Management Strategies to Reduce Losses from the Southern Pine Beetle

Abstract

Abstract Southern pine beetle outbreaks have increased in frequency, severity, and distribution during the past 30 yr. Preventive silvicutural practices offer the most promising and long-lasting means of reversing this trend. Procedures are available for ranking the susceptibility of stands to beetle attack. Silvicultural guidelines have been prescribed to lower the probability of attack in stands and reduce potential losses should beetle outbreaks occur. Forest management objectives, stand conditions, regional beetle populations, and possible interactions with other forest pests need to be considered in developing management strategies that can reduce losses from the southern pine beetle. South. J. Appl. For. 17(3):150-154.