Within- and between-stand distribution of attacks by pine weevil [Hylobius abietis (L.)]

Abstract

The pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) is considered one of the most damaging pests in reforestation areas in Scandinavia. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the within- and between-stand distribution of pine weevil attacks. Between-stand distribution was examined by assessing the frequency of attacks in all newly planted coniferous stands in relation to stands clear-cut at two state forest districts in North Zealand, Denmark. Within-stand distribution was examined by investigating the position and damage to individual seedlings in relation to the position of breeding material. The stand-level attack frequency did not seem to be higher for stands in areas with more clear-cuts. The within-stand distribution of attacks was not influenced by the position of breeding material.

Keywords:

• Attack frequency
• clear-cut intensity
• Denmark
• distance relations
• spatial distribution

Acknowledgments

Kim Dralle from the Danish Forest and Nature Agency is thanked for his help with extracting spatial data from the GIS-based management system Proteus. The employees at Kronborg and Frederiksborg State Forest Districts are thanked for assistance with locating the stands. The project was funded by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency.