ForstPrax

The goal of the FNR funded project ForstPrax is the application oriented development of a semi-conductor gas sensor prototype and its integration in forest operation. The drone-based prototype was already used successfully in the project consortium ProtectForest. The sensor is detecting monoterpenes, which are emitted in the stem and crown region due to infestation by Ips typographus or Pityogenes chalcographus. The combination of drone flight and gas sensors can detect bark beetle infestation shortly after the initial attack, even when the infestation is not visible for foresters from below. The typical yellow or red coloration of the spruce needles, which indicates a later stage after infestation, is not necessary for bark beetle detection. The reaction time for efficient forest protection can shorten significantly, as the detection of an infested tree can be done days after infestation, while with conventional methods it can take up to a year until needles show first signs of discoloration. The high resonance from forest practice to the project ProtectForest and the high attention from media (ZDF, Hessischer Rundfunk, Bayrischer Rundfunk, ZEIT, FAZ, FNR) show the high practical relevance of the research project considering climate change.