engleski

Outbreak of the bark beetle Orthotomicus erosus in the Mediterranean pine forests in Croatia

Bark beetles have been documented as having relevant ecological and economic role in ecosystem functioning and their activity can indicate the health condition and vitality of forest. They are also very important forest pests that can cause serious dieback of forests on huge areas. With climate change there is a strong possibility that the frequency of their outbreaks will increase which makes Mediterranean forests more vulnerable to their attacks than temperate and boreal regions. Mediterranean forests have been strongly influenced by human activities over centuries but despite this, they have demonstrated strong resilience and possibilities of recovery from these influences. However, today they are under severe threat from climate change and it is predicted by FAO that the Mediterranean forest ecosystems will suffer from its impacts by 2050. Climate change could indirectly negatively influence forest ecosystems through range expansion and changing of seasonal phenology of insect pests, resulting in faster development and higher feeding rates of phytophagous insects. Recent heavy bark beetle’s attacks of the species Orthotomicus erosus in Croatia shows that the negative influence seems to be accelerated with increased temperatures and frequency and intensity of drought with extended growth period of vegetation. Other negative influences of climate change on forests could be shown in physiological changes in tree defences and indirect effects through changes in abundances of natural enemies and competitors. Large areas of pine forests in Dalmatia have been attacked resulting in death of up to 30 % of trees which makes this problem challenging for the forest sector in coming years

Aleppo pine, climate change, forest pests

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