
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 29, 1994                   TAG: 9404290163
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE                                LENGTH: Short

PINE BEETLES WEAKENED, BUT SO ARE THE TREES

Severe cold and ice storms that killed many of the Southern pine beetles this winter also weakened trees, creating the perfect conditions for a beetle comeback.

Storm-damaged trees are ``an easy resource for the beetle to get into,'' said Joel Artman, chief of pathology and vegetation management for the Virginia Department of Forestry. ``Theoretically, that could keep the epidemic going even with fewer beetles.''

Recent samplings by the Forestry Department indicate the winter took a heavy toll on the beetles, Artman said. But forestry officials won't know how the bug is faring until late summer or early fall.

The beetle, which is smaller than a grain of rice, kills pine trees by girdling them under the bark and by spreading a blue fungus that invades the wood. The pines can be mortally wounded within days.

- Associated Press

by CNB