A new study by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences shows that the major outbreaks of spruce bark beetle in southern and central Sweden in recent years are likely to continue this year.
The spruce bark beetle is now swarming in the spring and it is important to keep an eye out for fresh damage to prevent problems later on.
The Swedish Forest Agency warns that there is a risk of major losses in the forest if the forecast of a dry and hot summer comes true. About 32 million cubic meters of spruce have been killed since 2018 by the spruce bark beetle.
Summer weather is the most crucial damage factor
Several factors influence the extent of spruce bark beetle damage in the coming summer. Above all, it is about how many spruce bark beetles are in the forest, how healthy and resistant the spruces are and what the summer weather will be like.
The summer weather is the most crucial factor in determining the extent of damage. A cool summer with plenty of rain reduces the risk of damage because the spruce bark beetles become less active and the resistance of the spruces is strengthened. On the other hand, a hot and dry summer can increase the risk of damage.
Map service with risk index map can prevent attacks
The Swedish Forest Agency's map service with a risk index map allows forest owners to prevent infestations in time. Metria is responsible for the technology and analysis in this work and has created the risk index map on behalf of the Swedish Forest Agency.
The risk index map shows where different risk factors coincide and where it is important that forest owners continuously look for new infestations. Risk factors for spruce bark beetle infestations include large volumes of timber, dry soil, logging edges and previous infestations.
A change analysis can be done using satellite imagery to detect potential spruce bark beetle infestations. The analysis shows where there have been changes in the vitality of spruce trees, which may indicate an infestation.
With AI (Artificial Intelligence) and GIS (Geographical Information Systems), big data can be harnessed for valuable insights. AI combined with remote sensing allows us to create insights about our forests and nature. When forest owners take advantage of this knowledge, the technology will really come into its own.
Sources:
Swedish Forest Agency Maps of forest damage - Swedish Forest Agency
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences SLU Seeking early bark beetle infestations with drones | Externwebben (slu.se)