Description of project
The aim of the project is to link knowledge about the bionomy of bark beetles on Scots pine in the Czech Republic with knowledge about the health, growth history and condition of pine stands in relation to the habitat, including the influence of the water table, not only in living stands but also on material sampled from dead trees. In this way, the preferences of individual species for certain pines can be clearly demonstrated, depending on the extent to which they are weakened by climatic factors in conjunction with habitat and stand conditions, their suitability in terms of reproductive potential and subsequent development of bark beetle gradation, and the extent to which existing stands are threatened by individual species or groups of bark beetles. Based on the results, appropriate management practices for pine stands in terms of density can then be modified and established to reduce the risk of bark beetle infestation. On the basis of comprehensive knowledge, it will be possible to make a qualified forecast of the possible development of Scots pine dieback in the Czech Republic.