Sanitary felling in chestnut sites
The Head of the National Forestry Agency Archil Nikoleishvili visited the village Boslevi, Imereti region, where he got acquainted with the sanitary cutting in the chestnut site.
In the framework of the chestnut recovery program, based on laboratory researches, implemented by international expert Irina Matsiach, diseased trees were labeled for cutting on an area of 43 hectares. The cutting will be followed by testing of the biological control method - the introduction of the hypovirulent strain. Based on the recommendation, both, the use of the biological disease control method and measures to promote the natural regeneration and restoration of the forest, will be implemented. It is important to note that the local population will be employed in sanitary felling and biological control.
The problem of drying chestnuts (Castanea sativa Mill.) existed in the country (as in Europe) for many years. The first cases of drying were discovered at the end of the 19th century, especially in western Georgia. According to studies of that time, the cause of drying was named the so-called "ink disease".
Scientists are still discussing methods and effective remedies for the disease, however, according to international experience, sanitary cutting and the biological control mechanism are considered the most common practice.
