Bark beetles and pinhole borers of Georgia and Kyrgyzstan were surveyed between 2003 to 2025. Specimens were collected using pheromone traps baited with Acuwit, IAC Ecolure, Sexowit, Tomowit, and ethanol; 0.5-m-long logs exposed for bark beetle colonisation; direct hand collecting in the field; searches for potential feeding substrates; and rearing from infested host material. We present 51 faunistic records of bark beetles and pinhole borers, comprising 44 species from Georgia and seven from Kyrgyzstan. One taxon is newly recorded from Georgia: Pityophthoruspityographus cribratus. Finally, we provide complete checklists of bark beetles and pinhole borers recorded from Georgia (98 species) and Kyrgyzstan (34 species).

The widespread decline of Norway spruce has led to larger gaps in the canopy of Central European mountain forests, potentially affecting the regeneration of shade tolerant silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). We examined whether greater light availability in canopy gaps influences the morphology of fir needles and fine roots, their carbohydrate concentrations, and their fungal associations, as trees may respond to environmental changes in both their canopy and in their belowground interactions. We compared small patches of fir trees under a closed canopy and low light conditions with regenerating patches growing in gaps with greater light transmission (i.e. canopy gap). We quantified understory photosynthetically active photon flux density (PPFD%), soil water storage, shoot apical dominance, needle specific leaf area (SLA), fine root traits (AD- average diameter, SRL- specific root length, SRA- specific root area), root and leaf tissue nitrogen (N), non-structural carbohydrates (TNC), and characterized root-associated fungi via ITS2 sequencing. Canopy gaps had 1.5 times higher PPFD and reduced soil water storage. Silver fir individuals in canopy gaps also displayed greater apical dominance, thinner roots, and longer SRL and greater SRA compared with individuals under a closed canopy. Contrary to our expectations, the concentrations of soluble sugars and total non-structural carbohydrates were higher under the closed canopy. Meanwhile, gap saplings exhibited higher tissue nitrogen levels in both roots and needles. Light availability also influenced belowground symbiosis as canopy gaps saplings hosted a more diverse ectomycorrhizal fungal community (higher α-diversity), whereas the long-distance morphotype of Boletus occurred under a closed canopy and covaried positively with carbohydrate pools and negatively with SRL. These linked changes illustrate a shift from carbon conservative, symbiont supported growth in shaded patches to more acquisitive root strategies in canopy gaps.

Phloeotribus caucasicus Reitter, 1891 is a bark beetle (Scolytinae) inhabiting Central, Southern and South-Eastern Europe as well as the Caucasus region and Central Asia. It is trophically associated mainly with trees from the Oleacae family (Fraxinus spp., Olea sp.). It is a locally and rarely observed species, especially in the western part of its range. The paper presents new locations of P. caucasicus in Poland and Georgia, where populations of this species were observed. P. caucasicus has not been recorded in Poland so far, and this site is one of the northernmost in Central The species was found in the forests of river valleys, where the beetles inhabit the thin branches of the ash Fraxinus excelsior, excavating maternal galleries in the form of a transverse biramous system. The paper includes photographs of beetles and galleries for which size parameters from both locations are given. Information on the ecology of the species was compiled. New locations in Poland were discussed in the context of the widespread phenomenon of ash dieback in Europe, the impact of several years of drought on the condition of tree stands, and climate changes causing the south European species to move northwards. River valleys may play an important role in these phenomena.

This is a review of the literature on genetics, physiology, and ecology, which concerns Juniperus phoenicea, J. turbinata, and J. canariensis, forming together the complex J. phoenicea. Despite the numerous and varied studies, many gaps and deficiences have been identified in these fields. Further research is particularly needed on the genetic diversity and differentiation of all three species across their entire geographic ranges, with special attention on the easternmost localities of J. turbinata. Additional studies on the real photon flux density requirements, transpiration efficiency, water relations, nutrient demands, and mycorrhizal symbiosis for each species and across different locations, depending on the site conditions, would be highly valuable. The phytocoenological characteristics of J. turbinata and J. phoenicea, and their roles in particular phytocoenoses are fairly well recognized. However, data on J. canariensis and J. turbinata on the Arabian Peninsula should be expanded.

