forest health conditions in nova scotia · Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2015 Annual Report 10 Table 15: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring

Forest

FOREST HEALTH CONDITIONS

IN NOVA SCOTIA

2015 Annual Report

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Fleet and Forest Protection Division

Risk Services Section

Report FOR 2017-2

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia

2015 Annual Report

Compiled by:

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources

Forest Protection Division

Risk Services Section

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources PO Box 130 23 Creighton Road Shubenacadie, NS B0N 2H0 Telephone: (902)-758-7226 Fax: (902)-758-3210 http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/publications.asp Report FOR 2017-2

http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/publications.asp

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2015 Annual Report 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forest Health Staff ..................................................................................................................... 5

Risk Services Staff ..................................................................................................................... 5

Regional Services Pest Detection Officers ................................................................................. 5

Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... 6

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms Used in this Report ............................................................ 6

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 7

List of Tables ............................................................................................................................. 9

List of Figures ...........................................................................................................................11

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................13

Status of Forest Pests ...............................................................................................................14

Eastern Blackheaded Budworm - Acleris variana (Fernald) ...................................................14

Pheromone Trap Survey ....................................................................................................14

Overwintering Egg Survey .................................................................................................15

Eastern Spruce Budworm - Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.) ..............................................16


Overwintering Larval (L2) Survey .......................................................................................18

Jack Pine Budworm - Choristoneura pinus pinus (Free.) .......................................................19


Overwintering Larval (L2) Survey .......................................................................................20

Hemlock Looper - Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria (Gn.) .........................................................22



Balsam Twig Aphid - Mindarus abietinus (Koch) ....................................................................24

Balsam Fir Sawfly - Neodiprion abietis (Harr.) .......................................................................26



Whitemarked Tussock Moth - Orgyia leucostigma (J.E. Smith) .............................................27


Balsam Gall Midge - Paradiplosis tumifex (Gagné) ................................................................29

Invasive Alien Species Present in Nova Scotia .........................................................................30

Balsam Woolly Adelgid - Adelges picea (Ratz.) .....................................................................30

Overwintering Nymph and Damage Surveys ......................................................................30

Permanent Monitoring Plots ...............................................................................................32

Gypsy Moth - Lymantria dispar (L.) ........................................................................................35


Beech Leaf-Mining Weevil - Orchestes fagi (L.) .....................................................................38

Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle - Tetropium fuscum (Fabr.) ..................................................39


Invasive Alien Species of Concern Not Yet Detected in Nova Scotia ........................................40

Aerial Surveys ...........................................................................................................................41

Pest Identification Inquiries .......................................................................................................43

Communications .......................................................................................................................43

Insectary Notes Newsletter ....................................................................................................43

Extension and Outreach ........................................................................................................43

APPENDIX - GLOSSARY .........................................................................................................44


Forest Health Staff

Jim Rudderham (Operations Supervisor)

Justin Smith (Supervisor) Jacqui Gordon

Shannon Breen Kris Lambert

Robert Davis Mike LeBlanc

Risk Services Staff

John Ross (Manager)

Tanya Borgal Dustin Oikle

Andree MacKay Morgan Oikle

Jeff Ogden Gina Penny

Regional Services Pest Detection Officers

Eastern Region Central Region Western Region

Cameron Gillis Allan Bland Jamie Brown

Derek Hart Eric Leighton Brian Comeau

Michael Hill Scott MacEwan William Grover

John Kennedy Chris MacIntyre Kim Huskins

Dolores MacDonald Amy Marsters Ross Pentz

Jennifer Stephen Terry Moore Jim Scott

John Ongo Matthew O’Connor Chelsea Taylor

Terry White


Acknowledgements

To assemble, analyze, and present the information contained within this report requires a great deal of effort from many individuals. Without their efforts to gather information and data, this report would not be possible.

Thanks to the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR) regional staff. Especially the Pest Detection Officers (PDO’s), who are the backbone of many provincial surveys. These surveys would be impossible without their support and that of their Area Supervisors.

Appreciation is extended to the staff of the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) for their cooperation. Their research in Nova Scotia as well as the information and expertise they share relating to forest pests and forest conditions continues to be a valuable resource. Thanks are also given to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for their assistance and information exchange during the invasive insect surveys.

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms Used in this Report

BSLB Brown spruce longhorn beetle

CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency

CFS Canadian Forest Service

ha Hectare

L2 Overwintering second instar larva

NSDNR Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources

PDO Pest Detection Officer

PRA Pest risk analysis


Executive Summary

This annual report contains information on forest insects and diseases monitored by Forest Health staff and PDO’s for the period up to and including 2015. As well as information concerning our combined efforts to assist in research conducted by the CFS and to monitor invasive pests with the CFIA.

Eastern Blackheaded Budworm (Acleris variana): The percentage of positive pheromone traps was 100%, up from 94.6% in 2014. The maximum trap catch was 770 moths, down from 884 in 2014. Overwintering eggs were detected at 79% of sites surveyed, up from 74% in 2014.

Eastern Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana): The percentage of positive pheromone traps was 65%, up from 60% in 2014. The maximum trap catch was 28 moths, up slightly from 23 in 2014. No overwintering second instar larvae (L2’s) were detected.

Jack Pine Budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus): The percentage of positive pheromone traps was 46%, down from 63% in 2014. The maximum trap catch was 18 moths, down from 39 in 2014. No overwintering L2’s were detected.

Hemlock Looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria): Populations continue to remain at low levels. The percentage of positive pheromone traps was 97.9%, up slightly from 95.8% in 2014. The maximum trap catch was 375 moths, unchanged from 2014. Overwintering eggs were detected at 28% of the sites sampled, up from 8% in 2014.

Balsam Twig Aphid (Mindarus abietinus) and Balsam Gall Midge (Paradiplosis tumifex): The percentage of sites with balsam twig aphid damage was 16%, up from 13% in 2014. The percentage of sites with balsam gall midge damage was 13%, up from 7% in 2014.

Balsam Fir Sawfly (Neodiprion abietis): Overwintering eggs were detected in 57% of the sites surveyed,, up from 22% in 2014.

Whitemarked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma): Trace to low populations were detected in 327 sites province wide.

Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Adelges picea): The percentage of sites with overwintering nymphs was 4%, down from 12% in 2014. The percentage of branches with gouted branches was 2%, up from zero in 2014. Overwintering surveys in 18 permanent plots detected increased populations at one plot, decreased populations at five plots, and no change in the remaining 12 plots.

Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar): The percentage of positive multipher traps was 76%, unchanged from 2014. The maximum trap catch was 1334 moths, up from 1017 in


2014. Overall, the percentage of positive delta traps outside the regulated zone was 24.7%, up from 15.3% in 2014.

Beech Leaf-Mining Weevil (Orchestes fagi): No formal survey was conducted by the CFIA in 2015. However, a new beech leaf-mining weevil area was reported near Baddeck in Cape Breton.

Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle (Tetropium fuscum): As of 2 April 2015, the BSLB regulated area was expanded to include the entire province of Nova Scotia and individual sites or areas in New Brunswick under Notices of Prohibition of Movement. At this time the CFIA and Forest Health, and NSDNR discontinued pheromone trapping for BSLB in Nova Scotia.

Invasive Alien Species Not Yet Detected: There are several invasive alien species that have yet to be detected in Nova Scotia but have been found in other north-eastern provinces and states. This is of concern because these species have the potential to cause significant damage to Nova Scotia’s forests - hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), European wood wasp (Sirex noctilio), and pine shoot beetle (Tomicus piniperda).

Provincial Aerial Overview Surveys: In August 2015 departmental field staff reported unidentified defoliation in Valley and Central Lowlands ecoregion. The sites were ground truthed and a detailed aerial survey was conducted. This mapping delineated 198 ha of beech leaf-mining weevil defoliation and 260 ha of defoliation and browning due to oak leaftier and leafroller caterpillar feeding.

Pest Identification Inquiries: In 2015, 52 inquiries were answered, of which 33% dealt directly with our forest resource, i.e. plantations and woodlots. The remaining 67% were general homeowner inquiries.

Insectary Notes Newsletter: Twice a year Forest Health publishes the Insectary Notes newsletter. The objective of this publication is to communicate current information in a timely manner using a recognized and easy to understand format.

Extension and Outreach: Forest Health participates in various field days such as Kids in the Forest, Woodlot Owner of the Year, and Open Forest Day, as well as yearly information sessions as part of the Woodland Owner Conferences and Christmas Tree Producer Associations technical sessions and field days.


List of Tables

Table 1: Summary of Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2013 to 2015.

Table 2: Summary of Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2015.

Table 3: Summary of Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2002 to 2015.

Table 4: Summary of Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) overwintering larval (L2) surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2012 to 2015.

Table 5: Summary of Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2015.

Table 6: Summary of Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) overwintering larval (L2) surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2015.

Table 7: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2005 to 2015.

Table 8: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2005 to 2015.

Table 9: Summary of balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2015.

Table 10: Summary of balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2015.

Table 11: Summary of whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2015.

Table 12: Summary of balsam gall midge (Paradiplosis tumifex) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2015.

Table 13: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2008 to 2015.

Table 14: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2008 to 2015.


Table 15: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plot surveys conducted by Forest Health from 2010 to 2015.

Table 16: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) multipher pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 2004 to 2015.

Table 17: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 2006 to 2015.

Table 18: Summary of pest identification inquiries to Forest Health from 2006 to 2015.


List of Figures

Map Disclaimer: The information on these maps may have come from a variety of government and non-government sources. The Department of Natural Resources accepts no liability for any errors, deficiencies or faults on these maps. These maps should not be used for legal purposes.

Figure 1: Results of the 2015 Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) pheromone survey.

Figure 2: Results of the 2015 Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) overwintering egg survey.

Figure 3: Results of the 2015 Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone trap survey.

Figure 4: Results of the 2015 Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) overwintering larval (L2) survey.

Figure 5: Results of the 2013 and 2014 Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) overwintering larval (L2) surveys.

Figure 6: Results of the 2015 Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone trap survey.

Figure 7: Results of the 2015 Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) overwintering larval (L2) survey.

Figure 8: Results of the 2015 hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone trap survey.

Figure 9: Results of the 2015 hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) overwintering egg survey.

Figure 10: Results of the 2015 balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus) damage survey.

Figure 11: Results of the 2015 balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg survey.

Figure 12: Results of the 2015 whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg mass survey.

Figure 13: Results of the 2015 balsam gall midge (Paradiplosis tumifex) damage survey.


Figure 14: Results of the 2015 balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph survey.

Figure 15: Results of the 2015 balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) damage survey.

Figure 16: Results of 2015 population monitoring at balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plots.

Figure 17: Minimum winter temperatures (oC) recorded at balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plots from October 2014 - March 2015.

Figure 18: Results of the 2015 gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) multipher trap survey.

Figure 19: Results of the 2015 gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta trap survey.

Figure 20: Results of the 2014 Canadian Food Inspection Agency beech leaf-mining weevil (Orchestes fagi) detection survey, historic detections since 2012 and new area reported for 2015.

Figure 21: Previous brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) regulated area.

Figure 22: Expanded brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) regulated area.

Figure 23: Areas-within-which beech leaf-mining weevil (Orchestes fagi) caused defoliation in Nova Scotia in 2015.

Figure 24: Areas-within-which a complex of oak defoliators caused defoliation and browning in Nova Scotia in 2015.


Introduction

Forest Health is a section within the Forest Protection Division of the NSDNR. Forest Health has the mandate of protecting Nova Scotia’s forests from insects and diseases. The section’s main responsibilities are to:

• monitor forest pests and develop better detection methods,

• analyze forest health conditions using field and survey data,

• provide accurate information and education to forest stakeholders in a timely manner, and

• develop and maintain management options and systems.

Through a systematic monitoring program, including ground and aerial surveys, Forest Health staff and PDO’s, record forest health status and disturbances province-wide. For regulated, non-native pests, Forest Health co-operates with the CFIA who. Under the federal Plant Protection Act the FIA is responsible for preventing the introduction into Canada, spread within and from Canada, of non-native pests. Forest Health provides technical assistance to the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Public Health Agency of

Canada to monitor the populations of arthropods of importance to human health..The Forest Health Section also collaborates with the CFS when their researchers are working in the province or on forest pest management projects of concern to Nova Scotia.

This report is intended to provide an overview of the status of forest pest conditions in Nova Scotia in 2015 and highlights many of the pest management activities conducted by the Forest Health section. It is not intended to itemize all details for each survey conducted. Where required the reader can contact the Forest Health section for further information. Although every effort is made to ensure that information reported in this document is accurate, its integrity is not guaranteed.


Status of Forest Pests

Eastern Blackheaded Budworm - Acleris variana (Fernald)

This small, native moth resembling the spruce budworm is found across Canada and feeds on 20 different conifer tree species. In Nova Scotia, its main hosts are balsam fir, and white and black spruce. The last Eastern blackheaded budworm outbreak was in 2004 and covered approximately 114,000 hectares in the Cape Breton Highlands. The following year a spray trial was conducted by the CFS and the population collapsed in 2006. Eastern blackheaded budworm populations are monitored using pheromone traps and an overwintering egg survey.

Pheromone Trap Survey

In 2015, 41 traps were deployed throughout the Cape Breton Highlands and Nova Scotia Uplands ecoregions (Figure 1). The percentage of positive traps was 100%, up from 94.6% in 2014. The maximum trap catch was 770 moths, down from 884 in 2014 (Table 1).

Figure 1: Results of the 2015 Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) pheromone survey.


