Large pine weevil

The large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) is a member of the Coleoptera order and the Curculionidae family. It is widely recognized as the most economically significant pest of young coniferous plantations across Europe, posing a severe threat to reforestation efforts and nursery stock.

This insect primarily infests coniferous species, including Pinus, Picea, Abies, and Larix. Young seedlings are particularly vulnerable during their first few years after planting. The presence of fresh stumps in clear-felled areas provides an ideal breeding ground for the weevil, leading to high population densities in new plantation sites.

The biology of the large pine weevil involves a life cycle ranging from one to two years, significantly influenced by local climate conditions. Adults overwinter in soil or under bark, emerging in spring to feed. Females deposit eggs in the bark of roots belonging to weakened trees or fresh stumps, where the larvae then develop by feeding on the phloem and cambium.

Damage is caused by adult weevils gnawing on the bark of young seedlings. They typically consume the bark around the stem base, which can girdle the tree and disrupt the transport of nutrients. This feeding activity often leads to the rapid death of young trees, resulting in significant losses and the need for expensive replanting programs.

Effective management requires an integrated approach to forest protection. Silvicultural methods, such as removing stumps or delaying the planting of susceptible species for several years after harvesting, are highly effective. Additionally, treating seedlings with insecticides before planting and using trap logs to monitor and remove adult weevils are standard practices in forest management.

• Application of insecticides to seedling roots
• Stump removal and site sanitation
• Delayed planting on clear-felled areas
• Use of pheromone or baited log traps for monitoring