In the Zestafoni Municipality of the Imereti region, monitoring is underway in chestnut stands affected by chestnut blight, a fungal disease. Based on the initial evaluation of the biological control method used against the disease, positive dynamics have been observed in the test plots.

“Cases of chestnut blight in Georgia were identified as early as the late 19th century, particularly in Western Georgia.

The dieback is caused by a fungal disease known as chestnut blight, which was recently compounded by a new invasive pest - the chestnut gall wasp. According to international experience, the most widespread practices today for combating the disease are sanitary cutting and biological control mechanisms”, - said Besik Amiranashvili, Head of the National Forestry Agency.

Chestnut blight has been recorded in all regions of Georgia, though it is particularly prevalent in Western Georgia. On the initiative of the National Forestry Agency, alongside sanitary cutting, the trial of a biological control method was conducted in the village of Boslevi based on forest pathological research, involving both national and international experts. This method is one of the most proven approaches to combating chestnut blight.

At this stage, hypovirulent strains have been introduced into pre-prepared test plots within the chestnut stands. Initial evaluations indicate positive dynamics; however, long-term and continuous observation is required to fully assess the method's effectiveness.

In addition to the disease, chestnut stands have faced a challenge since 2022 from a new invasive insect pest - the chestnut gall wasp. Since a scientifically proven, rapid, and effective control method for this pest is currently unknown, the National Forestry Agency actively collaborates with countries facing similar challenges and experience, including the Republic of Turkey.

The National Forestry Agency continuously monitors the condition of chestnut stands and proceeds with appropriate measures to prevent the spread of the disease and invasive pests, as well as to protect forest ecosystems.