Publications by authors named "Flavius Balacenoiu"

An increase in biotic interactions towards lower latitudes is one of the most consistent patterns in ecology. Higher temperatures and more stable climatic conditions at low latitudes are thought to enhance biotic interactions, accelerating biological evolution and leading to stronger anti-herbivore defences in plants. However, some studies report contradictory findings, highlighting the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.

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In recent years, the oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata, has emerged as a significant threat to European oak forests. This species, native to North America, has in the last two decades rapidly extended its range in Europe, raising concerns about its potential impact on the continent's invaluable oak populations. To address this growing concern, we conducted an extensive study to assess the distribution, colonization patterns, and potential ecological niche of the oak lace bug in Europe.

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, commonly known as the oak lace bug (OLB), is an insect species originally native to North America that has become an invasive species of significant concern in Europe. This invasive pest has been observed in various European countries, raising concerns about its impact on forest ecosystems. In 2015, it was first documented in Romania, further highlighting the need for research on its bioecology and life cycle.

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Article Synopsis
  • Insect and disease outbreaks in forests are increasingly problematic due to climate change, which disrupts ecosystem services like carbon storage and biodiversity conservation.
  • The Database of European Forest Insect and Disease Disturbances (DEFID2) compiles over 650,000 records of such disturbances from 1963 to 2021 across eight European countries, utilizing methods like ground surveys and remote sensing.
  • DEFID2 provides detailed qualitative and quantitative data on forest disturbances, enabling researchers to study ecological processes and assess the impacts of these biotic disturbances more effectively.
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