FOREST HEALTH CONDITIONS IN NOVA SCOTIA

2014 Annual Report

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Fleet and Forest Protection Division Risk Services Section

Report FOR 2017-3

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia

2014 Annual Report

Compiled by:

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources

Forest Protection Division

Risk Services Section

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources PO Box 130 23 Creighton Road Shubenacadie, NS B0N 2H0

Telephone: (902)-758-7226 Fax: (902)-758-3210 http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/publications.asp

Report FOR 2017-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forest Health Staff………………………………………………………………………………………..5

Risk Services Staff ...... 5

Regional Services Pest Detection Officers ...... 5

Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………………………….6

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms Used in this Report ...... 6

Executive Summary ...... 7

List of Tables ...... 9

List of Figures ...... 11

Introduction ...... 13

Status of Forest Pests ...... 14

Eastern Blackheaded Budworm - variana (Fernald) ...... 14

Overwintering Egg Survey ...... 14

Pheromone Trap Study ...... 15

Eastern Spruce Budworm - Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.) ...... 16

Pheromone Trap Survey ...... 16

Overwintering Larval (L2) Survey ...... 18

Jack Pine Budworm - Choristoneura pinus pinus (Free.) ...... 18

Pheromone Trap Survey ...... 19

Overwintering Larval (L2) Survey ...... 20

Hemlock Looper - Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria (Gn.) ...... 21

Pheromone Trap Survey ...... 21

Overwintering Egg Survey ...... 22

Balsam Twig Aphid - Mindarus abietinus (Koch) ...... 23

Balsam Fir Sawfly - Neodiprion abietis (Harr.) ...... 25

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 3

Overwintering Egg Survey ...... 25

Whitemarked Tussock - Orgyia leucostigma (J.E. Smith) ...... 26

Overwintering Egg Survey ...... 26

Balsam Gall Midge - Paradiplosis tumifex (Gagné) ...... 28

Invasive Alien Species Present in Nova Scotia ...... 29

Balsam Woolly Adelgid - Adelges picea (Ratz.) ...... 29

Overwintering Nymph and Damage Surveys ...... 30

Permanent Monitoring Plots ...... 31

Gypsy Moth - Lymantria dispar (L.) ...... 34

Pheromone Trap Survey ...... 34

Beech Leaf-Mining Weevil - Orchestes fagi (L.) ...... 37

Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle - Tetropium fuscum (Fabr.) ...... 38

Pheromone Trap Survey ...... 39

Invasive Alien Species of Concern Not Yet Detected in Nova Scotia ...... 41

Provincial Aerial Overview Survey...... 42

Pest Identification Inquiries ...... 44

Communications ...... 45

Insectary Notes Newsletter ...... 45

Extension and Outreach ...... 45

APPENDIX - GLOSSARY ...... 46

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 4

Forest Health Staff Jim Rudderham (Operations Supervisor) Justin Smith (Supervisor) Kris Lambert Robert Davis Mike LeBlanc Jacqui Gordon Brandon Oikle

Risk Services Staff John Ross (Manager) Tanya Borgal Jeff Ogden Andree MacKay Morgan Oikle Dustin Oikle Gina Penny

Regional Services Pest Detection Officers Eastern Region Central Region Western Region Cameron Gillis Allan Bland Jamie Brown Derek Hart Eric Leighton Brian Comeau Michael Hill Scott MacEwan William Grover John Kennedy Chris MacIntyre Kim Huskins Dolores MacDonald Amy Marsters Ross Pentz Jennifer Stephen Terry Moore Jim Scott John Ongo Matthew O’Connor Chelsea Taylor Terry White

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Acknowledgements

To assemble, analyze, and present the information contained within this report requires a great deal of effort from many individuals. Without their efforts to gather information and data, this report would not be possible.

Thanks to the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR) regional staff. Especially the Pest Detection Officers (PDO’s), who are the backbone of many provincial surveys. These surveys would be impossible without their support and that of their Area Supervisors.

Appreciation is extended to the staff of the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) for their cooperation. Their research in Nova Scotia as well as the information and expertise they share relating to forest pests and forest conditions continues to be a valuable resource. Thanks are also given to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for their assistance and information exchange during the invasive surveys.

