Canadian Forest Service Publications

Un cadre conceptuel pour l’intervention précoce contre la tordeuse des bourgeons de l’épinette : Peut-on arrêter les épidémies? 2021. Johns, R.C.; and Martel, V. Note d'impact No. 65.

Year: 2021

Issued by: Atlantic Forestry Centre

Catalog ID: 40506

Language: French

Series: Impact Note (AFC - Fredericton)

Availability: PDF (download)

Mark record

Abstract

he spruce budworm is a native forest insect that inhabits the spruce-fir forests of northeastern North America. Outbreaks of this insect occur every 30 to 40 years. During this cycle, populations range from being very low (endemic) to very high (epidemic). If left unmanaged, these outbreaks can result in significant growth reduction and mortality of spruce and balsam fir trees.

Scientists from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Canadian Forest Service and five Canadian universities are testing a unique approach to managing spruce budworm populations – the early intervention strategy (EIS) for spruce budworm. If successful, the EIS could prevent an outbreak from occurring, with minimal or no defoliation in forests and therefore no impact on the wood supply, the economy, and the ecological services that spruce-fir forests provide.

Plain Language Summary

The spruce budworm is a native forest insect that inhabits the spruce-fir forests of northeastern North America. Outbreaks of this insect occur every 30 to 40 years and can result in significant growth reduction and mortality of balsam fir and spruce trees. Historically, spruce budworm outbreaks were managed using a reactive, foliage protection approach that was aimed at keeping the trees alive. The early intervention strategy (EIS) for spruce budworm is an innovative proactive approach that is being tested in Atlantic Canada. The EIS consists of identifying areas of growing spruce budworm populations (hotspots) at the leading edge of an outbreak and treating these hotspots with biological insecticides to control the spread of the outbreak. The economic and environmental impacts of using EIS and the important role of communication, outreach and engagement are also discussed. This publication lays out the conceptual framework for EIS, including all of the core components needed for such a program to be viable.

Also available under the title:
A conceptual framework for spruce budworm early intervention: Can outbreaks be stopped? (English)