Entomologycal and phytopathological research chestnut forests of the Republic of Abkhazia
Castanea sativa Mill. is a relict species originated from the period of Sarmat epoche of Miocene. Now a progressing drying up of chestnut stands might be seen on the Caucasus Black Sea coast. That is why consortive chestnut biota is of great importance. Material was collected in 2010-2011 on the territory of Republic of Abkhazia. We used the following method: traps collection of imagos and caterpillars on chestnut trees with the following rearing in laboratory. Fungal lesion samples were taken from dried (attacked) parts of the trees with the following microscope examination under laboratory condition. In the process of chestnut stands examination 91 species of insects were identified, 24 of them been directly connected in their development with C. sativa. The most important of them as a pest is Curculio (Balaninus) elephas Gyllenhal which can spoil a significant part the fruits of chestnut (up to 25%). Chestnut was first mentioned as host species for Ricania japonica Melichar. Indicated sparse and endemic species which can be used as indicators of chestnut forests role in biodiversity preservation. For the first time Denisia similella Hubner was found on the Black Sea coast. Further, 35 fungi species were identified on chestnut trees. The most dangerous of them for chestnut forest is Cryphonectria parasitica Murr. It creates vast areas of dead tissues suitable for the development of saprotrophic fungi assembly. The percent of attacked chestnut trees is high and varies from 4 to 89,9% depending on environmental conditions and characteristics of phytocenosis. Through butt fire wounds penetrate the following species: Fistulina hepatica (Schaeff.) With. (its frequency reaches up to 15%), Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murril. (up to 6%) as well as other basidiomycetes which cause stem decay. In the process of chestnut trees examination there were discovered the following species: Teratosperma uniappendiculatum Matsush. (this species was discovered for the first time on the territory of Abkhazia), Phaeoidiomyces sp. (a new species for science, describes elsewhere as Phaeoidiomyces abkhasicus). Republic of Abkhazia’s flora has unique characteristics. Because of specific features of its ecology, it is very important to continue the investigations of its mycobiota and entomofauna.