Little is known about how forest operations affect the biodiversity of soil microarthropods and the litter decomposition rate in temperate beech forests. This study aims to ascertain this information. Two study areas were selected, each consisting of a chronosequence of three cutting blocks: one that had not been harvested in the previous 20 years, one harvested in 2017 and one harvested in 2021. In 2022, we examined skid trails in the harvested parcels, categorised as disturbed soil and soil that has not been impacted by any machine passage, categorised as undisturbed soil. There were five experimental treatments in total within each study area, including the control. For every treatment, we evaluated upper soil compaction, organic matter content and soil microarthropod biodiversity, which was measured using the QBS-ar index. To compare the variations in litter decomposition rates among treatments, we also set up a litter decomposition experiment based on the teabag method. Aside from the litter decomposition rate, which remained unaffected in all experimental treatments, we identified significant disturbances in the soil impacted by the machine's passage. Our results suggest that the recovery process for all variables studied was still incomplete after 5 years. Skid trail sites established 5 years ago continued to display values that differed from those in undisturbed and control areas. We recommend increasing the time interval between two consecutive logging operations in the same cutting block or implementing best management practices that can reduce the initial disturbance in the skid trails.

This review examines the literature on the reproduction, herbivory, parasitism, utilization, and conservation of Juniperus phoenicea, J. turbinata, and J. canariensis, which constitute the J. phoenicea complex. The review of taxonomy, structure, geography, and of genetics, physiology and ecology was presented in two earlier publications. Compared to taxonomy and genetics, as well as phytosociology, we find a relatively high number of studies concerning seed dispersal, but mainly for J. turbinata, and the utilization of biochemical components of leaves. The leaves and cones of J. turbinata and J. phoenicea serve as sources of volatile essential oils (EOS) with numerous chemical compounds traditionally used in local medicine, veterinary applications, and cosmetics. The wood is primarily utilized as fuel, particularly in regions where other tree resources are scarce. Studies in reproduction, herbivory, and conservation are limited in number and predominantly local in character. Thus, further research is particularly needed on seed pretreatment and preparation for germination, seed conservation and storage, vegetative propagation, and micropropagation, which could significantly aid in the restoration of ecosystems for all species of junipers here examined. Data on herbivory and parasitism affecting all three species are incidental, incomplete, and scarce. The conservation needs are determined only locally, and focus primarily on J. canariensis and maritime populations of J. turbinata. Conservation actions are rare, with efforts mainly directed at J. canariensis, while J. turbinata and J. phoenicea are passively protected in nature reserves, often covering restricted areas. European Union directives on coastal dune vegetation and Macaronesian juniper forest are the only broad international conservation measures for the remnants of J. turbinata in maritime dunes, and remnants of J. canariensis. However, a comprehensive international program for the conservation of the J. phoenicea complex outside Europe and the Canary Islands is lacking.

Gnathotrichus materiarius Fitch, 1858 is an invasive bark beetle that colonizes conifers and has spread widely in Europe. The beetle was introduced from North America to Western Europe, where it was first detected in France in 1933. In countries of Western and Northern Europe, the first detections were found at ports or airports, which probably served as sources of further spread. Gnathotrichus materiarius spread eastward to the Czech Republic and other countries in Central Europe from Germany and Poland and spread northward from Italy to Slovenia. The presence of wilting spruces, outbreaks dominated by Ips typographus Linnaeus, 1758, and the subsequent transport of timber have probably accelerated the spread of G. materiarius. It is possible that G. materiarius was imported with timber to Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Although G. materiarius has been present in Europe for almost 100 yr, and even though its host trees include Picea and Pinus spp., which are abundant in Central European forests, no significant damage caused by this beetle has been detected or reported. Gnathotrichus materiarius is a typical secondary pest in that it multiplies on decaying trees or trees already infested and killed by other bark beetle species. It has 2 generations a year in Central Europe. The beetles of G. materiarius occur the whole year, but the flight of adults starts in early May and the offspring beetles emerge in mid-July. The adults of F2 generation overwinter in wood. The best method for monitoring and detecting the presence of G. materiarius is the use of ethanol-baited traps.

