Department of Entomology David Coyle EPA STAR Fellow and Graduate Research Assistant
Contact Information Address: 345 Russell Labs 1630 Linden Dr. Madison, WI 53706 Phone Number: 608-262-4755 FAX: 608-262-3322 E-Mail: drcoyle (at) wisc (dot) edu	Dave (wearing headlamp) and reptilian friend. Education Research Description Publications	Research Interests 1. Belowground herbivory and invasive weevils. What are the effects of belowground herbivory on tree health and growth? What are the relative effects of above and belowground herbivory on plant growth and health? How do above and belowground herbivores affect their host plant and each other? What are the implications of host switching by adult weevils as the growing season progresses? 2. Effects of belowground herbivory on forest health, composition, and Lyme disease. How does an insect vectored root fungus affect aboveground plant compositoin, biomass, and deer tick abundance? What are the Lyme disease infection rates in ticks found in red pine stands across Wisconsin? Preliminary data indicate that when red pine health declines, a suite of secondary flora establishes, creating a habitat conducive to mammals and increased deer tick populations. 3. Pest management in intensively-managed forests. I've worked in cottonwood (Populus spp.) systems for a number of years, as well as sweetgum, sycamore, and loblolly pine systems. Crop monocultures such as these are not only prime locations for pest outbreaks, but can provide excellent systems for evaluating pest management methods in a controlled environment. 4. Effects of resource amendments on the biomass and nutrient accumulation and partitioning of trees. Is more fertilizer better in production systems as is traditionally believed? Or is there a level at which fertilizer efficiency use decreases, resulting in wasted resources?
Education and Experience Ph.D., expected December 2009. University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Major: Entomology. Dissertation research will examine the effects of root feeding weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on sugar maple and yellow birch seedling growth and health. Dr. Kenneth F. Raffa, advisor. Co-Advised by Dr. William J. Mattson, Jr., USDA Forest Service. Biological Science Technician, January 2000 - June 2004. USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Center for Forested Wetlands Research, Charleston, SC. Lead technician for the Short Rotation Woody Crops Cooperative Research Program examining the effects of resource amendment treatments on tree production and physiology. Dr. Mark D. Coleman, supervisor. M.S., May 2000. Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Co-Majors: Entomology and Forestry. Thesis research examined cottonwood leaf beetle, Chrysomela scripta (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), larval performance on poplar clones and the effect of larval defoliation on foliar phagostimulants in intensively-managed Populus plantations. Dr. Elwood R. Hart and Dr. Richard B. Hall, advisors. B.A., May 1997. Luther College, Decorah, IA. Major: Biology. Senior research project tested the relative efficacy of four baits for carrion beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) sampling. Dr. Kirk J. Larsen, advisor.
Research Description Dissertation Research: A suite of invasive weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is established in the northern Great Lakes region (Coyle et al. 2008). Using field and greenhouse experiments, I am evaluating the effects of root weevil feeding on the health and growth of trees in the northern hardwood ecosystem. Phyllobius oblongus feeds primarily on sugar maple, Acer saccharum; populations are heavy in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Beginning in 2005, adult and larval densities were manipulated yearly in the field using weevil amendments and pesticide treatments. Sugar maple seedling health, aboveground and belowground growth, and community dynamics are being monitored. We are doing this with minirhizotrons and traditional tree growth monitoring methodology. Polydrusus sericeus feeds primarily on yellow birch, Betula alleghaniensis, and we will use this system in a controlled environment to examine the effects of root herbivory on several physiological indicators of tree health and growth. This weevil species has been successfully reared on potted yellow birch, and we are using these established methods to evaluate the effects of three larval P. sericeus densitits on seedling health and growth. Annual destructive harvests will be used to determine if root herbivory affects biomass and nutrient partitioning. In addition, I will attempt to determine the host range and feeding biology of these larval weevils. Specifically, do they eat the roots like a carrot, or like an ear of corn? How many plants can they live on? Do larvae aggregate beneath the soil, or are they solitary feeders? I'm also monitoring the effects of larval herbivory on microbe populations and biomass using phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA). Recently, we have begun collaborating with Dr. Jack Duman to investigate the overwintering physiology of these weevils, and to see if they use freeze tolerance or freeze avoidance mechanisms. Collaborative Research: I am involved with several ongoing projects. The first is evaluating Populus clones for use in phytoremediation plantings in northern Wisconsin, in collaboration with Dr. Ronald Zalesny, USDA Forest Service. Past studies have evaluated tree growth in response to wastewater effluent (Zalesny et al. 2007), and we are processing soil fauna samples to see if there are any deleterious effects of wastewater effluent on soil biota. In addition, we have several projects in the works to further evaluate clonal material and the ecological effects of employing Populus as a phytoremediation tool. In collaboration with Dr. Deahn Donnerwright, USDA Forest Service, we are examining the effects of forest harvest residue on the flora and fauna in a large-scale replicated experiment in north-central Wisconsin, and working to determine optimal land conditions for growing poplars as an energy crop. The second project is ongoing and long-term, and is located on the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina. A 55 acre research plantation containing eastern cottonwood, sweetgum, sycamore, and loblolly pine was established in spring 2000 (Coleman et al. 2004.) for the purpose of determing the effects of resource amendments (fertization and irrigation) on tree growth, biomass, and nutrient partitioning. Results from eastern cottonwood and sycamore (Coyle and Coleman 2005) and sweetgum and loblolly pine (Coyle et al. 2008) showed that fertilization was the primary driver of growth. We are working on a complete above and belowground nutrient budget, as well as trying to determine the optimal level of nutrient amendments for each of these species. Most recently, in collaboration with Dr. Matthew Murphy from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are investigating how red pine plantation health affects deer tick abundance and Lyme disease incidence. An insect vectored fungus travels through red pine root graphs, and in concert with a complex of bark beetles causes mortality in red pine plantations. Preliminary studies suggest that areas with declining red pine health harbor an increased number of deer ticks, and we predict this will lead to greater incidence of human Lyme disease in nearby communities. A social science component is included in this study whereby we will survey the social perceptions and awareness of Lyme disease in communities near these sites. Combined, this information can be used to predict hotspots where there is a high likelihood of contracting Lyme disease, and will contribute to improving the public’s knowledge and education on the topic.
