Population Dynamics and Tree Damage of the Invasive Chestnut Gall Wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus, in Its Southernmost European Distributional Range.

ABSTRACT: The invasive chestnut gall wasp (CGW), Dryocosmus kuriphilus, the worst pest of chestnut cultivation, has spread worryingly throughout Europe in less than 20 years. Despite the great concern around this pest, little is known about the status in its southernmost distribution in continental Europe. We assessed spatio-temporal patterns in the population dynamics, phenology and tree damage caused by CGW in southern Spain. Likewise, the relationship between these variables and thermal trends was evaluated. We found strong variation in the population dynamics and flight phenology among localities and over time, which were highly influenced by changes in thermal regimes. Specifically, warmer localities and vegetative periods promoted higher population densities, a partial increase in the survival

SUBMITTER: Quinto J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8540839 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature