Relationships between balsam fir vulnerability to spruce budworm and ecological site conditions of fir stands in central Quebec

1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 1752-1759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Dupont ◽  
Louis Bélanger ◽  
Jean Bousquet
Keyword(s):  
Regional Differences ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Moisture Gradient ◽  
Intermediate Level ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Moisture Regime ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Ecological Site ◽  
Site Type

A clear relationship (P < 0.05) was found between ecological site conditions of fir stands approaching maturity and mortality of balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) caused by the last spruce budworm (Choristoneurafumiferana (Clem.)) outbreak. This relationship was observed in three ecoclimatic regions in central Quebec. Generally, in areas moderately affected by the outbreak, three levels of mortality could be identified following four moisture regime classes: xeric fir stands [Formula: see text] and hydric fir stands [Formula: see text] were the most vulnerable, mesic fir stands showed an intermediate level of mortality [Formula: see text], while subhygric fir stands with seepage were constantly less vulnerable [Formula: see text]. This general pattern of mortality was observed in the three ecoregions surveyed, in spite of important regional differences (climate, intensity of the outbreak, stand composition) among them. Except for the mesic sites, levels of mortality for the same site type did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) from one ecoregion to another. The effect of moisture gradient on stand vigor and the biological performances of the spruce budworm may explain the results obtained.

Variations de la régénération préétablie dans les sapinières boréales en fonction de leurs caractéristiques écologiques

1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 1779-1795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvie Côté ◽  
Louis Bélanger
Keyword(s):  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Ecological Site ◽  
Advanced Regeneration ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Cluster Analysis Method ◽  
Very High ◽  
Three Phases

The renewal of boreal fir stands after harvesting is related to the abundance of fir advanced regeneration. The objective of this study was to compare the advanced regeneration in 45-years-old balsam fir stands of second growth to determine if ecological site conditions could explain some regeneration problems noted in the balsam fir – white birch ecoclimatic domain. Seven ecological phases were studied; these are among the most common in the Laurentians north of Québec. On the basis of fir seedling densities (2 years old and more), three groups could be distinguished using a cluster analysis method for grouping means. Dry balsam fir – herb-and-moss type on well drained tills formed a first group characterized with very high seedling densities (> 60 000 seedlings/ha). A second group, characterized with high seedling densities (25 000 – 40 000 seedlings/ha), was constituted of three phases with an important moss cover:the mesic balsam fir – moss-and-herb type on moderately well drained tills, the humid balsam fir – moss-and-herb type on imperfectly drained tills with seepage, and the humid balsam fir – moss type on imperfectly drained tills. A third group, with low seedling densities (< 15 000 seedlings/ha), included three phases recognized by their important herb cover associated with a less abundant moss cover: the dry balsam fir – herb type on well drained till, the mesic balsam fir – white birch – herb type on moderately well drained till, and the mesic rich balsam fir – herb type on moderately well drained tills with seepage. Low densities of fir advanced regeneration seemed to be related to the abundance of leaf litter on the forest floor that could hinder fir regeneration. Insufficient natural coniferous regeneration can be anticipated in this last group if harvesting follows the 45-year rotation currently used now in Quebec.

Influence du drainage et de la texture du dépôt sur la vulnérabilité du Sapin baumier et de l'Épinette blanche aux attaques de la Tordeuse des bourgeons de l'épinette

1990 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 750-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Archambault ◽  
Robert R. Gagnon ◽  
Georges Pelletier ◽  
Michel Chabot ◽  
Louis Bélanger
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Pest Management ◽  
Soil Texture ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Moisture Regime ◽  
Soil Moisture Regime ◽  
Ecosystem Classification ◽  
Spruce Mortality

Balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) and white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) mortality was measured in five areas of the province of Quebec severely affected by spruce budworm (Choristoneurafumiferana (Clem.)) defoliation. Mortality was compared for different combinations of soil texture and drainage. For balsam fir, two vulnerability classes, based on combinations of soil texture and drainage, were defined. In the first class, mortality reached 74% of the preoutbreak volume, as compared with 86% in the second class. For white spruce, three vulnerability classes were defined based on soil texture and drainage combinations. In the low, moderate, and high vulnerability classes, white spruce mortality reached 10, 26, and 52%, respectively. Soil moisture regime is an important factor in determining vulnerability. From these results, we propose an ecosystem classification based on vulnerability to spruce budworm. Particular reference is made to what significance the findings may have for forest integrated pest management.

scholarly journals Predicting balsam fir mortality in boreal stands affected by spruce budworm

2021 ◽  
Vol 496 ◽  
pp. 119408
Author(s):  
Djidjoho Julien Houndode ◽  
Cornelia Krause ◽  
Hubert Morin
Keyword(s):  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Balsam Fir

Weather and Outbreaks of the Spruce Budworm in the Province of Quebec from 1939 to 1956

1961 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. G. Pilon ◽  
J. R. Blais
Keyword(s):  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
The Past ◽  
Forest Regions ◽  
Tree Component ◽  
Gaspe Peninsula ◽  
Gaspé Peninsula

Nearly all forest regions in the Province of Quebec where balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) is an important tree component have been subjected to severe defoliation by the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), during the past 20 years. These outbreaks have followed an easterly direction beginning near the Ontario-Quebec border in 1939 and ending in the Gaspé Peninsula in 1958.

