Stand and Site Conditions Related to Southern Pine Beetle Susceptibility

1979 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 656-664
Author(s):  
Ronald J. Kushmaul ◽  
Michael D. Cain ◽  
Charles E. Rowell ◽  
Richard L. Porterfield
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Gulf Coastal Plain ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Host Trees ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
High Site ◽  
Discriminant Models

Abstract Stand/site data from infested stands were compared with those from the general forest. Findings supported earlier research relating high basal area, high stand density, high proportion of pines, reduced radial growth rate, low soil pH, and high site index to increased southern pine beetle activity in the West Gulf Coastal Plain. Also, increased understory vegetation and thicker bark of potential host trees were found to favor beetle attack. Discriminant models were derived from data obtained from infested and general stand (baseline) plots and can be used to rank forest stands as to susceptibility to southern pine beetle attack. Forest Sci. 25:656-664.

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 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.

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.

MITES PHORETIC ON THE SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE: WHEN AND WHERE THEY ATTACH

1978 ◽  
Vol 110 (5) ◽  
pp. 557-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Roton
Keyword(s):  
Dendroctonus Frontalis ◽  
Host Tree ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Outer Bark ◽  
Host Trees ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Southern Pine Beetles ◽  
Pine Beetles

Southern pine beetles, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman, often carry mites as they emerge from host trees. At least 14 species of mites are phoretic (Moser and Roton 1971). But for D. frontalis, it is not clearly known where in the host tree and at what stage of the beetle's development the mites attach themselves. After the beetle larvae construct oval feeding cells, they develop in three stages: pupa, callow adults, and brood adults (Fig. 1). In trees with thick bark, the larvae bore into the outer bark from within, construct pupal cells, and pupate. But in trees with thin bark, the larvae pupate directly in the larval cells next to the xylem. Thus, the larval galleries in either case are in the living phloem adjacent to the sapwood.

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.

scholarly journals Aggregation of the Southern Pine Beetle 1 in Response to Attractive Host Trees 2

1977 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 725-731 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Coster ◽  
T. L. Payne ◽  
E. R. Hart ◽  
L. J. Edson
Keyword(s):  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Host Trees ◽  
Pine Beetle

An Economic Analysis of Southern Pine Beetle Suppression Activity on the Gulf Coastal Plain National Forests During 1985 and 1986

1990 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clair H. Redmond ◽  
Wesley A. Nettleton
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Plain ◽  
Southern Pine Beetle ◽  
National Forests ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Gulf Coastal Plain ◽  
Southern Pine ◽  
Real Rate ◽  
Benefit Cost Ratio ◽  
Pine Beetle ◽  
Benefit Cost

Abstract The 1985-1986 southern pine beetle suppression projects were analyzed on the national forests in the Gulf Coastal Plain. Project costs during that time were $11.6 million, and benefits of control were estimated at $45.5 million. Such a relationship yielded a benefit-cost ratio of 3.9:1 at a 4% real rate of return and 2.6:1 at 7 1/8%. Volume saved as a result of the suppression projects was estimated at 665,000 mbf (Scribner). Total cost per acre, including suppression and regeneration expenses, was $224. South. J. Appl. For. 14(2):70-73.

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