Controlling the pine weevil, the most important pest of replanted coniferous sites in Europe

The large pine weevil, Hylobius abietis, is the most important pest of replanted coniferous sites in Ireland and throughout northern Europe. If left unchecked, it can kill every young tree on a site. the normal method to control weevils is to use chemicals, but another approach being developed uses more natural methods. Pine weevil is the only forest pest against which chemical insecticide is routinely applied in Ireland and there is a real need to develop an ecologically sustainable management strategy for it. The weevils develop in the stumps of recently cut conifers and emerge as adults which attack newly planted trees, both conifer and broadleaf. Weevils feeding on the bark can kill a young tree within days. The traditional approach is to treat each seedling with insecticide.

Source: Science Spin - Ireland's science wildlife and discovery magazine
http://www.sciencespin.com/magazine/archive/2008/07/controlling-the-pin…