Abstract

ANTONELLI, C. R.; DEMAESTRI, M.  and  CRENNA, C.. Evaluating Arhopalus spp.-caused mortality in pine plantations in Cordoba, Argentina. Quebracho (Santiago del Estero) [online]. 2020, vol.28, n.1, pp.72-77.  Epub June 01, 2020. ISSN 0328-0543.

The plantations of Pinus spp. represent one third of the forest production of Córdoba, Argentina. However, the lack of management and control has favored the arrival and permanence of pests such as the Arhopalus rusticus and Arhopalus syriacus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), exotic species that sweep the phloem of the pines affecting their wood quality and value. The objective posed in this work was to evaluate the mortality of pines due to Arhopalus spp. as to a silvicultural parameter in the pine forests of Córdoba. Thus, 600 Pinus spp. individuals surveyed in 4 transects were measured in their diameter at breast height (DBH) and labeled as “Alive” or “Killed by Arhopalus” in accordance with their sanitary state. The data were analyzed using generalized linear models. The best model was that explaining their condition in terms of their DBH. The average DBH for the pines killed by Arhopalus was 21.65 cm, while for the living pines was 27.46 cm. This would indicate that these species preferentially attack young individuals with a DBH close to 20 cm, which translates into an important economic loss since many trees that could have a high timber value will not be able to reach the final cut in good sanitary condition.

Keywords : Arhopalus rusticus; Arhopalus syriacus; damage losses; Pinus spp.; diameter at breast height.