Association of pitch moths (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae and Pyralidae) with rust diseases in a lodgepole pine provenance trial

A survey in a lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm., provenance trial showed that the western pine moth, Dioryctria cambiicola (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), was the most prevalent pitch moth, and stalactiform blister rust, Cronartium coleosporioides Arth., the most prevalent stem rust. Also present were the Douglas-fir pitch moth, Synanthedon novaroensis (Hy. Edwards) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), comandra blister rust, Cronartium comandrae Pk., and western gall rust, Endocronartium harknessii J.P. Moore, and the stem canker Atropellis piniphila (Weir). Results from a likelihood ratio test indicated an association of western pine moth with stalactiform blister rust and of Douglas-fir pitch moth with both western gall rust and stalactiform blister rust. Western pine moth attacks are most commonly found along the active edge of stalactiform blister rust cankers, suggesting that the moth larvae derive some specific benefit from the fungus. The association of Douglas-fir pitch moth with the rusts appear to be a result of the physical wounding caused by the fungi, since attacks by this pitch moth are also frequently found at pruning wounds or other injuries.