Hazard rating forest sites for pine tip moth, Rhyacionia spp.1, in the upper Piedmont plateau

Hazard rating models for pine tip moths (Rhyacionia spp.) were developed from vegetative, physiographic, and other site characteristics of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands in the upper Piedmont of South Carolina. Results of regression models show that site preparation intensity, site index, soil calcium, and depth of the "A" horizon are the most important predictors of tip moth infestation levels. For management of loblolly pine, minimum site preparation and forest practices that favor high site quality will reduce the hazard of tip moth. The severity of tip moth damage to loblolly pine stands is inversely related to site quality and positively related to the intensity of site preparation