Remote monitoring of defoliation by the beech leaf-mining weevil Rhynchaenus fagi in northern Spain

摘要: Abstract Beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) forests are among the most widespread and emblematic deciduous in Europe, frequently serving as refuge for several endangered species. Populations of beech leaf-miner weevil Rhynchaenus fagi , a common specific defoliator, usually remain at endemic levels long periods, but outbreaks occasionally occur under favorable conditions, causing extensive defoliation forest decline. Monitoring is highly relevant to integrated management, particularly northern Spain, located southernmost range Cantabrian Mountains. mapping damage using multispectral satellite remote sensing may be suitable, cost-effective option these rugged areas. One hundred eleven field records from 17 inventory plots over an 8-year period were spectrally related ten Landsat vegetation indices. A sigmoidal mixed-effects model function index change predicting R. stands was developed based on recently proposed general model. The Moisture Stress Index (MSI, Band-5/Band-4) best fitted ΔMSI yielded 4.0% RMSE 3.1% MAE estimated errors significant accuracy 0.685 R 2 p . Model applied map spatial–temporal pattern stands, trend oscillation observed area during 8 year study. Remote sensing-based represents tool health monitoring large, difficult access, forested mountain areas, such those studied. Forest management programs, aimed habitat conservation southern forests, will greatly benefit assessment stand vulnerability insect other disturbances current climate warming scenarios.