Table 1: Summary of Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2013 to 2015.

Year Number of Traps

Number (%) Positive Traps

Number of Moths/Trap (range) Maximum Trap

Catch Zero 1-25 26-50 >50

2013 40 40 (100) 0 21 7 12 144

2014 37 35 (94.6) 2 6 1 28 884

2015 35 35 (100) 0 11 9 15 770

Overwintering Egg Survey

A single branch was sampled from three balsam fir trees at each of 68 sites in the Cape Breton Highlands and Nova Scotia Uplands ecoregions (Figure 2). The percentage of positive sites was 79.4%, up from 73.5% in 2014 (Table 2).

Figure 2: Results of the 2015 Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) overwintering egg survey.

Table 2: Summary of Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2015.

Year Number of Sites

Number (%) Positive

Sites

Number of Eggs/45cm Branch

Zero Low 1-26

Moderate 27-59

High >59

2004 125 125 (100) 0 83 20 22



Number (%) Positive

Sites

Number of Eggs/45cm Branch

Zero Low 1-26

Moderate 27-59

High >59

2005 202 158 (78.2) 44 156 2 0

2006 184 60 (32.6) 124 60 0 0

2007 64 10 (15.6) 54 10 0 0

2008 63 8 (12.7) 55 8 0 0

2009 55 3 (5.5) 52 3 0 0

2010 58 43 (74.1) 15 43 0 0

2011 62 52 (83.9) 10 52 0 0

2012 51 48 (94.1) 3 48 0 0

2013 66 54 (81.8) 12 54 0 0

2014 68 50 (73.5) 18 50 0 0

2015 68 54 (79.4) 14 53 0 1

Eastern Spruce Budworm - Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)

The native spruce budworm is widely distributed throughout Canada. It has caused more damage to Nova Scotian softwood forests than any other insect. Mature balsam fir is the preferred host, but white, red, and black spruce may also be attacked. The last spruce budworm outbreak in Nova Scotia began in the early 1970’s. At its peakin the mid-1980’s, moderate to severe defoliation covering 1,220,000 hectares could be found on Cape Breton Island and in pockets on northern mainland counties. Spruce budworm outbreaks are cyclical, and every 30-40 years populations increase to outbreak levels where they can remain for 10 years or more.

Eastern spruce budworm populations are monitored using a combination of pheromone traps to capture adult male moths and branch samples to collect overwintering second instar larvae (L2).


In 2015, 144 pheromone traps were monitored province wide (Figure 3). The percentage of positive traps was 65%, up from 60% in 2014. The maximum trap catch was 28 moths, up slightly from 23 in 2014 (Table 3).


Figure 3: Results of the 2015 Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone trap survey.

Table 3: Summary of Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2002 to 2015.



Number of Moths/Trap Maximum

Trap Catch Zero Low 1-50

Moderate 51-100

High >100

2002 145 5 (3.4) 140 5 0 0 23

2003 144 18 (12.5) 126 18 0 0 8

2004 150 11 (7.3) 139 11 0 0 38

2005 150 33 (22.0) 117 33 0 0 21

2006 150 26 (17.3) 124 26 0 0 5

2007 150 59 (39.3) 91 59 0 0 11

2008 150 14 (9.3) 136 14 0 0 8

2009 141 40 (28.4) 101 40 0 0 12

2010 148 85 (57.4) 63 85 0 0 33

2011 150 53 (35.3) 97 53 0 0 16

2012 139 98 (70.5) 41 96 2 0 89

2013 147 135 (91.8) 12 124 8 3 206

2014 144 87 (60.4) 57 87 0 0 23

2015 144 94 (65.3) 50 94 0 0 28


Overwintering Larval (L2) Survey

The number of sites sampled for L2’s was increased from 299 in 2014 to 316 in 2015. No L2’s were detected, which wasn’t unexpected since population levels are currently low (Table 4). However, in 2013, six L2’s were detected at five sites in the Nova Scotia uplands and Eastern ecoregions (Figure 5). These were the first L2’s detected in Nova Scotia since 1994. In 2014, three L2’s were detected at three sites in the Cape Breton Highlands ecoregion (Figure 5).

Figure 4: Results of the 2015 Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) overwintering larval (L2) survey.

Table 4: Summary of Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) overwintering larval (L2) surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2012 to 2015.


Sampled

Number (%) Positive

Sites

Number of L2/10m2 Branch Total L2’s

Average Maximum L2/10m2 Branch

Zero Low 1-100

Moderate 101-300

High >300

2012 109 0 (0) 109 0 0 0 0 0

2013 289 5 (1.7) 284 5 0 0 6 35.6

2014 299 3 (1.0) 296 3 0 0 3 22.5

2015 316 0 (0) 316 0 0 0 0 0


Figure 5: Results of the 2013 and 2014 Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) overwintering larval (L2) surveys.

Jack Pine Budworm - Choristoneura pinus pinus (Free.)

Jack pine budworm is a native needle feeding caterpillar closely related to the spruce budworm. It is found throughout the range of its principal host, Jack pine. Other conifers such as white, red, and Scots pines can be attacked, particularly when growing in association with Jack pine.

In Nova Scotia, Jack pine budworm defoliation has occurred in mature white pines, while red pines located in outbreak areas remained relatively untouched. Defoliation of mature white pine by Jack pine budworm was first detected in the Western ecoregion in 2005. Jack pine budworm populations are monitored using pheromone traps and L2 surveys.


In 2015, 39 pheromone traps were monitored in the Western and Northumberland ecoregions. All trap measures were down compared to previous years. The percentage of positive traps was 46%, down from 63% in 2014. The maximum catch was 18 moths, down from 39 in 2014 (Figure 6, Table 5).


Figure 6: Results of the 2015 Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone trap survey.

Table 5: Summary of Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2015.



Number of Moths/Trap (range) Maximum Trap

Catch Zero 1-10 11-20 21-40 >40

2006 45 40 (88.9) 5 29 7 3 1 48

2007 55 42 (76.4) 13 26 16 0 0 19

2008 84 67 (79.8) 17 61 3 3 0 33

2009 58 46 (79.3) 12 45 1 0 0 14

2010 44 16 (36.4) 28 16 0 0 0 5

2011 25 12 (48.0) 13 11 1 0 0 11

2012 43 13 (30.2) 30 12 1 0 0 18

2013 32 28 (87.5) 4 24 3 1 0 25

2014 40 25 (62.5) 15 24 0 1 0 39

2015 39 18 (46.2) 21 17 1 0 0 18

Overwintering Larval (L2) Survey

In 2015, 11 sites in the Northumberland Bras D ’or and Western ecoregions were surveyed (Figure 7). At each site, a single mid-crown branch was sampled from each of three representative mature white pines. In 2015, there were no positive site for


overwintering L2’s, down from 33% positive sites and an average maximum L2/m2 bark of 7 in 2014 (Table 6).

Figure 7: Results of the 2015 Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) overwintering larval (L2) survey.

