KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsFeared beetle pest suspected in death of Neb. pine

Feared beetle pest suspected in death of Neb. pine

Associated Press - June 4, 2009 12:35 PM ET

HARRISBURG, Neb. (AP) - A beetle species that has ravaged pine forests in much of the western United States and Canada have arrived in Nebraska's Panhandle, likely from neighboring Wyoming.

Nebraska Forest Service officials say mountain pine beetles are believed to be infesting trees in a windbreak near Harrisburg in Banner County. One Scotch pine has already succumbed.

The trees die of malnourishment, because the beetles' damage cuts off the flow of water and nutrients.

A final confirmation on the beetle's species was expected soon, but state forestry officials have already issued a warning so nearby landowners could spray insecticide on their pines.

Symptoms include sawdust in bark crevices and foliage that turns yellowish-green to reddish-brown.

On the Net:

Nebraska Forest Service: http://www.nfs.unl.edu/

Mountain pine beetle site: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05528.html

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