Evaluation of willow and poplar biomass production clones for resistance to multiple insect pests

Laboratory feeding bioassays tested the preferences of seven common defoliating insects for 19 willow and 6 poplar clones. Defoliation was measured using a leaf area meter, and results were standardized according to leaf area consumed per insect per day. Significant differences in resistance and susceptibility occurred between clones (p ;A greenhouse study was conducted to test the hypothesis that diversity represented by mosaics of different clones may reduce damage by pests. Clones were planted in boxes with only SV1 (SV1-Complete), only SH3 (SH3-Complete), both SH3 and SV1 together in two large blocks (Sections), and both SH3 and SV1 together in alternating rows (Rows). Laboratory reared, late instar gypsy moth larvae were placed in the caged boxes and allowed to feed. Leaf area consumed was measured. Boxes containing the "Sections" pattern suffered significantly (;Through out the growing season, field plants were surveyed for insect defoliation and rabbit damage to stems. Defoliation was light to moderate on all clones. Rabbits severely damaged stems of willow clone SH3.