Publications Book Chapters: Coyle, D. R., W. J. Mattson, and K. F. Raffa. 2008. Invasive root feeding insects in natural forest ecosystems of North America. Chapter 8, pp. 134–151. In: Root Feeders: An Ecosystem Perspective. S. Johnson and P. Murray (eds.). CABI Press, London. 230 p. Coyle, D. R., J. D. McMillin, R. B. Hall, and E. R. Hart. 2002. Deployment of tree resistance to insects in short-rotation Populus plantations. Chapter 9, pp. 189–215. In: Mechanisms and Deployment of Resistance in Trees to Insects. M. R. Wagner, K. M. Clancy, F. Lieutier, and T. D. Paine (eds.). Kluwer Academic Publishers, New York. 332 p. Refereed Journal Articles: Hillstrom, M. L., L. M. Vigue, D. R. Coyle, K. F. Raffa, and R. L. Lindroth. 2009. Performance of an invasive weevil, Polydrusus sericeus Schaller (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is influenced by atmospheric CO2 and host species. Agric. For. Entomol. 11: In Press. Coyle, D. R., D. P. Aubrey, and J. Bentz. 2009. Erythroneura lawsoni (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) abundance and feeding injury levels are influenced by foliar nutrient status in intensively managed American sycamore. Agric. For. Entomol. 11: In Press. Zalesny, J. A., R. S. Zalesny, D. R. Coyle, R. B. Hall, and E. O. Bauer. 2009. Clonal variation in morphology of Populus root systems following irrigation with landfill leachate or water during two years of establishment. BioEnergy Res. 2: 134-143. Boyles, J. G., D. P. Aubrey, B. S. Cooper, J. G. Cox, D. R. Coyle, R. J. Fisher, J. D. Hoffman, and J. J. Storm. 2008. Statistical confusion among graduate students: Sickenss or symptom? J. Wildl. Manage. 72: 1869-1871. Coyle, D. R., M. D. Coleman, and D. P. Aubrey. 2008. Above and belowground biomass accumulation, production, and distribution of sweetgum and loblolly pine grown with irrigation and fertilization. Can. J. For. Res. 38: 1335-1348. Coyle, D. R., E. R. Hart, J. D. McMillin, L. C. Rule, and R. B. Hall. 2008. Effects of repeated cottonwood leaf beetle defoliation on Populus growth and economic value over an 8-year harvest rotation. For. Ecol. Manage. 255: 3365-3373. Aubrey, D. P., M. D. Coleman, and D. R. Coyle. 2007. Ice damage in loblolly pine: understanding the factors that influence susceptibility. For. Sci. 53: 580-589. Zalesny, J. A., R. S. Zalesny, D. R. Coyle, and R. B. Hall. 2007. Growth and biomass of Populus irrigated with landfill leachate. For. Ecol. Manage. 248: 143-152. Balser, T.C., K.D. McMahon, D. Bart, D. Bronson, D.R. Coyle, N. Craig, M. Flores-Mangual, K. Forshay, S.E. Jones, A.E. Kent, and A.L. Shade. 2006. Bridging the gap between micro- and macro-scale perspectives on the role of microbial communities in global change ecology. Plant and Soil 289: 59-70. Coyle, D. R., M. D. Coleman, J. A. Durant, and L. A. Newman. 2006. Multiple factors affect pest and pathogen damage on 31 Populus clones in South Carolina. Biomass and Bioenergy 30: 759-768. Coyle, D. R., M. D. Coleman, J. A. Durant, and L. A. Newman. 2006. Survival and growth of 31 Populus clones in South Carolina. Biomass and Bioenergy 30: 750-758. Coyle, D. R., D. C. Booth, and M. S. Wallace. 2005. Ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) species, flight, and attack on living eastern cottonwood trees. J. Econ. Entomol. 98: 2049-2057. Coyle, D. R. and M. D. Coleman. 2005. Forest production responses to irrigation and fertilization are not explained by shifts in allocation. For. Ecol. Manage. 208: 137–152. Allen, C. B., R. E. Will, R. C. McGarvey, D. R. Coyle, and M. D. Coleman. 2005. Radiation-use efficiency and gas exchange responses to water and nutrient availability in irrigated and fertilized stands of sweetgum and sycamore. Tree Physiol. 25: 191–200. Coyle, D. R., T. E. Nebeker, E. R. Hart, and W. J. Mattson, Jr. 2005. Biology and management of insect pests in North American intensively-managed hardwood forest systems. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 50: 1–29. Coyle, D. R. and J. W. Amrine, Jr. 2004. New collection records and host range of the cottonwood leafcurl mite, Tetra lobulifera (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae), in the USA. Internat. J. Acarol. 