Impacts of pests under changing management and environmental influences

 

This programme addresses the ways in which insects damage trees and the effects - economic and otherwise - of such damage.  For several years investigation has focused on green spruce aphid (Elatobium abietinum), the major insect pest of Sitka spruce, with smaller projects on insects that attack bio-fuel crops (short rotation coppice) and on pine looper moth, Bupalus piniaria.  Research on Elatobium is linked to the potential impacts of climate change on commercial conifer crops in Britain because global warming is likely to have a major effect on the prevalence of the pest.  This has been a strategic programme of particular relevance to Wales where the major experiments on green spruce aphid are located.  Experimental work will come to an end during 2005/06 though analysis of data and publication. If results will continue for some time; the latter will include guidance to managers and policy makers on impacts of pests on the main commercial timber species.  As the project on Elatobium winds down, the programme will examine a range of other pest interactions that may be influenced by change – in climate or in silviculture.  Of particular interest will be potential impacts from changing from clearfelling to “continuous cover” management systems. 

Progress reports

Annual summary of research

Commissioned reports

No reports available at this time