Requests to determine the cause of damage
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From: Zhang
Assigned: M. Zúbrik
Country: Germany
Question
The leaves of this tree were green in April 25, but now (July 1) almost all the leaves have turned yellow. This tree is more than 20 meters tall and is not a small tree. How should I save this tree? Thank you very much for your professional advice!
xm.zhang1@hotmail.com
Answer
Dear Zhang,
Thank you for your inquiry.
According to your photos, the tree was attacked by a bark beetle species, most likely from the group Scolytinae — probably Tomicus minor. This species develops under the bark of declining as well as healthy pines, which then weaken and, under heavy infestation, may kill.
Unfortunately, there is usually no way to save an already infested tree, and attention should instead be focused on the nearby living, as yet unaffected, pines. If the infested tree is left without any intervention, a strong generation of this beetle will develop under the bark and subsequently attack surrounding pines. Trees within a radius of 200–400 m may be at risk.
Therefore, we recommend felling the affected tree as soon as possible and removing it from the site — the wood should be burned, chipped, chemically treated, or moved at least 1 km away from any pine forests. This will help prevent further spread of the infestation.
Best regards, M. Zúbrik
Number of votes for this answer: 0
Pest
Lesser pine shoot beetle
Tomicus minor
