LOBLOLLY-SHORTLEAF 

 AND LONGLEAF-SLASH PINE TYPES 



Starting with planting programs in the 1930's, major changes 

 have taken place in the distribution of pine species in the South. 

 Loblolly and slash pines became established naturally on aban- 

 doned farms. The two species were also extensively planted on 

 marginal sites outside their natural range, including many sites 

 formerly occupied by longleaf pine. 



Southern pine beetle, the most important forest insect pest in 

 the South, was favored by the shift from the more resistant long- 

 leaf pine to loblolly and slash pines, by the overall increase in 

 susceptible host types and, in recent years, by older stand age 

 and high stocking levels (Nettleton 1988). During recent years, 

 southern pine beetle outbreaks have become more severe and 

 damage has increased. The need for stippression to control spot 

 infestations and minimize timber and other losses has increased. 



Wildernesses in some of the southern national forests have 

 stands of older pine that are particularly susceptible to southern 

 pine beetle. Some of these wildernesses provide habitat for the 

 red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species. Suppression 

 of southern pine beetle has been necessary to protect the pines 

 on which this woodpecker depends. 



Pine forest in Four Notch (Texas) infested with southern 

 pine beetles (photo © R. Billings, Texas Forest Semice). 



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14 



Forest Health Concerns 



