This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes to field test the hypothesis that populations of Southern Pine Beetle (SPB), the single most important insect pest of southern pine forests, can be reduced by supplying food to their hymenopterous parasitoids (a new technique for the augmentation of biological control). We will measure changes in population abundance of both SPB and their parasitoids when parasitoid food is applied to trees in SPB infested forests. Our laboratory studies demonstrate that the adults of the six most common species of SPB parasitoids live longer and produce more eggs when food is provided. Parasitoid larvae feed on SPB larvae. In these field tests we will evaluate the potential for reducing SPB populations in the forest with food applications. The information from these experiments will determine whether or not large scale demonstrations of food applications for SPB population control should be conducted.Applications:The southern pine beetle is the most serious pest of southern pine trees and southern pine is the largest single crop (both in acres and dollars) in the southern United States. Salvage logging or felling of both infested and some surrounding uninfested trees is the only recommended method for control. Presently, there is no other effective direct control method recommended for this pest. Tree felling is expensive and reduces the numbers of standing snags that can be used by wildlife. Potentially, our food product offers a novel SPB control method and may be adaptable to other crops.
