SPRING PARASITISM OF OVERWINTERED EGGS OF LAMBDINA FISCELLARIA FISCELLARIA (LEPIDOPTERA: GEOMETRIDAE) BY TELENOMUS NEAR ALSOPHILAE (HYMENOPTERA: SCELIONIDAE)

1999 ◽  
Vol 131 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lester K. Hartling ◽  
Nelson Carter ◽  
Janet Proude
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Dark Spot ◽  
Entire Surface ◽  
Parasitism Rates ◽  
Trichogramma Minutum ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Egg Parasitism ◽  
Hemlock Looper

New Brunswick experienced its first recorded outbreak of hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), in 1989 (Magasi1990). Since 1993, populations have remained at endemic levels. From 1989 to 1994, when annual egg surveys were conducted (from October to April) on balsam fir, Abies balsamea (Linnaeus) Miller (Pinaceae) to forecast the next years' population for planning foliage protection programs, the egg parasitoids Trichogramma minutum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) (Hartling et al. 1991) and Telenomus near alsophilae Viereck (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) were frequently reared from overwintering looper eggs. We believe two factors can cause an underestimation of egg parasitism rates by Telenomus near alsophilae: (i) eggs parasitized by Telenomus near alsophilae can be difficult to identify, and need to be reared to detect the black shading on the chorion which ranges from a mere dark spot to some gradation of black over the entire surface; and (ii) additional parasitism by this parasitoid might occur in spring. Our estimates of egg parasitism rates were as high as 23% (n = 93) from spring-collected looper eggs incorrectly classified as viable until incubated in the laboratory. We describe part of an experiment that confirms spring parasitism by this species, and illustrate the implications to operational looper control operations.

Influence of plant-hardiness zone, shoot length, and crown class on the incidence of gouting by the balsam woolly adelgid on balsam fir

2010 ◽  
Vol 142 (5) ◽  
pp. 466-472
Author(s):  
Bertrand Guillet ◽  
Andrew Morrison ◽  
Drew Carleton ◽  
Don Ostaff ◽  
Dan Quiring
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
New Brunswick ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Shoot Length ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Parabolic Relationship ◽  
Balsam Woolly Adelgid ◽  
Shoot Size ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Plant Hardiness

AbstractWe collected midcrown branches of balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. (Pinaceae), at six different sites located in five different plant-hardiness zones, along a north–south transect in New Brunswick, Canada, to evaluate the effect of plant-hardiness zone, crown class (overstory versus understory), and shoot length during the previous 10 years on the annual incidence of gouting by the balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae (Ratzeburg) (Homoptera: Adelgidae). Site, crown class, and their interaction, along with the square of shoot length, explained 78% of the variation in gouting. Variations in gouting attributed to plant-hardiness zone were probably primarily due to variation in mean January temperature: at each site, the mean January temperature was positively and closely related to the mean level of gouting. The level of gouting was consistently higher on trees in the understory than on those in the overstory. Shoot length was parabolically related to the proportion of shoots with gout. The parabolic relationship between shoot size and the level of gouting is similar to that previously reported for galling adelgids, and suggests that gouting by A. piceae may be greatest on trees with an intermediate growth rate.

A study of fungal endophytes of needles of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and red spruce (Picea rubens) in New Brunswick, Canada, using culture and electron microscope techniques

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (12) ◽  
pp. 3513-3516 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Johnson ◽  
Norman J. Whitney
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Fungal Endophytes ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Picea Rubens ◽  
Red Spruce ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Intercellular Spaces ◽  
Parenchyma Cells ◽  
Spruce Needles ◽  
Petiole Segment

Endophytic fungi were isolated from the interiors of surface-sterilized needles of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and red spruce (Picea rubens) in New Brunswick, Canada. Four different fungi were isolated frequently. One species, designated X-W, was isolated exlusively from the petiole segment of red spruce needles. There was no difference in the variety of species isolated from fir needles from two sites, but a difference in frequency of species did exist. Micrographs of the interior of balsam fir needles showed hyphae occupying intercellular spaces and adhering to the outer walls of parenchyma cells. No penetration of cells by either fungus was observed.

