The South Dakota Pine Bark Beetle Caper

Abstract

Abstract:The aim of this study is the creation of a new, economical and bio-rational control protocol for epidemic infestations of mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonous ponderosae). A comparison of eight different materials for mortality to mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonous ponderosae) done in 2002 was interrupted by a seven year hiatus. Field preparations of an entomopathogenic fungus (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) sprayed into colonies of Formosan subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosanus) in trees in the New Orleans area since 1997, Boxelder bugs in Montana, homopterous sucking insects on citrus and early instar buck moth (Hemileuca maia) caterpillars in oaks trees, gave us excellent routine operational control for a number of years. From 2009 to 2013, numerous field sites in South Dakota, Montana and Colorado were sprayed with a mixture of entomopathogenic fungus (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) mixed with the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae in a preparation, which we call "Pork'n'beans". And the experiment produced dramatic positive results. These results, recorded in this paper, were repeatedly suppressed by the state and federal government-sponsored forestry establishment. Description of the work and a discussion of possible motives are included.