Table 6: Summary of Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) overwintering larval (L2) surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2015.


Number (%) Positive

Sites

Number of L2/m2 Bark Total L2’s

Average Maximum

L2/m2 Bark Zero 1-50 51-200 201-500 >500

2006 38 17 (44.7) 21 16 1 0 0 58 166

2007 72 29 (40.3) 43 21 3 5 0 434 409

2008 97 31 (32.0) 66 25 3 1 2 1146 3254

2009 85 19 (22.4) 66 19 0 0 0 67 44

2010 15 0 (0) 15 0 0 0 0 0 0

2011 5 0 (0) 5 0 0 0 0 0 0

2012 3 2 (66.7) 1 1 1 0 0 27 85

2013 21 2 (9.5) 19 0 0 2 0 11 249

2014 3 1 (33.3) 2 1 0 0 0 2 7

2015 11 0 (0) 11 0 0 0 0 0 0


Hemlock Looper - Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria (Gn.)

Hemlock looper is a native insect whose larvae feed on the needles of various tree species including hemlock, spruces, pines, and hardwoods. In Nova Scotia, its preferred host is mature to over-mature balsam fir. The hemlock looper has defoliated approximately 135,000 hectares since 1961. Defoliation was last detected in 2006 in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Hemlock looper populations are monitored using pheromone traps and overwintering egg surveys.


In 2015, 142 pheromone traps were monitored province wide (Figure 8). Hemlock looper populations continue to remain at low levels. The percentage of positive traps was 97.9%, up slightly from 95.8% in 2014. The maximum trap catch was 375 moths, unchanged from 2014 (Table 7).

Figure 8: Results of the 2015 hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone trap survey.

Table 7: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2005 to 2015.



Number of Moths/Trap Maximum Trap

Catch Zero Low 1-199

Moderate 200-499

High >499

2005 85 80 (94.1) 5 74 5 1 503




Number of Moths/Trap Maximum Trap

Catch Zero Low 1-199

Moderate 200-499

High >499

2006 137 116 (84.7) 21 116 0 0 100

2007 143 138 (96.5) 5 138 0 0 117

2008 150 141 (94.0) 9 139 2 0 395

2009 146 123 (84.2) 23 123 0 0 168

2010 148 139 (93.9) 9 138 1 0 286

2011 136 129 (94.9) 7 115 13 1 682

2012 142 127 (89.4) 15 127 0 0 168

2013 132 127 (96.2) 5 124 3 0 332

2014 143 137 (95.8) 6 128 9 0 375

2015 142 139 (97.9) 3 137 2 0 375


In 2015, branch samples were collected from 65 sites in the Cape Breton Highlands and Nova Scotia Uplands ecoregions (Figure 9). The percentage of positive sites was 28%, up from 8% in 2014 and 15% in 2013 (Table 8).

Figure 9: Results of the 2015 hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) overwintering egg survey.


Table 8: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2005 to 2015.


Number (%) Positive

Sites

Number of Fertile Eggs/45cm Branch

Zero Low 1-9

Moderate 10-19

High >19

2005 137 95 (69.3) 42 94 1 0

2006 148 25 (16.9) 123 24 1 0

2007 36 2 (5.6) 34 2 0 0

2008 41 4 (9.8) 37 4 0 0

2009 41 0 (0) 41 0 0 0

2010 40 4 (10.0) 36 4 0 0

2011 46 13 (28.3) 33 13 0 0

2012 41 10 (24.4) 31 10 0 0

2013 40 6 (15.0) 34 6 0 0

2014 40 3 (7.5) 37 3 0 0

2015 65 18 (27.7) 47 18 0 0

Balsam Twig Aphid - Mindarus abietinus (Koch)

The balsam twig aphid is a small, pale green aphid widely distributed throughout Europe and North America. It feeds primarily on balsam fir but may also attack Fraser fir, white fir and spruces. It is a major pest of firs grown for Christmas trees but is considered a secondary forest pest as it does not cause tree mortality. Outbreaks are generally short in duration because populations tend to quickly build and fall.

Aphid feeding results in curled and distorted needles which reduces the marketability and value of Christmas trees. Feeding can also cause roughened bark on the twigs. Extensive feeding can cause a general decline and reduce tree vigour, but in many cases it is simply cosmetic. The aphids also produce honeydew, a sticky material that gives the needles a shiny appearance, but is usually washed off by rain. However, it also provides a growth medium for sooty mold, which turns the needles and twigs black.

Balsam twig aphid populations are monitored in a general way by assessing their presence on balsam fir branch samples collected for the balsam fir sawfly survey. This survey is not predictive, but simply quantifies the damage that occurred the previous season. In 2015, 116 sites were surveyed. The percentage of positive was 16%, up from 13% in 2014 (Figure 10, Table 9).


Figure 10: Results of the 2015 balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus) damage survey.

Table 9: Summary of balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2015.


Number (%) Positive

Sites

Number of Sites with Balsam Twig Aphid Damage

Zero Light 1-24%

Moderate 25-64%

Severe 65-100%

2003 659 105 (15.9) 554 98 7 0

2004 669 32 (4.8) 637 29 3 0

2005 411 45 (10.9) 366 42 3 0

2006 427 69 (16.2) 358 62 7 0

2007 0

2008 42 1 (2.4) 41 1 0 0

2009 46 2 (4.3) 44 2 0 0

2010 127 4 (3.1) 123 4 0 0

2011 123 0 (0) 123 0 0 0

2012 149 4 (2.7) 145 4 0 0

2013 148 7 (4.7) 141 7 0 0

2014 152 20 (13.2) 132 19 1 0

2015 116 18 (15.5) 98 18 0 0


Balsam Fir Sawfly - Neodiprion abietis (Harr.)

The balsam fir sawfly is a native insect found throughout Nova Scotia. It was first recorded in North America in 1910 and recorded outbreaks in Nova Scotia date back to 1942. Outbreaks usually last three to four years with a varying number of years in between. Its principal host is balsam fir but it can also be found on white, black, and red spruce. Damage is caused by the larvae feeding on mature needles. Balsam fir sawfly populations are monitored using an overwintering egg survey.


In 2015, branch samples were collected from 116 sites in the Eastern and Central Regions (Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia Uplands, Eastern, Northumberland, and Atlantic Coastal ecoregions) (Figure 11). The percentage of positive sites was 57%, up from 22% in 2014 (Table 10). Overall, populations remain at low levels.

Figure 11: Results of the 2015 balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg survey.

Table 10: Summary of balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2015.


Number (%) Positive

Sites

Number of Egg Niches/100cm Branch

Zero Low 1 - 12

Moderate 13 - 24

High >24

2004 669 127 (19.0) 542 122 4 1



Number (%) Positive

Sites

Number of Egg Niches/100cm Branch

Zero Low 1 - 12

Moderate 13 - 24

High >24

2005 411 130 (31.6) 281 128 1 1

2006 430 8 (1.9) 422 7 1 0

2007 35 6 (17.1) 29 6 0 0

2008 42 8 (19.0) 34 7 0 1

2009 46 3 (6.5) 43 0 1 2

2010 127 65 (51.2) 62 33 5 27

2011 123 72 (58.5) 51 32 10 30

2012 149 69 (46.3) 80 55 8 6

2013 148 49 (33.1) 99 48 1 0

2014 152 33 (21.7) 119 32 1 0

2015 116 66 (56.9) 50 66 0 0

Whitemarked Tussock Moth - Orgyia leucostigma (J.E. Smith)

The whitemarked tussock moth occurs naturally throughout North America. The larvae feed on foliage of a wide variety of trees, both conifers and hardwoods. The last tussock moth outbreak occurred in 1998 and covered 1.4 million hectares in Central and Northern Nova Scotia, of which 60,000 hectares were treated at a cost of approximately six million dollars making it our largest treatment program to date. Since then two mini population eruptions have occurred in Cape Breton in 2005 and Guysborough in 2007. Whitemarked tussock moth populations are monitored using an overwintering egg mass survey.


In 2015, 327 sites were sampled province wide (Figure 12). The percentage of positive sites was 7.3, up slightly from 5.3 in 2014. Zero to low populations were detected throughout the province (Table 11).


Figure 12: Results of the 2015 whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg mass survey.

Table 11: Summary of whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2015.


Number (%) Sites with

Egg Masses

Average Number of Egg Masses/3 Branches

Zero Low

0.01-0.7 Moderate 0.71-1.99

High >1.99

2004 794 60 (7.6) 734 51 6 3

2005 662 91 (13.7) 571 89 2 0

2006 683 150 (22.0) 533 132 16 2

2007 286 44 (15.4) 242 44 0 0

2008 290 40 (13.8) 250 40 0 0

2009 343 26 (7.6) 317 26 0 0

2010 325 25 (7.7) 300 25 0 0

2011 343 37 (10.8) 306 37 0 0

2012 306 8 (2.6) 298 8 0 0

2013 309 30 (9.7) 279 30 0 0

2014 319 17 (5.3) 302 17 0 0

2015 327 24 (7.3) 303 24 0 0


Balsam Gall Midge - Paradiplosis tumifex (Gagné)

Balsam gall midge is native to North America and occurs throughout the range of balsam and Fraser fir. It is not considered a significant forest pest but is one of the most serious pests of balsam fir in Christmas tree stands. These tiny, 4mm long, orange flies were first recorded in eastern Canada in 1938 and have since have been reported regularly. Infestations are generally of short duration, lasting approximately three years.

Larvae initiate the formation of galls on current-year needles, which appear as swellings at the base of the needles. Each gall contains a larva feeding on the needle’s internal tissue. Galled needles turn yellow and dry, dropping off prematurely in the fall. Repeated severe infestations can cause tree growth loss but does not result in mortality. If infested Christmas trees are not to be harvested for another three to four years, they may outgrow the damage.

Balsam gall midge populations are monitored in a general way by assessing their presence on balsam fir branch samples collected for the balsam fir sawfly survey. This survey is not predictive; but simply quantifies the damage that occurred the previous season. In 2015, 116 sites were surveyed. The percentage of positive sites was 12.9%, up from 6.6% in 2014 (Figure 13, Table 12).

Figure 13: Results of the 2015 balsam gall midge (Paradiplosis tumifex) damage survey.


Table 12: Summary of balsam gall midge (Paradiplosis tumifex) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2015.


Number (%) Positive

Sites

Number of Sites with Balsam Gall Midge Damage

Zero Light 1-24%

Moderate 25-64%

Severe 65-100%

2003 659 9 (1.4) 650 9 0 0

2004 669 1 (0.1) 668 1 0 0

2005 411 14 (3.4) 397 14 0 0

2006 427 32 (7.5) 395 31 1 0

2007 0

2008 42 2 (4.8) 40 2 0 0

2009 46 12 (26.1) 34 10 2 0

2010 127 16 (12.6) 111 16 0 0

2011 123 1 (0.8) 122 1 0 0

2012 149 7 (4.7) 142 7 0 0

2013 148 13 (8.8) 135 12 1 0

2014 152 10 (6.6) 142 9 1 0

2015 116 15 (12.9) 101 15 0 0

Invasive Alien Species Present in Nova Scotia

Balsam Woolly Adelgid - Adelges picea (Ratz.)

The balsam woolly adelgid is native to Central Europe. It was first reported in Canada in 1910 in southern Nova Scotia, but is now distributed throughout the province. It feeds exclusively on true firs (genus: Abies) and is considered a serious pest of forest, Christmas, landscape, and seed trees.

As they feed, the adelgids inject saliva into the tree causing swellings, called gout, on branches and twigs. Their feeding also causes stunted terminal growth, top kill, and the formation of compression wood. This compression wood cannot carry water or nutrients so the tree will eventually lose its needles and die.

Overwintering Nymph and Damage Surveys

Balsam woolly adelgid populations are monitored in a general way. All the branches collected for the balsam fir sawfly survey are inspected for dormant overwintering nymphs in buds and balsam woolly adelgid damage, i.e. gouting. In 2015, 116 sites were surveyed. The percentage of positive sites was 4.3%, down from 11.8% in 2014 (Figure 14, Table 13). The percentage sites with gouted branches was 1.7% in 2015, up from zero in 2014 (Figure 15, Table 14).


Figure 14: Results of the 2015 balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph survey.

Table 13: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2008 to 2015.


Number (%) Positive

Sites

Average Number Live Dormant Nymphs/Bud (3 Buds/Branch/Site)

Zero Low 1-3

Moderate 4-7

High >7

2008 42 3 (7.1) 39 3 0 0

2009 0

2010 127 11 (8.7) 116 10 1 0

2011 123 7 (5.7) 116 7 0 0

2012 149 20 (13.4) 129 20 0 0

2013 148 35 (23.6) 113 35 0 0

2014 152 18 (11.8) 134 18 0 0

2015 116 5 (4.3) 111 5 0 0


Figure 15: Results of the 2015 balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) damage survey.

Table 14: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2008 to 2015.


Number (%) Positive

Sites

Number of Sites with Gouted Branches

Zero Light 1-24%

Moderate 25-64%

Severe 65-100%

2008 42 5 (11.9) 37 4 1 0

2009 46 10 (21.7) 36 10 0 0

2010 127 2 (1.6) 125 2 0 0

2011 123 2 (1.6) 121 2 0 0

2012 149 2 (1.3) 147 2 0 0

2013 148 3 (2.0) 145 3 0 0

2014 152 0 (0) 152 0 0 0

2015 116 2 (1.7) 114 2 0 0

Permanent Monitoring Plots

A series of 18 permanent plots was established within the nine different Provincial ecoregions for the routine monitoring of balsam woolly adelgid populations (Figure 16). When possible, these plots were paired with existing Forest Inventory research permanent sample plots to compare the impact of the adelgid on the growth, volume, and yield of balsam fir. Each spring, adult populations are measured and overall tree


condition is rated. Tree height and diameter are measured every year and annual hourly temperature fluctuations are recorded via a data logger in each plot.

