Effectiveness of combinations of shelterwood, scarification, and feeding barriers to reduce pine weevil damage

Abstract

In a field experiment in southern Sweden we investigated the single and combined effects of shelterwood, soil scarification, and feeding barriers on pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) damage to Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings. The seedlings were planted on four different sites, each consisting of two plots, one clearcut and one with shelterwood (98–148 stems/ha). These plots were each subdivided into two parts, one scarified and one left untreated. The seedlings were protected with insecticide or feeding barriers or left as unprotected controls. Three years after planting the mortality due to pine weevil damage was high (88%) for unprotected seedlings on clearcuts with no scarification. The damage-reducing effects of shelterwood, scarification, and physical protection were additive. Using all three methods in combination the mortality due to pine weevil feeding was less than 7% after 3 years. The order of effectiveness of the individual measures for reducing damage by pine weevils was insecticide, scarification, physical protection, and shelterwood. Scarification reduced pine weevil damage equally well on clearcuts as in shelterwoods. However, the effects of scarification were more long lasting in shelterwoods.