The southern pine beetle (SPB), Dendroctonus frontalis, is the most damaging pest of pine forests in the eastern U.S. This insect normally persists in damaged or stressed trees, but under certain conditions SPB populations can explode, creating an outbreak. Outbreaks are capable of causing millions of dollars in damages, and can result in the death of thousands of acres of pine trees. Management – especially thinning and prescribed burning – is the most effective strategy to avoid damage by SPB.
This webinar, presented by Dr. John Nowak, Southern pine beetle Prevention Program manager of the USDA Forest Service, will cover SPB biology, ecology, and management strategies for southern pine systems.
We will discuss SPB in the northeastern U.S. as well, since SPB populations have recently increased as far north as Massachusetts.