Class practice and control measures based on the specific alien organism “Aromia bungii”: Creation and utilization of Sakura damage map

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to accumulate alien species teaching materials that are lacking in biological education and to help control measures in the affected areas. By developing teaching materials based on the specific alien organism “Aromia bungii”, whose damage has been expanding nationwide in recent years. Since Aromia bungii causes damage mainly to cherry blossoms, we investigated the damage situation of familiar cherry blossoms in the “Basic Biology” class in this study. The students created a “Sakura Damage Map” by recording the surveyed cherry blossom locations on a Web map using a dedicated application. This practice showed various educational effects such as recognition and understanding of Aromia bungii and improvement of conservation consciousness. In addition, by providing the distribution data of the “Sakura Damage Map” to public institutions, we were able to contribute to the discovery of new damaged trees. From the above, the alien species teaching materials developed in this study not only have various educational effects on the students, but also have an effect on the early detection of damage caused by Aromia bungii. Therefore, it was clarified that this teaching material is highly useful for both biological education and community contribution.