialist to offer workshops to forest managers and biologists in the identification of forest health problems and in the process of collecting data related to the general health, pests and pathogens associated with tropical ecosystems.
- Detect, survey and monitor existing and new outbreaks of damaging insects, diseases, and other causal agents in four distinct forest types in Puerto Rico through a series of permanent monitoring plots and large-scale forest observation points.
- Create and maintain an archive file of this data and map(s) for the creation of requested summaries of reported field observations, to develop a forest health monitoring database.
- Use the collected data to evaluate the potential of these damaging agents to cause damage or loss and to provide timely reports summarizing these observations
- To provide forest health management recommendations to the DNER resident forest managers and biologists
Forest Integrated Pest Management in Puerto Rico
Forest IPM in Puerto Rico diseases and pests affect nursery trees and forests. Routine monitoring allows to catch a problem early, when it is relatively simple and inexpensive to treat and before extensive damage occurs. Forest nurseries use intensive management practices, which, if not properly done, may promote pest build-up. The artificial environment of the nursery, such as planting density, species choice, and monoculture are conducive to pest development. (Almodóvar, W., 2009, Cram. Et al, 2012). Understanding local pest status can also help avoid placing susceptible species into conditions that promote pests. (FAO, GIPSF). To minimize damage, detecting and treating pests before they spread is essential. In Puerto Rico’s forests careful observation and monitoring of pest populations is essential through visual inspection or trapping systems that can indicate when and where control measures are needed. For pest suppression, it is preferable to use mechanical control, biological control involving the use of natural enemies and biopesticides, and other sustainable methods rather than synthetic pesticides. (FAO- FSM Toolbox, FAO, 2011).
The most effective way to manage forest pests is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM can be defined as a combination of practices, including prevention, observation and suppression that can be ecologically and economically efficient to maintain pest populations at an acceptable level. IPM aims to reduce pest populations and promote sustainable control by natural enemies. These practices are easier to apply if forest personnel make an effort to see them as a management priority. (Almodóvar, W., 2009; FAO, 2014).
The outcome of this project will lead to reduce the potential for pest and disease problems on tree nurseries and state forests in Puerto Rico. Early detection and correct identification of diseases and pests are the basis for establishing strategies for its prevention, management, and control. Knowing diseases and pests and the conditions that promote them, preventive measures can be taken to reduce or control its incidence and spread. The introduction and establishment of non-native invasive species, including exotic wood borers and bark species pose a considerable threat to trees and forests in PR. Early detection and rapid response is essential for establishing an effective management program. (Almodóvar, W. 2009a, Almodóvar, W. 2009b).
In this effort of using IPM in forests we can help support pollinators by providing habitat and flowering plants that provide food for them. Some agroforestry practices can be managed to add more flowering plants and nesting habitat in the forest environment and in the urban landscape. We would like to have homeowners and gardeners consider pollinators when selecting plants for a landscape. (Clínica de Enfermedades de Plantas UPRM). We propose to continue encouraging people to choose native trees and shrubs and pollinator-friendly plants by making pollinator gardens in their home, urban area, or community. Our Project will recommend practices such as being pesticide-free, preserving potential pollinator nesting sites and providing an available water source.
Harrisia Cactus Mealybug Monitoring on Caja de Muertos
A project to measure the level of infestation and rate of spread of the Harrisia cactus mealybug on the Caja de Muertos nature reserve was developed, in response to an urgent request from the Puerto Rico Department Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER). Personnel training in basic scientific methods was completed.
Monitoring the Outbreak
A field survey form and database was developed. Ten monitoring plots along the leading edge of the outbreak were established to measure the intensity and rate of spread of the mealybug. To date, data analysis suggests that the rate of spread is increasing exponentially.
Management Plan
A management plan consistent with the restrictions of this nature reserve and the capabilities of the host agency were developed and submitted to a USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) special team for consideration. The data plots have also provided research opportunities for international cooperators to further develop biologic control agents.
