PESTS OF ORIENTAL SPRUCE PICEA ORIENTALIS (LINK) AND MEASURES TO COMBAT THEM

The article addresses current issues related to the sanitary condition of fir (Abies) stands in Adjara affected by certain bark beetle pests, as well as the planning of control measures aimed at reducing their populations or achieving their complete eradication. For the purpose of conducting detailed and reconnaissance studies, permanent and temporary sample plots were established in various ecotopes of coniferous forests in Adjara, at different elevations above sea level, with varying stand density, age structure, productivity, and in pure as well as mixed forest stands, based on preliminary monitoring.Long-term studies have shown that the deterioration of the sanitary condition of fir stands is mainly caused by stem pests belonging to the bark beetle family (Ipidae), namely the great spruce bark beetle Dendroctonus micans (Kug.), the European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.), and the sharp-dentated bark beetle Ips acuminatus Gyll., as well as by wood-decaying pathogenic fungi, such as Phellinus pini var. abietis Karst (the causative agent of red heart rot of fir), the capped fungus honey fungus Armillaria mellea, and others. The pathological condition of trees recorded on the selected sample plots was assessed in accordance with rules accepted in Georgia and international practice.