Influence of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestation Levels on Water Stress in Eastern Hemlocks within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U.S.A.

Trees with severe hemlock woolly adelgid infestation (>75%) experience significantly higher water stress compared to those with low infestation (<25%), according to a 13-month study in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This finding suggests that adelgid-induced water stress may reduce the effectiveness of imidacloprid treatments, complicating chemical management strategies for this invasive pest. Researchers measured monthly water stress in eastern hemlocks across three infestation severity levels, providing critical insights to improve conservation efforts.

Coots, C., Lambdin, P., Franklin, J., Grant, J., & Rhea, R. (2015). Influence of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestation Levels on Water Stress in Eastern Hemlocks within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U.S.A. Forests, 6(1), 271–279. https://doi.org/10.3390/f6010271