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms Used in this Report

CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency CFS Canadian Forest Service ha Hectare L2 Overwintering second instar larva NSDNR Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources PDO Pest Detection Officer

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 6

Executive Summary

This annual report contains information on forest and diseases monitored by Forest Health staff and PDO’s for the period up to and including 2014. As well as information concerning our combined efforts to assist in research conducted by the CFS and to monitor invasive pests with the CFIA.

Eastern Blackheaded Budworm (Acleris variana): Overwintering eggs were detected at 74% of sites surveyed, down from 82% in 2013. A pheromone trial was repeated and 95% of the traps were positive, down from 200% in 2013. The maximum trap catch was 884 , up from 144 in 2013.

Eastern Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana): The percentage of positive pheromone traps was 60%, down from 92% in 2013. The maximum trap catch was 23 moths, also down from 206 in 2013. Overwintering second instar larvae (L2) were detected at 1% of the sites surveyed, with three L2’s detected in Victoria County, Cape Breton.

Jack Pine Budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus): The percentage of positive pheromone traps was 63% in 2014, down from 88% in 2013. Overwintering L2’s were detected 33% of the sites surveyed, up from 10% in 2013.

Hemlock Looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria): The percentage of positive pheromone traps was 96%, unchanged from 2013. The maximum trap catch was 375 moths, also up from 332 moths in 2013. Overwintering eggs were detected at 8% of sites sampled in the Eastern Region, down from 15% in 2013 and 24% in 2012.

Balsam Twig Aphid (Mindarus abietinus) and Balsam Gall Midge (Paradiplosis tumifex): The percentage of sites with balsam twig aphid damage was 13%, up from 4.7% in 2013. The percentage of sites with balsam gall midge damage was 7%, down from 9% in 2013.

Balsam Fir Sawfly (Neodiprion abietis): Overwintering eggs were detected in 22% of sites surveyed in the Eastern and Central Regions, down from 33% in 2013. The percentage of positive sites has been on the decline since 2011.

Whitemarked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma): Overwintering egg masses were detected at 5% of sites surveyed, down from 10% in 2013.

Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Adelges picea): The percentage of sites with overwintering nymphs was 12%, down from 24% in 2013, No gouted branches were detected. Overwintering surveys in 18 permanent plots detected increased populations at 5 plots, decreased populations at 7 plots, and no change in the remaining 6 plots.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 7

Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar): The percentage of positive multipher traps 76%, up from 67% in 2013. The maximum trap catch was 1017 moths, down from 1047 in 2013. Overall the percentage of positive delta traps was 15.3%, up from 8.1 in 2013.

Beech Leaf-Mining Weevil (Orchestes fagi): The CFIA completed detection surveys in beech stands in both forested and urban environments in Eastern Canada. Three new positive locations were detected in Cape Breton County.

Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle (Tetropium fuscum): Extensive pheromone trapping was conducted in Eastern Canada. In Nova Scotia. Five new positive sites were detected outside of the brown spruce longhorn beetle regulated area in the counties of Colchester (2), Pictou (1), and Guysborough (2). In New Brunswick 2 new positive locations were detected: Kouchibouguac National Park (1) and Memramcook, Westmorland County (1). All other traps deployed in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Quebec were negative. The total number of positive sites outside of the brown spruce longhorn beetle regulated area is now 109.

Invasive Alien Species Not Yet Detected: There are several invasive alien species that have not yet been detected in Nova Scotia but have been found in other north- eastern provinces and states. This is of concern because these species have the potential to cause significant damage to Nova Scotia’s forests - hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae), emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis), Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), European wood wasp (Sirex noctilio), and pine shoot beetle (Tomicus piniperda).

Provincial Aerial Overview Survey: Wind damage due to post-tropical storm Arthur was recorded over approximately 46,541 hectares. Pockets of damage were also mapped province wide due to: flooding (~3906 ha), spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) induced mortality (~5334 ha), and Sirococcus shoot blight (Sirococcus conigenis) damage (~2098 ha).

