Forest entomology

Healthy forests can withstand attacks of insect pests. The key elements are vigorous trees with a high level of resistance or tolerance together with a stable community of natural enemies. More diverse forests may be one way to achieve this.

Our research, teaching and outreach aims to answer questions like:

• How can we protect trees from insect damage?
• How can novel forest management methods mitigate the effects of climate change on insects?
• How can diversity in forests lead to better forest health?
• How can we reduce the risk of invasive insects establishing in Swedish forests?

We use lab and field experiments, often in collaboration with stakeholders, to answer these questions working at levels from molecules to landscapes over individuals and populations.

Our research have resulted in an efficient and commercially successful method in protecting conifer seedlings from pine weevil attack.

Our current overall research themes are:

• Novel plant protection methods
• Causes and consequences of insect outbreaks