Pre-logging Baiting with Semiochemicals for the Mountain Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus Ponderosae, in High Hazard Stands of Lodgepole Pine

Abstract

Baiting of trees with attractive semiochemicals prior to logging in three high hazard blocks of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.) was effective in inducing attack by the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) on baited trees and on surrounding unbaited trees. There was evidence for partial shifting of attack loci, concentration of dispersing beetles and containment of emergent beetles as a result of the baiting program. However, baiting was ineffective when the baits were within the understory canopy, and the baiting program did not cause a massive influx of beetles from infestations 75-200 m away from the baited blocks. Such baiting programs would be cost effective if they avoided the necessity of disposing of two attacked trees/ha outside of the baited blocks. They have the additional advantage of reducing the risk of future beetle attacks by removing beetles and their broods during logging of induced infestations.