Rocky Mountain Pine Beetle

[enchantedtreez]

Is there any plant health care options other then spraying to help prevent beetle infestation?

 

[Sylvia]

The first and foremost would be to increase, or maintain, the vitality of the trees. Appropriate watering, keeping grass away, stressors to a minimum, etc.

We do NOT recommend fertilization.

We have had some clients try the pheromone traps (available through the Forest Service here) with some success.

If cutting has to be done (either thinning of stand, deadwooding individual trees, etc.) time for the nonwinged stage of the beetle, dispose of brush off property and, if keeping firewood, cover with tarp.

Sylvia

 

[BCMA]

You might want to check out these websites. We have had tremendous results using Douglas fir antiaggregant pheromones. There are companies that have now synthesized the antiaggregation pheromone verbenone for mountain pine beetle. We do not battle MPB in our area but it could be coming!

http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_rn031.pdf

http://pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/tfc/tfc79685-3.html

Or search: mountain pine beetle antiaggregant pheromone

 

[The_Archdruid]

There are other options, as noted, but nothing has been proven to have the efficacy of the carbaryl treatment. In a 2% a.i. solution sprayed over the entire bole, there are several published reports showing 98-100% prevention rates. So, while the industry seems to be turning away from spraying in general, we should make sure high value trees aren't lost to less effective treatments. Total disclosure to clients should be made while discussing options.

*I assume here that treatment is indeed necessary, beyond the otherwise good advice in Sylvia's post . . .

 

[Calatriste]

Can you substantiate the statistic about the efficacy of Carbaryl treatment at 2%. I'd appreciate the info.

Thanks,

Calatriste...

 

[BCMA]

Carbaryl is effective in preventing MPB from entering the tree. The trade name is Seven. It is not effective after they have entered the tree. Search "MPB control" or similiar phrase.