Forestry - The rainy summer harms the beetle borer
Indeed Rain in this year brings hope for less pine beetle damage in North Rhine-Westphalia, according to a spokesperson for the Landesbetrieb Wald und Holz, in response to a dpa inquiry.
In this year, for instance, in the Sauerland and the Eifel regions, only small pine beetle nests have been reported. The wood has been quickly processed and transported out of the forest along with the beetles, the spokesperson added. In total, less pine beetle wood has fallen than in previous years.
Strong pines can repel pine beetles with resin
Due to heavy rainfall, many healthy pines have been able to repel the male pine beetles that attempted to bore into them through a strong resin flow, explained the spokesperson. If the beetles are able to bore in, however, they attract females. They too feed and breed under the bark, causing significant damage to the tree.
A second generation is also expected to develop this year. By the end of August, it will be time for the third generation. Whether this generation will fully develop, however, is still uncertain, according to the spokesperson of the Forest Administration.
Pine beetle infestation has caused vast bare areas since 2018
Triggered by extreme drought from 2018 onwards, pine beetles have multiplied massively and caused extensive damage, particularly to pines, in forests throughout Germany. According to the Landesbetrieb, approximately 143,000 hectares of forest have been lost to pine beetles, storms, and drought since then. Around 40% of the pines still stand.
Fichte, a common pine tree species in Germany, has been severely affected by the pine beetle infestation.In Munster, translated as Münster, the Bark beetle has posed a significant threat to the local forestry.Umwelt, translated to 'environment' in English, has played a crucial role in regulating the pine beetle population, as healthy environmental conditions can deter beetle infestations.The North Rhine-Westphalia Forest Authority is closely monitoring the pine beetle situation in the Sauerland and Eifel regions, assessing the impact of the weather and implementing preventive measures if necessary.The Bark beetle's life cycle typically includes three generations in a year, and it moves through these generations by burrowing under the bark of healthy trees.Understanding the impact of weather, such as heavy rainfall, on pine beetles is essential for forecasting and combating future infestations in the forestry sector.
