Bark beetles and management options in Central America

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), particularly those in the genus Dendroctonus, are important pests throughout the range of pine forests in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, and Nicaragua. With the possible exception of D. adjunctus in the Altiplano of Guatemala, D. frontalis is considered the most destructive species. Outbreaks are favored by extensive areas of native, mature pine forests, lack of forest management, and frequent wildfires, among other factors. Mechanical control tactics such as prompt cut-and-remove and cut-and-leave have been effective in reducing resource losses during D. frontalis outbreaks in Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua when resources and regulations allowed their implementation. A new species of Dendroctonus, to be named D. woodi, has been identified and awaits formal description. This species often occurs in conjunction with D. frontalis in Mexico and Central America and is thought to be less aggressive. Current management options for prevention and direct control of bark beetles in Central America will be discussed.