Research on the biology, damage and control of IPS acuminatus (Gyllenhal, 1827) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Sarıkamış, Kars

This study was conducted between the years 2016-2017 to specify the damage, biology and to determine the control methods of Ips acuminatus, found in the stands of Sarıkamış District of Kars Province, which is located on the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. The study area consists of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees, which have become an important resource for the region. I. acuminatus (Six-toothed Bark Beetle) is known as a bark beetle species that harms the forests of Turkey. The study also discusses the level of the damage and available methods of controlling it. Among a great number of available methods to control damage, trap tree and pheromone traps are the widely preferred ones. The biological periods of the pests found in the study area were specified as eggs, larvae, pupae and adult as the result of periodic checks and it was determined that the insect completed its biology in 140-150 days. It was clarified again by the two-year study that the insect giving two generations a year was an important pest for the region. Pheromone traps and trap trees in the test areas, all of which are on the northern side, were checked and I. acuminatus was found to be harmful in all the experimental areas. In 2018, Scots Pine, which was used as the testing area in 2016 and 2017, was found to have an outstanding revenue yield due to 260.4 ha insect damage in the divisions numbered 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 and 69. Since timely implementation of biotechnical methods and silvicultural interventions is of great importance in terms of control, the mentioned studies should be completed between May and September in Sarıkamış (KARS). The creation of mixed stands with coniferous and leafy species instead of the pure stand establishment will prevent possible bark beetle damages. Keywords: Ips acuminatus, Sarikamis, Scots Pine, Pheromone traps, Bark beetle.