Scientists aim to protect forests from pests

The environmental health of forests and woodland across Europe could be boosted by a team of scientists in Wales, who are looking to develop new ways to tackle pests.

Many trees are blighted by the existence of such species as the pine weevil, Hylobius abietis and the vine weevil and researchers are keen to stop them from destroying vegetation.

A project dubbed Impact (Integrated Management of Forest Pests addressing Climate Change) will be led by professor Hugh Evans, who believes the effects of global warming will pose even greater challenges for those involved in the forestry sector.

He is keen for the team to come up with a joined-up approach to beating pests, as the current system sees them destroyed individually.

"We have used conventional techniques such as use of chemical insecticides, but we have to work smarter than that, both to predict pest infestations and develop sustainable long-term control methods," he remarked.

Meanwhile, experts are keen to show that wooded areas can contribute towards the fight against climate change via the European Forestry project.

Posted by Claire Manning