Behavior-based stratified management: population suppression and invasion front control of Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) in coastal shelterbelt ecosystems

BACKGROUND The red-haired bark beetle (RHB), Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius), is a significant invasive pest responsible for widespread mortality in pine forests. Current control methods are largely ineffective and poorly integrated, failing to halt the spread of RHB. This study aimed to develop and validate an integrated management system that leverages the beetle's behavioral patterns and implements stratified management strategies based on the severity of infestation levels. RESULTS We first enhanced trapping efficiency by optimizing key technologies, including trap design, deployment methods, and lure formulations. Building on this foundation, we developed a stratified management plan with the following key measures: in newly colonized stands, a strategy combining benzyl alcohol repellents and optimized lure attractants, along with flight-interception traps, significantly reduced spread, decreasing the proportion of dead trees from 12.5% to 2.6%. In outbreak stands, intensive measures such as stump removal and mass trapping reduced the RHB population density by 99.05%. Additionally, replanting alters stand volatiles, reducing their attractiveness to the beetles. CONCLUSION The stratified management strategy, applied to both newly colonized and outbreak stands of RHB, proved highly effective in suppressing population growth and preventing further dispersal. This approach offers a key technical solution for restoring damaged coastal ecosystems and provides a valuable reference for managing similar invasive pests worldwide. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.