e flow of water and nutrients between the roots and crown of the tree. It is noted by Mr. Harris that swelling may also occur, but this usually goes unnoticed because the tree dies within two to three years.Damage to the buds and crown is more obvious. Enlarged and contorted stems and twigs stand out from the healthy ones as foliage dies out. Buds are killed or growth is inhibited by the adelgids, and as old needles are shed they are not replaced by new growth. Holtrop notes that as a result the tree becomes increasingly thin, and that this type of damage may persist for many years before the tree dies.Direct control of the Adelgis piceae in forest stands is impractical by methods known at present. High value trees in parks and nurseries can be treated successfully with insecticides if all above-ground parts of trees can be thoroughly drenched. This isn’t to say that there is no hope for infected forest stands. Losses in forest stands can be minimized by intensive cutting of trees of the genus Abies before serious tree mortality occurs and before dying trees become unsuitable for salvage.Of prime concern is the prevention of spread to uninfested areas. Strict regulation of tree movement will help to restrict infestation spread. It should also be noted that several species of imported predacious insects have not been successful in reducing the problem (Harris, 78).In conclusion, I would like to explain what first turned me on to the thought of researching this insect. This past summer I took a week’s vacation to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina. I was stunned by the abundance of wildlife and vegetation present throughout the park and was amazed at how healthy and vigorous each species appeared to be. Then we hiked to the highest point in the Smokies, Clingman’s Dome. It was evident immediately that something was affecting the trees surrounding the 6,700 feet tall work o...
