Southern Pine Beetle: Factors Influencing the Growth and Decline of Summer Infestations in East Texas

1979 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 547-556
Author(s):  
Roy L. Hedden ◽  
Ronald F. Billings
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Dendroctonus Frontalis ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
East Texas ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Beetle Population ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Stand Basal Area

Abstract The influence of selected forest site and stand factors on the rate of expansion of individual infestations (spots) of southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) was studied during the summer months of 1975-77 in east Texas. In small spots (≤20 active trees), further expansion seldom occurred, presumably due to an insufficient quantity and distribution of brood to perpetuate necessary pheromone production. Similarly, the proportion of spots that had declined to less than 20 active trees after 1 month (day 30) was inversely related to number of active trees at first visit (day 0). In expanding spots, the number of additional trees killed per day was significantly and positively correlated with number of active trees per spot and stand basal area. In addition, mean rates of summer spot growth varied among years in direct relation to areawide beetle population levels in east Texas which increased to outbreak levels and then collapsed over the 3-year study period. This emphasizes the need to include some measure of beetle population level and/or aggressiveness in future spot growth models. No correlation was found between number of brood trees per spot at the first visit and stand basal area at the spot origin. These findings support the following hierarchy of priorities for direct control: Priority 1--spots with >100 active trees, even in sparse stands; Priority 2--spots with 20-100 active trees in high basal area stands; Priority 3--spots with 20-100 active trees in low basal area stands; Priority 4--spots with ≤20 active trees. During the summer, small spots, particularly those lacking freshly attacked trees (pheromone source), have a high probability of soon going inactive without control. Forest Sci. 25:547-556.

scholarly journals Blue-stain Fungi Associated with Roots of Southern Pine Trees Attacked by the Southern Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis

Plant Disease ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 81 (8) ◽  
pp. 942-945 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Otrosina ◽  
Nolan J. Hess ◽  
Stanley J. Zarnoch ◽  
Thelma J. Perry ◽  
John P. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Dendroctonus Frontalis ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Blue Stain Fungi ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Blue Stain ◽  
Stand Basal Area

Forty paired plots were established from eastern Texas to Alabama to study root-infecting, blue-stain fungi in southern pine stands undergoing southern pine beetle (SPB) attack. Woody roots were sampled in plots undergoing recent or current attack by the SPB. Comparisons were made between occurrence of Leptographium spp. and related fungi and data on various characteristics of natural stands and plantations studied. Three fungal species, L. terebrantis, L. procerum, and Ophiostoma ips, along with unidentified Leptographium and Graphium species, were isolated from sampled roots. L. terebrantis was isolated more frequently from SPB-attacked plots (P < 0.001) than was either L. procerum or O. ips. More blue-stain fungal species and related genera were isolated from SPB-attacked plots than from control plots (P < 0.001). This also was true for combined isolation percentages of L. terebrantis, L. procerum, and O. ips (P = 0.03). Presence of blue-stain fungi also was associated with higher stand basal area in the control plots (P = 0.045). Isolation frequencies of O. ips and L. procerum, along with the combination of these fungal species with L. terebrantis, were logistically related to increasing stand basal area in the control plots (P = 0.02, 0.02, and 0.01, respectively). No logistic relationship was found for frequency of any of the three blue-stain species with respect to basal area in SPB-attacked plots. These results suggest blue stain fungi are important in the dynamics of susceptibility of southern pines to SPB attack.

Site and Stand Conditions Associated with Southern Pine Beetle Outbreaks in Arkansas—A Hazard-Rating System

1980 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy T. Ku ◽  
James M. Sweeney ◽  
Victor B. Shelburne
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Dendroctonus Frontalis ◽  
Rating System ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Thinning Operations ◽  
Hazard Rating

