August 28, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)


Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods advises that the operational part of the 1997 hemlock looper control program has ended. The program, which was carried out under licence from the Department of Environment & Labour, began on July 4 and ended on August 3, 1997.

"Although the weather was less than ideal for operations," commented the minister, "approximately 4,200 hectares of infested forest were treated in western and northern Newfoundland with the biological insecticide, B.t. (Foray 76B)."

Over the next few weeks, ground crews will dismantle the spray bases and store equipment. Field crews all continue to collect data on insect numbers and defoliation in sample plots. Once the looper larvae finish feeding, the annual defoliation survey carried out by the department will commence to map the 1997 insect damage. After all data is collected, analyzed and evaluated, the effectiveness of the program will be determined. Results are expected in late September.

Mr. Aylward expressed concern for the increase in the population of balsam fir sawfly in western Newfoundland in 1997. First detected in 1991, the population has grown to where the 1997 infestation forecast was for 54,000 hectares to be defoliated, more than double the 1996 recorded defoliation of 19,700 hectares. Much of the infestation is occurring in silviculturally treated areas. Also of concern is the increase in the yellowheaded spruce sawfly in central Newfoundland which is causing defoliation on young black spruce, and more importantly on black spruce plantations. Some 500 hectares were affected in 1996.

"The increase in sawfly infestation is of growing concern for both government and industry who have invested in these silviculturally treated areas where the sawfly has been detected," stated Mr. Aylward. "There is currently no biological insecticide solution to these insects. Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.), which is used routinely for hemlock looper, is not effective against sawflies. Therefore, my department must look into alternative methods of control."

The Newfoundland Forest Service, the Canadian Forest Service and the two pulp and paper companies are pursuing an integrated approach to sawfly management. This approach involves examining the ecology of infested areas, determining existing natural controls such as viruses, parasites, and natural predators as potential long term solutions, and determining the impact of the sawfly infestation. However, to date, an effective integrated control strategy for the sawfly has not been found. Currently, the only chemical insecticide for sawfly control in aerial forest pest management is fenitrothion. The department is evaluating what immediate control options that are available.

"We have had a very successful year in minimizing the infestation of hemlock looper," said Mr. Aylward, "and I trust that research on long term and short term control for other potentially damaging pests like the balsam fir sawfly and the yellowheaded spruce sawfly will ensure that we are ready and able to protect our forests and ensure its long term sustainability."

Contact:

Hubert Crummey
(709) 637-2424

Anna Buffinga
(709)729-3750

1997 08 28 3:00 p.m.

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