Advances in insecticide tools and tactics for protecting conifers from bark beetle attack in the western United States

Abstract

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) cause extensive tree mortality in coniferous forests of the western U.S., and play an important role in the disturbance ecology of these systems. Recently, significant outbreaks of several bark beetle species have occurred from Alaska to New Mexico heightening public awareness of the issue and, in many cases, the need for information on appropriate management options. Protection of individual trees from bark beetle attack and subsequent mortality has historically involved applications of liquid formulations of insecticides to the tree bole using ground-based sprayers. Several formulations are available and effective if properly applied. More recently, researchers looking for more portable and environmentally-friendly alternatives have examined the effectiveness of injecting small quantities of systemic insecticides directly into trees. The purpose of this chapter is to synthesize information on the efficacy, residual activity, and environmental safety of insecticides commonly used to protect trees from bark beetle attack so that informed, judicious decisions can be made concerning their use.

Citation

Fettig, Christopher J.; Grosman, Donald M.; Munson, A. Steven. 2013. Advances in insecticide tools and tactics for protecting conifers from bark beetle attack in the western United States. In: S. Trdan (Ed.) Insecticides - Development of Safer and More Effective Technologies. InTech, Rijeka, Croatia. P. 472-492.