Natural Predator Deployed to Combat Chestnut Pest

Sochi National Park races to save its ancient chestnut forests from extinction

Sochi National Park has launched a project to restore the Caucasus' chestnut forests. On March 31, the first phase of a large-scale program aimed at preserving the sweet chestnut population began, with scientists tackling the decline and degradation of the species in the region's mountain forests.

In the initial stage, biologists and ecologists have started field research on the territory of the Rosa Khutor resort to assess the current condition of the chestnut groves. Experts note that the critical state of the trees is driven by two main factors: fungal infections and the activity of an invasive pest—the Oriental chestnut gall wasp.

While fungal diseases have plagued chestnuts since the late 19th century, the dangerous insect arrived more recently—in 2016—and by 2020 had spread throughout all chestnut forests in Sochi National Park.

To combat the pest, scientists are deploying its natural enemy—the predatory Torymus wasp. As part of the project, researchers will analyze how effectively this entomophagous parasite spreads and its impact on reducing the gall wasp population, according to a statement from Rosa Khutor's press service.

Earlier, we reported that experts had uncovered the secrets of the 600-year-old "Tsar Oak" in Sochi National Park. Specialists emphasize that such ancient trees are living symbols of history and an invaluable genetic reservoir for the forests of the Caucasus.