Forest Health:
Insects, Diseases, and Invasive Species

Insects and diseases are natural components of the southern pine ecosystem. Their ecological purpose is to recycle the energy and nutrients of the stand. Some of these insects and diseases become pests when they inhibit pine regeneration and growth. Invasive species have also become a significantt problem for landowners and land managers working to restore and manage natural forest systems. These problems must be detected early if they are to be treated with success. The economic losses can be very high if these problems are not managed.

See these UF/IFAS web pages and publications for more information.

• Emerging Threats to Forests, UF/IFAS SFRC
• ProForest: Proactive Forest Health and Resilience
• Southern Forest and Tree Health Diagnostics Facebook Forum
• UF/IFAS Invasive Species Programs
• Florida Invasive Species Partnership - Resources and Assistance

Insects

• Pine Bark Beetles
• Tree Insects and Diseases of the South (Bugwood)

Diseases

• Tree and Shrub Diseases
• Laurel Wilt: A Threat to Redbay, Avacado and related Trees in Urban and Rural Landscapes
• Tree Insects and Diseases of the South (Bugwood)

Invasive Species

• Invasive Species publications on EDIS