Pine Shoot Moth Research Articles

Annual Variation in Starting Date of Spring Feeding by the European Pine Shoot Moth in a Michigan Planting

Annual Variation in Starting Date of Spring Feeding by the European Pine Shoot Moth in a Michigan Planting

Preparation of stereochemically pure E- and Z-alkenoic acids and their methyl esters from bicyclo[n.1.0]alkan-1-ols. Application in the synthesis of insect pheromones

Oxidative cleavage of exo- and endo-alkyl- and hydroxyalkyl-substituted bicyclo[n.1.0]alkan-1-ols with (diacetoxy-λ3-iodanyl)benzene gave the corresponding methyl alkenoates exclusively with E or Z configuration of the double bond. This reaction was used as the key stage in the syntheses of stereoisomerically pure components of pest insect pheromones: (E)-dodec-9-en-1-yl acetate (European pine shoot moth Rhyacionia buoliana), (Z)-tetradec-11-en-1-yl acetate (European oak leafroller Tortrix viridana), and (3E,8Z,11Z)-tetradeca-3,8,11-trien-1-yl acetate (tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta).

Forest insects and climate change: long‐term trends in herbivore damage

Long-term data sets, covering several decades, could help to reveal the effects of observed climate change on herbivore damage to plants. However, sufficiently long time series in ecology are scarce. The research presented here analyzes a long-term data set collected by the Hungarian Forest Research Institute over the period 1961–2009. The number of hectares with visible defoliation was estimated and documented for several forest insect pest species. This resulted in a unique time series that provides us with the opportunity to compare insect damage trends with trends in weather patterns. Data were analyzed for six lepidopteran species: Thaumetopoea processionea, Tortrix viridana, Rhyacionia buoliana, Malacosoma neustria, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, and Lymantria dispar. All these species exhibit outbreak dynamics in Hungary. Five of these species prefer deciduous tree species as their host plants, whereas R. buoliana is a specialist on Pinus spp. The data were analyzed using general linear models and generalized least squares regression in relation to mean monthly temperature and precipitation. Temperature increased considerably, especially over the last 25 years (+1.6°C), whereas precipitation exhibited no trend over the period. No change in weather variability over time was observed. There was increased damage caused by two species on deciduous trees. The area of damage attributed to R. buoliana decreased over the study period. There was no evidence of increased variability in damage. We conclude that species exhibiting a trend toward outbreak-level damage over a greater geographical area may be positively affected by changes in weather conditions coinciding with important life stages. Strong associations between the geographical extent of severe damage and monthly temperature and precipitation are difficult to confirm, studying the life-history traits of species could help to increase understanding of responses to climate change.

Improving the Efficiency of Lepidopteran Pest Detection and Surveillance: Constraints and Opportunities for Multiple-Species Trapping

Surveillance using attractants for invasive species can allow early detection of new incursions and provide decision support to response programs. Simultaneous trapping for multiple species, by baiting traps with several lures, is expected to increase the number of species that can be targeted in surveillance programs and improve the cost-effectiveness without affecting surveillance coverage. We tested this hypothesis by choosing four potential forest and urban lepidopteran pest species that are present in Europe but not yet in New Zealand and many other countries. We deployed traps in central and southern Europe with single lures or all possible species combinations (up to four lures per trap). There was only limited interference, apparently due to trap saturation, but no evidence for interspecific repellency among lures for gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, and pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana. To assess what factors may be important in species compatibility/suitability for multiple-species trapping, we combined our results with those of previous studies conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture. For 75 combinations of pheromones, tested singly or in combination, 19% showed no effect on trap catch for any of the species tested. In the other cases, either one or both species showed a reduction in trap catch. However, few lure combinations caused complete or nearly complete suppression. For most combinations, catches were still sufficiently high for detection purposes. Species from the same superfamily exhibited more interference than more distantly related species. Together, these results suggest that there are opportunities to improve the range of exotic pests under surveillance, at little additional cost, by multiple-species trapping for which compatibility has been demonstrated.

Effects of vibration on stone pine trees (Pinus pinea L.) on the vigor of the trees: crown density, growth shoots and parasites of weak trees

In the Northwest of Spain the mechanized harvesting of pine cones is more and more frequenIn order to quantify the effects of vibration on the vigor of the trees, parcels of stone pine were planted in plateau and countryside. Both the mechanized and manual harvests were analyzed in adult and young trees. The growth of the tree shoots was measured. The presence and abundance of three insect plagues was analyzed in those same trees: Tomicus piniperda, Rhyacionia buoliana and Thaumetopoea pityocampa. The average shoot length of those trees manually harvested was superior to that of those mechanically harvested. The difference was very significant in young trees (40-50 years old) in the countryside and in adult trees (more than 80 years) on the plateau. Rhyacionia buoliana was more abundant in adult trees that young trees, but the relation of its abundance with the harvest method was not seen. The presence of Tomicus piniperda was rare and was only detected in mechanically harvested stands. Thaumetopoea pityocampa was more frequent in trees harvested by hand than those harvested mechanically and was more abundant in young stands. The percentage tree of defoliation was low in all stands independent of harvest method.

