Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Forest Sciences

Insects and fungi in short rotation coppice - critical factors for success or failure?

The cultivation of fast growing tree species to satisfy the growing demand for woody biomass is not a new idea in Germany. Time and time again the shortage of

timber has led to similar considerations. However, the cultivation of fast growing tree species (mainly poplar, willow and black locust) in short rotation coppices

(SRC) on agricultural land is a new type of land use. Due to using a low number of clones in large homogeneous areas, SRC are susceptible to insect pests and

fungal diseases. But the question is whether these are irrelevant or critical factors for success or failure of SRC. To assess the importance of insect and fungal

pests we are going to look at them from four different perspectives.

Introduction

Richard Georgi, Christiane Helbig & Michael Müller

- Chair of Forest Protection -

Historical perspective

In the past, fungal diseases and pest insects often played an important role in Germany. In the mid of the 1950s, a period of

extensive poplar planting, the trees were substantially damaged by dothichiza canker (Cryptodiaporthe populea) [20] as well as other fungal

species [5; 6]. In addition various insect pests in poplar and willow plantations were reported [23; 13].

Current perspectiveIn the beginning of growing short rotation coppices

in Germany, starting from the 1990s, insect pests and fungal diseases were not considered influential despite the knowledge emanating from science and history. Only with certain varieties

suddenly showing heavy infestations with leaf rust (Melampsora spec.) and dying within a short period of time [19], biotic risk factors got increasing attention. Over the last few years insect problems have

become apparent also [10; 15; 11; 14]. Furthermore, several other fungal diseases have caused heavy damage

on poplars and black locust.

International perspectiveIn an international context about 50 major insect

pests on poplar are known [24]. For poplar in Europe 500 potential pest species are listed [9]. Reports of harmful insects and fungi can be found from many European countries where

poplars and willows are cultivated in large scale, such as Austria [22], France [2], Greece [17], Italy [7], Turkey [1] and the UK [21].

Furthermore, the importance of insect pests and fungal diseases in SRC is reported from North America [8]

and Asia [12].

Scientific perspectiveThe susceptibility of monocultures to insect pests

and fungal diseases is common knowledge. The simplification of these habitats results in optimal conditions for some insects

and fungi, as well as a decreasing number of natural enemies [3]. The larger and the more interlinked these areas are, the more relevant insect

pests and fungal diseases become [16]. In addition it has to be noted that poplars and willows belong to those tree species that are

inherently associated with a large number of insects [18].

The existing knowledge shows that insects and fungi can quickly

become critical factors for the success or failure of short rotation coppices. In addition, an increasing area is very

likely to lead to a further increase in the occurrence of insect and fungal pests. To reduce these risks, appropriate pest management

strategies are necessary. These must include the use of a wide range of tree varieties and species [4], an appropriate habitat management to promote natural enemies [26] and the use

of selective pesticides to conserve them [25].

Damage of insect pests and fungal diseases in SRC

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Pest managem

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Institut of Silviculture and Forest ProtectionChair of Forest ProtectionRichard Georgi

phone: +49 35203/3831623e-mail: richard.georgi@tu-dresden.deweb: http://tu-dresden.de/forst/forstschutz

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