Ecology and management of the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus -: a review of recent research

The outbreaks of Ips typographus (L.) in Central Europe after severe storms in the 1990s triggered extensive research. Molecular techniques were used to analyze the relations and origins of European Ips species. The biological characteristics of I. typographus such as the influence of temperature on life history parameters and flight behavior have been analyzed in detail. The spruce bark beetle was found to disperse well beyond 500 m. However, new attacks mostly occurred in the vicinity of old ones. Many studies refer to invertebrate natural enemies of I. typographus such as predatory beetles and flies as well as various parasitoids. While the species assemblages of antagonists have been extensively investigated their dynamics and impact on I. typographus populations are controversial. The susceptibility and defense mechanisms of host trees are crucial for a successful attack by bark beetles. Newly attacked trees respond with preformed resin, local wound reactions and eventually with systemic changes in their physiology. Risk assessments have been performed at both tree and stand level. Risk of attack seems to be mainly related to the exposition, age, and nutrient and water supply of the trees. The dynamics of outbreaks largely depends on insect abundance, tree susceptibility, weather conditions, and human measures. This renders predictions difficult. Various control techniques are reviewed and the need for more sophisticated risk assessment tools is stressed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.