Pest Identification Inquiries: In 2014, 96 inquiries were answered, of which 37% dealt directly with our forest resource i.e. plantations and woodlots, while the remaining 63% were general homeowner inquiries.

Insectary Notes Newsletter: Forest Health publishes the Insectary Notes newsletter twice a year. The objective of this publication is to communicate current information in a timely manner using a recognized and easy to understand format.

Extension and Outreach: Forest Health participates in various spring field days and the Kids in the Forest program, held as part of the Woodlot Owner of the Year Awards; as well as yearly information sessions as part of the Woodland Owner Conferences and Christmas Tree Producers Associations technical sessions and field days.

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List of Tables

Table 1: Summary of Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2014.

Table 2: Summary of Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) pheromone trap trials conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2013 to 2014.

Table 3: Summary of Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2000 to 2014.

Table 4: Summary of Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2014.

Table 5: Summary of Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) overwintering larva (L2) surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2014.

Table 6: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2001 to 2014.

Table 7: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2001 to 2014.

Table 8: Summary of balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2014.

Table 9: Summary of balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2014.

Table 10: Summary of whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2014.

Table 11: Summary of balsam gall midge (Paradiplosis tumifex) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2014.

Table 12: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2008 to 2014.

Table 13: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2008 to 2014.

Table 14: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plot surveys conducted by Forest Health from 2010 to 2014.

Table 15: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) multipher pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 2004 to 2014.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 9

Table 16: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 2005 to 2014.

Table 17: Areas within which damage was detected during the 2014 provincial aerial overview survey – affected hectares by Region.

Table 18: Summary of pest identification inquiries to Forest Health from 2006 to 2014.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 10

List of Figures

Map Disclaimer: The information on these maps may have come from a variety of government and non-government sources. The Department of Natural Resources accepts no liability for any errors, deficiencies or faults on these maps. These maps should not be used for legal purposes.

Figure 1: Results of the 2014 Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) overwintering egg survey.

Figure 2: Results of the 2014 Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) pheromone trial.

Figure 3: Results of the 2014 Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone trap survey.

Figure 4: Results of the 2014 Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) overwintering larval (L2) survey.

Figure 5: Results of the 2014 Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone trap survey.

Figure 6: Results of the 2014 Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) overwintering larval (L2) survey.

Figure 7: Results of the 2014 hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone trap survey.

Figure 8: Results of the 2014 hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) overwintering egg survey.

Figure 9: Results of the 2014 balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus) damage survey.

Figure 10: Results of the 2014 balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg survey.

Figure 11: Results of the 2014 whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg mass survey.

Figure 12: Results of the 2014 balsam gall midge (Paradiplosis tumifex) damage survey.

Figure 13: Results of the 2014 balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph survey.

Figure 14: Results of the 2014 balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) damage survey.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 11

Figure 15: Results of 2014 population monitoring at balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plots.

Figure 16: Minimum winter temperatures (oC) recorded at balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plots from October 2013 - March 2014.

Figure 17: Results of the 2014 gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) multipher trap survey.

Figure 18: Results of the 2014 gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta trap survey.

Figure 19: Results of the 2014 Canadian Food Inspection Agency beech leaf-mining weevil (Orchestes fagi) detection survey and historic detections since 2012.

Figure 20: Brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) regulated area.

Figure 21: Brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) survey sites for Eastern Canada in 2014.

Figure 22: Positive sites detected outside of the brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) regulated area in 2014. Circled finds are new for 2014.

Figure 23: Positive sites detected outside of the brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) containment area from 2006 - 2014.

Figure 24: Provincial aerial overview survey flight line plan 2014.

Figure 25: Areas in which damage was recorded due to high winds from post-tropical storm Arthur in Nova Scotia, 2014.

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Introduction

Forest Health is a section within the Forest Protection Division of the NSDNR. Forest Health has the mandate of protecting Nova Scotia’s forests from insects and diseases. The section’s main responsibilities are to:

• monitor forest pests and develop better detection methods, • analyze forest health conditions using field and survey data, • provide accurate information and education to forest stakeholders in a timely manner, and • develop and maintain management options and systems.