Life‐cycle characteristics of Tetrastichus turionum, a parasitoid of the European pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana

Abstract: The life cycle of Tetrastichus turionum, a pupal endoparasitoid of the European pine shoot moth Rhyacionia buoliana, was studied in Spain in the field, prior to its use as a potential biological control agent of this pest in Chile. T. turionum showed two generations acting on the same host generation. Adults from the overwintering generation emerged and dispersed from mid‐ to late spring and gave rise to a fast developing, current year generation. Adults of this generation emerged and oviposited in early to mid‐summer, producing progeny that overwintered as fourth instar larvae inside their host. Both generations appeared highly synchronized to the presence of pupae in the host population. The role of decreasing day length in the induction of diapause is also discussed. Laboratory bioassays showed that T. turionum did not oviposit on R. buoliana larvae already parasitized by Orgilus obscurator, a major larval parasitoid, already introduced in Chile. The results reinforce the suitability of T. turionum as a promising parasitoid that would complement O. obscurator in the biological control of European pine shoot moth.

Effect of Attract and Kill Formulations and Application Rates on Trap Catches of European Pine Shoot Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Shoot Damage in Scots Pine Saplings

Attract and kill technology was tested for management of European pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana (Denis & Schiffermüller), in 4-6-yr-old Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris L., plantations managed by Jablonna and Pultusk Forest Districts, Poland. In 2001, two formulations based on ricinoleic acid and hydrocarbon fraction (petroleum jelly) in combination with (E)-9-dodecenyl acetate, the sex pheromone of the pine shoot moth; permethrin as a contact insecticide; and Tinuvin UV absorber were used. In 2002, different formulations and application rates of the attracticide based on petroleum jelly were tested. Significantly reduced trap catches occurred in plots treated with three attracticide formulations [Rhykil-1 (with Tinuvin UV absorber), Rhykil-2 (with a new UV absorber, 3,3'-dihydroxy-2,2'-bipyridyl), and Rhykil-3 (without the insecticide)] at 3,000 droplets per hectare in comparison with those in control plots, suggesting that all formulations were highly effective. Significantly lower catches than in control plots also were observed when Rhykil-1 was applied at 1000, 2,000, and 3,000 droplets per hectare. However, only slight reduction of shoot damage in treated plots was observed in both experiments. The formulation without the insecticide had similar efficacy to that of the formulation combined with the insecticide. In 2003, the Rhykil-2 attracticide was tested at 250, 500, and 1000 droplets per hectare. Although there were no significant differences in trap catches between treated and control plots, shoot damage level was reduced substantially in all treated plots. These results suggest that attract and kill technology may be used at rates lower than 1000 droplets per hectare for management of R. buoliana; however, its "kill" effect should be confirmed in further studies.

Biological studies on two neotropical egg parasitoid species: Trichogramma nerudai and Trichogramma sp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

The main biological attributes of two Neotropical egg parasitoids, the arrhenotokous Trichogramma nerudai and the thelytokous Trichogramma sp., were assessed under controlled laboratory conditions. Developmental time from egg to adult, and parasitoid survival, fecundity and fertility were studied using life tables. Results showed that T. nerudai had a faster developmental time than Trichogramma sp. (13.014±0.4019 and 13.595±0.4931 days, respectively). Both species showed similar life table statistics, r m was 0.222 and 0.225 for T. nerudai and Trichogramma sp., respectively. Parasitoid survival averaged 95% for both species. The results obtained are discussed in the context of selecting one of these natural enemies as a potential biological control agent for the European pine shoot moth Rhyacionia buoliana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in pine forests and the codling moth Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in apple orchards in Argentina.

Effect of cold storage on the quality of Trichogramma nerudai (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

Abstract The recently discovered species Trichogramma nerudai Pintureau and Gerding (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) could be useful in biological control programs of forest and agricultural insect pests ( Rhyacionia buoliana Denis and Schiffermuller, Tuta absoluta Meyrick, Plutella xylostella Linnaeus, Cydia pomonella Linnaeus). The possibility of storing T. nerudai at low temperatures and the effects of such storage on the quality of the parasitoid and its progeny were studied. T. nerudai pupae were stored 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 days at 4 ± 1 °C in a refrigerator, RH=75 ± 5% and in full darkness. T. nerudai pupae were tolerant to cold storage. The numbers of emerged adults, the proportions of deformed adults and the mobility capacity of T. nerudai were greatly affected from 50 days of cold storage onwards. The single quality traits were combined to show the added effect of low emergence, deformation of emerging individuals, and loss of mobility of the non-deformed individuals. The usefulness to cold store T. nerudai pupae up to 50 days is discussed.