Abstract Since 1969, the southern pine beetle (SPB, Dendroctonus frontalis, Zimm) has spread northwest through 24 southern Arkansas counties. Analysis of trees in 984 infested plots indicated that attacked trees were in a stressed state with smaller crowns, thinner bark, and slower growth than unattacked trees. Comparison with 509 uninfested plots showed trees on infested plots had slower growth rates, thinner bark, and occurred on sites with lower site index and less slope. Disturbance, notably lightning and logging, significantly increased a stand's susceptibility to beetle attack. Undisturbed infested plots were significantly younger with smaller stand d.b.h. and higher basal area than undisturbed uninfested plots. All factors which reduced radial growth predisposed stands to SPB attack, but high stand density had the most significant influence. The hazard-rating system presented indicates a pine stand's susceptibility to attack. Reduction of basal area to below 100 square feet per acre in carefully conducted thinning operations is the recommended practice to minimize SPB losses.

scholarly journals Basis for Technology Transfer of Inhibitor-Based Suppression Tactics for the Southern Pine Beetle

1998 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-34
Author(s):  
S.M. Salom ◽  
R.F. Billings ◽  
C.W. Berisford ◽  
S.R. Clarke ◽  
Q.C. McClellan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dendroctonus Frontalis ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Buffer Strip ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
And Control

Abstract Operational procedures for a new inhibitor-based suppression tactic for southern pine beetle (SPB) (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm.) are nearly ready. A critical component for the acceptance and successful use of this tactic by foresters is a carefully designed technology transfer program. To achieve this goal we developed a questionnaire and sent it to foresters in the southern United States. The questionnaire was designed to develop a profile of foresters based on their experience with SPB, their goals for managing the pest, their knowledge of the insect's biology and control options, their interest in learning a new tactic, and the methods by which they prefer to be trained in the use of the tactic. Of the 3,426 questionnaires sent to foresters in 10 states, 1,028 were returned, 995 (29%) of which were used. Experience with SPB differed among states and appeared related to the frequency of SPB outbreaks. However, experience did not affect the level of knowledge foresters had of SPB biology and control. Among responding foresters, 73% correctly related crown color to brood development in trees, 91% knew that SPB uses semiochemicals as cues for aggregating on hosts, 97% and 79% knew that stands with high basal area and older trees, respectively, are more susceptible to SPB than stands with lower basal area and younger trees. Ninety percent picked a buffer strip width that is roughly equivalent to the width presently recommended for use in direct suppression tactics. Less success was reported for differentiating between Ips and SPB infestations. Methods used for evaluating infestations favored revisiting sites and counting the number of green infested trees. Few foresters examined brood galleries, a method we believe is best. Although foresters tend to prefer 100% suppression after one treatment as a minimum acceptable level, most were willing to accept a lower level suppression effectiveness. Most respondents (92%) said they would like to learn about the inhibitor-based suppression tactic and would recommend its use if the tactic was shown to work and be cost effective. The preferred choice for learning the new tactic would be to combine an in-class workshop with field activities. Use of videos as a teaching and review tool also would be well received. South. J. Appl. For. 22(1):24-34.

Rating East Texas Stands for Southern Pine Beetle Susceptibility

1981 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray R. Hicks ◽  
James E. Howard ◽  
Kenneth G. Watterston ◽  
Jack E. Coster
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
East Texas ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Ranking System ◽  
Land Form ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Input Variables

Abstract A ranking system developed in east Texas classifies the susceptibility of host stands to southern pine beetle (Dendroctonous frontalis Zimm.) into four categories. Input variables include pine basal area per acre, average tree height, and a categorical evaluation of land form. Higher-hazard stands are generally overstocked, have taller trees, and grow on wet or low-lying sites. Management strategies are recommended for the various hazard categories.

Southern Pine Beetle: Factors Associated with Spot Occurrence and Spread in Young Plantations

1988 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Scott Cameron ◽  
Ronald F. Billings
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Dendroctonus Frontalis ◽  
Pine Plantations ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Pine Beetle