Through a systematic monitoring program, including ground and aerial surveys, Forest Health staff and PDO’s, record forest health status and disturbances province-wide. For regulated, non-native pests, Forest Health co-operates with the CFIA who. Under the federal Plant Protection Act the FIA is responsible for preventing the introduction into Canada, spread within and from Canada, of non-native pests. Forest Health provides technical assistance to the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor the populations of of importance to human health..The Forest Health Section also collaborates with the CFS when their researchers are working in the province or on forest pest management projects of concern to Nova Scotia.

This report is intended to provide an overview of the status of forest pest conditions in Nova Scotia in 2014 and highlights many of the pest management activities conducted by the Forest Health Section of NSDNR. It is not intended to itemize all details for each survey conducted. Where required the reader can contact the Forest Health Section for further information. Although every effort is made to ensure that information reported in this document is accurate, its integrity is not guaranteed.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 13

Status of Forest Pests

Eastern Blackheaded Budworm - Acleris variana (Fernald)

This small, native moth resembling the spruce budworm is found across Canada and feeds on 20 different conifer tree species. In Nova Scotia, its main hosts are balsam fir, and white and black spruce. The last Eastern blackheaded budworm outbreak was in 2004 and covered approximately 114,000 hectares in the Cape Breton Highlands. The following year a spray trial was conducted by the CFS and the population collapsed in 2006. Eastern blackheaded budworm populations are monitored using an overwintering egg survey and pheromone traps.

Overwintering Egg Survey

A single branch was sampled from three balsam fir trees at each of 68 sites in the Eastern Region (Figure 1). The percentage of positive sites was 73.5%, down from 81.8% in 2013 (Table 1).

Figure 1: Results of the 2014 Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) overwintering egg survey.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 14

Table 1: Summary of Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2014.

Number (%) Number of Eggs/45cm Branch Number Year Positive Low Moderate High of Sites Zero Sites 1-26 27-59 >59 2004 125 125 (100) 0 83 20 22 2005 202 158 (78.2) 44 156 2 0 2006 184 60 (32.6) 124 60 0 0 2007 64 10 (15.6) 54 10 0 0 2008 63 8 (12.7) 55 8 0 0 2009 55 3 (5.5) 52 3 0 0 2010 58 43 (74.1) 15 43 0 0 2011 62 52 (83.9) 10 52 0 0 2012 51 48 (94.1) 3 48 0 0 2013 66 54 (81.8) 12 54 0 0 2014 68 50 (73.5) 18 50 0 1

Pheromone Trap Study

Forest Health initiated a pheromone study in 2013 in which a pheromone synthesized by the CFS was deployed in multipher traps throughout the Cape Breton Highlands (Figure 2). The study was repeated in 2014 with 94.6% of the traps positive, down from 100% in 2013. The maximum trap catch was 884 moths, up from 144 moths in 2013 (Table 2).

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 15

Figure 2: Results of the 2014 Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) pheromone trial.

Table 2: Summary of Eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) pheromone trap trials conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2013 to 2014.

Number (%) Number Number of Moths/Trap (range) Maximum Year Positive of Traps Trap Catch Traps Zero 1-25 26-50 >50 2013 40 40 (100) 0 21 7 12 144 2014 37 35 (94.6) 2 6 1 28 884

Eastern Spruce Budworm - Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)

The native spruce budworm is widely distributed throughout Canada. It has caused more damage to Nova Scotian softwood forests than any other insect. Mature balsam fir is the preferred host, but white, red, and black spruce may also be attacked. The last spruce budworm outbreak in Nova Scotia began in the early 1970’s. At its peak in the mid-1980’s, moderate to severe defoliation covering 1,220,000 hectares could be found on Cape Breton Island and in pockets on northern mainland counties. Spruce budworm outbreaks are cyclical, and every 30-40 years populations increase to outbreak levels where they can remain for 10 years or more.

Eastern spruce budworm populations are monitored using a combination of pheromone traps to capture adult male moths and branch samples to collect overwintering second instar larvae (L2’s).

