Pine needle scale, Chionaspis pinifoliae (Fitch), is an important pest of several common pine species in the United States. In Christmas tree plantations, insecticides can result in resurgence of scales because of loss of natural controls. Natural enemies can therefore be encouraged to control scale infestations by minimizing applications of insecticides, as well as by improving the floristic diversity within plantations to provide floral resources for adult natural enemies and alternative prey. We have conducted a field study to test this hypothesis, manipulating the plant community within a Christmas tree plantation by mowing, applying insecticide treatments, and leaving untreated control plots. Our findings suggest that conservation biological control can be effective in minimizing damage to trees by pine needle scale.
Species 1: Homoptera Diaspididae Chionaspis pinifoliae (pine needle scale)
Species 2: Coleoptera Coccinellidae Chilocorus stigma (twicestabbed lady beetle)
Keywords: Natural enemies, Conservation biological control
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA