Chestnut (Castanea species) are trees providing crucial resources for livelihoods in many parts of the world, with a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits. The Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW) Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) is considered to be one of the most harmful insect pests of chestnut varieties in the world and can cause serious damage. However, protecting forest health from ACGW is possible using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles including classical biological control methods.

The information sheet describes the Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW), a threat to chestnut producers and rural population of Turkey. The ACGW is one of the most harmful insect pests of chestnut varieties in the world and can cause serious damage. Considering that Chestnut (Castanea species) are trees providing crucial resources for livelihoods in many parts of the world, with a wide range of economic, social, and environmental benefits, it is vital to protect Chestnut Forests from this insect pest.

This information sheet shows how FAO is assisting Turkey to manage the ACGW using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles including classical biological control methods.