The Juniperus phoenicea complex consists of three taxa: J. phoenicea sensu stricto (s.s.), J. turbinata, and J. canariensis. A review of the literature on the biology of these taxa was conducted, focusing on taxonomy with paleo-data, structure, and geographical distribution to present current knowledge on these topics. Information on ecology, disease, utilization, and conservation will be presented in forthcoming parts of this monograph. Each of the three species included in the J. phoenicea complex is a monoecious or sometimes dioecious, evergreen gymnosperm with scale leaves when adult. The morphological differences between them are minor and mainly quantitative. This enables separation of taxa using a combination of traits. However, genetic features such as isozymes and nuclear microsatellites allow adequate differentiation from each other. Juniperus phoenicea s.s. occurs in the western part of the Mediterranean region, J. turbinata is circum-Mediterranean, while J. canariensis exists only on the Canary Islands, except Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, and on the Madeira archipelago. All species contain volatile oils which are used as traditional remedies for many various human and animal diseases, primarily in African and Asiatic countries. The published information for these topics is reviewed.

The extensive infestation of pine stands by mistletoe, especially Viscum album ssp. austriacum, has increasingly become a severe problem for forest management in recent years. In Europe, periodic droughts contribute to the trees' susceptibility to infestation by this semi-parasite. Viscum album can restrict the secondary growth of Pinus sylvestris to an extent that is relevant to forestry. The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between the degree of mistletoe infestation in pine stands and the prediction of damage. A total of 780 pine trees were surveyed, with 53.8% of all trees being infected by mistletoe. The present study demonstrates that the likelihood of a significant loss of needles rises with an increase in mistletoe numbers, irrespective of the tree's age. The progressively declining condition of pine stands infested by mistletoe presents a fresh challenge to forest management, foresters, and scientists. They are confronted with the task of developing effective methods to control this semi-parasite.

Ambrosia beetles of the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex are emerging tree pests with a broad host range including important agricultural crops. Native to Southeast Asia, these species were introduced into various countries, where they cause considerable damage to many tree species. Here we report several outbreaks of E. fornicatus s.l. in Europe. The first individuals were found in 2017 in a palm house of a botanical garden in Poznan (Poland) whereas in 2020 an outbreak was detected in a tropical greenhouse in Merano (Italy). In 2021, two additional outbreaks were detected in two greenhouses in Germany, in Erfurt and Berlin. For both cases in Germany it was possible to trace back the invasion to a distributor of exotic plants in the Netherlands where several infested plants were detected. Molecular analyses show that individuals from Poland and Italy are genetically identical but belong to a different mitochondrial clade than individuals in Germany which are identical to most individuals of two greenhouses in the Netherlands. Moreover, in the two greenhouses in the Netherlands we found beetles that belong to another haplotype of E. fornicatus and two haplotypes of E. perbrevis, a species in the E. fornicatus complex, which has not been previously intercepted in Europe. Our study provides novel insights into the invasion history of E. fornicatus and the eradication measures in Europe. Considering the potential of introduction and establishment of Euwallacea ambrosia beetles, particular attention should be paid to monitor the presence of these pests in tropical greenhouses across Europe.

Ambrosia beetles of the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex are emerging tree pests with a broad host range including important agricultural crops. Native to Southeast Asia, these species were introduced into various countries, where they cause considerable damage to many tree species. Here we report several outbreaks of E. fornicatus s.l. in Europe. The first individuals were found in 2017 in a palm house of a botanical garden in Poznan (Poland) whereas in 2020 an outbreak was detected in a tropical greenhouse in Merano (Italy). In 2021, two additional outbreaks were detected in two greenhouses in Germany, in Erfurt and Berlin. For both cases in Germany it was possible to trace back the invasion to a distributor of exotic plants in the Netherlands where several infested plants were detected. Molecular analyses show that individuals from Poland and Italy are genetically identical but belong to a different mitochondrial clade than individuals in Germany which are identical to most individuals of two greenhouses in the Netherlands. Moreover, in the two greenhouses in the Netherlands we found beetles that belong to another haplotype of E. fornicatus and two haplotypes of E. perbrevis , a species in the E. fornicatus complex, which has not been previously intercepted in Europe. Our study provides novel insights into the invasion history of E. fornicatus and the eradication measures in Europe. Considering the potential of introduction and establishment of Euwallacea ambrosia beetles, particular attention should be paid to monitor the presence of these pests in tropical greenhouses across Europe.