Association of Sphaeropsis sapinea with insect‐damaged red pine shoots and cones

SummaryThe association of the shoot blight and canker pathogen Sphaeropsis sapinea with red pine (Pinus resinosa) shoots and cones damaged by insects (especially Dioryctria sp.) was investigated. Samples from a single plantation approximately 35 years old, in Sauk Co., Wisconsin and also from three plantations, between approximately 40 and 50 years old, located in an area of pine shoot moth activity in the preceding year in Adams Co., Wisconsin were visually examined. Samples were arbitrarily collected from trees felled in the first plantation in May. Pycnidia of S. sapinea and insect damage were observed on 56 of 91 (62%) of closed cones and 17 of 165 (7%) of previous year's shoots. In the absence of insect damage, pycnidia of the pathogen were identified only on eight of 91 (9%) closed cones and never on previous year's shoots. In each of the other three plantations, 10 trees were located at intervals along transects in mid‐June; one branch from the lower half of the crown per tree was pruned off, and both current and previous year's shoots were examined. Insect damage and S. sapinea pycnidia were too rare on current year's shoots to draw any conclusions. Insect damage occurred on 20–40% of over 2000 previous year's shoots that were examined, but pycnidia of the pathogen were identified on only about 5%. Although infrequent, S. sapinea was identified in association with insect‐damaged previous year's shoots from these three plantations three times more frequently than those without insect damage. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers from eight randomly selected isolates were consistent with the A group of S. sapinea, which can be aggressive on red pine. This ability to exploit insect‐damaged shoots may facilitate long‐term persistence of S. sapinea at low disease incidence and severity. The potential role of insect wounds as infection courts and insects as vectors of this important pathogen of pines deserves further study.

Multispecies trapping of six pests of scots pine in Sweden and Poland

Abstract: Multispecies sex pheromone trapping (trapping of more than one species in the same trap) for the pine shoot moth Rhyacionia buoliana, the pine moth, Dendrolimus pini, the nun moth, Lymantria monacha, the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea and the pine sawflies Diprion pini and Neodiprion sertifer was evaluated. The catch from traps baited with the pheromone of a single species was compared with the catch from traps baited with pheromones for several species. The catch in the multispecies traps was significantly reduced in comparison with the single species traps for Dendrolimus pini, L. monacha and N. sertifer. Neodiprion sertifer was most likely inhibited by the Diprion pini pheromone. A follow-up study of Dendrolimus pini and L. monacha showed no pheromonal interference between them. Further studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility of multispecies monitoring. However, for practical applications a slight decrease in catch, due to pheromonal interference, could probably be tolerated as long as the catch reflects total population density.

The use ofBacillus thuringiensis on Forest Integrated Pest Management

Bacillus thuringiensis is a major microbial insecticide and a source of genes encoding several proteins toxic to insects. In this paper the authors give a brief summary ofBacillus thuringiensis used on the integrated pest management in forestry. The derivatives of Bt strain HD1 subspkurstaki have been widely used to control the forest pests such as the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana), the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), the European pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana) and the nun moth (Lymantria monacha). Some progresses of transferring and expressing Bt toxin gene in forest trees are offered with a discussion on the limits and future prospects of using Bt products in forestry.

Dynamics of trophical niches of the winter pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana schiff., Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and response of the protective system of the scots pine to the affection

From the position of trophical niche concept, the process of forming of an infestation spot of the winter pine shoot moth in a space of a pine stand as well as the process of degradation of this spot was studied. It was shown that the process begins with the emergance of separate microspots in a stand. With increasing age of the affected stand, the area of these microspots grows, and they unite themselves in lager ones together with growing pest density. The process of growth of both the area and the density continues to an age of 15 years of the pine stands. After that, the reverse process of degradation begins when the area and density decreases. On all the stages of the process, a distribution of density of the pest attacks on trees has contagious character, and stabilisation of an affected ecosystem is finished at the age of 20–30 years.

Dynamics of trophical niches of the winter pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana schiff., Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and response of the protective system of the scots pine to the affection

It was stated that increasing affection of pine trees by the winter pine shoot moth induces immune response of the protective system of the trees. It manifests itself in the growth of essential oil concentration. This process is characterized by a synusoid curve where the period of restoration system of the pine equals 4–5 years and have the direct and reverse feed‐back in the group of trees that does not respond to changing of the protective system of pest affection.

