SWL staff talk pests at symposium
Staff from Scottish Woodlands Ltd took part in a major conference to discuss the threats presented to the forestry and wood industry by pests and disease.
Forest Manager Euan Wilkie and Environment Forest Manager Jemma McLachlan attended the New IPM (Integrated Pest Management) symposium at Swansea University.
The event looked at a wide range of threats from pests faced by forestry, horticulture and agriculture.
Euan Wilkie gave his observations from field trials carried out by Scottish Woodlands Ltd on various methods to protect trees. This included an update on the ongoing trial at Barrhill forest using new Scandinavian product Connisafe; a water-based mineral blend with no insecticide properties. Findings from the trial are mixed so far, with the high weevil numbers proving challenging for the new insecticide free coating.
Lea Brandes from Forestry England (FE) discussed changes in FE’s forest nursery at Delamere, with a focus on growing alternative species, growing under glass and automation - looking specifically at how changing practices affect the level of threat from pests.
Richard Hunter, Technical and Industry Support Manager for industry trade body Confor, chaired the Tree Health session and presented on the threat from Hylobius (pine weevil).
Mr Hunter highlighted the opportunities that forestry has for collaboration and said the event had kick-started several conversations to be followed up by the Hylobius Industry Research Partnership Programme.
Jemma McLachlan said: “Pests are a major threat to our industry and it’s vital to attend events like this to hear about the latest challenges and opportunities. As well as the insightful presentations, it’s also really helpful to have conversations and meet contacts old and new - from forestry and beyond, in agriculture and horticulture. This helps us to share best practice and new ideas, and to open up new collaborations to help us fight the constant and ever-changing threat from pests.”
There was an international flavour to the event, with speakers including Dr Milan Pernek from Croatia, who gave an update on Oak Lace Bug (OLB). Found across south west Europe, OLB causes leaf discolour and death in oak trees. While not yet a UK problem it has the potential to become one in future. The issue of Asian Hornets was also addressed. While not a forestry pest, they have the potential to be a forest danger.