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Measurement and modelling of Short Rotation Coppice (SRC)

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Pests and diseases

Willow beetle and eggsDrepanopeziza on willowHonye fungus toadstools



Several hundred insect species have been recorded on willow and poplar. Fortunately this biodiversity is largely benign and provides a source of food for the many bird species that visit SRC plantations.  However, some species of insect, together with mammal pests and fungal diseases can cause damage and may, at times, need controlling.

Threats during establishment

  • Browsing mammals such as rabbits and deer Phratora vitellinae and Phratora vulgatissima (willow beetles) Tipulidae species larvae (leatherjackets)

Threats to mature crop

  •  Tuberolachnus salignus and Pterocomma salicis (giant willow aphid)
  •  Fungal pathogens, especially Melampsora species
    •  Phratora vitellinae and Phratora vulgatissima  (willow beetles)

Impact
A relatively high level of leaf damage can be tolerated with little adverse effect but severe or repeated attacks will reduce yield. In extreme cases leaf loss may cause crop death.

Preventative steps
The threat that most species pose can be reduced by taking preventative steps during the preparation stage of establishing an SRC plantation.  Taking action after planting is often more costly and less effective.

     

What's of interest

For more information see
Establishment and Management of Short Rotation Coppice
Forestry Commission Practice Note 7 (PDF-117K)

Other publications about SRC produced by the Forestry Commission. Many are available as PDFs.

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