Shiroma Sathyapala: AI algorithms could be used to analyze pest behavior patterns

A renowned scholar Shiroma Sathyapala, Forestry Protection and Health Officer, FAO Forestry Department (co-author, among other academic papers, of the Global forest area disturbance from fire, insect pests, diseases and severe weather events), attended the seminar devoted to the International Day of Forests, organized in Moscow by the FAO Liaison office with the Russian Federation, and contributed her presentation to this event.

On the sidelines of the forum, Dr Sathyapala gave an exclusive interview to Vladimir Mikheev, FAO LOR communications specialist.

Could you provide an overview of invasive pests that pose the greatest risk to boreal (taiga) forests?

Boreal forests occupy about 17 percent of Earth's land surface area in a circumpolar belt of the far Northern Hemisphere. Of it 73 percent is in Russia, 22 percent in Canada and the USA, and 5 percent in other countries.

Invasive insects and diseases and native pest outbreaks can pose significant threats to boreal forests, which are vast ecosystems dominated by coniferous trees like spruce, fir, and pine.

Most wide-spread insect pests include the Siberian silk moth (Dendrolimus sibiricus), Jacobsen’s spanworm (Erannis jacobsoni), spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), and rusty tussock moth (Orgyia antiqua).

The spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) is also a major threat to boreal forests, particularly affecting spruce and fir trees.

Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a serious threat to various tree species, including hardwoods like poplar and birch found in boreal forests.

White Pine Blister Rust (Cronartium ribicola) is a fungal disease affects white pines, a vital component of boreal forests. It causes cankers on the branches and stems.

Forest Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria). Outbreaks of this native pest can still cause considerable damage in boreal forests.

Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae). This native beetle attacks various pine species weakened by severe weather events in North American boreal forests where severe outbreaks have killed millions of pine trees in the USA and Canada.

Secondary bark and wood-boring insects such as Ips, Scolytus, Buprestid and Cerambycid beetles can kill trees weakened by defoliation and/or fires.

European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) is affecting the boreal forests in Nordic countries.

The boreal forests are already vulnerable to evolving environment patterns such as the impact of climate change. Monitoring and management strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of these pests and preserve the health and diversity of boreal ecosystems.

What are the most effective ways to digitalize monitoring and greening pest control methods?

Today, many countries use advanced technologies for sustainable management and conservation of forest resources.

Drones and aerial sensors are versatile platforms for rapid forest monitoring, providing data on tree density, health, and signs of pest infestations or diseases. Cloud-based remote sensing solutions offer near-real-time forest monitoring using platforms like Google Earth Engine, enabling efficient analysis of high-resolution imagery from satellites like Sentinel-2. This technology facilitates broader forest monitoring programs and provides easy access to satellite data archives.

Multispectral and hyperspectral imaging technologies are essential for monitoring forest health and detecting changes in forests. They could capture data across various wavelengths, enabling insights into tree health and ecological parameters like species identification. For instance, in detecting bark beetle infestations, multispectral imaging can identify unhealthy trees within a forest.

Digital technologies such as smart traps, sensors, and multispectral cameras are used for real-time pest monitoring. They collect data on pest presence and environmental conditions, able to send alerts when pest levels exceed thresholds for proactive pest management. Also, AI algorithms could be used to analyze pest behavior patterns, predict outbreaks, and optimize control strategies, enabling precise and timely interventions like targeted spraying and localized treatment.

Additionally, AI aids in developing models for pest forecasting based on weather conditions and past infestations, allowing foresters to implement preventative measures effectively. AI also supports the use of biological control methods by introducing natural predators or pheromones to disrupt mating, with IoT sensors monitoring their effectiveness on pest populations, minimizing chemicals usage and reducing environmental impact.

FAO has worked out a Forestry Roadmap – From Vision to Action 2024-2031. What are the main elements of the roadmap?

The FAO Forestry Roadmap: From Vision to Action 2024-2031 was drawn to tackle global challenges. It emphasizes a shift towards balancing the protective and productive roles of forests. The road map focusses on three areas:

Conserve and restore forest ecosystems to ensure life on land and resilience and transformation of agrifood systems​.

Enhance sustainable production and build sustainable green value chains and the bioeconomy, including by restoring productivity of forests and agrifood systems.

Scale up science-based innovation in forestry to accelerate agrifood systems transformation​.

FAO also lists sixteen priorities within these three areas. In particular, the Organization places great emphasis on the following:

-         Providing support for halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation.

-         Providing an enabling environment for accelerating forest and landscape restoration.

-         Supporting climate-change mitigation and adaptation.

-         Supporting countries to mainstream biodiversity.

-         Supporting forest-based solutions through inclusive scaling up of innovations, etc.

Dear Dr Shiroma, FAO LOR thanks you warmly for this interview and wishes you further successes in your demanding work and noble mission!