Correlation of Southern Pine Beetle1Attack Density, Oviposition, and Generation Survival with Host Tree Characteristics and Preceeding Beetle Life Stages Within the Host2

Abstract

Correlations between host characteristics of loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) and population parameters for the southern pine beetle ( Dendroctonus frontalis Zimm.) were investigated. Beetle variables studied were attacking adult density (ATTKD), density of eggs laid per female (EGFEM), and generation survival (GENS). Three sets of independent variables were analyzed for each dependent variable. Stepwise regression analysis identified the best model for each dependent variable for each set of independent variables considered. With one exception the diam of the host was found to be the only physical characteristic correlated with the D. frontalis variables. When the ATTKD and EGFEM variables were added to host variables in analysis of EGFEM and GENS, respectively, they became the best correlated variables. Addition of the date of peak attack to the models showed no Iinear effect of season.