If I integrate my application with KnowledgeTree Open Source, do I need to release it under the GPL?

Yes, your application would become part of the "covered work" and would need to be released in source code form and licensed under the GPL.

If, however, your application can run independently of KnowledgeTree and integrates with KnowledgeTree via KnowledgeTree's Web Services, the application is not viewed as part of the "covered work" and may therefore be licensed under terms other than the GPL.