The Near East University Faculty of Agriculture and the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources have entered into a five-year cooperation, signing the "Pine Beetle Integrated Control Scientific Cooperation Protocol" to combat the destructive impact of pine beetles on forests in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The pine beetle infestation poses a dual threat, not only endangering the vitality of pine trees but also presenting health risks to humans, causing allergic reactions upon contact.
The collaboration focuses on implementing integrated and sustainable methods against pine beetles, including trapping, biological control, bird nest enhancement, biological insecticide application, and mechanical warfare. Through this partnership, training programs will be developed for Forestry Department personnel and university students, engaging them in scientific research to identify beetle populations and formulate effective control strategies.
Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Founding Dean of the Near East University Faculty of Agriculture, emphasized the need for a comprehensive system in collaboration with the Forestry Department. The protocol aims to keep pine processionary insect populations under constant observation, employing a systematic approach to control methods. Regular data recording over the five-year period will assess the success rates of these methods, establishing a scientific foundation for future pest management.
Salih Güneş, Director of the Forestry Department, highlighted the importance of scientific support in the struggle against pine beetles. Stressing the significance of a long-term and sustainable approach, Güneş noted that damaged trees may regenerate after the vegetation period and underscored the necessity of persistent efforts given the beetles' ability to remain underground for up to eight years.
This collaborative initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable forest management, and the overall health of terrestrial ecosystems.
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