Theory and Practice to address defoliating insects, invasive pests and biological control

Insect Pests and Diseases Threaten Forest Health

The health of forests worldwide is threatened by insect pests and diseases. For example, outbreaks of defoliating insects reduce production efficiency, and the continued introduction of invasive pests is stretching the available capacity and resources to manage these threats. Research in various disciplines is needed to unlock new approaches to manage forest pests, including a shift in focus from chemical to biological control. In addition, many of the current threats require cross-boundary and multi-disciplinary approaches. 

This joint meeting exchanged information on the theory and practice of addressing defoliating insects and invasive species in forests, including biological control and other approaches. The keynote speeches were given by Prof. Manuela Branco on deciduous insects in Europe, Prof. Juan Corley on Ecological drivers of invasive forest pests, Dr. Nami Uehi on Invasive wood boring species in Japan and Dr. Shiroma Sathyapala on regional and global invasive species management, all of which were well received by the audience. Oral presentations were given by researchers from Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Asia, and the variety of content attracted a large audience.

Conclusions

• Understanding the ecological background of invasive alien species, defoliators and biological control agents has a significant impact on the development of actual management policies. 
• International as well as interdisciplinary collaborations are critical to understanding global challenges pertaining to invasive pest introductions, outbreaks mediated by climate change and navigating bureaucracy to enable policymaking to mitigate impacts of pests and pathogens.
• Efforts for regional, gender and cultural equality are conducive to more internationally coordinated research and practice.

The excursion on the second day included a visit to Ashikaga to see Aromia bungii, oak wilt and pine wilt damaged areas, a visit to the Tsukuba City area to see trees affected by Anoplophora glabripennis, and a visit to the arboretum and a small museum at FFPRI.

The meeting was a great success, attracting 54 on-site and 9 online participants from 18 countries. It was organized by the IUFRO Division 7 Joint Meeting IUFRO Tokyo 2024 Organizing Committee, Wood Trade Pests Consortium and Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), and supported by: National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization, Forest Research Support Fund, Japan Forest Technology Association, The Japan Forestry Association, IUFRO-J, Forest Chemicals Association of Japan and Japan Forest Foundation

Discussions began on organizing the next IUFRO Joint Working Party Meeting in 2026. The Canadian Forest Service has offered to host a meeting in Fredericton, New Brunswick, with at least three IUFRO Working Parties and including more formats for exchange such as workshops and group discussions.

Report from the IUFRO Division 7 Forest Health Joint Meeting of Working Parties 7.03.06, 7.03.12, and 7.03.13: Theory and Practice to address Defoliating Insects, Invasive Pests and Biological Control of Insects and Pathogens in Forests, 21 to 23 August 2024, Tokyo, Japan

By Etsuko Shoda-Kagaya, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Japan, Deputy Coordinator of IUFRO Working Party 7.03.12 Alien invasive species and international trade and Research Group Deputy Coordinator – 7.03.00 Entomology