Development of host preference-risk assessment maps for Eurasian woodwasp (Sirex noctilio) on southern conifer species

PARTNERS: USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection (Southern Region); University of Georgia; Mississippi State University; USDA Forest Service Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team; USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Plant Protection and Quarantine

SUMMARY: Researchers are examining the relationship of the spatial dynamics of Eurasian Woodwasp (Sirex noctilio) with susceptible host-types in southern landscapes. The expected products and outcomes from this three-year project include:

• Detailed information about the colonization activities of S. noctilio on conifer species present in the southern forests. This information will be provided to forest managers and land-owners to enable them to make management decisions before and after colonization by this insect as based on the current mixture of host species within their stands.
• Host susceptibility maps for S. noctilio as based on its colonization preference and host density. Along with other criteria for invasion such as presence or absence of introduction points and distance to known infestations (some of these maps are already available), these data can be used for a more accurate prediction of the spread of this insect.
• Research findings to be disseminated through various Forest Service brochures, bulletin and fact sheets, peer-reviewed publications, and partner websites. Results will also be provided to policy makers and landowners through outreach and scientific presentations.

EFETAC'S ROLE: This project is supported by Eastern Threat Center funding.

STATUS: Completed

PROGRESS: Preliminary GIS hazard maps as based on host preference, host density, and soil types have been created. These maps will be refined for USDA Forest Service technology transfer.

Graduate Student Thesis

Chase, K. 2013. Forest stand preference of Sirex nigricornis, and Sirex noctilio hazard in the southeastern United States. M.S. Thesis, Mississippi State University, Mississippi, 109 pp.

Dinkins, J.E. 2011. Sirex noctilio host choice and no-choice bioassays: their preferences and mechanisms to southeastern pines. M.S. Thesis submitted to the University of Georgia, Athens, 132 pp.

Conference Proceeding Publications

Gandhi, K.J.K., Barnes, B., Dinkins, J., Robertson, D., Coyle, D., Chase, K., Asaro, C., Johnson, W., Meeker, J., Miller, D., Riggins, J., Sullivan, B., and Shepherd, W. 2013. Community and chemical ecology of siricids and their parasitoids. Interagency Research Forum on Exotic Insects, Annapolis, Maryland, Jan., 2013. In Press.

Bordeaux, J.M., Dean, J.F.D., Coyle, D.R., and Gandhi, K.J.K. 2013. High variability in biomarker gene responses to Sirex noctilio venom in field-grown pines. Conference Proceedings of the 32^nd Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference, Clemson, South Carolina, 10-13 June, 2013. Pp. 86-93.

Dinkins, J., Riggins, J.J., Schimleck, L., Sullivan, B., Dean, J.F., and Gandhi, K.J.K. 2012. Using resin and wood properties to provide a model explaining behavioral responses of Sirex noctilio to southeastern pine species. Proceedings of the North American Forest Insect Work Conference, Portland, Oregon, 9-12 May 2011. Pp. 69-70.

Chase, K.D., Dinkins, J.E., Gandhi, K.J.K., and Riggins, J.J.  2012. Building a hazard map of Sirex noctilio Fabricius in the southeastern United States using host preference data. Proceedings of the North American Forest Insect Work Conference, Portland, Oregon, 9-12 May 2011. Pp. 68.

Gandhi, K.J.K., Dinkins, J.E., Riggins, J.J., Schimleck, L., Sullivan, B., Dean, J.F., Zylstra, K.E., and Mastro, V. 2011. Colonization preferences of the European woodwasp, Sirex noctilio, on southeastern pine species. Proceedings of the Interagency Research Forum on Exotic Insects, Annapolis, Maryland, 11-14 Jan. 2011. Pp. 73-74.

Dinkins, J.E., Riggins, J.J., Mastro, V., Zylstra, K.E., and Gandhi, K.J.K.  2011. Oviposition and colonization preferences of Sirex noctilio on southern pine species. Proceedings of the Southern Forest Insect Work Conference, Wilmington, North Carolina, 20-23 July 2010. Pp. 12.

Gandhi, K.J.K., Asaro, C., Barnes, B., Dinkins, J., Johnson, W., Mastro, V., Meeker, J.R., Miller, D., Riggins, J.R., and Zylstra, K.E. 2010. Behavior and ecology of native and exotic siricids, and their hymenopteran parasitoids in southern pine stands. Proceedings of the Interagency Research Forum on Exotic Insects, Annapolis, Maryland, 12-15 Jan. 2010. Pp. 18-20.

LINKS:

CONTACT:

• Kamal J.K. Gandhi, University of Georgia, kgandhi@warnell.uga.edu or (706) 542-4614
• John J. Riggins, Mississippi State University, JRiggins@entomology@msstate.edu or (662) 325-2984

Updated February 2014