Effect of Forest Fertilization on Pine Needle-Feeding Coleoptera

1989

S. 279-286

3 Abb., 2 Tab., 27 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200040740

The effects of forest fertilizers on the intensit of damage caused b two curculionid (Brachyderes incanus, Brachonyx pineti) and two chrysomelid (Calomicrus pinicola, Cryptocephalus pini) species feeding as adults on Scots pine needles were investigated in two pine stands growing on dry (Calluna type) sites in South-West Finland. There was much variation in the abundance of the insect species both between the trials and the sample plots. Nitrogen fertilization increased both the height and radial growth of the pines. The curculionids were slightly more abundant on the nitrogen- treated plots. Potassium application seemed to decrease the feeding intensity of the chrysomelids especially. The overall effects were so small that forest fertilization cannot be considered as an efficient control method against needle-feeding beetles.