Mother Nature is gradually awakening. Looking out the window, we enjoy the fresh green colors of trees and the vibrant hues of flowers. Everything is coming to life... Insects are also becoming active. Our forest protection work requires constant monitoring of harmful insect species that may damage forest plantations. It is much easier to do our job when a forestry colleague is also knowledgeable and values timely prevention.

The responsible forest protection engineer at "Lymanske Forestry" of Donetsk OULMG, O.V. Shevchenko, has been working for a long time and recognizes the common pine sawfly at first sight. Every year, twice, we receive forest pathology samples, which Shevchenko collects personally. Our task is to conduct laboratory analysis and provide recommendations for further forest protection measures.

Currently, forest pathologist Olena Synytska is analyzing cocoons and determining the state of the pine sawfly population after wintering. Olena's experience and years of practice allow her to conclude that there is only a slight reactivation of insects in the first (spring) generation. Laboratory analysis has revealed the presence of mature pine sawflies and parasitoids from the Ichneumonidae and Tachinidae families. However, a significant reserve of diapausing cocoons remains in the forest litter, posing a potential threat of defoliation exceeding 50%.

Despite financial difficulties in the forestry sector, we find ways to monitor the development of the most dangerous pest outbreaks and strive to diagnose and prevent severe defoliation in advance.