The incidence of seedling attack and mortality by Hylastes ater (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in second rotation Pinus radiata forests in the Central North Island, New Zealand.

Authors: S. D. Reay, P. J. Walsh
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2002, Issue N.Z.J.For. 47(2) 2002, pp 19-23, Aug 2002
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: The incidence of seedling attack by Hylastes ater was assessed in Central North Island, New Zealand second rotation Pinus radiata plantings by destructively sampling seedlings in a variety of sites. The results show that H. ater attack was the dominant factor contributing to seedling mortality in the first year following planting. Seedling mortality due to H. ater was not evenly distributed throughout the forest. In the majority of sites, seedling mortality was low; however levels of sub-lethal attack were often high. Although the extent to which seedling health may be compromised is not known, this result suggests that seedlings may be able to survive all but the most severe attacks. The incidence of mortality and attack was found to be related to the harvesting history of a site. Seedlings planted in sites harvested during late summer/autumn were identified as being at greatest risk from H. ater attack.

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