30: 3–8. Coyle, D. R., J. T. Nowak, and C. J. Fettig. 2003. Irrigation and fertilization effects on Nantucket pine tip moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) damage levels and pupal weight in an intensively-managed pine plantation. J. Entomol. Sci. 38: 621–630. Coyle, D. R., J. D. McMillin, R. B. Hall, and E. R. Hart. 2003. Effects of cottonwood leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larval defoliation, clone, and season on Populus foliar phagostimulants. Environ. Entomol. 32: 452–462. Coyle, D. R. 2002. Effects of clone, silvicultural, and miticide treatments on cottonwood leafcurl mite (Acari: Eriophyidae) damage in plantation Populus. Environ. Entomol. 31: 1000–1008. Coyle, D. R., J. D. McMillin, R. B. Hall, and E. R. Hart. 2002. Cottonwood leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) defoliation impact on Populus growth and above-ground volume in a short-rotation woody crop plantation. Agric. For. Entomol. 4: 293–300. Coyle, D. R., J. D. McMillin, R. B. Hall, and E. R. Hart. 2001. Cottonwood leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) larval performance on eight Populus clones. Environ. Entomol. 30: 748–756. Coyle, D. R., J. D. McMillin, S. C. Krause, and E. R. Hart. 2000. Laboratory and field evaluations of two Bacillus thuringiensis formulations, Novodor and Raven, for control of cottonwood leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 93: 713–720. Coyle, D. R., J. D. McMillin, and E. R. Hart. 1999. Pupal and adult parameters as potential indicators of cottonwood leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) fecundity and longevity. Great Lakes Entomol. 32: 107–113. Coyle, D. R. and K. J. Larsen. 1998. Carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) of northeastern Iowa: A comparison of baits for sampling. J. Iowa Acad. Sci. 105: 161–164. Non-Refereed and Extension Publications: Coleman M. D., D. R. Coyle, J. Blake, K. Britton, M. Buford, B. Campbell, J. Cox, B. Cregg, D. Daniels, M. Jacobson, K. Johnson, T. McDonald, K. McLeod, E. Nelson, D. Robison, R. Rummer, P. Sanchez, J. Stanturf, B. Stokes, C. Trettin, J. Tuskan, L. Wright, and S. Wullschleger. 2004. Production of Short Rotation Woody Crops Grown with a Range of Nutrient and Water Availability: Establishment Report and First-Year Responses. USDA-Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Asheville, NC. SRS-GTR-072. 21 p. Coyle, D. R. and D. R. Lewis. 1999. Common Butterflies of Iowa. Iowa State University Extension Press, Pm 1795. 16 pp. In Review/Accepted: Coyle, D. R., D. P. Aubrey, and C. R. Hickman. In Review. Not sure about a PhD program? Work in science on a “pre-PhD”. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. Spaine, P. M., M. M. Cram, D. R. Coyle, S. V. Lumpkin, and M. D. Coleman. In Review. Differential pathogenicity of Botryosphaeria species to intensively managed sweetgum. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. Coyle, D. R., W. J. Mattson, and K. F. Raffa. In Review. Performance of polyphagous invasive weevils on the predominant woody plant species of a northern hardwood community. Environmental Entomology. In the works: Aubrey, D. A., M. D. Coleman, and D. R. Coyle. In Preparation. Nutrient ecology of short rotation woody crops. To be submitted to Ecological Applications. Orrock, J. L., G. R. Curler, B. J. Danielson, and D. R. Coyle. In Preparation. Corridors affect ant communities by changing patch shape. To be submitted to Ecography. Coyle, D. R., A. A. Allred, K. R. Kosola, and K. F. Raffa. In Preparation. Genetic tranformation of Populus does not affect herbivore performance. To be submitted to Environmental Entomology. Coyle, D. R., W. J. Mattson, and K. F. Raffa. In Preparation. Spatial and temporal variation in emergence and abundance of a suite of invasive weevils in a northern hardwood forest. To be submitted to Forest Ecology and Manaagement. Coyle, D. R., M. S. Jordan, and K. F. Raffa. In Preparation. Host plant phenology drives performance of an invasive weevil. To be submitted to Environmental Entomology.

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