In 2015, populations had increased in 1 plot, decreased in 5 plots and no change was detected in the remaining 12 plots (Figure 16, Table 15). One of the most important natural factors limiting adelgid populations is temperature. Mortality of overwintering nymphs increases at -20oC and can reach 100 percent at -37oC. Late spring frosts will also kill exposed feeding nymphs. Figure 17 illustrates the minimum temperatures recorded at each of the plots during the winter of 2014-15. The single plot where populations increased experienced only three days at -20oC while the five plots where populations decreased experienced six days on average at or below -20oC. These extra cold days may have been sufficient to cause some mortality.

Figure 16: Results of 2015 population monitoring at balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plots.

Table 15: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plot surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2010 to 2015.

Plot Number

Location County

Total Number Live Balsam Woolly Adelgid Adults

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

1 Liscomb Guysborough NA NA NA NA NA NA

2 Canoe Lake Yarmouth 1 0 0 0 2 0

3 Economy Colchester 0 0 1 0 0 0

4 Fielding Road Inverness 0 0 0 0 1 0


Plot Number

Location County

Total Number Live Balsam Woolly Adelgid Adults

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

5 Keppoch, Mayfield Road Antigonish NA 0 3 2 0 0

6 McRae Road Victoria 0 0 0 0 0 0

7 Mount Merrit Road Queens 15 0 1 1 0 0

8 Park Spur Road Inverness 0 NA 0 0 0 0

9 Pleasant Valley Road Halifax 0 0 3 3 2 2

10 Riversdale Colchester 0 0 2 0 2 1

11 Sand River Cumberland 0 0 0 1 0 0

12 Spry Bay Halifax 0 0 0 21 4 2

13 St. Josephs Richmond 2 0 0 2 3 0

14 Truro Watershed Colchester 0 5 7 1 0 0

15 Lake George Kings

NA NA

0 0 0 0

16 Sable River Shelburne 0 0 0 1

17 Pockwock Halifax 0 0 0 0

18 Beth’s Road, Framboise Richmond 4 13 0 0

19 Walton Hants 0 0 1 1

Figure 17: Minimum winter temperatures (oC) recorded at balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plots from October 2014 - March 2015.


Gypsy Moth - Lymantria dispar (L.)

Gypsy moth was introduced to the United States from Europe in 1869 and has become one of the most serious defoliators of hardwoods in North America. The larvae feed on the foliage of hundreds of plant species including conifers. Defoliation may result in tree mortality, growth reduction, and higher vulnerability to other pests.

Gypsy moth has been established in Nova Scotia since 1981. It is a pest of quarantine significance and is therefore regulated under the federal Plant Protection Act by the CFIA. The current regulated area includes the Western and Central Regions where established populations have been identified. Gypsy moth defoliation was last detected in Kentville in 2002. Forest Health monitors gypsy moth populations throughout the province in collaboration with the CFIA using pheromone traps.


This survey is conducted in two parts: PDO’s deploy individual multipher traps at designated sites province wide to monitor population trends (Figure 18), and place delta traps in towns outside the CFIA regulated zone to determine if the population is spreading into new areas (Figure 19).

In 2015, 21 multipher traps were deployed province wide. The percentage of positive traps was 76%, unchanged from 2014. The maximum trap catch was 1334 moths, up from 1017 in 2014 (Table 16). Delta traps were deployed throughout nine towns outside of the CFIA regulated area (Figure 19, Table 17). Overall, the percentage of positive traps was 24.7%, up from 15.3% in 2014. In general, delta trap catches remain stable at low densities. Only Antigonish shows an increasing population trend.


Figure 18: Results of the 2015 gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) multipher trap survey.

Table 16: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) multipher pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 2004 to 2015.



Number of Moths/Trap Maximum

Trap Catch Zero Low 1-100

Moderate 101-300

High >300

2004 21 14 (66.7) 7 10 1 3 604

2005 14 8 (57.1) 6 5 1 2 671

2006 21 12 (57.1) 9 7 3 2 926

2007 18 12 (66.7) 6 7 2 3 1370

2008 19 11 (57.9) 8 8 0 3 2161

2009 19 12 (63.2) 7 6 4 2 855

2010 19 11 (57.9) 8 5 1 5 1086

2011 19 13 (68.4) 6 7 2 4 867

2012 20 14 (70.0) 6 7 3 4 913

2013 18 12 (66.7) 6 5 1 6 1047

2014 21 16 (76.2) 5 7 1 8 1017

2015 21 16 (76.2) 5 7 3 6 1334

Figure 19: Results of the 2015 gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta trap survey.


Table 17: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 2006 to 2015.

Town

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

# of Traps

% Positive

# of Traps

% Positive

# of Traps

% Positive

# of Traps

% Positive

# of Traps

% Positive

Advocate 10 90 9 55.5 DS

Amherst TO

Antigonish 10 10 10 10 10 40 10 80 10 50

Baddeck 10 0 9 0 10 20 9 0 10 0

Big Pond 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 9 0

Cheticamp 10 10 10 0 9 11.1 9 0 10 0

Five Islands 10 100 10 100 DS

Guysborough 10 0 10 0 10 10 10 10 8 0

Inverness 10 20 10 0 10 0 7 0 10 0

Mulgrave 10 10 10 0 10 10 --- 9 0

New Glasgow 10 90 10 100 10 100 10 100 10 100

Parrsboro TO

Pictou 10 30 10 30 10 80 10 30 10 30

Sheet Harbour 10 10 10 20 10 20 10 70 DS

Sherbrooke 10 0 10 0 10 30 10 40 10 20

Shubenacadie 9 90 6 100 DS

Stewiacke 10 90 4 100 DS

St. Peters --- 10 0 10 0 9 0 9 11.1

Tatamagouche 10 70 10 50 10 40 1 100 DS

Truro TO

Town

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

# of Traps

% Positive

# of Traps

% Positive

# of Traps

% Positive

# of Traps

% Positive

# of Traps

% Positive

Antigonish 10 30 10 40 9 44.4 10 50 10 70

Baddeck 10 0 10 0 7 0 10 20 9 22

Big Pond 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 10

Cheticamp 8 0 6 0 10 0 9 22.2 10 10

Guysborough 10 0 10 10 10 0 9 11.1 10 30

Inverness 8 0 8 12.5 10 20 9 11.1 10 10

Mulgrave 9 0 10 0 10 0 8 12.5 10 20

New Glasgow 9 100 TO

Pictou 10 50 TO

Sherbrooke 10 30 10 0 10 10 10 0 10 22

St. Peters 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 30


--- = Traps not deployed or information not available

TO: Traps taken over by the CFIA

DS: Deleted from survey

Beech Leaf-Mining Weevil - Orchestes fagi (L.)

