RECENT RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In response to an initial survey of pest concerns and research priorities, the FPMC has made significant accomplishments in the following areas:
- Evaluation of baits resulted in 24C registration of Volcano®, a safe
alternative to methyl bromide, for control of the Texas leaf-cutting ant in
Texas and Louisiana. - Evaluation of trunk injection of systemic pesticides resulting in 90+%
reduction in coneworm damage for 6+ years in pine seed orchards and
prevention of mortality by bark beetles. - Determination of the impact of pine reproduction weevils, development of
a weevil risk-rating system and 24C registration of Pounce®, Waylay™
and/or Artic in several southern states. - Determination of the impact of pine tip moth, development of a tip moth
hazard-rating model and EPA registration of PTM™ (fipronil) and
SilvaShield™ (imidacloprid + fertilizer tablet).
OTHER PROJECTS
- Studies to develop economical control options to protect young
plantations from tip moth. - Studies to evaluate potential of systemic tree injections to protect cone
crops from coneworms and seed bugs and trees from bark beetles and
wood borers. - Develop a new effective leaf-cutting ant treatment.
- Monitoring of tip moth & coneworm populations in pine seed orchards and
plantations. - Prediction of annual southern pine beetle infestation trends.
- Quartly newsletter entitled PEST (Progress, Education, Science, Technology)
(128 kb)