Invasion species Coleophora laricella - One of the main limiting factor of Larix decidua during the forest aforestation and recultivation

Abstract

Coleophora laricella Hubner, 1817 was introduced in Serbia along with Larix decidua Miller, 1768 (commonly used in the recultivation processes by reforestation) and as a result of the great adaptive ability, it was well-adapted to the site conditions, which differed greatly from the ones within the limits of its nature spread. It is very obstinate and harmful forest insect. In suitable places it has a permanent fluctuation, and in artificial stands the outbreak can last for as long as 12 years, which was confirmed in the common larch cultures established in 1981 at the waste disposal sites of the waste-rock of energy-industrial complex Kolubara, where it started in 1992 and lasted for 15 years. The chemical aerial suppression was conducted in 1996, and the success was complete, but short-lived. However, in the subsequent years, until 2007, the number of the larch casebearer was still above the critical one. The parasitic complex (10 species) was not sufficient for the significant reduction of the population level of the host. The multi-annual consecutive defoliation caused the significant reduction of the current and total increment of the common larch trees, as well as the increase of the intensity of their desiccation.