Windthrow and growth response following a spruce budworm inspired, variable retention harvest in New Brunswick, Canada

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 659-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward A. Wilson ◽  
David A. MacLean
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Growth Response ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Growth Release ◽  
Variable Retention ◽  
Variable Retention Harvest

Forest management regimes increasingly focus on the emulation of natural disturbance events, e.g., fire or insect outbreaks, to help increase ecosystem sustainability. We determined the residual stand response to a variable retention harvest inspired by spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)) outbreaks in New Brunswick, Canada. Our objectives were to analyze the differences between surviving residual trees and those that succumbed to windthrow and to quantify growth release. The treatment was based on harvesting the estimated spruce budworm outbreak mortality, i.e., 90% of mature balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., 60% of mature spruce (Picea spp.), and no hardwoods. Windthrow increased with the proportion of trees harvested and averaged 52% over 7–9 years in these stands with high balsam fir – spruce content. One-third of 42 harvested plots sustained >30% windthrow, whereas 73% of 11 similar unharvested plots had <10% windthrow. Balsam fir had higher windthrow than spruce at 53% and 41%, respectively. Windthrown balsam fir trees had significantly larger diameters at breast height (DBH, 1.3 m), larger heights, and smaller crown ratios than surviving residual trees. Substantial growth release occurred, with DBH increment of residual trees 48%–64% greater than trees in unharvested plots. Balsam fir and intolerant hardwoods exhibited the largest growth response. We suggest that future spruce budworm inspired harvests in stands with high balsam fir – spruce content use two or three entries about 5 years apart to reduce windthrow.

A stand density management diagram for balsam fir in New Brunswick

2006 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 700-711 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Penner ◽  
D E Swift ◽  
R. Gagnon ◽  
J. Brissette
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Maximum Size ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Quadratic Mean ◽  
Stand Management ◽  
Forest Region ◽  
Quadratic Mean Diameter ◽  
Stand Density Management

A stand management density diagram (SDMD) is presented for balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) forests in New Brunswick. The SDMD incorporates a maximum size density line, as well as quadratic mean diameter and top height isolines. Several mortality functions are evaluated. The resultant SDMD should be a useful tool for projecting early stand development and determining the timing and intensity of thinnings. Key words: Acadian Forest Region, mortality curves

Artificial inoculation with Armillaria ostoyae in established conifers stressed by defoliation, planting, and thinning in Newfoundland

2000 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 1758-1765 ◽  
Author(s):  
M D Piercey-Normore ◽  
J A Bérubé
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Root Infection ◽  
Armillaria Ostoyae ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Balsam Woolly Adelgid ◽  
Pathogenicity Tests ◽  
Mill Stand ◽  
Hemlock Looper

Armillaria ostoyae (Romagnesi) Herink causes root disease in conifers of the northern hemisphere. Pathogenicity tests of established conifer trees with A. ostoyae, has never been done in the boreal forest. Seven forest plots were selected in Newfoundland; a black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) plantation, a naturally regenerated black spruce stand, a balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) stand with hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria (Guen.)) defoliation, two balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges piceae (Ratz.)) infested balsam fir stands (thinned and unthinned sites), a balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis Harris) defoliated balsam fir stand, and an artificially defoliated black spruce stand. Roots of fir and spruce trees were inoculated with two isolates of A. ostoyae and re-examined after 2 years. The purpose of this study was to compare differences in root infection within plots for different types of host stress to examine the response of trees to controlled inoculations of A. ostoyae. There was a statistically significant difference in number of infected roots between the two isolates used as inoculum. There was significantly more root response with severity of infection within all sites except both adelgid plots. A marginally significant relationship between tree health and root infection was present in the balsam fir sawfly plot. There was a significantly larger number of infected roots associated with rhizomorphs in the naturally regenerated black spruce stand and the artificially defoliated balsam fir stand. These results suggest that stress prediposes the host tree to root infection by A. ostoyae.

EFFICACY OF OIL-BASED FORMULATIONS OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS BERLINER VAR. KURSTAKI AGAINST THE HEMLOCK LOOPER, LAMBDINA FISCELLARIA FISCELLARIA (GUEN.) (LEPIDOPTERA: GEOMETRIDAE)

1989 ◽  
Vol 121 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.J. West ◽  
A.G. Raske ◽  
A. Sundaram
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Thuringiensis ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Eastern Hemlock ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Single Application ◽  
Early Application ◽  
Larval Population ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Hemlock Looper

AbstractOil-based formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki, Dipel 132, Dipel 176, and Dipel 264, were aerially applied at rates of 1.18–2.36 L/ha over five 30-ha plots in a balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., forest in efficacy tests against the eastern hemlock looper, Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria (Guen.), in Newfoundland. Double applications of 30 Billion International Units (BIU) per hectare of each formulation and single applications of 40 BIU per hectare of Dipel 176 and Dipel 264 were tested. Larval population reductions of more than 95% and no defoliation of old or new foliage were observed in the plots receiving double applications and in the plot treated with a single application of Dipel 264. Larval numbers were reduced by 85% and defoliation was 4% in the plot treated once with Dipel 176.These treatments were applied against low to moderate larval populations, and their success was attributed to excellent spray coverage and early application when 50% or more of the larvae were still in their first instar.

