Insects and Diseases of Mediterranean Forest Systems

Insect and disease issues are often specific to the Mediterranean forest systems rather than shared with the temperate forests.  In addition to the specific native insects and diseases, the forests are subject to the invasion of exotic species. The forests are also at risk from high degrees of human activity, including changing patterns of forest fires, land management activities, intensive plantation forestry using introduced timber species from other Mediterranean climate zones, and atmospheric deposition.  Combined with elements of global climate change that may disproportionately affect Mediterranean climate systems, this creates a number of significant management issues that are unique to the Mediterranean forests.  It is our goal that the information contained in this volume will contribute to understanding the unique aspects of Mediterranean forest systems and to protecting these critical resources.

Dr. Paine has written over 200 refereed journal publications, book chapters, proceedings, technical papers, and edited two books.  Since becoming an ESA member in 1975, he has received many honors from ESA including the Recognition Award in Urban Entomology (1999), the Distinguished Achievement Award in Horticultural Entomology (2009), and has served as President of the Pacific Branch (1999-2000).  He also became a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2005.

Dr. Paine's research focus is to improve pest management through a better understanding of the biology, ecology, and physiology of herbivorous insects and their interactions with host plants, competitors, and natural enemies.  Research projects include the management and control of two exotic cerambycid wood borers, a leaf-feeding weevil, three lerp-forming psyllids on eucalyptus, ash whitefly, and pine bark beetles, which are all devastating insect pests of urban forests.  In addition, Dr. Paine's lab has done studies in landscape and nursery ecology in the key insect pests of woody plants.  Dr. Paine's achievements go far beyond his research.  His mentoring, teaching, and outreach efforts have set him apart as one of the preeminent entomologists in his field.