scholarly journals Impact of extreme weather conditions on the population dynamics of bark beetles in the forests of Eastern Serbia

2015 ◽  
pp. 27-37
Author(s):  
Mara Tabaković-Tošić ◽  
Marija Milosavljević

The paper presents the results of a one-year study of population dynamics of bark beetles by the method of bark beetle trapping using pheromone traps with the following pheromone dispensers-aggregation pheromones: IAC Ecolure (for Ips acuminatus and I. sexdentatus), IT Ecolure (for I. typographus) and PC Ecolure (for Pityogenes chalcographus), after the ice storm that hit the region of Eastern Serbia, especially the forest estate Timočke šume Boljevac (State enterprise Srbijašume) in November 2014. The population levels of the monitored bark beetle species in the controlled area in 2015 were generally within the limits of normal conditions.

2015 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Lukášová ◽  
Jaroslav Holuša

AbstractThe importance of pathogens in the population dynamics of Ips typographus remains a subject of ongoing debate. The main objective of our experiment was to compare the pathogen infection levels of individuals overwintering in bark with the levels of individuals from the same population captured with pheromone traps and thereby to determine primary answers as to whether it can be confirmed that pathogenic organisms affect the flight ability of bark beetles or their ability to leave their places of overwintering. A total of 402 I. typographus individuals were analyzed at a study location under limited management. Three pathogens were confirmed to be present: the gregarine Gregarina typographi, the virus ItEPV, and the microsporidium Nosema typographi. Infection levels of Gregarina typographi and ItEPV were the same in beetles collected at places of overwintering and in those beetles collected in pheromone traps within the immediate vicinity. As these pathogens infect the host’s intestine, the tendency to leave the places of overwintering is apparently not diminished. A similar analysis and comparison of pathogens located in the fat body might bring different results, as our study only detected N. typographi in a single dissected adult spruce bark beetle.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (45) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
V. Levchenko ◽  
I. Shulga ◽  
L. Nemerytska ◽  
I. Zhuravska ◽  
А. Romanyuk

Topical issues of forest pest monitoring using the pheromone method in the forest tracts of the State Enterprise "Zarichanske Forestry" are substantiated, and the organizational aspects of this promising event in the fight against major pests of forest plantations in the State Enterprise "Zarichanske Forestry" are considered.The subject of the work is the physiological features of conifers and leaf-eating forest pests, which are common in the forests of the State Enterprise "Zarichanske Forestry". Particular attention in the research process was paid to such forest pests as: pine luboid, apical bark beetle, six-toothed bark beetle, pine sawfly, pine goldfinch, May beetle, marble beetle. These species have become widespread not only in the forest edatopes of the State Enterprise "Zarichanske Forestry", but also in the forest ecosystems of the Zhytomyr Regional Department of Forestry and Hunting. All of the above forest pests cause significant damage to forest stands at different ages. A significant degree of entomological load per unit of forested area in the conditions of the State Enterprise "Zarichanske Forestry" exacerbates the harmful effects of the above pests, which leads to massive damage to forests, their drying and death.The aim of the work is a detailed study of the possibility of using the method of pheromone diagnostics and monitoring of forest pests, as well as the possibility of preventing the destruction of forest edatopes on the example of the State Enterprise "Zarichanske forestry".The main methods of work on the introduction of pheromone monitoring of forest pests are calculation and analytical collection and processing of the results of forest entomological examination of pine, oak, birch plantations, monitoring of the impact of different types of pheromone traps on the effectiveness of entomological forecasts. , as well as conducting route surveys of arriving and mature stands to determine the nature of drying depending on the degree of damage by different species of needles and leaf-eating pests.According to the results of the work, it was established that pheromones are a very effective method of monitoring and diagnosing various types of forest pests. It was found that most of the studied forest pests respond quite effectively to pheromonization and this will further allow not only to monitor but also to predict possible outbreaks of mass reproduction of forest pests in the conditions not only of the State Enterprise "Zarichanske Forestry" Zhytomyr Polissya in particular.The scope of the research results is forestry enterprises of the Zhytomyr Regional Department of Forestry and Hunting in order to preserve and protect pine, oak, aspen, birch, alder forest plantations from forest pests in the Polissya region of Ukraine.The conclusions of the research are that the use of pheromones in pheromone traps allows to detect the presence of the species in nature, the beginning of flight of the adult pest and to determine the time for measures to destroy it, to obtain data on the number of poisoned pests during the flight or other period of time. . Conduct forest pathological observations of changes in the number of pest populations. The pheromone method of diagnosis makes it possible to objectively count the outbreaks of certain species of forest pests and the ability to compare their current numbers with the number of pests of previous years. Promptly implement measures to carry out forest protection measures in the Polissya zone of Zhytomyr region. Practical recommendations for the use of pheromones for monitoring and forecasting of coniferous and leaf-eating pests are given, the threshold (economically dangerous) quantities of catching pests with pheromone traps are recommended. As a result of our research, we found that the maximum criterion for catching silkworms-nuns in pine plantations during the flight is 50 males / ha. The traps are placed at the rate of 4-6 pcs. on 3-5 hectares. For the unpaired silkworm, this figure is 60 males, for the pine moth - 30. Pheromone traps are essential in determining the direction and rate of spread of populations of major coniferous and leaf-eating pests. We found that the use of pheromone traps in accounting areas located in hard-to-reach habitats of pests has significant prospects, where the use of traditional methods of counting (route-key ground survey with felling of trees and knocking) at the beginning and end of the season remains almost the only method. observation and requires large labor and material costs. It has been established that pheromone traps make it possible to study previously unknown aspects of the biology and ecology of pests of the squamous family. It is investigated that the variability of some morphological characteristics of adult insects during the flight season, as well as the mechanisms of sexual communication of adults, the study of which is of great importance in the organization of the pheromone monitoring system. It is substantiated that the use of pheromone traps for monitoring forest entomological studies is especially appropriate at extremely low densities of forest pest populations, when it is almost impossible to detect the insect visually. It is proved that the use of pheromone traps allows to predict the timing of measures to control leaf and coniferous rodent pests in forest stands. As a result of research, we have proved that pheromone traps are used as a means to reduce the number of males by catch, ie to create a so-called male vacuum, thus trying to increase the number of unfertilized females in the population. The results of research confirm that this method of control of scale insects is possible only in relatively small isolated forest stands with a low number of pests and is often ineffective. We found that this method is most often applied to bark beetles and to a lesser extent to beetles. During the research, we observed numerous examples of reducing the loss of forest stands when catching bark beetles in this way.Keywords: pheromones, traps, coniferous-rodent pests, leaf-rodent pests, monitoring, prognosis, adult.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milan Pernek ◽  
Nikola Lacković ◽  
Ivan Lukić ◽  
Nikola Zorić ◽  
Dinka Matošević

Background and Purpose: Orthotomicus erosus, Mediterranean pine engraver, is widely distributed across the Mediterranean and southern Europe, Asia and North Africa. It is considered as secondary pest found on recently dead or felled trees, but can also attack weakened living trees. In high population levels this species can attack healthy trees and cause their dieback. Severe outbreaks occur after dry periods, or after fire in adjoining stands in warmer parts of the Mediterranean region, while this scenario has never happened in Croatia up to now. Bark beetles are important forest pests which have already been researched and discussed in relation to climate change, indicating that the predicted increase in temperature would lead to higher survival rates and faster development, thus directly influencing their population dynamics. Increase in temperature may stimulate changes in insects’ rate of development, voltinism, population density, size, genetic composition, extent of host plant exploitation, longitudinal and latitudinal distribution. Since climate conditions might have changed in the last few years as predicted in the Mediterranean region, the aim of our research is to document the first outbreak with high population levels of O. erosus in Croatia. Materials and Methods: The extent of dieback was evaluated by counting trees with dieback symptoms on diagonal transects plotted through each of 33 forest management sections of Marjan Forest Park (Split). Trunk sections from several trees with early stage symptoms were collected for further laboratory analysis, which consisted of incubation phase and subsequent morphological identification. During regular yearly surveys in forests of Croatia, the pest was observed on several sites and damages were recorded for both years 2017 and 2018. The records were entered into a map using QGIS version 3.2.1-Bonn. Spatial data was downloaded from DIVA-GIS server. Monitoring efforts were initiated in affected areas where 13 flight barrier pheromone traps (Theyson®) equipped with pheromone lure Erosowit® (Witasek, Austria) were set-up in late March in state-owned and privately owned forests across Dalmatia. Catches in the traps were collected and O. erosus adults were counted on a weekly basis in order to identify the abundance of the pest in monitored sites, as well as to obtain the first information about population dynamics and to assess voltinism. Results: On-site survey and the evaluation of dieback extent included sampling of 5% of all trees in Marjan Forest Park ,and the results showed that 23% of all trees in the forest park were affected by dieback symptoms. Visual examination of trunks, branches and bark showed symptoms of bark beetle infestation, while preliminary on-site examination of the observed adults pointed out to O. erosus. After two weeks in controlled conditions, bark beetle adults started to emerge from trunk sections which were placed in several mesh cages for incubation. Morphological identification by using stereomicroscope and the key for European bark beetles resulted in identification of O. erosus species. Over the course of the year 2017 one more site was reported to be infested with O. erosus, and eight additional sites were reported over the course of year 2018. In total, 446 ha were reported as infested, varying in intensity, in several different management units of state-owned and privately owned forests. The total number of trapped beetles in pheromone traps varied largely among sites. Our data indicate that several generations (at least 5 generations per year) were present in the year 2018. Conclusions: Sudden surge in observed damages, as well as the number of beetles trapped during monitoring, in years 2017 and 2018 throughout Aleppo pine forests in Dalmatia are the first record of O. erosus outbreak in Croatia. O. erosus is native to Croatia and so far it has been considered only as a minor pest whose outbreaks have never been recorded. Drought intensity and frequency and aridification trends in the research area (Dalmatia, Croatia) cause cumulative stress to trees and have increased O. erosus occurrence. O. erosus is expected to exhibit increased voltinism, better overwintering performance and earlier spring flights. Our first results confirm this epidemic stage of O. erosus with high abundances in Dalmatia in 2018 and at least 5 generations per year, which alter the population level of this pest. Finally, with high dispersal abilities of O. erosus through active flight and easy transportation with infested material (logs and branches with bark), O. erosus has the potential to become an important forest pest in Croatia. Thus, extensive studies on its biology, ecology, natural enemies and interaction with ophiostomatoid fungal species are needed in order to predict further spread and suggest viable and effective management measures.


Author(s):  
Peter H. W. Biedermann ◽  
Jean-Claude Grégoire ◽  
Axel Gruppe ◽  
Jonas Hagge ◽  
Almuth Hammerbacher ◽  
...  

Tree-killing bark beetles are the most economically important insects in conifer forests worldwide. Yet  despite >200 years of research, the drivers of population eruptions or crashes are still not fully understood, precluding reliable predictions of the effects of global change on beetle population dynamics and impacts on ecosystems and humans.  We critically analyze potential biotic and abiotic drivers of population dynamics of the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) and present a novel ecological framework that integrates the multiple drivers governing this bark beetle system. We call for large-scale collaborative research efforts to improve our understanding of the population dynamics of this important pest; an approach that might serve as a blueprint for other eruptive forest insects.


1997 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heli Valkama ◽  
Mika Räty ◽  
Pekka Niemelä

Catches of non-target Coleoptera in Ips typographus pheromone traps baited with Ipslure® were analysed along a geographic gradient running from southwestem Finland to eastern Finland and Russian Karelia. Besides I. typographus, two other bark beetles, Pityogenes chalcographus and Ips duplicatus were caught in high numbers. I. duplicatus occuned on northeastern sites only, suggesting a more restricted distribution than previously known. High numbers of Thanasimus spp. beetles indicate that I. typographus pheromone is also an effective attractant for bark beetle predators. In addition, the originally North American ambrosia beetle Gnathotrichus materiarius, now widely spread in Europe was found for the first time in nature in Finland.


2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sander O. Denham ◽  
David R. Coyle ◽  
A. Christopher Oishi ◽  
Bronson P. Bullock ◽  
Kari Heliövaara ◽  
...  

The success of tree colonization by bark beetles depends on their ability to overcome host tree defenses, including resin exudation and toxic chemicals, which deter bark beetle colonization. Resin defenses during insect outbreaks are challenging to study in situ, as outbreaks are stochastic events that progress quickly and thus preclude the establishment of baseline observations of non-infested controls. We use synthetic aggregation pheromones to demonstrate that confined Ips bark beetle herbivory can be successfully initiated to provide opportunities for studying interactions between bark beetles and their hosts, including the dynamics of constitutive and induced resin exudation. In Pinus taeda L. plantations between 12 and 19 years old in North and South Carolina, U.S., trees were affixed with pheromone lures, monitored for evidence of bark beetle attacks, and resin samples were collected throughout the growing season. Baiting increased beetle herbivory to an extent sufficient to produce an induced resin response. Attacked trees exuded about three times more resin at some time than control trees. This supports previous work that demonstrated that information on constitutive resin dynamics alone provides an incomplete view of a host tree’s resistance to bark beetle attack.


2003 ◽  
Vol 154 (11) ◽  
pp. 437-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franz Meier ◽  
Rolf Gall ◽  
Beat Forster

In the past 20 years, several mass attacks by the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus L.) occurred in Switzerland. Since 1984 data on compulsory fellings, numbers of infestation spots and numbers of beetles captured in pheromone traps have been collected in all Swiss forest districts. The annual data were published in short reports. This paper gives an overview of the progress of bark beetle epidemics from 1984 to 1999. On the national level, two periods with epidemics of the spruce bark beetle can be distinguished. The first epidemic started after windthrows and drought in the years 1982 and 1983. It reached its height in 1984/1985 and faded at the end of the decade. The second epidemic started after the storm Vivian (February 1990). It reached its height in 1992/1993 and ended in 1997. Storm damage that produced high quantities of suitable breeding material was not the only factor for the bark beetle gradation;weather conditions were also exceptional, such as hot and dry vegetation periods. Windthrows and exceptional weather conditions are mostly events on regional scales and do not affect the whole country with the same intensity. The gradation that appears to be an «epidemic of the spruce bark beetle in Switzerland after the storm Vivian» is in truth the accumulation of several local epidemics. This is shown by the number of compulsory fellings and infestation spots analysed at regional levels. Extreme weather conditions and storms not only directly influence the bark beetle population, they also stress standing trees, thus creating suitable breeding material for bark beetles. To analyse the influence of exceptional weather conditions on bark beetle epidemics,it is therefore necessary to evaluate regional data.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Robert Friedrich ◽  
Wehnert-Kohlenbrenner Michael ◽  
Marco Schneider

This paper is investigating the insecticide-free protection of ash wood piles through the use of semiochemical dispensers with allochthonous kairomones to control ash bark beetle populations. For this purpose, borehole counts and brood gallery analyses were carried out on log piles of ash wood stored in the forest. Studies have shown that Hylesinus fraxini is repelled by the attractant dispenser with the substance mixture Sexowit, which was actually developed to catch Ips sexdentatus. In addition, the substance mixture has an aggregating effect on various bark beetle antagonists. This causality should be used to find a form of application to protect freshly stacked ash wood from H. fraxini infestation. A recommended form of application should be transferable to other bark beetle- and tree species and substances. In adaptation to the so-called Island Method of bark beetle traps, the wood piles of the five test variants were also arranged like islands. Commercially available Sexowit pheromone dispensers were used, which were attached to the piles. Besides a control without Sexowit dispenser there were test treatments with one, two, four and nine Sexowit dispensers.Within the scope of the investigation, effects between the tested variants could be determined and a recommended application method derived. Compared to control most effective protection of ash log piles was reached with variants treated with four or nine lures of Sexowit. In relation to control infestation was reduced by 78.1% on 4-dispenser variant Sexowit and 88.9% on 9-dispenser variant Sexowit.


1982 ◽  
Vol 114 (9) ◽  
pp. 775-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. D. Holmes

AbstractThe effects of the major factors on populations of the wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton, were studied in the field at Lethbridge, Alberta between 1970 and 1977. Fecundity of the females, which contain an average of 32.7 eggs, is influenced by the condition and variety of host plants in which they develop as larvae. Populations of the adults that emerge from infested crops cut 7–9% by the larvae in one year may infest 70–80% of the stems of adjacent crops in the following year. Increased adult densities, however, fail to increase markedly the percentage of stems infested because the adults concentrate at field margins when they reinfest the most preferred stems. Because only one larva can mature in each stem, competition within stems that receive more than one egg causes a major drop in the population but not in the percentage of infested stems cut. Another major drop is caused by host plant resistance, which is influenced in both susceptible and resistant wheats by the weather during the growing season. On an average, all of the larvae die in 28% of the infested stems of two susceptible wheats and in 67% of those of a resistant wheat. The mortality in resistant wheats, however, is generally not sufficient to prevent economic infestations in subsequent years. Parasitism, which was a major factor in only 7 of 36 years in southern Alberta, is increased by weather conditions that cause delayed ripening of the wheat crops. The mortality of mature larvae and pupae averaged 21.3%. It is affected by extremes of moisture and temperature and can be increased slightly by shallow tillage of infested stubble.


2013 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 497-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iñaki Etxebeste ◽  
José L. Lencina ◽  
Juan Pajares

AbstractSome bark beetle species (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) produce aggregation pheromones that allow coordinated attack on their conifer hosts. As a new saproxylic habitat is founded, an assemblage of associated beetles kairomonally respond to bark beetle infochemicals. Ips sexdentatus is one of the major damaging insects of Pinus spp. in Southern Europe. Its response to varying ipsenol (Ie) percentages in relation to ipsdienol (Id) was studied in northwestern Spain, along with the entire saproxylic beetle assemblage captured at multiple-funnel traps. Response profile modeling was undertaken for I.sexdentatus sexes and sex-ratios, associated species and for selected trophic groups using a reference Gaussian model. In addition, the effects on the saproxylic assemblages were analyzed. I. sexdentatus response curve peaked at 22.7% Ie content, while remaining taxa that could be modeled, peaked above ca. 40% Ie. Predator guilds showed a linear relationship with Ie proportion, while competitors showed a delayed response peak. Consequently, species assemblages differed markedly between varying pheromone component mixtures. Given that the evaluated pheromonal proportions mimicked that of logs being colonized by I. sexdentatus, results suggested that the registered differential responses at different levels might provide I.sexdentatus with a temporal window that maximizes conspecific attraction while reducing interference with competitor and predatory guilds. Described responses might help improve the monitoring of the population status of target bark beetles and their associates, but also point toward the by-catch of many natural enemies, as well as rare saproxylic beetle species, interfering with the aims of sustainable forest management.


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