Implications of Population Phases on the Integrated Pest Management of the Southern Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis

Stephen Clarke

doi:10.1603/ipm11021

Abstract

The southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, has three population phases. In the latent phase, southern pine beetle-initiated infestations are absent, and southern pine beetle functions as a secondary bark beetle when present. The outbreak phase results when one or more multi-tree infestations are detected per 1,000 acres of susceptible host type, and the southern pine beetle acts as an aggressive primary colonizer. The intermediate phase consists of population levels between latent and outbreak. The characteristics of these three phases have management implications, and the integrated pest management (IPM) program for the southern pine beetle should be tailored for each phase. Recommendations for each phase are provided and discussed. Prevention and restoration are primary management concerns in the latent phase, whereas suppression takes precedence during an outbreak.

Highlights

The southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), is a chronic insect pest within pine forests in the southeastern United States
The attacking beetles release aggregation pheromones, which combine with host tree volatiles to attract other D. frontalis of both sexes (Fig. 1)
In 2007, 18 of the 30 baited control trees were killed by D. frontalis within 60 d, with only 174 infestations reported in the area, well short of the 815 spots required for outbreak status

Summary

Introduction

The southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), is a chronic insect pest within pine forests in the southeastern United States. When D. frontalis populations are low, most infestations develop in stands with high basal area, slow growth, and a large percentage of loblolly or shortleaf pine (Hain and McClelland 1979; Paine et al 1985). During several insecticide and trap tree studies, a trend in the speed and number of baited pines attacked and killed by D. frontalis during each phase has been observed in association with beetle population phases.

Results

Conclusion