In accordance with the letter dated August 14, 2024 "08-17/4573-24" from the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, specialists from the State Enterprise "Kharkivlisozakhyst" conducted forest pathological surveys of pine plantations in the branches of "Hadiach Forestry", "Myrhorod Forestry", "Okhtyrka Forestry", "Sumy Forestry", "Trostianets Forestry", and "Chernihiv Forestry" of the "Forests of Ukraine" enterprise. The main purpose of these reconnaissance forest pathological surveys was to identify outbreaks of mass reproduction of the common pine sawfly and other needle-eating pests, which together with the common pine moth form complex pest outbreaks in forest areas (including pine moth, pine looper, and pine hawk-moth).
Employees of the forest protection enterprise conducted surveys to identify characteristic needle damage during the feeding period of the second generation larvae of the common pine sawfly, as well as analyzed the forest litter to detect diapausing viable cocoon reserves of this pest species.
Forest pathological surveys are an important part of forest protection measures against pests. Timely detection and control of the common pine sawfly population and other pests helps maintain the healthy condition of forest plantations. Cooperation between the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, SE "Kharkivlisozakhyst", and branches of "Forests of Ukraine" will allow timely detection of pest breeding centers, prevent their spread, and take appropriate measures to preserve Ukraine's forests.
