Smart trapping solution for forest moth pests showcased in new FORSAID demonstration

Following the unveiling of FORSAID’s first technological demonstration, a video about the Entomoscope device, the second instalment of the series has now been revealed. The new output is all about the innovations in automated traps for EU-regulated forest pests that are being pursued within the project. Specifically, partners from CEF (the Forest Research Centre of the University of Lisbon’s School of Agriculture) discussed the research and testing undertaken in this context, an endeavour targeting two insect species.

The pair in question consists of the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) and the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea). As explained by CEF’s Manuela Branco, they pose a threat not only to forested areas as a driver of severe defoliation, but also to public health in human society. With that in mind, the spread of moth populations of this kind across the Old Continent is cause for concern at the European level.

On FORSAID’s side, the project is zeroing in on an improved approach to trapping these insects, particularly nocturnal male specimens. To that end, a more time- and cost-effective method is actively being explored - an automated trapping system. Developed as a product of Trapview, the device is meant to minimise the regular visits for maintenance, specimen observation and data collection required by conventional traps. 

Miguel Landum, fellow researcher at CEF and FORSAID partner, elaborated on this innovation and how it facilitates the remote extraction of information from the trap. Presenting the Trapview solution in the field, he discussed the project’s ongoing comparative analysis between it and a conventional trap. The goal is to determine the former’s efficacy in containing specimens as well as its suitability for wider deployment in the management of pine processionary moths. According to Landum, one substantial advantage already identified for the automated device is the daily photographs of the insects trapped within that are digitally received by researchers.

You can watch the full demonstration below. Stay tuned for more updates as the results of the study are consolidated and shared among the forest pest management community of Europe.