A comparative study of the spatial distribution of the dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium sp.) on the north slope of the National Park Nevado de Toluca, Mexico

Abstract

This paper shows how, by applying geostatistical methods, maps of incidence of a parasite called coniferous dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium sp.) can be obtained; and thereof the spatial distribution, in the northern slope of the National Park Nevado de Toluca, is possible to be known. That distribution was achieved by establishing both methods: Statistical Not Space and Space and Statistics (Geostatistics). The results showed that populations of dwarf mistletoe in the region studied showed a distribution aggregate, with several centers of aggregation. Prepared density maps of dwarf mistletoe technique, using Krige, corroborated the same kind of distribution mentioned. We found that this parasite infestation of conifers does not reach 100% of the study plots; an interesting situation to establish control measures targeted to areas of present infestation. To determine a spatial and temporal stability of the populations of the parasite was not achieved. The information gathered is useful for the understanding of spatial behavior and pest control, whose impact on the region studied has significantly increased. A comparison with the results to determine the spatial distribution of the parasite was performed through Statistics Not Space.