Ambrosia beetles of the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex are emerging tree pests with a broad host range including important agricultural crops. Native to Southeast Asia, these species were introduced into various countries, where they cause considerable damage to many tree species. Here we report several outbreaks of E. fornicatus s.l. in Europe. The first individuals were found in 2017 in a palm house of a botanical garden in Poznan (Poland) whereas in 2020 an outbreak was detected in a tropical greenhouse in Merano (Italy). In 2021, two additional outbreaks were detected in two greenhouses in Germany, in Erfurt and Berlin. For both cases in Germany it was possible to trace back the invasion to a distributor of exotic plants in the Netherlands where several infested plants were detected. Molecular analyses show that individuals from Poland and Italy are genetically identical but belong to a different mitochondrial clade than individuals in Germany which are identical to most individuals of two greenhouses in the Netherlands. Moreover, in the two greenhouses in the Netherlands we found beetles that belong to another haplotype of E. fornicatus and two haplotypes of E. perbrevis , a species in the E. fornicatus complex, which has not been previously intercepted in Europe. Our study provides novel insights into the invasion history of E. fornicatus and the eradication measures in Europe. Considering the potential of introduction and establishment of Euwallacea ambrosia beetles, particular attention should be paid to monitor the presence of these pests in tropical greenhouses across Europe.

Gnathotrichus materiarius (Fitch, 1858) is an alien ambrosia beetle from North America, that has been spreading across Europe since the 1930s. The species infests coniferous trees, excavating galleries in sapwood. However, to date very few studies have predicted changes in ambrosia beetle habitat suitability under changing climate conditions. To fill that gap in the current knowledge, we used the MaxEnt algorithm to estimate areas potentially suitable for this species in Europe, both under current climate conditions and those forecasted for the years 2050 and 2070. Our analyses showed areas where the species has not been reported, though the climatic conditions are suitable. Models for the forecasted conditions predicted an increase in suitable habitats. Due to the wide range of host trees, the species is likely to spread through the Balkans, the Black Sea and Caucasus region, Baltic countries, the Scandinavian Peninsula, and Ukraine. As a technical pest of coniferous sapwood, it can cause financial losses due to deterioration in quality of timber harvested in such regions. Our results will be helpful for the development of a climate-change-integrated management strategy to mitigate potential adverse effects.

AbstractAmbrosia beetles of the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex are emerging tree pests with a broad host range including important agricultural crops. Native to Southeast Asia, these species were introduced into various countries, where they cause considerable damage to many tree species. Here we report several outbreaks of E. fornicatus s.l. in Europe. The first individuals were found in 2017 in a palm house of a botanical garden in Poznan (Poland) whereas in 2020 an outbreak was detected in a tropical greenhouse in Merano (Italy). In 2021, two additional outbreaks were detected in two greenhouses in Germany, in Erfurt and Berlin. For both cases in Germany it was possible to trace back the invasion to a distributor of exotic plants in the Netherlands where several infested plants were detected. Molecular analyses show that individuals from Poland and Italy are genetically identical but belong to a different mitochondrial clade than individuals in Germany which are identical to most individuals of two greenhouses in the Netherlands. Moreover, in the two greenhouses in the Netherlands we found beetles that belong to another haplotype of E. fornicatus and two haplotypes of E. perbrevis, a species in the E. fornicatus complex, which has not been previously intercepted in Europe. Our study provides novel insights into the invasion history of E. fornicatus and the eradication measures in Europe. Considering the potential of introduction and establishment of Euwallacea ambrosia beetles, particular attention should be paid to monitor the presence of these pests in tropical greenhouses across Europe.

Ambrosia beetles of the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex are emerging tree pests with a broad host range including important agricultural crops. Native to Southeast Asia, these species were introduced into various countries, where they cause considerable damage to many tree species. Here we report several outbreaks of E. fornicatus s.l. in Europe. The first individuals were found in 2017 in a palm house of a botanical garden in Poznan (Poland) whereas in 2020 an outbreak was detected in a tropical greenhouse in Merano (Italy). In 2021, two additional outbreaks were detected in two greenhouses in Germany, in Erfurt and Berlin. For both cases in Germany it was possible to trace back the invasion to a distributor of exotic plants in the Netherlands where several infested plants were detected. Molecular analyses show that individuals from Poland and Italy are genetically identical but belong to a different mitochondrial clade than individuals in Germany which are identical to most individuals of two greenhouses in the Netherlands. Moreover, in the two greenhouses in the Netherlands we found beetles that belong to another haplotype of E. fornicatus and two haplotypes of E. perbrevis, a species in the E. fornicatus complex, which has not been previously intercepted in Europe. Our study provides novel insights into the invasion history of E. fornicatus and the eradication measures in Europe. Considering the potential of introduction and establishment of Euwallacea ambrosia beetles, particular attention should be paid to monitor the presence of these pests in tropical greenhouses across Europe.

