7.03.06 - Integrated management of forest defoliating insects

UNIT NOTICEBOARD

2023-06-13

Theory and Practice to address Defoliating insects, Invasive Pests and Biological Control of Insects and Pathogens in Forests

Tokyo, Japan; 21-23 August 2024.
Units involved: 7.03.06, 7.03.12 and 7.03.13

The health of forests worldwide is threatened by insect pests and diseases. For example, outbreaks of defoliating insects reduce production efficiency, and the continued introduction of invasive pests is stretching the available capacity and resources to manage these threats. Research in various disciplines is needed to unlock new approaches to manage forest pests, including a shift in focus from chemical to biological control. In addition, many of the current threats require cross-boundary and multi-disciplinary approaches.

This joint meeting will exchange information on the theory and practice to address defoliating insects and invasive species of forests, including biological control and other approaches. The meeting will include researchers from different disciplines and countries and provide an overview of the challenges to forest health, and research driven responses to these challenges.

Details:  https://www.iufro2024tokyodiv7.com/

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Coordinator:

Deepa Pureswaran, Canada

Deputies:

Manuela Branco, Portugal

Kahraman Ipekdal, Turkey

About Unit

The Unit aims to exchange ideas, knowledge and experience on the ecology of forest defoliators, with emphasis on population ecology and dynamics, including genetics and demographic studies, effects of climate change and invasive defoliator species. A further aim is to exchange knowledge on new detection and monitoring technology, including remote sensing and novel population control methods.


State of Knowledge

Defoliators are among the most destructive group of forest insects. Their population dynamics is frequently characterized by occasional and cyclic outbreaks, leading to intense defoliation of vast forest areas. Additionally, a number of forest defoliators become invasive at a regional scale, menacing natural and planted forests in all continents. Some of these species also cause human health problems due to their urticating hairs. Climate change has further impacts on spatial of distribution defoliator species and causes phenology changes. The Unit aims to enhance knowledge on the ecology of forest defoliators in its multiple aspects. Monitoring and control methods for defoliator insects, with emphasis on novel technologies, biological control methods and the new usage of semiochemicals are further relevant aspects.