Stem defects evolutions by Rhyacionia buoliana in Chile: an example in the X Region

Abstract

Rhyacionia buoliana is a shoot borer associated with Pinus radiata plantations in Chile. Now is considered an endemic pest in the X Region, where is causing economic losses. When the insect atack and kill the apical leader, is possible to observe the stem damages in the form of defects and deformations of variable intensity. The main defects are: multileaders, biforkers and several intensities of curvatures. This kind of damages evolves in time, because the trees can recover.
This study monitored the evolution of the stem defects during 4 consecutive years of a tree stock in two site indexs in the province of Valdivia. The results demonstrate that the first tree responses, after the death of the leader is a multileader and occasionally a bifurcation. Crooks of several intensities are the most frequent secondary defects.