pine shoot beetle survey
Since the introduction and subsequent establishment of Tomicus piniperda, pine shoot beetle (PSB), in states immediately north of Kentucky we have become concerned about the possibility of these foreign bark beetles becoming introduced. The state of Kentucky has six barge terminals that receive foreign dunnage along with a major international airport that receives cargo from Europe on a daily basis. Bark beetles (Family Scolytidae) are routinely intercepted at Cincinnati Airport from pallets, dunnage, or crating, sometimes on a monthly basis. These are significant interceptions that require treatment of the commodity. Over the past few years, pine shoot beetle has been spreading steadily southward toward Kentucky from Ohio and Indiana. It has been detected in Franklin County, Ohio, i.e. almost at Kentucky’s border. In 2004, it was reported in two counties in southeastern Indiana.
The survey for Tomicus piniperda will be conducted in counties along the Ohio River which are closest to pine shoot beetle infested states. Visual surveys of all Christmas tree farms and nurseries were completed over the entire northern Kentucky area during a two year period with negative findings. We feel that locating traps in pine stands and other vulnerable areas across the river from quarantine areas will enable us to find this pest before it can obtain a foothold. Lindgren funnel traps will be used baited with alpha-pinene (A-pinene) lure. Traps will be checked once every two weeks.
