Work

Integrated Management Strategies for Wood Infested by Hylurgus ligniperda F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The red-haired bark beetle (RHB), Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius, 1787) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), is a globally distributed quarantine pest, making effective management of infested wood essential. This study developed an integrated control system to achieve closed-loop management under various environmental and wood conditions. RHB eggs were the most fumigation-tolerant stage. Although sulfuryl fluoride (SF) showed higher potency, aluminum phosphide (AP) provided deeper penetration into wood (AP: 29.5% vs. SF: 12.6%). Both fumigants effectively reached all logs in the stacks. Fumigation efficacy was highest at moderate temperatures (18–22 °C) and lower wood moisture levels. In addition to chemical methods, thermal treatments were evaluated: heating to 60–65 °C achieved complete mortality, while effective freezing control required temperatures of −30 °C. For bark and chip debris generated during processing, beta-cypermethrin fumigation effectively eliminated residual pests. Our results confirm that both AP and SF are suitable for disinfecting infested Pinus thunbergii wood, that extreme temperatures can reduce dispersal risks, and that beta-cypermethrin is effective in the downgraded utilization of wood byproducts. This work provides a comprehensive and practical framework for controlling the spread of this invasive pest.

Source: Insects

DOI: 10.3390/insects16111154