Early Detection of Bark Beetle Infestation by Drone-Based Monoterpene Detection ^†

Abstract

The project PROTECT^FOREST deals with the improvement of early bark beetle detection to allow a fast and effective response to initial infestation. The removal of trees in the early infestation stage can prohibit bark beetle population gradation and successive timber price decrease. A semi-conductor gas sensor array was tested in the lab and attached to a drone under artificial and real-life field conditions. The sensor array was able to differentiate between α-pinene amounts and between different temperatures under lab conditions. In the field, the sensor responded to a strong artificial α-pinene source. The real-life field trial showed preliminary results, as technical and environmental conditions did compromise proof of principle. Further research will evaluate the detection rate of infested trees with the new proposed sensor concept.