Moldova forest pest damage decreases to 65,000 hectares

The phytosanitary condition of forests in the Republic of Moldova has improved over the last five years. The area affected by defoliating insects has decreased from approximately 80,000 hectares in 2020 to 65,000 hectares.

Ion Talmaci, the interim director of the Institute for Forest Research and Management, stated that biological methods are primarily used to combat pests to avoid the negative effects of chemicals on vegetation. The most dangerous pests identified include defoliating insects, specifically the oak processionary moth.

In forests managed by the Moldsilva Agency, active combat measures such as aerial interventions have not been utilized since 2019, when they were applied to approximately 2,000 hectares.