The Nantucket Pine Tip Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): A Literature Review with Management Implications

Abstract

The Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock), an important pest of intensively-managed loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., was first noted in the scientific literature in 1879. This pest gained notoriety with the establishment of loblolly pine monocultures throughout the southeastern United States during the 1950s. Current intensive forest management practices have led to increasing interest in managing this insect. Herein we review all Nantucket pine tip moth literature (1879–2002) by addressing the following subjects: biology and life history, natural enemies, sampling methodologies, site and stand influences, economic impact, and management strategies. Further, we provide management recommendations in the form of a decision chart that is based upon the best available information to date and our collective experience.

Irrigation and Fertilization Effects on Nantucket Pine Tip Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Damage Levels and Pupal Weight in an Intensively-Managed Pine Plantation2

“…In addition, the forest habitat surrounding the study area consisted primarily of mature pines. Older trees appear to be more resistant to R. frusfrana infestation and generally support only small populations (Asaro et al 2003), and thus offer limited migration potential to adjacent newly-planted sites. found increased tip moth oviposition on fertilized + irrigated trees in the greenhouse, concluding that similar field treatments would increase tip moth damage levels and pupal weights.…”

Efficacy of Wing Versus Delta Traps for Predicting Infestation Levels of Four Generations of the Nantucket Pine Tip Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in the Southern United States

“…THE NANTUCKET PINE TIP moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock), is an important and ubiquitous pest of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings and saplings throughout the southern United States (Berisford 1988, Asaro et al 2003. Its larvae initially mine needles and subsequently feed inside buds and shoots, where pupation and overwintering occur (Berisford 1988, Asaro et al 2003.…”

“…Its larvae initially mine needles and subsequently feed inside buds and shoots, where pupation and overwintering occur (Berisford 1988, Asaro et al 2003. R. frustrana has two to Þve generations per year throughout its range, with three to four generations per year predominating (Fettig et al 2000a).…”

“…Numerous studies (Warren 1964, Berisford and Kulman 1967, Warren et al 1974, Hertel and Benjamin 1977, Thomas et al 1982, Nelson and Cade 1984, Hood et al 1988, Ross et al 1990 have demonstrated a positive association between tip moth damage, intensive site preparation, and herbicide use. Therefore, control measures for R. frustrana are likely to be more widely used (Asaro et al 2003), and forest managers will seek new management tools that increase the feasibility of widespread tip moth control.…”

Long-Term Benefits to the Growth of Ponderosa Pines from Controlling Southwestern Pine Tip Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Weeds

“…For example, Warren and Young (1972) reported that early Rhyacionia tip moth control could increase growth of young pine plantations in the southeastern United States for up to 12 yr post-treatment. Although the closely related Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock), has been intensively studied because of its signiÞcant economic importance in young southern pine plantations in the southeastern United States (Asaro et al 2003), the southwestern pine tip moth has not been well studied. Long and Wagner (1992) demonstrated that control of tip moth and competing vegetation increased growth and survival of ponderosa pine seedlings during the Þrst few years (1984 Ð1987) after planting, although the effects varied among different sites.…”