The influence of hardwood content on balsam fir defoliation by spruce budworm

1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 1620-1628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiong Su ◽  
Ted D. Needham ◽  
David A. MacLean
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Natural Enemies ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Generalized Model ◽  
Stand Management ◽  
Working Hypothesis ◽  
Model Combining

Changing stand composition by increasing hardwood content has been suggested as a long-term method for reducing susceptibility and vulnerability of balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill.) to spruce budworm (Choristoneurafumiferana (Clem.)). Twenty-five mixed balsam fir–hardwood stands were selected in northern New Brunswick, with five stands in each 20% hardwood class (0–20, 21–40%, etc.). Defoliation each year from 1989 to 1993 was significantly (p < 0.0001) related to hardwood content, with r2 ranging from 0.57 to 0.81. As hardwood content increased, defoliation of balsam fir decreased. From 1989 to 1992, the years of moderate to severe defoliation, balsam fir stands with <40% hardwoods sustained 58–71% defoliation, on average, versus 12–15% defoliation in stands with >80% hardwood. A generalized model combining hardwood content and the estimated defoliation in pure softwood stands in a given year explained 77% of the variation in defoliation over stands and years. This study indicated that mixed balsam fir–hardwood stand management, with hardwood content >40%, could substantially reduce losses during spruce budworm outbreaks. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanism involved, but our working hypothesis is that greater hardwood content increased the diversity or populations of natural enemies such as birds and parasitoids.

Prescribed Burning for Stand Conversion in Budworm-killed Balsam Fir: An Ontario Case History

1986 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. McRae
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Prescribed Burning ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Fire Spread ◽  
Fire Effects ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Prescribed Burn ◽  
Stand Conversion

Recent spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) infestations have resulted in widespread areas of balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) mortality in Ontario, and there is growing interest in reestablishing these areas quickly as productive forests. One technique being used is prescribed fire after a salvage and bulldozer tramping operation. A 445-ha prescribed burn was carried out under moderate fire danger conditions in northern Ontario. The site, which was covered by balsam fir fuel that had been killed by spruce budworm, was tramped to improve fire spread. Weather, fuel consumption, and fire effects are reported. The burn effectively reduced heavy surface fuel loadings and consequently planting on the site was easier. Key words: Prescribed burning, fire, spruce budworm. Choristoneura fumiferana, balsam fir, Abies balsamea, fuel consumption, site preparation, tramping, stand conversion.

Assessment of site conditions for disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes: A case study in southern China

2012 ◽  
Vol 414 ◽  
pp. 624-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuping Yi ◽  
Haiyi Ma ◽  
Chunmiao Zheng ◽  
Xiaobin Zhu ◽  
Hua'an Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern China ◽  
Radioactive Wastes ◽  
Intermediate Level ◽  
Site Conditions

Metabolites toxic to spruce budworm from balsam fir needle endophytes

1992 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry A. Calhoun ◽  
John A. Findlay ◽  
J. David Miller ◽  
Norman J. Whitney
Keyword(s):  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Balsam Fir

LONG TERM STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AERIAL APPLICATION OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS – ACEPHATE COMBINATIONS AGAINST THE SPRUCE BUDWORM, CHORISTONEURA FUMIFERANA (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)

1977 ◽  
Vol 109 (9) ◽  
pp. 1239-1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. N. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Thuringiensis ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Larval Mortality ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Long Term Study

AbstractBacillus thuringiensis (Dipel® 36B) mixed with a sublethal concentration of acephate (Orthene®) (O, S-dimethyl acetylphosphoramidothioate), an organophosphorous insecticide, was applied at 2.35–14 l./ha to white spruce (Picea glauca) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) trees infested with spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.). The treatment rate was 20 Billion International Units of B. thuringiensis (B.t.) activity with or without 42 g of active ingredient of acephate/ha.The ground deposit of the standard Dipel wettable powder formulation was 12% of emitted volume compared with 21–32% for the Dipel 36B flowable. The viability of B.t. spores was drastically reduced after 1 day of weathering but a high level of biological activity by the spore–crystal complex persisted for up to 20 days post-spray due probably to crystal activity.The addition of about 10% of the recommended operational rate of acephate to the B.t. suspension increased larval mortality by 34% when applied at 4.7 l./ha. Reductions in budworm populations were 97–99% in B.t. + acephate plots and 86–90% in B.t. alone plots.Plots with moderate budworm densities of up to 27 larvae/100 buds on white spruce and 36/100 on balsam fir were satisfactorily protected from excessive defoliation in the year of spray by B.t. with or without acephate. Plots with higher population densities were not satisfactorily protected based on the branch sample examination but aerial color photographs indicated good protection to the top third of the trees. Population declines were greater and defoliation and oviposition were lower in the treated plots than in the untreated checks 1 year later without further treatment. Two years later the larval population densities in all plots were low but the density was twice as high in the untreated check as in the treated plots, indicating long term suppression by the treatments. Defoliation was negligible in all plots.The treatments had no deleterious effect on spruce budworm parasitism. The data indicate that the integrated approach using Bacillus thuringiensis – chemical pesticide combinations is a viable alternative to the use of chemical pesticides alone in spruce budworm control. Large scale testing is now warranted.

Natural variation in balsam fir foliar components of dietary importance to spruce budworm

1977 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. G. Shaw ◽  
C. H. A. Little
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Natural Variation ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Total Sugars ◽  
Caloric Value ◽  
Seasonal Trends ◽  
Geographical Variations ◽  
Foliar Concentrations ◽  
Foliar Concentration

Year-to-year, geographical, and local variations in foliar concentrations of crude fat, nitrogen, total sugars, and starch and in foliar caloric value were determined for maturing, current-year needles of balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea L.). All except geographical variations proved to be statistically significant. Seasonal trends of chemical concentrations in maturing needles were in agreement with previous findings.Much of the variation in foliar caloric value could be explained by changes in foliar concentration of crude fat.Year-to-year changes in foliar nutrients may influence spruce budworm population dynamics.

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