CERTAIN EDAPHOECOLOGICAL FACTORS FOR UPPER TREELINE EXPANSION OF FOREST VEGETATION IN THE NORTHERN PARTS OF KOZHUF MOUNTAIN MASSIF IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Authors: Mandžukovski, D., Tzonev, R., Dimitrov, M., Andreevski, M.

Abstract:

The Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) plantations in central Europe are currently damaged by a large-scale infestation of bark beetles (Scolytinae). Ips acuminatus and Ips sexdentatus are among the most aggressive species infestations pine trees that are currently simultaneously attacked by I. typographus. In pine plantations prone to damage, it is therefore necessary to carry out pest the bark beetle monitoring. One of the methods used is the pheromone bark beetle trapping using synthetic lures. The efficacy of synthetic lures differs. We tested the efficacy of commercially available lures used in the protection of pine trees. In total, we deployed 10 trap series, each consisting of traps wight eight different lures and two unbaited (controls). Ips. acuminatus and I. sexdentatus were most abundantly captured in Pheagr-IAC- and Sexowit-baited traps. Interestingly, the spruce species I. typographus, was also captured and most often found in traps baited with Pheagr-IAC and Erosowit Tube lures. The number of captured beetles was consistent with the gradation phase of bark beetles. Our results suggest the suitability of pheromone traps for bark beetle monitoring. The use of Sexowit can be recommended especially in southwestern Moravia, where I. sexdentatus is occurring in high numbers in the long-term. In other parts of Czechia, Pheagr-IAC alone can be used with a sufficient efficacy. The use of the Erosowit Tube lure can also be suited to monitoring of I. typographus and I. sexdentatus monitoring.

Keywords:
Ips acuminatus; Ips sexdentatus; pheromone; trap; Czechia