Pheromone Trap Survey

In 2014, 144 pheromone traps were monitored province wide (Figure 3). The percentage of positive traps was 60.4%, down from 91.8% in 2013. The maximum trap catch was 23 moths, down from 206 in 2013 (Table 3).

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 16

Figure 3: Results of the 2014 Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone trap survey.

Table 3: Summary of Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2000 to 2014.

Number (%) Number of Moths/Trap Maximum Number Year Positive Low Moderate High Trap of Traps Zero Traps 1-50 51-100 >100 Catch 2000 64 2 (3.1) 62 2 0 0 3 2001 0 2002 145 5 (3.4) 140 5 0 0 23 2003 144 18 (12.5) 126 18 0 0 8 2004 150 11 (7.3) 139 11 0 0 38 2005 150 33 (22.0) 117 33 0 0 21 2006 150 26 (17.3) 124 26 0 0 5 2007 150 59 (39.3) 91 59 0 0 11 2008 150 14 (9.3) 136 14 0 0 8 2009 141 40 (28.4) 101 40 0 0 12 2010 148 85 (57.4) 63 85 0 0 33 2011 150 53 (35.3) 97 53 0 0 16 2012 139 98 (70.5) 41 96 2 0 89 2013 147 135 (91.8) 12 124 8 3 206 2014 144 87 (60.4) 57 87 0 0 23

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 17

Overwintering Larval (L2) Survey

The number of sites sampled for L2’s was increased from 289 in 2013 to 299 in 2014 (Figure 4). The percentage of positive sites was1%, with 3 overwintering spruce budworm larvae detected in Victoria County, Cape Breton, half the number detected in 2013. This is the second consecutive year L2’s have been detected. Prior to 2013, no L2’s had been detected in Nova Scotia since 1994.

Figure 4: Results of the 2014 Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) overwintering larval (L2) survey.

Jack Pine Budworm - Choristoneura pinus pinus (Free.)

Jack pine budworm is a native needle feeding caterpillar closely related to the spruce budworm, found throughout the range of its principal host, Jack pine. Other conifers such as white, red, and Scots pines can be attacked, particularly when growing in association with Jack pine.

In Nova Scotia, Jack pine budworm defoliation has occurred in mature white pines while red pines located in outbreak areas remained relatively untouched. Defoliation of mature white pine by Jack pine budworm was first detected in the Western ecoregion in 2005. Jack pine budworm populations are monitored using pheromone traps and L2 surveys.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 18

Pheromone Trap Survey

In 2014, 40 pheromone traps were monitored in the Western and Northumberland ecoregions (Figure 5). The percentage of positive traps was 62.5%, down from 87.5% in 2013. The maximum trap catch was 39 moths, up from 25 moths in 2013 (Table 4).

Figure 5: Results of the 2014 Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone trap survey.

Table 4: Summary of Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2014.

Number (%) Maximum Number Number of Moths/Trap (range) Year Positive Trap of Traps Traps Zero 1-10 11-20 21-40 >40 Catch 2006 45 40 (88.9) 5 29 7 3 1 48 2007 55 42 (76.4) 13 26 16 0 0 19 2008 84 67 (79.8) 17 61 3 3 0 33 2009 58 46 (79.3) 12 45 1 0 0 14 2010 44 16 (36.4) 28 16 0 0 0 5 2011 25 12 (48.0) 13 11 1 0 0 11 2012 43 13 (30.2) 30 12 1 0 0 18 2013 32 28 (87.5) 4 24 3 1 0 25 2014 40 25 (62.5) 15 24 0 1 0 39

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 19

Overwintering Larval (L2) Survey

In 2014, 3 sites were surveyed (Figure 6). At each site, a single mid-crown branch was sampled from each of three representative mature white pine trees. The percentage of positive sites was 33.3%, up from 9.5% in 2013. The average maximum L2/m2 bark was 7, down substantially from 249 in 2013 (Table 5).

Figure 6: Results of the 2014 Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) overwintering larval (L2) survey.

Table 5: Summary of Jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) overwintering larval (L2) surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2014.

