Wilson E., San Martin G., Ligot G.
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is one of the most important and valuable introduced conifers in Europe. Currently it covers over 0.8 million ha and is the second most cultivated non-native tree species after Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) (1.2 million ha) (Spiecker et al., 2019). In the United Kingdom and Ireland there are 46,000ha and 10,380ha of Douglas fir, respectively (Forestry Commission, 2019; Forest Service, 2018). As our climate changes Douglas fir is likely to be planted more widely, provided sites are not too exposed and have adequate soil moisture (Ray et al., 2010; Forest Research, 2020). Being moderately shade tolerant, it is also one of the most suitable species for continuous cover forestry (CCF) (Wilson, 2013). At present there are relatively few pests and diseases of Douglas fir that have a significant impact on its growth and performance (Savill, 2019).
The recent identification of Douglas fir needle midge (Contarinia pseudotsugae Condrashoff) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae; Genus Contarinia) in Western Europe represents a new and previously unrecognised threat to the Douglas fir resource in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
This small fly is one of three species of needle midges (the others being C. constricta Condrashoff and C. cuniculator Condrashoff) known to cause damage to Douglas fir throughout its native range in western North America (Condrashoff, 1961; Roques et al., 2019)…
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