Identification and life cycle

the major forest pest in the southeastern US
~3 generations per year in KY
adults attack host trees en masse
immature (larva) feeds on phloem
attack is fatal
hosts: mature loblolly, Virginia, and shortleaf pines
Look for oozing pitch tubes, fading crowns, unusual woodpecker activity

Impacts

In Kentucky and the Cumberland Plateau region, losses to SPB during 1999-2002 were dramatic and potentially unique. Nearly 100% of the pine type in Kentucky experienced stand-altering mortality. In addition to the economic losses in excess of $120 M, shortleaf pine forests in Kentucky provided the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker with its primary habitat at the northern edge of its range. Every known RCW cavity tree in Kentucky was destroyed by SPB over the course of a two-year period, forcing evacuation of the birds.

Status

In Kentucky, no suitable host material remains to sustain significant SPB populations. Research on regeneration/ restoration efforts are underway.

Action

Appropriate site and species selection; maintain a mix of age and species; minimize plant stress by thinning, maintain tree vigor; remove slash; proper sanitation, monitor beetle populations, time harvests before growth declines.