The beech leaf-mining weevil is a common and widespread pest of beech in its native range, Europe. Both adults & larvae damage the foliage of American beech, making the crowns appear scorched when damage is severe. The first record of this pest in North America was in Halifax, Canada in 2012. Currently it is well established in several areas of Nova Scotia, including Halifax and Cape Breton. The CFS and CFIA collaborate on surveys to determine the weevil’s distribution and risk to beech in North America.

In 2014, the CFIA conducted a detection survey targeting beech stands in both forested and urban environments in the Maritime Provinces. Three new positive locations were confirmed in Cape Breton County, but the weevil has yet to be found outside of Nova Scotia. No formal survey was conducted in 2015. However, a new report was recorded near Baddeck in Cape Breton (Figure 20).

Figure 20: Results of the 2014 Canadian Food Inspection Agency beech leaf-mining weevil (Orchestes fagi) detection survey, historic detections since 2012 and new area

reported for 2015.


Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle - Tetropium fuscum (Fabr.)

The brown spruce longhorn beetle is native to northern and central Europe and Japan. It was positively identified in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1999, but has been established in the province since at least 1990. This is the only known occurrence of this wood boring beetle in North America. It has been confirmed in red, Norway, white and black spruces. It is considered a pest of quarantine significance and is therefore regulated under the federal Plant Protection Act by the CFIA.

To help prevent the spread of the beetle, the CFIA issued a Ministerial Order in 2000 which restricts the movement of spruce round logs and firewood out of the BSLB regulated area (Figure 21). In 2008, the order was revised, mandating that a one kilometer movement restriction be placed around all positive locations outside of the original regulated area.

Figure 21: Previous brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) regulated area.


As of 2 April 2015, the BSLB regulated area was expanded to include the entire province of Nova Scotia and individual areas in New Brunswick under ‘Notices of Prohibition of Movement’ (Figure 22). At this point, the CFIA discontinued pheromone trapping for BSLB in Nova Scotia. Forest Health is now implementing a risk based approach to forest health monitoring. In 2013, a pest risk analysis (PRA) was performed on the BSLB in Nova Scotia which determined that BSLB currently poses a low to


moderate risk to Nova Scotia’s forests, therefore, Forest Health did not survey for BSLB in 2015.

Figure 22: Expanded brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) regulated area.

Invasive Alien Species of Concern Not Yet Detected in Nova Scotia

There are several invasive alien species that have yet to be detected in Nova Scotia but have been found in other north-eastern provinces and states. This is of concern because these species have the potential to cause significant damage to Nova Scotia’s forests. Even though these species spread naturally, human assisted movement through transportation of infested wood commodities (e.g. firewood, logs, landscape nursery stock) is the most important pathway for the long-range dispersal of these pests. Early detection is the key to mitigating their impacts.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae (Annand)): Is a serious pest, damaging and killing eastern North American hemlock species. This tiny insect, less than 1.5 mm in length, is not considered a significant pest in its native range, Asia. It was first reported in British Columbia in the 1920's where it is also considered a minor pest. It was first detected in eastern North America in the 1950's and is now established from New York and New England through to Georgia. Isolated infestations were found in Ontario in 2011 and 2013. The infested trees were removed, and the adelgid is not yet known to be established in eastern Canada. In 2015, Forest Health conducted visual detection surveys in cooperation with the CFIA in 11 remote stands with greater than 40% hemlock in the Western ecoregion. At each stand, two lower crown branches from 15 trees were assessed for life stages or damage. None were detected.


Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire)): This beetle, native to Asia, was first detected in North America in 2002. It is highly destructive in its new range, killing tens of millions of ash trees throughout Ontario, Quebec and the United States. It poses a significant economic and ecological threat to urban and forested areas, and can be spread to new areas by the movement of infested firewood. It has not yet been detected in the Maritime Provinces. Forest Health conducted detection surveys for emerald ash borer adults in cooperation with the CFIA using green prism intercept traps at 15 sites throughout the province. No adult beetles were found.

Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky)): First detected infesting trees in Brooklyn, New York in 1996, this wood-boring pest of maples and other hardwoods was likely transported in wood pallets or packing material from Asia. In 2003, it was detected in Toronto, Ontario triggering an aggressive eradication effort led by the CFIA. Another detection was made near Pearson International Airport in 2013 and efforts are underway to eliminate the pest. In Nova Scotia, annual monitoring is conducted by the CFIA.

European Wood Wasp (Sirex noctilio (Fabricius)): Sirex noctilio is not considered to be a significant pest in its native range, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, where it attacks pines almost exclusively. In 2005, it was reported as established in New York State, and has caused mortality of pines in several Southern Hemisphere countries. It has been found in southern Ontario, western Quebec, southern Connecticut, western Vermont and northern Pennsylvania but has not caused significant damage in north-eastern North American forests.

Pine Shoot Beetle (Tomicus piniperda (L.)): Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, this beetle was first discovered in North America in 1992 in Ohio, USA and has gradually spread into Québec and western Maine. In North America all native pine species are potential hosts, however, red, Scots, and ponderosa pines are preferred. It is a pest of quarantine significance and is therefore regulated by the CFIA under the federal Plant Protection Act. In Nova Scotia, annual monitoring is conducted by the CFIA.

Aerial Surveys

In August 2015, departmental field staff reported unidentified defoliation in the Valley and Central Lowlands ecoregion. The sites were ground truthed and a detailed aerial survey was conducted. This mapping delineated 198 hectares of beech leaf-mining weevil defoliation (Figure 23) and 260 hectares of defoliation and browning due to oak leaftier and leafroller caterpillar feeding (Figure 24).


Figure 23: Areas containing defoliation caused by the beech leaf-mining weevil (Orchestes fagi) in Nova Scotia in 2015.

Figure 24: Areas containing defoliation and browning caused by a complex of oak defoliators in Nova Scotia in 2015.


Pest Identification Inquiries

Correct and timely pest identification is essential for the planning of monitoring and control strategies, selecting control options, and determining overall risk. In 2015, 52 inquiries were answered. Of these inquiries, 33% dealt directly with our forest resource i.e. plantations and woodlots, while the remaining 67% were general homeowner inquiries (Table 18).

Table 18: Summary of pest identification inquiries to Forest Health from 2006 to 2015.

