Black twig borer and other ambrosia and bark beetles in Israel

Bark beetles and ambrosia beetles (species of the subfamilies Scolytinae and Platypodinae) 'contribute' some of the serious pests of woodland and ornamental trees in many areas. The meeting focused on the challenges posed by these species in Israel. The main attention was devoted to woodborers as invasive species, the black twig borer (= BTB) Xylosandrus compactus in particular. The population of the BTB has been established in the last three years in the Galilee, inflicting severe damage to the major broad-leaved tree species of the local forest. BTB population is gradually spreading southward. At the meeting, several aspects the problem posed by invasive woodborers were presented with an emphasis on BTB. The research and development plans designed to produce the solutions were elaborated.

Automated summary

Bark beetles and ambrosia beetles, such as the black twig borer (BTB) Xylosandrus compactus, are significant pests of woodland and ornamental trees. This meeting in Israel focused on the challenges posed by these beetle species, with a particular emphasis on the invasive BTB population. The BTB population has been causing severe damage to major broad-leaved tree species in the Galilee region, and efforts are being made to develop solutions to control its spread.