Using explosives to destroy mountain pine beetle broods in lodgepole pine trees

Authors

  • L. Safranyik Pacific Forest Research Centre Canadian Forestry Service Environment Canada Victoria, B.C.
  • H. S. Whitney Pacific Forest Research Centre Canadian Forestry Service Environment Canada Victoria, B.C.

Abstract

The effectiveness of explosives for the destruction of mountain pine beetles in individual lodgepole pine trees was investigated. Two types of detonating cord, and various placements, were tested on infested bolts and trees, and a plastic explosive was tested on bolts. Explosives killed broods directly, and indirectly by habitat disruption. Direct effects extended about 9 cm from the explosion and mortality was inversely related to distance. Indirect effects via extensive loosening and shedding of bark caused far greater mortality than direct effects. On trees, summer and fall treatment was much more effective than spring treatment, regardless of cord placement. Fall treatment using 10 g/m detonating cord helically wrapped onto the boles at 10, 20 and 30 cm spacings caused 100%, 98% and 70% mortality of broods respectively. Generally, vertical placement of the cord into grooves cut through the bark caused more bark disruption and therefore, more brood destruction than did helically wrapped cord placed on the surface.

References

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Published

2019-09-07

Issue

Vol. 77 (1980): Journal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia

Section

Articles

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