Staff
Katrina Dainton
BA, MSc
BA, MSc
Katy’s role involves developing insect pest monitoring tools and non-chemical and biological control methods, with research concentrating on three forest pest species: large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis), Pine-tree lappet moth (Dendrolimus pini) and great spruce bark beetle (Dendroctonus micans). Katy also plans, manages and runs the breeding programme of predatory beetle (Rhizophagus grandis) at NRS for the biological management of Dendroctonus micans. She is currently undertaking a part-time PhD at the University of Edinburgh on “Enhancing Integrated Pest Management in Forestry”. Her role includes advising on forest entomology and tree health problems in northern Britain and line managing one staff member (Entomological Research Assistant).
Katrina Dainton joined the Entomology team of Forest Research in June 2015, initially working primarily on developing biopesticides and alternative control methods for the large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis). Since January 2018 Katrina has also taken on responsibility for developing the Rhizophagus grandis breeding programme at NRS. Prior to working at Forest Research Katrina undertook a short-term surveying and monitoring role with Natural England, having completed an Integrated Pest Management Masters at Harper Adams University in 2014. Alongside her role at FR she is now studying a part-time PhD at the University of Edinburgh.
NRS
Northern Research Station
Bush Estate
Roslin
Scotland
How do we manage insect pests in forestry? This PhD project aims to evaluate current science and practise and develop and test new and improved methods in order to enhance integrated pest management in the industry.
Monitoring traps for the pine-tree lappet moth were tested to find the most effective trap type and colour combination for adult moth capture.
Integrated forest management of Hylobius abietis
Investigating the potential of Integrated Forest Management of Hylobius abietis to reduce chemical inputs.
Management of great spruce bark beetle
An environmentally sound method of pest management to control an alien pest, the great spruce bark beetle, Dendroctonus micans.
This project is exploring the threat to UK forestry posed by the Pine-tree lappet moth (Dendrolimus pini) and whether it is an introduced pest species or a previously undiscovered resident.
The threat to UK forestry posed by the Pine-tree lappet moth: life cycle, origin and future risk
Project determining the level of risk to Scots pine and other tree species posed by defoliating caterpillars of the pine-tree lappet moth.
Researcher on following topics:
Responsibilities include:
Experiment planning and management.
Managing biocontrol programme.
Liaison with site managers, contractors, and FR Field teams.
Data management, validation and analysis.
Quality Assurance: Drafting experiment plans and standard operating procedures.
Drafting summary reports and scientific papers.
Providing specialist entomological advice to colleagues and stakeholders.
Providing training.
Knowledge exchange via presentations, reports, and media interviews.
Sukovata, L., Dziuk, A., Parratt, M., Bystrowski, C., Dainton, K., Polaszek, A. and Moore, R. (2020). The importance of trap type, trap colour and capture liquid for catching Dendrolimus pini and their impact on by-catch of beneficial insects. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 22, 319-327. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/afe.12383