The condition of Ukraine’s forests has deteriorated sharply since the 2009 drought. The area of Scots pine stands decline has increased 2.3 times. The purpose of the research is integrating published and own data on Scots pine forest decline with the contribution of bark beetles and pointing the ways for mitigating this process. The reference materials regarding the forest stands characteristics, forest health, weather, as well as the results of own field and laboratory research were the data sources. Ips acuminatus (Gyllenhal, 1827): Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae was the first bark beetle to infest weakened stands. The predominant development Scots pine decline in Polesie (Forest zone) is associated with a large proportion of pure pine stands of the same age, untimely thinning, and relatively slow drying of felling residues, in which the bark beetle has time to complete its development. The relative density of stocking by itself is a less important risk factor than its sudden decrease. The algorithm for prediction of bark beetles’ foci spread was developed. It will help to upgrade the accuracy of prediction, to evaluate the area of survey and control measures against insect pests. Recommendations for improving the forestry regulatory framework have been developed.
Drought, fire and grazing precursors to large‐scale pine forest decline
