Bioecological Peculiarities and Economical Significance of Scolytus intricatus (Ratzeburg, 1837) and Trypodendron lineatum (A. G. Olivier, 1800) Damaging to Forest Trees in the South Slopes of the Greater Caucasus (Azerbaijan)

Abstract

Bark beetles (Curculionidae, Scolytinae) are dangerous pests of forest and fruit trees both in the world and in Azerbaijan. Their activity results in partial or complete drying out, and a decrease in quantitative and qualitative indicators of the trees. These pests are even more dangerous during the years of mass reproduction. The bark beetles, which mainly infect old trees or trees weakened by biotic, abiotic, anthropogenic factors, attack young and healthy trees during mass reproduction. These pests, which pose a threat to forestry and horticulture, have not been studied in detail in Azerbaijan. The work was carried out by the author on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus of Azerbaijan (Balakan, Zagatala, Gakh, Sheki, Oguz, Gabala, Ismayilli, Shamakhi and Absheron) in 2013-2019 and 22 species of bark beetles were identified damaging to forest trees. The article provides information about the bioecological characteristics and economic importance of the oak bark beetle (Scolytus intricatus (Ratzeburg, 1837)) and striped ambrosia beetle (Trypodendron lineatum (A. G. Olivier, 1800)), which are widespread in the study area and cause serious damage to forest trees. T. lineatum is new to the fauna of Azerbaijan. As a result of the activity of these pests, industrially valuable trees, such as oak, chestnut, elm, beech, pine, fir are partially or completely destroyed by drying.