Ambrosia beetles of the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex are emerging tree pests with a broad host range including important agricultural crops. Native to Southeast Asia, these species were introduced into various countries, where they cause considerable damage to many tree species. Here we report several outbreaks of E. fornicatus s.l. in Europe. The first individuals were found in 2017 in a palm house of a botanical garden in Poznan (Poland) whereas in 2020 an outbreak was detected in a tropical greenhouse in Merano (Italy). In 2021, two additional outbreaks were detected in two greenhouses in Germany, in Erfurt and Berlin. For the latter cases it was possible to trace back the invasion to a distributor of exotic plants in the Netherlands where several infected plants were detected. Molecular analysis show that individuals from Poland and Italy are genetically identical but belong to a different mitochondrial clade than individuals in Germany which are identical to most individuals of two greenhouses in the Netherlands. Moreover, in the two greenhouses in the Netherlands we found beetles that belong to another haplotype of E. fornicatus and two haplotypes of E. perbrevis, a species in the E. fornicatus complex, which has not been previously intercepted in Europe. Our study provides novel insights into the invasion history of E. fornicatus and the first eradication measures in Europe. Considering the high potential of introduction and establishment of Euwallacea ambrosia beetles, particular attention should be paid to monitor the presence of these pests in greenhouses across Europe.

Abstract Ambrosia beetles of the Euwallacea fornicatus species complex are emerging tree pests with a broad host range including important agricultural crops. Native to Southeast Asia, these species were introduced into various countries, where they cause considerable damage to many tree species. Here we report several outbreaks of E. fornicatus s.l. in Europe. The first individuals were found in 2017 in a palm house of a botanical garden in Poznan (Poland) whereas in 2020 an outbreak was detected in a tropical greenhouse in Merano (Italy). In 2021, two additional outbreaks were detected in two greenhouses in Germany, in Erfurt and Berlin. For the latter cases it was possible to trace back the invasion to a distributor of exotic plants in the Netherlands where several infected plants were detected. Molecular analysis show that individuals from Poland and Italy are genetically identical but belong to a different mitochondrial clade than individuals in Germany which are identical to most individuals of two greenhouses in the Netherlands. Moreover, in the two greenhouses in the Netherlands we found beetles that belong to another haplotype of E. fornicatus and two haplotypes of E. perbrevis , a species in the E. fornicatus complex, which has not been previously intercepted in Europe. Our study provides novel insights into the invasion history of E. fornicatus and the first eradication measures in Europe. Considering the high potential of introduction and establishment of Euwallacea ambrosia beetles, particular attention should be paid to monitor the presence of these pests in greenhouses across Europe.

This review paper presents an analysis of scientific information on the biology, ecology and protection measures for the European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) in Europe, and based on this information practical methods and effective conservation procedures for the species in the forest areas. The European stag beetle is a saproxylic coleopteran characterised by considerable ecological flexibility, with a very broad scale of biotopes inhabited ranging from urbanised areas, through parks and open-canopy light forests, to forest steppes. Population monitoring methods are diverse and have been developed in order to obtain data on local populations and to implement effective conservation methods. Ecology of the European stag beetle in Poland requires basic and cyclical studies, while monitoring methods need to cover both the status and dynamics of local populations, as well as environmental changes and the effect of limiting factors. Due to the distribution of most European stag beetle localities in production forests the tasks related to monitoring and conservation of this species may be performed directly by the State Forests National Forest Holding. Based on the current knowledge it may be stated that the population conservation methods may be reconciled with forest management if it includes intermediate and final cuttings supporting open-canopy light oak forests with large amounts of dead trees and decayed wood, mainly in the form of stumps.