Effects of the White Pine Weevil in Well-Stocked Eastern White Pine Stands in Wisconsin

Abstract

Abstract We documented the effects of the white pine weevil, a native insect, on the development of 30-to 80-yr-old white pine in 17 well-stocked plantations in northern Wisconsin and 150-yr-old white pine on the Menominee Indian Reservation in northeastern Wisconsin. Thirty-four plots with unsuppressed white pine were located in these plantations. Of these plots, 79.4% averaged at least 165 white pine crop trees per acre and were considered to be sufficiently stocked with crop trees. A total of 411 trees that satisfied crop tree criteria were evaluated, and 87.3% had identifiable weevil injury. The number of weevil injuries ranged from zero to six in the lower 17 ft of the tree and averaged 2.1 injuries. In 101 dominant/codominant white pines that were 150 yr old, volume lost to crook was 0.1%. The lower 16 ft of these felled trees were sectioned and contained an average of 3.3 weevil injuries. Stocking and management are key to minimizing the effects of white pine weevil on white pine. North. J. Appl. For. 16(4):185-190.