FOREST Research has released a new publication examining the threats posed by bark beetles in the genus Ips to UK conifer forests.

Conifer forests and woodlands thrive in most of Europe and into Asia, but can be attacked by several species of bark beetle in the Coleoptera subfamily Scolytinae.

READ MORE: Project to safeguard iconic oaks launched

The island status of the UK has helped to protect its mainly exotic conifer woodlands from invasion by non-native bark beetles, but, over time, several species have established here. Among these, Ips typographus is the most destructive.

The report describes the biological and environmental factors that influence attack frequency and severity from Ips bark beetles and assesses strategies for their management, with emphasis on the major threat posed by I. typographus.

www.forestresearch.gov.uk

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