Inquiry Related To Number of Pest Identification Inquiries

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

General Identification 166 132 211 125 86 76 35 55 60 36

Forest & Urban Trees 77 69 0 32 44 25 60 30 18 12

Forest Health Surveys 296 NR NR 2 5 0 5 2 0 0

Fungal/Abiotic* 42 45 21 23 10 0 5 6 18 5

Total Received 581 246 232 182 145 101 105 93 96 53

NR = not recorded

Communications

Insectary Notes Newsletter

Twice a year Forest Health publishes the Insectary Notes newsletter. It originated as a publication primarily for NSDNR employees, those interested in forestry and forest pests, and entomologists. Through twenty plus years in publication, it has grown to reach offices in all levels of government, in every province of Canada and some States. The objective of this publication is to communicate current information in a timely manner using a recognized and easy to understand format. The most recent issue can be found at the website http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/publications.asp

Extension and Outreach

Forest Health participates in various field days such as Kids in the Forest, Woodlot Owner of the Year, and Open Forest Day; along with yearly information sessions as part of the Woodland Owner Conferences and Christmas Tree Producer Associations technical sessions and field days.


APPENDIX - GLOSSARY

Abiotic - non-living chemical and physical factors in the environment.

Aerial Survey - visual assessments, made from the air, of forest disturbances caused by biotic and abiotic agents. These surveys are used to record the location, extent and severity of damage, possible damaging agent and the host tree species affected by the damaging agent.

Arthropod - an animal that lacks a backbone, has a segmented body, and hollow jointed legs i.e. insects, spiders, and crustaceans.

Biotic - of or relating to living organisms.

Conifer - cone-bearing trees having needles or scale-like leaves, usually evergreen, and producing wood known commercially as 'softwoods'.

Deciduous - referring to a plant that annually sheds its leaves.

Defoliation - loss of leaves, as occurs in natural shedding or from the feeding activities of insects and other plant feeders.

Delta Trap - a trap type consisting of a wax-covered cardboard housing, a pheromone lure, and an adhesive. The lure is saturated with female sex pheromone which is attractive to male moths. Once inside the trap, males are immobilized by the adhesive coating.

Detection Survey - survey conducted in an area to determine if pests are present.

Dormant - to become inactive during winter or periods of cold weather.

Ecoregions - provincial climatic regions that support distinctive vegetation communities and physiographic patterns.

Ecosystem - a term used to describe a natural unit that consists of living and non-living parts which interact to form a stable system.

Ectoparasite - an organism that lives part or all of its life on a different organism, the host, and from which it derives part or all of its sustenance.

Egg Mass - a group of eggs deposited by the female insect which are adjacent to each other or overlapping as opposed to eggs laid singly.

Endoparasite - an organism that lives part or all of its life in a different organism, the host, and from which it derives part or all of its sustenance.


Gall - an abnormal swelling of plant tissue caused by insects, microorganisms, or external injury.

Genus (plural: genera) - a group of closely related species e.g. spruce are grouped in the genus Picea.

Gouting - excessive swelling of a branch or shoot; often accompanied by misshapen needles and buds; frequently caused by the balsam woolly adelgid on true firs.

Habitat - an area with specific environmental conditions in which an organism lives and reproduces.

Hardwood - trees which are generally deciduous, broad leafed species such as oak, birch, alder or maple.

Host - any organism upon or within which another organism lives.

Infestation - the presence of a large number of pest organisms in an area.

Instar - the stage of an insect's life between consecutive moults e.g. the first instar is between hatching from the egg and the first moult.

Invasive (Invasive Alien Species) - refers to a species that has moved outside of its native habitat and threatens the new environment, economy or society by disrupting local ecosystems.

L2 - abbreviation for second instar larvae; the larva after the first moult. Spruce budworm and jack pine budworm overwinter in this life stage.

Larva (plural: larvae) - the immature form of insects that develop through the process of complete metamorphosis including egg, several larval stages, pupa, and adult. In mites, the first-stage immature is also called a larva.

Metamorphosis - the change in form that takes place as insects grow from immatures to adults.

Ministerial Order - declares a specific area to be infested with a quarantine pest e.g. brown spruce longhorn beetle (BSLB), identifies the area and materials to be regulated, and restricts the movement of regulated articles that could transport the BSLB.

Moult - in insects and other arthropods, the shedding of skin before entering another stage of growth.


Monitoring - carefully watching and recording information on the activities, growth, development, and abundance of organisms or other factors on a regular basis over a period of time, often utilizing very specific procedures.

Multipher Trap - a non-sticky, reusable trap in which moths are attracted to the pheromone lure and killed with an insecticide strip.

Native - of local origin, not intentionally or accidentally introduced.

Nymph - the immature stage of insects such as aphids and adelgids that hatch from eggs and gradually acquire adult form through a series of moults without passing through a pupal stage.

Outbreak - a sudden, large increase in an insect’s population.

Over-mature - those trees or stands past the mature stage.

Overwinter – a period of rest or hibernation by which insects survive the winter.

Parasite - an organism that lives part or all of its life in (endoparasite) or on (ectoparasite) a different organism, the host, and from which it derives part or all of its sustenance.

Parasitize - to live on or in a host as a parasite.

Pest - an organism that reduces the availability, quality, or value of some human resource.

Pheromone - a substance released by an organism to affect the behavior or development of other members of the same species; sex pheromones that attract the opposite sex for mating are used in monitoring certain insects.

Pheromone Trap - a trap which utilizes either a natural or, more typically, a synthetic insect sex attractant pheromone; these traps are usually species specific.

Phytosanitary Measures - any legislation, regulation or official procedure having the purpose to prevent the introduction and/or spread of pests.

Plantation - a group of cultivated trees.

Population - A group of organisms of one species that interbreed and live in the same place at the same time.

Predictive Survey - estimate expected defoliation in the coming year. These surveys can be used to forecast stand level defoliation, and will help determine when and where to prescribe stand treatments.


Pupa - the non-feeding, inactive stage between larva and adult in insects with complete metamorphosis.

Quarantine Pest - a pest of potential economic importance to the area endangered thereby and not yet present there, or present but not widely distributed and being officially controlled.

Regulated Area (Zone) - an area, created by the CFIA, into which, within which and/or from which plants, plant products and other regulated articles are subjected to phytosanitary regulations or procedures in order to prevent the introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests or to limit the economic impact of regulated non-quarantine pests.

Regulated Article - any plant, plant product, storage place, packaging, conveyance, container, soil and any other organism, object or material capable of harboring or spreading pests, deemed to require phytosanitary measures, particularly where international transportation is involved.

Sample - the portion of a population collected in a prescribed manner upon which a judgment is made about the entire population.

Significant Forest Pest - forest pests capable of killing or severely damaging trees over large areas.

Softwood - cone-bearing trees with needle or scale-like leaves such as balsam fir, eastern white cedar and Jack pine.

Species - a group of individuals that have their major characteristics in common and (usually) can only breed with each other.

Survey - an official procedure conducted over a defined period of time to determine the characteristics of a pest population or to determine which species occur in an area.

Terminal - the growing tip of a stem, especially the main stem.

Documents

forest health conditions in nova scotia · Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2015 Annual Report 10 Table 15: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring