Integration of science and practice for Dendrolimus pini (L.) management - A review with special reference to Central Europe

摘要

Present forestry faces many challenges and threats, among which possible climate change is one of the most important. The increase in air temperatures combined with droughts and, consequently, the prolongation of the growing season may be conducive to the increased activity of some insect species, for example the pine tree lappet moth Dendrolimus pint. This species appears in cyclical outbreaks, causing serious damage to Pinus spp. forests in Central Europe. It is assumed that the observed climate warming is the reason for the species' observed expansion in the last two decades and the increase in its threat to forests in northern and southern Europe. A reduction of the period between the outbreaks to 2-3 years from 4 to 16 years has been observed since the 2000 s, which can lead to an increase in this threat. For the above reasons, it is important to undertake management activities aimed at increasing the stand's resistance to the outbreaks of D. pini. The protective measures should first include the identification of environmental conditions and features of stands to locate the areas particularly endangered by the pest. It is also important to monitor pest numbers and determine the criteria for assessing the condition of the population and the phase of outbreak. The publication presents an overview of the status of D. pint in Europe and its integrated management with particular focus on prevention activities aiming at increasing the resilience of forests to pest outbreaks, D. pini monitoring system and control methods for reducing the number of this species population.