European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023—2027 Intervention LA 16 "Support for the implementation of European Innovation Partnership working group projects" activity "EIP working group project at sector level" agreement No. 25-00-C0LA1602-000002
Project partners are University of Latvia (leading partner, coordinator Līga Jankevica), LSFRI "Silava", "Kukaiņu garāža" Ltd., "Rīgas meži" Ltd. and Latvian Forest Owners Association.
Total funding is EUR 300,000.
In Latvian forestry, pest control methods are still dominated by mechanical approaches (sanitary logging) and the use of pheromone traps. The problem identified in the project is the lack of biological control methods based on native beneficial organisms, such as entomopathogenic fungi and predatory insects. The aim of the project is to develop scientifically grounded and practically applicable biological control methods for limiting spruce bark beetles in Latvian forests, using their natural enemies and other beneficial organism complexes. Due to climate change and intensive forestry practices, the damage caused by bark beetles is increasing, making it necessary to develop new, environmentally friendly solutions that complement or replace chemical protection methods.
The project proposes a solution by developing a biological control strategy that includes the isolation, cultivation, and effectiveness testing of native organisms within the Latvian ecosystem. This approach is innovative and based on international experience, for example in Turkey, where biological control using Rhizophagus grandis, Thanasimus formicarius, and Formica rufa has successfully reduced pest populations and restored ecological balance, while reducing costs by 1.4 times compared to chemical control.
The project will include a comprehensive literature review on the natural enemies of bark beetles, biological control solutions, and their effectiveness in different regions. Sample plots will be established in Latvian spruce forests, where bark beetles and beneficial organisms (invertebrates, microscopic fungi, bacteria, nematodes, etc.) will be collected. The collected organisms will be identified and analyzed in the laboratory to determine their potential as bio-agents and their applicability in forest biological protection. Promising biological control candidates, including Thanasimus spp., will be selected, cultured, and their optimal growth conditions and virulence determined. Their effectiveness in limiting bark beetle populations will be tested in both laboratory and field experiments. During the project, a prototype for the mass rearing of beneficial insects will be developed, and their propagation will be ensured for field trials. Methods for applying biological control agents will be tested in the sample plots.
This approach aligns with Latvia's Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan for 2023–2027. The project will be implemented in the forest sector within the prioritized area of land management for economically viable integration of agriculture and forestry, aiming to improve biodiversity, carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, soil health, and productivity. The project results will be widely disseminated: information will be prepared for the EIP network and the institution’s website, two publications will be developed for WoS/SCOPUS journals, reports will be prepared for international conferences, and one webinar along with four seminars (including one with practical demonstrations) will be organized. Knowledge transfer on pest and beneficial organism composition in the sample plots will be ensured, along with preparatory activities for commercialization.