Rate and causes of decline of mature and overmature balsam fir and spruce stands in New Brunswick, Canada

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 2479-2490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Lesley Taylor ◽  
David A MacLean
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Insect Outbreak ◽  
Permanent Sample Plots ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Species Groups

Data from 585 balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and spruce (Picea spp.) permanent sample plots (PSPs) >50 years old in New Brunswick, Canada, measured between 1987 and 1998, were used to quantify the timing, magnitude, and causes of decline in stand growth, measured as negative net volume increment. Plots were subdivided into classes based on species group, ecoregion, and volume-development pattern (decreasing, fluctuating, stable, or increasing volume with time). Decline began at an earlier age in balsam fir – spruce (BFSP) PSPs (~70 years old) than in spruce – balsam fir (SPBF) PSPs (~120 years). One-third of plots (29%) fell into the decreasing volume-development category. Variation in the proportion of decreasing plots occurred among ecoregions (range 0%–60%) and, to a lesser extent, among species groups (26%–33%). Decreasing BFSP plots exhibited double the rate of volume loss of their SPBF counterparts (–7.4 and –3.9 m3·ha–1·year–1, respectively). Decline was caused by an increased rate of mortality, which was highest in the decreasing volume-development classes (7.5 m3·ha–1·year–1) and lowest in the increasing volume-development classes (1.4 m3·ha–1·year–1). Growth of surviving trees remained relatively stable (2.5–4.2 m3·ha–1·year–1) among volume-development classes. Blowdown was the biggest cause of tree mortality, accounting for approximately 50% of dead trees in BFSP and SPBF plots. The rate of mortality was influenced by ecoregion, species, and the combined effect of previous insect-outbreak and wind disturbances.

Notes on the Biology of Pleroneura borealis Felt (Xyelidae: Hymenoptera)

1951 ◽  
Vol 83 (7) ◽  
pp. 181-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. E. Webb ◽  
R. S. Forbes
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
New Brunswick ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Upper Peninsula ◽  
Sawfly Larvae ◽  
Upper Peninsula Of Michigan

In 1945 injury to shoots of balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., by sawfly larvae was very common in York and Madawaska counties, New Brunswick. Since then, similar injury has been noticed throughout most of New Brunswick, eastern Nova Scotia, the upper peninsula of Michigan and northern Wisconsin.New Brunswick specimens were identified by Dr. O. Peck of the Systematic Unit, Division of Entomology, as presumably Pleroneura borealis Felt, the specimens running to this species in Ross' Key (2); however, as stated by Ross (3), the recognition of species in the genus is not at present based upon fundamental characters. P. borealis was originally described in 1917 by Felt (1) from three specimens collected at Lake Clear, N.Y., in 1907. Except for the taxonomic revision by Ross (2), no other reference to this species was found in the literature.

Host–tree oviposition preference of balsam fir sawfly, Neodiprion abietis (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae), in New Brunswick, Canada

2013 ◽  
Vol 145 (4) ◽  
pp. 430-434
Author(s):  
Rob C. Johns ◽  
J. Fidgen ◽  
Don P. Ostaff
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Host Plant ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Oviposition Preference ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Neodiprion Abietis ◽  
Plant Foliage ◽  
Female Longevity

AbstractLaboratory experiments using field-collected females were carried out to determine the oviposition preference of the balsam fir sawfly, Neodiprion abietis (Harris) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) in New Brunswick, Canada. Unmated adult females given no choice among host–plant foliage laid ∼98% of available eggs on balsam fir (Abies balsamea (Linnaeus) Miller; Pinaceae), but only 8% and 10%, respectively, on white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss; Pinaceae) and black spruce (Picea mariana (Miller) Britton, Sterns, and Poggenburg). Given a choice among shoots from all three hosts in the same chamber, unmated females laid all but one egg in balsam fir. Host plant had no effect on female longevity, although there were nearly four- to eightfold more empty egg slits on balsam fir needles, owing presumably to the greater activity of females on this preferred host foliage.

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