Determining the edge effect of pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) in its horizontal distribution in the stand

Abstract

Pine processionary moth is one of the most important forest pests in the Mediterranean Basin. There is need to explore its distribution behaviour to undertake effective control and determine the edge effect of its horizontal distribution in the stand. Five trial sites damaged by the insect were selected and traps installed in all trees in the sites. The number of nests and larvae was counted and diameter increment cores were taken. The distance to the edge of the stand revealed that there was no statistical difference in the number of nests and larvae up to 25 m while there was a statistically significant difference (0.5%) at > 25 m. There was a 2-fold difference in the density of nests between 0 and 25 m and > 25 meters, and a 3.8-fold difference in the number of larvae. The effect of pine processionary moth on tree diameter was not significant between trees at the edge of the stand and those in the stand.