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Insect & Disease Risks Associated with EFP
160-001
Description: High value wood requires high quality trees that are free from stem defects and/or produce wood fiber rapidly. Thus, insects and diseases that affect these qualities become of greater concern to the forest manager. Moreover, as the need for - or value of – wood intensifies, insects and diseases previously considered acceptable or inconsequential might become “pests” even though absolute populations have not changed.
There are no long-term definitive studies that can predict and quantify with any reasonable accuracy the expected benefits or impact of a silvicultural treatment on pest populations. The changing and complex dynamics of a forest ecosystem, the long growing period, and changes in silvicultural practices are just a few of the formidable challenges.
This project consists of two components:
1. Analysis of the historical CFS and OMNR Forest Health data on the insect and disease problems that have been associated with plantations or managed natural stands of black spruce, white spruce, jack pine, red pine, and white pine.
2. Determine how various intensive forest management practices could influence insects and disease populations.
A comprehensive report titled Forest Management Guidelines for Major Insects and Diseases of Spruce, Pine, and Aspen in eastern Canada was written and presented to Tembec in April 2003. This report covers the results from the Forest Health Surveys in Ontario as well as the general considerations for forest management of the major insects and diseases by tree species working group. Finally it offers guidelines and recommendations in dealing with the following insects:
- spruce budworm
- jack pine budworm
- white pine weevil
- root collar weevils
- pine engraver beetle
- yellowheaded spruce sawfly
- redheaded pine sawfly
- forest caterpillar
…and diseases:
- armillaria
- white pine blister rust
- scleroderris canker
- tomentus root rot.
This project is intended to provide Tembec with a scientific evaluation of the potential of intensive forest management practices to increase the risk of insect and disease pest problems and how these practices may be modified to lessen their risk. The report offers general prescriptions based on current knowledge, experience, and reasoned common sense based on understanding of insect and disease ecology.
The Project Team: Peter deGroot, CFS
Project Outputs:
For Additional Information Contact: