Monterrey pine (Pinus radiata D Don) suitability for the pine shoot beetle (Tomicus piniperda L) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

In 1990, the suitability of Pinus radiata D. Don as a host for Tomicus piniperda L. was studied. Special attention was given to the altitude and tree species effect (P. sylvestris and P. radiata) on T. piniperda biology. Despite the mild weather, T. piniperda did not have a second or sister generation at the study sites, and altitude or tree species did not show a significant effect on the life cycle in our study. Beetles developed more slowly and callows weighed less in P. radiata than in P. sylvestris, with a consequent effect on survival. However, tree species did not affect brood production. Therefore, we conclude that more severe outbreaks could develop in P. radiata than in P. sylvestris.