The southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a prime example of a bark beetle of high ecological and economical importance. As these bark beetles adapt to a changing environment, forest managers must continue to evolve management strategies to improve forest resilience to these pests. Herein, we examined the validity of phenological trap timing cues for the annual spring D. frontalis risk assessment survey and found the traditional use of flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) (Cornaceae) bloom occurred an average of 3 weeks after peak D. frontalis spring flight activity. We also examined the natal host influence on adult beetle host selection to explore a possible explanation for the lower occurrence of D. frontalis infestations in longleaf (Pinus palustris) vs. loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) (both Pineaceae). The laboratory choice tests performed showed no selection preference based on natal host.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-7198 |
| Date | 10 May 2024 |
| Creators | Thomason, John William |
| Publisher | Scholars Junction |
| Source Sets | Mississippi State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
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