| Year : |
2026 |
| Volume : |
72 |
| Issue : |
1 |
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| Authors : |
Denisa ŽUJO ZEKIĆ, Emina ADEMOVIĆ, Alisa HADŽIABULIĆ, Elma TEMIM, Jasmina ALIMAN, Alma ČOLAK |
| Title : |
COMPARISON OF DISTRIBUTION OF PINE PROCESSIONARY THAUMETOPOEA PITYOCAMPA (DENIS & SCHIFFERMÜLLER, 1775) IN THE AREAS OF MOSTAR, LIVNO AND TOMISLAVGRAD MUNICIPALITIES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA |
| Abstract : |
The pine processionary, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis and Schiffermüller, 1775), is described in the scientific literature as a major pest of forest ecosystems in the Mediterranean region (Androić, 1957). It was first recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1960s and 1970s in the area of Trebinje and the Neretva River canyon (Konjic and Prozor). Its harmful impact is emphasized by its geographical expansion and high adaptability, influenced by both internal and external factors such as climate change and the expansion of areas under coniferous forests.
The aim of this study was to determine and compare the distribution of this pest at three locations-Mostar, Livno, and Tomislavgrad. Field investigations were conducted during 2023 and 2024 at ten microlocations, including five in Mostar, two in Livno, and three in Tomislavgrad. The study included pest identification, determination of the number of nests, and assessment of their position and exposure within the tree canopy. The highest number of nests was recorded in the upper third of the canopy, on southern exposures, and within the 30-50 cm diameter class. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among canopy sections only at Location 3 (Privala, Tomislavgrad), while the remaining locations showed a more uniform nest distribution. Urbanized sites in Mostar had a minimal number of nests (five in total), and at the University Campus (Location 9) a decrease in nest numbers was observed compared to previous studies. Successful recovery of previously infested trees was recorded, manifested through the emergence of new green shoots and regeneration of damaged branches. The attack of the pine processionary is localized and currently does not threaten forest stands; however, it poses a health risk to visitors and domestic animals. Regular removal of nests remains a key management measure, while climate change and milder winters may increase the intensity of attacks, particularly on weakened and older trees.
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| For citation : |
Zekić, Ž.D., Ademović, E., Hadžiabulić, A., Temim, E., Aliman, J., Čolak, A. (2026). Comparison of distribution of pine processionary Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) in the areas of Mostar, Livno and Tomislavgrad municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Agriculture and Forestry, 72 (1): 287-294. https://doi:10.17707/AgricultForest.72.1.17 |
| Keywords : |
Thaumetopoea pityocampa, distribution, pine trees, defoliator pest-caterpillar, health risk |
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