Like Tim, I've experienced some shoot tip moth damage (not in
my bonsai
nursery, thankfully) on pines in my pre-stock area in the yard.
I've never
read of any way to prevent them from laying eggs in the
candles, nor even
what season that generally occurs. Can anyone suggest good
measure(s) to
take against infestations and also cite the season the egg
laying is going
on? Thanks in advance.


From: Insects and Diseases of Trees in the South, USDA, Forest
Service, Southern Region, Protection Report R8-PR 16 (slightly
revised, Oct. 1999) [This is a book that all growers in eastern
and southern North America should have. It used to be free.
Heaven knows what His Bushiness charges, since our Govt. no
longer provides many services, free or otherwise.]

Anyway:

The critter in question is Rhyaciona frustrana. It occurs
throughout the east and south. (There are related critters
elsewhere in North America and elsewhere. Their biology is
similar.) It attacks most species of pines (and probably loves
the exotics like Japanese pines of various kinds) except lolgleaf
and eastern white pine. It most frequently attacks pines in
"plantations" (that means row crops of trees). Preferred target
is the growing shoots of young pines. Larva bore into and feed
on inner tissues of buds and shoots. Shoot injury occurs
primarily within the first 5 years and decreases as crowns close
(probably would NOT apply to bonsai nurseries where the trees are
kept small with lots of sunlight).

"Biology.-- This pest overwinters as a pupa, and adults emerge in
late winter or early spring. Mating and egg laying occur shortly
after emergence. Early larvae feed on needles and surfaces of
new growth, while later larvae move to shoot tips and begin
boring into buds or stem tissues. Pupation occurs within damaged
shoots. There are 2 - 5 generations per year.

"Control by insecticides is usually not recommended except for
high value trees in seed orchards, nurseries, Christmas tree
plantings, and ornamentals."

You should check with your Agricultural Extension Agent regarding
the chemicals to use in your area.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The ignorant
man marvels at the exceptional; the wise man marvels at the
common; the greatest wonder of all is the regularity of
nature. -- George Dana Bordman

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