Genetic Variation in Resistance of Trees to Insect Attack

When Ernie Schreiner asked me to discuss resistance of trees to insect attack he promised to write a speech for me. I wish that he had kept his promise for I am sure that he has much more information on the subject than I. We at New Haven have not worked on any specific project of this nature so my remarks must of necessity be a rehash of the work and deliberation of others. I would like to state at the outset that our Division is intensely interested in the problem and our Berkeley, California station is working on two specific projects at the present time. In recent years emphasis has been placed on studies to control forest insects by direct methods. Considerable success has been attained in combatting a number of serious forest insect pests with insecticides applied by aircraft and from the ground. We are, however, running into a number of unforeseen problems in connection with insecticidal control and are now attempting to place greater emphasis on natural control studies. At least we are trying to evaluate the role of natural factors in controlling our major pests. These factors include parasites, predators, disease, climate, etc., and certainly the resistance of trees to attack by insects.

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Author(s): R. C. Brown

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Northeastern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 1953