Number (%) 2 Average Number Number of L2/m Bark Year Positive Maximum of Sites Sites Zero 1-50 51-200 201-500 >500 L2/m2 Bark 2006 38 17 (44.7) 21 16 1 0 0 166 2007 72 29 (40.3) 43 21 3 5 0 409 2008 97 31 (32.0) 66 25 3 1 2 3254 2009 85 19 (22.4) 66 19 0 0 0 44 2010 15 0 (0) 15 0 0 0 0 0 2011 5 0 (0) 5 0 0 0 0 0 2012 3 2 (66.7) 1 1 1 0 0 85 2013 21 2 (9.5) 19 0 0 2 0 249 2014 3 1 (33.3) 2 1 0 0 0 7

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 20

Hemlock Looper - Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria (Gn.)

Hemlock looper is a native insect whose larvae feed on the needles of various tree species including hemlock, spruces, pines, and hardwoods. In Nova Scotia, its preferred host is mature to over-mature balsam fir. The hemlock looper has defoliated approximately 135,000 hectares since 1961. Hemlock looper populations are monitored using pheromone traps and overwintering egg surveys.

Pheromone Trap Survey

In 2014, 143 traps were monitored province wide (Figure 7). The percentage of positive traps was 96.2%, consistent with 95.8 in 2013. The maximum trap catch was 375 moths, up from 332 in 2013 (Table 6).

Figure 7: Results of the 2014 hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone trap survey.

Table 6: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2001 to 2014.

Number (%) Number of Moths/Trap Number Maximum Year Positive Low Moderate High of Traps Zero Trap Catch Traps 1-199 200-499 >499 2001 96 76 (79.2) 20 76 0 0 108 2002 139 116 (83.5) 23 116 0 0 107 2003 136 124 (91.2) 12 116 5 3 865

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Number (%) Number of Moths/Trap Number Maximum Year Positive Low Moderate High of Traps Zero Trap Catch Traps 1-199 200-499 >499 2004 0 2005 85 80 (94.1) 5 74 5 1 503 2006 137 116 (84.7) 21 116 0 0 100 2007 143 138 (96.5) 5 138 0 0 117 2008 150 141 (94.0) 9 139 2 0 395 2009 146 123 (84.2) 23 123 0 0 168 2010 148 139 (93.9) 9 138 1 0 286 2011 136 129 (94.9) 7 115 13 1 682 2012 142 127 (89.4) 15 127 0 0 168 2013 132 127 (96.2) 5 124 3 0 332 2014 143 137 (95.8) 6 128 9 0 375

Overwintering Egg Survey

In 2014, branch samples were collected at 40 sites in the Cape Breton Highlands and Nova Scotia Uplands ecoregions (Figure 8). The percentage of positive sites was 7.5%, down from 15.0% in 2013 and 24% in 2012 (Table 7).

Figure 8: Results of the 2014 hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) overwintering egg survey.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 22

Table 7: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2001 to 2014.

Number (%) Number of Fertile Eggs/45cm Branch Number Year Positive Low Moderate High of Sites Zero Sites 1-9 10-19 >19 2001 91 18 (19.8) 73 18 0 0 2002 142 29 (20.4) 113 29 0 0 2003 72 34 (47.2) 38 34 0 0 2004 163 83 (50.9) 80 74 6 3 2005 137 95 (69.3) 42 94 1 0 2006 148 25 (16.9) 123 24 1 0 2007 36 2 (5.6) 34 2 0 0 2008 41 4 (9.8) 37 4 0 0 2009 41 0 (0) 41 0 0 0 2010 40 4 (10.0) 36 4 0 0 2011 46 13 (28.3) 33 13 0 0 2012 41 10 (24.4) 31 10 0 0 2013 40 6 (15.0) 34 6 0 0 2014 40 3 (7.5) 37 3 0 0

Balsam Twig Aphid - Mindarus abietinus (Koch)

The balsam twig aphid is a small, pale green aphid widely distributed throughout Europe and North America. It feeds primarily on balsam fir but may also attack Fraser fir, white fir and spruces. It is a major pest of firs grown for Christmas trees but is considered a secondary forest pest as it does not cause tree mortality. Outbreaks are generally short in duration because populations tend to quickly build and fall.

