Every year, Ukrainian forests suffer damage from numerous pests. Some of them, under favorable weather and climatic conditions, form mass breeding centers. As a result of such reproduction, trees begin to lose their biological resistance, reduce growth, and gradually dry out.

In spring, one of the first to start feeding is the red pine sawfly - a dangerous pest of pine plantations. Its larvae, after hatching from eggs, actively damage pine needles. It should be noted that in recent years, outbreaks of the red pine sawfly have been predominant in area among needle-eating pests.

Recently, specialists of SSE "Kharkivlisozakhyst" conducted control forest pathological surveys in the Iskrivske Forestry of SE "Poltava Forestry" of Poltava Regional Forestry and selected samples (Scots pine shoots) in the mass breeding center of red pine sawfly for laboratory analysis to determine the pest population's condition after wintering. The data obtained from the spring analysis confirms or refutes the forest protection measures that were planned after the autumn laboratory analysis.

Laboratory analysis is an important and integral part of forest pathological monitoring. This method allows for accurate assessment of pest populations, determining their viability after winter, and predicting potential further spread. Based on the obtained data, specialists can make informed decisions about the need for forest protection measures, which helps maintain the health of forest ecosystems and prevent significant economic losses.