Features of tree stands and habitats of the areas of pine beauty moth (Panolis flammea Schiff.) gradation in the Regional Directorate of the State Forests in Zielona Gora

The pine beauty moth (Panolis flammea Denis & Schiffermuller, 1775) is one of the most serious parasites appearing on the area of the Regional Directorate of the State Forests (RDSF) in Zielona Gora (western Poland). The main study objectives was to point out the most important stand and habitat features that influence the pest gradation appearance on the area of the RDSF in Zielona Gora. Therefore, information on the year of gradation and combat of the Panolis flammea in the period from 1998 to 2020 was specified, with data characterising the stand as: age of the stand in the gradation year, stand quality, canopy density, forestation and the habitat features as: soil cover type, soil type and subtype, moisture variant and the state of the habitat. The conducted analyses resulted in a description of the stand on the area of the RDSF in Zielona Gora where most often massive outbreaks of the pine beauty moth took place, simultaneously revealing which stand is preferred by this insect species. Such stand is Scots pine dominated, aged 41-50, in II class of the site index, with relative stocking at level of 0.9-1.0, moderate canopy density, and growing on the fresh coniferous habitat.