Randomized trial compares winter and spring sanitation felling efficacy against infestations in hemiboreal forests, indicating treatment context is crucial.
Key Points
This research examines the effectiveness of winter versus spring sanitation felling against the spruce bark beetle in Norwegian forests.
Conducted field comparisons in five forest units in Estonia.
Implemented three treatments: winter sanitation felling, spring sanitation felling with trap logs, and untreated controls.
Focused on small infestation spots in middle-aged managed spruce stands.
Winter sanitation felling did not significantly reduce infestation compared to untreated stands.
Spring sanitation felling with trap logs decreased infestation probability locally, though results were modest.
Stand context and regional beetle dynamics had a higher influence on infestation patterns than treatment timing.