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6/8/2010
Southern Pine Beetle Predictions 2010 |
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The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) participated in a southern pine beetle (SPB) trapping program that enables predictions about seasonal SPB population levels. This insect has the potential to cause more destruction in the southeastern states than all other forest pests combined, so predicting potential damage is important. Insect traps are deployed in early spring by GFC foresters and are checked weekly for at least four (4) weeks. A model developed by Dr. Ronald Billings (Texas Forest Service) based on data about the number of SPBs and their primary predator beetle, the clerid beetle, is used to predict population levels.
Traps are positioned to coincide with the dogwood's bloom, which is late March in the coastal plain region and early April in the mountain region. A total of 24 traps were placed statewide in the most recent survey. Most of the traps indicated low SPB populations/activity this season, but a few showed moderate SPB populations/activity. (See 2010 Southern Pine Beetle Predictions map, attached to this article.) The history of the trapping program over the past 20 years indicates this model is accurate approximately 75+% of the time.
Special thanks to GFC foresters for assisting with this year's trapping program. A thanks also goes out to the U. S, Forest Service and the Department of Defense for providing trap data. For more information on how the trapping program works, contact GFC's forest health foresters or health specialists. Additional information on trapping and historical SPB survey data is posted at this link.
The SPB Hazard Rating map for Georgia included in this report was developed by the U. S. Forest Service based upon variables such as host species, stand density, site and soil characteristics. It gives an overview of risk for SPB attack and damage, and provides a good snapshot of where future problems may occur when stand, site, and weather variables trigger another outbreak.
The GFC will be conducting an annual aerial survey for pine bark beetles in late June or July. Any activity will be marked, and the landowner will be notified. A summary report will be posted at www.gatrees.org.
Click here to download this report along the SBP predictions map.
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