Integrated Management of Bark Beetles in the Forests of Karabük, Türkiye

An integrated pest management strategy incorporating biotechnical, mechanical, and biological control methods was implemented against Ips sexdentatus (Börner) and Pityokteines curvidens (Germar) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), which cause damage to pine and fir trees in the forests of Karabük during the period between April and October of 2024 and 2025. These bark beetles are generally considered secondary pests, primarily attacking trees weakened by drought, mechanical injuries, diseases, or other environmental stress factors. However, when population densities increase and suitable host resources become limited, they may also attack healthy trees and consequently behave as primary pests. The damage inflicted on the cambial tissue and vascular system disrupts the transport of water and nutrients within the tree, ultimately resulting in tree mortality. Therefore, these beetles cause severe physiological damage to host trees. As a consequence of bark beetle infestations, forests suffer significant economic losses almost every year. Within the scope of this study, pheromone traps were used to monitor population density, and the pest insects captured in the traps were removed. Infested tree materials were also collected and removed from the field. In addition, as part of the biological control program, predatory beetles were released into the study area. Furthermore, the predator species produced in the Karabük Biyological Control Laboratory and the production methods used against these pests were evaluated. The results indicated that the applied integrated pest management practices were effective in reducing pest populations and that these approaches provide significant contributions to sustainable forest management. Keywords: Bark beetles; Integrated pest management; Karabük; Mechanical control; Nature conservation; Pheromone trap; Thanasimus formicarius