Journal of Applied Entomology (2015) 139, 701-711

R. Modlinger, J. Holusa and J. Liska (2015)
Insect pests of Norway spruce cones: incidences and altitude preferences with emphasis on Cydia strobilella (L.)
Journal of Applied Entomology 139 (9), 701-711
Abstract: Pest species infesting spruce cones were identified from 109 locations approved for the collection of seed material in the Czech Republic. Four (occasionally five) cones were studied from each location, and 448 cones were examined in total. Each cone was assessed for external damage and was then cut open along the spine. The predominant pest species, Cydia strobilella, was detected in 65% of the cones, while the next most common species, Dioryctria abietella, was detected in 13% of the cones. Ernobius abietis, Eupithecia sp., and Thekopsora areolata were less numerous. Kaltenbachiola strobi and Megastigmus sp. were recorded sporadically. Most cones (68%) were infested with only one species. The maximum number of C. strobilella larvae detected in one cone was 13. Cone damage resulting from C. strobilella declined markedly with increasing elevation. Thus, cone infestation by C. strobilella was greater in those forest vegetation zones located in lowlands and uplands rather than in highlands and at lower mountain elevations. The number of cones without damage tended to increase with elevation, but infestation by D. abietella was unrelated to elevation. In some cases, C. strobilella damage to cones was severe. External markings on the cone (resin and deformation) cannot by themselves serve as reliable criteria for predicting C. strobilella infestation, although cones with such signs should be preferentially assessed when seed material is inspected.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Jaroslav Holusa

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
surveys/sampling/distribution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Kaltenbachiola strobi	Spruce (Picea)	Czech Republic
	Cydia strobilella	Spruce (Picea)	Czech Republic
	Dioryctria abietella	Spruce (Picea)	Czech Republic
	Ernobius abietis	Spruce (Picea)	Czech Republic
	Thekopsora areolata	Spruce (Picea)	Czech Republic