Open access publications in the SLU publication database

Abstract

This monograph on the pine bark bug Aradus cinnamomeus is the result of many years' research work in Scandinavia and other countries. The author gives a historical survey of the places of discovery of this insect, which, not so long ago, was hardly regarded as harmful in the West-European countries. The damage is done by sucking out the cell juice of young pine trees which causes deformity and destruction of the vessels. The damage done by the insect has been explained by means of experimental work and observations. This insect is only to be found on Scots pine and larch. It prefers clean, dry, and warm places and likes pine cultures on light soil. The thick, shadowy, and mixed cultures are only attacked at the edges. The consequences of the appearance of the insect depend mainly upon the size of the insect population and the age of the tree. The chances for 6-10-year-old pines to endure an attack are very small. The necessary prophylactic measure to be taken is to plant the cultures with closer planting space. It is possible to achieve successful results in the control of this insect by fertilizing with nitrogen and also by using the insecticide lindan.