Sometimes, we receive questions regarding the scope of work during the autumn-winter period. In this regard, we provide some information on the laboratory analysis of forest pathological samples.

The forest protection service collects pine needles according to established methodologies in forest protection practice. The sent forest pathological material is carefully examined by forest pathologists in the monitoring and forecasting department under a magnifying lamp to determine the quantitative and qualitative indicators of the viability of the overwintering stage of the pine sawfly (RSP).

After this, the needles with pine sawfly eggs are placed in an incubator, where the necessary temperature and humidity conditions are maintained. The goal is to determine the possibility of larvae hatching under artificial conditions and the viability percentage. Usually, RSP eggs in natural conditions undergo stratification at low temperatures, so they are immediately placed indoors to accumulate effective temperatures. In this case, after conducting a quantitative laboratory analysis, we exposed the needles with pest eggs for hatching and monitored the necessary temperature and humidity conditions.

Thanks to this work, we promptly provided the results to the Novoaydar Forestry Enterprise and agreed on a project for ground treatment using UAR-1 aerosol technology. In spring, a control analysis of the pest's egg-laying will be conducted to assess the population's condition after winter.