Introduced/invasive species (plants, fungi, insects and vertebrates) have a significant impact on European forests. Many of them caused the complete elimination of a tree species (e.g. Dutch elm disease), while others caused significant tree mortality (e.g. chestnut blight). In the last two decades, many insect species linked to felled or weakened trees have also appeared in this group. The detection and monitoring of these species is a complicated and particularly challenging task. For facilitating it, the FAO, the Forest Invasive Species Network for Europe and Central Asia (REUFIS) and the University of Sopron organised a conference where the latest results of detecting and monitoring of invasive species linked to wood materials were presented. 20 participants from 11 countries joined the conference, but thanks to the hybrid mode, experts from other countries were also involved the conference held between 27 and 30 June 2022. During the three-day conference, the foreign specialists participated in a webinar, field trips, and laboratory work as well.
Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Ferenc Lakatos said:
"Many people don't even know about the different ways in which insects from other continents can be introduced in the country, which can then cause serious problem in their forests. The purpose of this conference was also to detect and find these insects in time, so that action could be taken against them in time to eradicate them or to reduce their damage. Identification at the right time is crucial, the earlier we act, the greater the probability of success and the less damage caused. At the conference, it was said several times that it is very important to involve the general public, since people are interested in their own environment, and in many cases we can also get valuable information from them."
The interview made by Sopron TV can be seen at the following link: https://youtu.be/Mn0U44ilHnA?t=606
The pictures were taken by Tamás Pluzsik, Ildikó Buglyó (FAO), Dr. Dimitrios N. Avtzis, and Prof. Boris Hrašovec PhD.
Created: 2022.07.05
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