Estimating Potential Distribution of Sweetgum Pest Acanthotomicus suncei and Potential Economic Losses in Nursery Stock and Urban Areas in China

SIMPLE SUMMARY: American sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua (Altingiaceae) was introduced to China over 60 years ago. It is an important tree species for increasing landscape value and promoting afforestation in urbanized areas of eastern China in the past 20 years. Sweetgum inscriber Acanthotomicus suncei is a local bark beetle pest and lethal to the introduced American sweetgum. To estimate the potential economic losses caused by the sweetgum inscriber, we survey the beetles’ natural distribution in China. Based on field collections, potential distribution was predicted. Nurseries stocking American sweetgum were found in the high suitability area of this pest. Additionally, we predict the direct loss incorporating tree and removal cost. A questionnaire was sent to maintenance companies, growers, and gardener associations for tree removal prices. In addition, the market price and inventory were also gained from telephone interview. Our economic analysis indicates that if sweetgum inscriber were to become established in the main American sweetgum business, the potential losses of nursery stock and urban area could range from USD 12.81 to 14.41 million. The results will serve as a baseline measure to control urban forest pests. ABSTRACT: American sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua (Altingiaceae) was first introduced to China over 60 years ago. It is an important tree species for increasing landscape value and promoting afforestation in urbanized areas of eastern China in the past 20 years. Sweetgum inscriber Acanthotomicus suncei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a local bark beetle pest and lethal to the introduced American sweetgum. To provide preliminary estimates of the potential economic losses caused by the sweetgum inscriber, a field investigation was conducted to survey the beetles’ natural distribution in China. Based on field collections, potential distribution was predicted using Maxent. All nurseries stocking American sweetgum were in the high and very high suitability area of sweetgum inscriber. Additionally, we employed a model of direct loss incorporating tree and removal cost. A questionnaire was sent to maintenance companies, growers, and gardener associations for tree removal prices. We estimated the removal cost of each tree. In addition, the market price and inventory were also gained from telephone interview. Our economic analysis indicates that if sweetgum inscriber were to become established in the main American sweetgum business, the potential losses of nursery stock and urban area could range from USD 12.81 to 14.41 million.