Effects of Nantucket Pine Tip Moth Insecticide Spray Schedules on Loblolly Pine Seedlings

Abstract

Frequent and prolonged insecticide applications to control the Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock) (Lepidoptera:Tortricidae) (NPTM), although effective, may be impractical and uneconomical for commercial timber production. Timed insecticide sprays of permethrin (Pounce 3.2® EC) were applied to all possible combinations of spray schedules for three annual NPTM generations during the first, second, and first and second years following stand establishment. An optimal insecticide spray schedule that minimized the number of costly insecticide applications and maximized volume index in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) was determined by applying a single spray during the first generation of the first and second years following planting. This schedule eliminates four sprays over a 2 yr period when compared to standard insecticide application schedules and has important implications toward establishing an integrated pest management program for this common regeneration pest.