![]() Alex Shigo had made a strong case against the use of some tested wound dressings, demonstrating that they increased wood decay. The goal of the Cornell research was to determine the health effects on conifers after applying the new Lac Balsum wound dressing. On the other hand, 30% of the conifers not receiving the wound dressing showed evidence of pitch mass borer activity one or two years later (Note: proper experimental protocol was not followed in determining these results). ![]() Apparently the Lac Balsum acted as a protective barrier and/or did not attract egg deposition. The conifers receiving the wound dressing showed no evidence of pitch mass borer infestations after 2 years. It has a flat gray color when applied over the wounds of fresh pruning cuts. They applied a newer generation of wound dressing called Lac Balsum that was introduced from Europe a couple of decades ago. Several years ago, some studies performed by Cornell University researchers unintentionally showed that pitch mass borer attacks could be reduced on recently pruned pines or spruces by applying a wound dressing. ![]() Therefore, pitch mass borer attacks will often increase after pruning wounds are made (proper pruning cuts included). The pitch mass borer, as well as all clearwing moths, requires a wound to successfully penetrate and bore into a tree. ![]() Pine branch pruning cuts create the open wound that invites the Pitch Mass Borer clear-winged moth to lay eggs. ![]()
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