Cascade form of process at arising of an aggressive biotype of the winter pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buolianaschiff.)

It has been considered the forming process of an aggressive biotype in the winter pine shoot moth. It consists of a number of consecutive in time the mechanisms and types of natural selection. The process is conditioned by existance in this region two species of pines (Pinus silvestris L. and Pinus pallasiana Lamb.) that have different level of resistance and are characterized by wide range of variability. The initial cause of the formative process was high density of the winter pine shoot moth in the stands of P. silvestris L. It stimulated growth of the aggressiveness and formation of initial aggressive group in the pest population. This group was initial one for gradual adaptation on P. silvestris L. and then on susceptible trees of P. pallasiana. The aggressive group which had been developing had a distinction by flight period in comparison with the normal population. This change served as a cause of its reproductive isolation from the normal population and led to the process of divergence. In so doing, the stabilized, directioned and disruptive types of natural selection acted step by step on different stages on the formative process.

Cascade form of process at arising of an aggressive biotype of the winter pine shoot moth(Rhyacionia buolianaschiff., Lepid. Tortr.)

Creation of the big trophical niches of the winter pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana Schiff.) on susceptible trees of Pinus silvestris L. provoked the mass outbreak of the pest in the south areas in Ukraine. In its turn, high density of the pest induced processes of the aggressivity's growth of population. In so doing the wide range of adaptive zones represented by groups of the pines with different resistance is favourable for formation of aggressive biotypes. The spreading of the pest from weakened to more resistant groups on the pines is similar to the process of “drift”. This problem will be considered more detaily in the second part of this article.

Fluctuaciones poblacionales de Rhyacionia buoliana (Lep.: Tortricidae) en una plantación de Pinus radiata en la X Región

Population density of the European pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana (Schiff), on Pinus radiata D. Don plantations, established in 1986 in two different sites are analyzed, monitoring permanent plots during six years. Survival and mortality of the moth were also determined. Changes in density reveal annual increments and significant differences between sites. The influence of denso­ independent factors and the absence of natural enemies as regulators of the population leves are discussed. The survival increase trough time is interpreted as a consequence of the good adaptation of the species to different site conditions. The highest mortality rate occurred during the exposed periods of the moth's life cycle and principally at the early larvae stage mostly due to dehydration, resination and predation.

Predicting Seasonal Flight of European Pine Shoot Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Western Oregon

A linear regression model for predicting pheromone trap catch of male European pine shoot moth, Rhyacionia buoliana (Denis & Schiffermuller), based on accumulated heat units is presented. The model was developed from 3 yr of maximum–minimum air temperature and pheromone trap data collected in western Oregon during 1986–1988. Data collected the following years, 1989–1990, were used to evaluate the model. A lower threshold (base) temperature of −2.2°C was used in calculating daily degree-days since 1 January. The model successfully predicted accumulated male moth catch to within 1–3 d during 1989. Predicted degree-day requirements (above −2.2°C) are 1,712 for 10% catch, 1,958 for 50% catch, and 2,205 for 90% catch.

Major pests of man-made forests in israel: origin, biology, damage and control

The important pests of the three main tree genera used in afforestation in Israel are described. The pine pests are the Israeli bast scale,Matsucoccus josephi; the pine processionary caterpillar,Thaumetopoea wilkinsoni; the bark beetlesOrthotomicus erosus, Pityogenes calcaratus andTomicus destruens; and the Mediterranean shoot moth,Rhyacionia buoliana thurificana. The cypress pests are the bark beetlesPhloeosinus armatus andP. aubei. The eucalypt borerPhoracantha semipunctata is the sole significant pest of eucalypts. All of these pests, except for the last, are considered endemic species which maintained themselves in the natural relict stands. Routine chemical control operations are conducted only againstT. wilkinsoni. Natural enemies are capable of keeping the other pest populations under good control if appropriate silvicultural measures and practices are in use.

Methods for Estimating the Impact of the Red Pine Shoot Moth on Volume Growth of Red Pine

Abstract Two methods for estimating the impact of the red pine shoot moth on the volume growth of red pine are presented. The first method utilized radial and height growth measurements from individually dissected trees to determine volume growth on a per-tree basis. Potential volume growth was estimated using a site index equation for height growth and past radial growth patterns. The second method determined volume growth on a stand basis from field measurements in sample plots. Potential volume growth was estimated using a computerized growth-and-yield model, REDPINE. The first method estimated mean volume growth losses ranging from 4% to 12% in four red pine stands infested by the shoot moth in the central Wisconsin sand plains. The second method estimated total stand volume losses ranging from 14% to 16% in the same four stands. We conclude that the first method provides more accurate estimates. North. J. Appl. For. 3:60-63, June 1986.