Pests and Diseases

There are about 50 harmful insects that affect 2 million ha of forest in Turkey. Particularly spruce forests in the East Blacksea Cost are suffering from bark beetles. Among them, Dendroctanus micans, Ips typographus and Ips sexdentatus are most harmful. Within the last six years 2,1 million ha of forest land has been hit by pests and diseases, resulting in 1.900.000 m³ wood loss.

GDF continuously monitors pests and diseases and combats on 500.000-800.000 ha infected area each year, through mechanic, chemical, bio- technique and biological methods. The annual cost of this work is around 2-4 million US$. (For the most widely seen pests see Ann.10)

Turkey has recently developed cooperation with Georgia against pests and diseases in the region.