A carbosulfan insecticide to protect pine seedlings from <i>Hylastes ater</i> (Coleoptera Scolytidae) damage

Abstract

A controlled release granular carbosulfan pesticide was tested for efficacy against Hylastes ater damage of Pinus radiata seedlings in secondrotation forests in the central North Island Our study involved control seedlings and seedlings treated with 10 g or 15 g carbosulfan granules per seedling Seedling mortality ranged from 0 to 8 at the five sites When seedling mortality was high (8) mortality was reduced to 07 and 0 for carbosulfan granules applied at 10 g/seedling and 15 g/seedling respectively While seedling mortality in the five sites was low a large proportion of seedlings were damaged (38 to 83 of untreated seedlings) by H ater Untreated seedlings were damaged more frequently and with greater severity than treated seedlings The results indicate that that carbosulfan should protect P radiata seedlings from damage caused by H ater when used at the recommended field rate

Hylastes ater(Curculionidae: Scolytinae) AffectingPinus radiataSeedling Establishment in New Zealand

“…Following the work of Reay and Walsh [3,49], management practices that could reduce likelihood of attack were recommended. As discussed above, high-risk sites could be planted later in the season in spring/early summer (rather than during winter) when late instar larvae are present allowing little time for seedlings to establish and grow prior to beetle emergence and may result in seedlings being more vulnerable to damage.…”

“…In New Zealand, chemical insecticides are rarely used in plantation areas to control H. ater. A carbosulfan insecticide was shown to protect seedlings from damage by H. ater but is not currently in operational use [49].…”

Feeding behaviour of the black pine beetle, Hylastes ater (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

“…The forest industry faces many threats in the form of pests and disease and, to control these efficiently, a detailed understanding of their biology and behaviour is essential. These pests are encouraged by silvicultural practices that provide them with a regular food source and a plethora of breeding sites throughout the year (Reay & Walsh, 2002a). Hylastes ater (F.), the black pine beetle, is one such pest, which the Chinese quarantine authorities currently list as undesirable on imported Pinus radiata (D.Don.)…”

“…European in origin, it still remains a pest both in Europe and the U.K., but is now a serious pest in the P. radiata forests of New Zealand, where is was first discovered in 1929 (Reay et al , 2002; Zhang et al , 2004). More recently, the increased number of sites being planted, the reduced number of trees at each site and the reduction in the fallow time between harvesting and replanting have all led to bigger losses as a result of this beetle (Reay & Walsh, 2002a). In comparison with, for example, Hylobius abietis (L.), little research has been carried out on this particular species and, as a result, much information concerning its behaviour has had to be inferred from studies on closely‐related species.…”

“…Antifeedant research for H. abietis (Mansson & Schlyter, 2004) could also be applied to Hylastes species. In addition to this, Carbosulfan appears to be effective (Reay & Walsh, 2002a) and the use of phosphine as a fumigant on export logs might well replace the less desirable methyl bromide (Zhang et al , 2004).…”