Possibilities of breeding weevil-resistant white pine strains

Abstract

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) is a highly versatile species. It is easily planted, adaptable to a wide variety of soils and climates, and reproduces itself well. Also it grows rapidly and is capable of producing high-quality lumber. These characteristics once entitled white pine to a top position in the forest economy throughout much of the Northeast. Unfortunately, its susceptibility to attack by the white-pine weevil (Pissodes strobi (Peck)) now has relegated the species to the role of a second-rate or even a weed tree in some parts of the region.