Abstract An inventory of 167,316 ac of 5- to 15-year-old plantations of slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) or loblolly pine (P. taeda L.) or both in east Texas revealed that infestations (spots) of the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm., occurred in plantations of all ages greater than 5 years. Infestation frequency ranged from 0.1 spots/1000 ac for 6-year-old plantations to 6 to 8 spots/1000 ac for 12- to 15-year-old plantations in 1985. Analyses of subsets of plantation inventories revealed that spots were more frequent in loblolly pine plantations than in slash pine plantations, and more frequent in plantations that had been prescribed-burned. An intensive study of 34 individual spots showed that spot initiation was often associated with stand disturbance but not with intraplantation variations in stand parameters. In turn, regression analyses revealed that the initial number of active trees (spot size) was directly correlated with pine basal area/ac. Rate of summer spot growth in uncontrolled infestations was most strongly correlated with number of active (brood) trees and weakly correlated with tree height and pine basal area/ac. Spots tended to grow faster in loblolly plantations than in those with slash pine. Mean spot growth rates were markedly less within young plantations than rates documented in earlier studies for natural pulpwood and sawtimber stands. A field guide for setting control priorities for beetle infestations in young plantations is provided. South. J. Appl. For. 12(3):208-214.

scholarly journals A Simple Model for Predicting Annual Numbers of Southern Pine Beetle Infestations in East Texas

1978 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 62-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
James C. Kroll ◽  
Hershel C. Reeves
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Simple Model ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽  
Climatic Variables ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
East Texas ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Total Rainfall ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Previous Summer

Abstract Eleven climatic variables, recorded during the period 1966-76, were used to develop a multiple linear regression model for predicting potential number of southern pine beetle (SPB) infestations for east Texas. Four climatic variables were significantly (P < 0.05) related to numbers of SPB infestations. These were (1) mean temperature for February of current year, (2) total rainfall for previous summer, (3) total rainfall for previous fall, and (4) total rainfall for previous spring. The regression analysis accounted for 90.7 percent of the variation in yearly numbers of SPB infestations.

scholarly journals Effects of Subzero Fahrenheit Temperatures on Southern Pine Beetle Populations in the Southern Appalachians

1980 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iral Ragenovich
Keyword(s):  
Dendroctonus Frontalis ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Southern Appalachians ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Winter Temperatures

Abstract Several areas throughout the southern Appalachians were sampled to determine the extent of southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman) brood mortality following a winter with subzero (F°) temperatures. Although 95-percent brood mortality may occur, results suggest that low winter temperatures may not be the sole reason for the decline of a southern pine beetle outbreak.

SPBCMP—A Program to Assess the Likelihood of Major Changes in the Distribution of the Southern Pine Beetle

1986 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 158-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick J. Michaels ◽  
David E. Sappington ◽  
Philip J. Stenger
Keyword(s):  
Computing System ◽  
Maximum Activity ◽  
Dendroctonus Frontalis ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Quarter Century ◽  
Pine Beetle

Abstract A statistical model has been developed that relates percentage change in the large area coverage of southern pine beetle outbreaks (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm.) to temperature and moisture status indices. It is applicable over the entire range of epidemic outbreaks during the last quarter-century. The interactive computer program, SPBCMP, can be used to assess the likelihood of major changes in coverage several months prior to the period of maximum activity. SPBCMP requires only location and four easily accessed climatic parameters. Climatic data for these driving variables can be supplied by the user obtained from a file maintained on the University of Virginia Academic Computing System. The program instructs the user on how to access that data. An additional feature of SPBCMP is that it allows for sensitivity analyses based on weather scenarios for upcoming months. South. J. Appl. For. 10:158-61, Aug. 1986.

CARBOHYDRATES OF INNER BARK OF PINUS TAEDA AS AFFECTED BY DENDROCTONUS FRONTALIS AND ASSOCIATED MICROORGANISMS

1969 ◽  
Vol 101 (5) ◽  
pp. 489-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley J. Barras ◽  
John D. Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Taeda ◽  
Starch Content ◽  
Reducing Sugar ◽  
Dendroctonus Frontalis ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Inner Bark ◽  
Pine Beetle

AbstractGlucose, fructose, and sucrose were the only sugars detected in inner bark treated with a southern pine beetle–microorganism complex and two beetle-associated fungi. Treatments drastically lowered the reducing-sugar level. Storage of untreated bolts had no effect on reducing-sugar level; sucrose was lowered but not as much as in treated tissue. Starch content remained unchanged in all treatments.

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