Assessment of defoliation and subsequent growth losses caused by Lymantria dispar using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)

Abstract Key message TLS scans of three surveys before, during and after gypsy moth gradation, allowed high-resolution tracking defoliation subsequent inter-annual growth losses on an individual tree level. Foliation strongly determines all processes but can be reduced by various stress factors. Insect starts at variable times is one factor that may affect photosynthetic cause immediate reactions like refoliation, which are difficult to detect repeated 1-year intervals. This study used a large-scale field experiment in German oak/mixed forests affected moths ( Lymantria dispar ) test the use terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) for detecting foliation level caused moth. The comprised two levels risk, high (H) low (L), as well pest control treatment levels: spraying with insecticide Mimic (M) or unsprayed (C). factorial design consisted four combinations (HC, HM, LC, LM), applied 11 spatial blocks total 44 plots. approach detected moth, estimated leaf area crown perforation parameters. For first time, TLS-derived was evaluated based stem growth. Leaf showed correlation + 0.6 – 0.35, respectively, basal increments. Furthermore, this revealed same year due defoliation. Our results show offer new opportunities develop indicators monitor describe tree’s vitality campaign, whereas needed least two.