Southern Regional Extension Forestry will hold a Southern Pine Beetle: Biology, Monitoring and Management webinar on May 6th at 1 pm.
The southern pine beetle (SPB, Dendroctonus frontalis) is considered one of the most important causes of economic loss in forestry in the southeastern U.S. This bark beetle native to the forests of southern U.S., Mexico and Central America, and infests all species of pines indigenous to the South, and now has spread to the Pine Barrens in New Jersey and as far north as Massachusetts, where it attacks pitch pines.
Shortleaf and loblolly pines are most susceptible, while slash and longleaf pines are generally considered to be more resistant to attack.
The earliest signs of possible SPB-attack is the presence of brownish-orange boring dust and tiny white pitch pellets accumulating at the base of the tree, in bark crevices, in nearby spider webs, and on understory foliage. Infestation prevention can be achieved by keeping trees healthy and vigorous, removing damaged trees and through preventative bark treatments.
In this webinar, Dr. John Nowak, USDA Forest Service research entomologist at the Southern Research Station, will give a general overview of the biology, range and impact of and possible management strategies for preventing the spread of this insect pest.
To take part in this webinar, go to http://www.forestrywebinars.net/webinars/southern-pine-beetle-biology-monitoring-and-management?sr=wp~mkt-whenPub