Aphid feeding results in curled and distorted needles which reduces the marketability and value of Christmas trees. Feeding can also cause roughened bark on the twigs. Extensive feeding can cause a general decline and reduce tree vigour, but in many cases it is simply cosmetic. The aphids also produce honeydew, a sticky material that gives the needles a shiny appearance, but is usually washed off by rain. However, it also provides a growth medium for sooty mold, which turns the needles and twigs black.

Balsam twig aphid populations are monitored in a general way by assessing their presence on balsam fir branch samples collected for the balsam fir sawfly survey. This survey is not predictive; but simply quantifies the damage that occurred the previous season. In 2014, 152 sites were surveyed. The percentage of positive sites was 13.2%, up from 4.7% in 2013 (Figure 9, Table 8).

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 23

Figure 9: Results of the 2014 balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus) damage survey.

Table 8: Summary of balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2014.

Number of Sites with Number (%) Number Balsam Twig Aphid Damage Year Positive of Sites Light Moderate Severe Sites Zero 1-24% 25-64% 65-100% 2003 659 105 (15.9) 554 98 7 0 2004 669 32 (4.8) 637 29 3 0 2005 411 45 (10.9) 366 42 3 0 2006 427 69 (16.2) 358 62 7 0 2007 0 2008 42 1 (2.4) 41 1 0 0 2009 46 2 (4.3) 44 2 0 0 2010 127 4 (3.1) 123 4 0 0 2011 123 0 (0) 123 0 0 0 2012 149 4 (2.7) 145 4 0 0 2013 148 7 (4.7) 141 7 0 0 2014 152 20 (13.2) 132 19 1 0

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 24

Balsam Fir Sawfly - Neodiprion abietis (Harr.)

The balsam fir sawfly is a native insect found throughout Nova Scotia. It was first recorded in North America in 1910 and recorded outbreaks in Nova Scotia date back to 1942. Outbreaks usually last three to four years with a varying number of years in between. Its principal host is balsam fir but it can also be found on white, black, and red spruce. Damage is caused by the larvae feeding on mature needles. Balsam fir sawfly populations are monitored using an overwintering egg survey.

Overwintering Egg Survey

The 2014, branch samples were collected from 152 sites in the Eastern and Central Regions (Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia Uplands, Eastern, Northumberland, and Atlantic Coastal ecoregions) (Figure 10). The percentage of positive sites has been steadily declining from 58.5% in 2011 to 21.7% in 2014 (Table 9).

Figure 10: Results of the 2014 balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg survey.

Table 9: Summary of balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2014.

Number (%) Number of Egg Niches/100cm Branch Number Year Positive Low Moderate High of Sites Zero Sites 1- 12 13 - 24 > 24 2004 669 127 (19.0) 542 122 4 1

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Number (%) Number of Egg Niches/100cm Branch Number Year Positive Low Moderate High of Sites Zero Sites 1- 12 13 - 24 > 24 2005 411 130 (31.6) 281 128 1 1 2006 430 8 (1.9) 422 7 1 0 2007 35 6 (17.1) 29 6 0 0 2008 42 8 (19.0) 34 7 0 1 2009 46 3 (6.5) 43 0 1 2 2010 127 65 (51.2) 62 33 5 27 2011 123 72 (58.5) 51 32 10 30 2012 149 69 (46.3) 80 55 8 6 2013 148 49 (33.1) 99 48 1 0 2014 152 33 (21.7) 119 32 1 0

Whitemarked Tussock Moth - Orgyia leucostigma (J.E. Smith)

The whitemarked tussock moth occurs naturally throughout North America. The larvae feed on foliage of a wide variety of trees, both conifers and hardwoods. The last tussock moth outbreak occurred in 1998 and covered 1.4 million hectares in Central and Northern Nova Scotia, of which 60,000 hectares were treated at a cost of approximately six million dollars, making it our largest treatment program to date. Since then, two mini population eruptions have occurred in Cape Breton in 2005 and Guysborough in 2007. Whitemarked tussock moth populations are monitored using an overwintering egg mass survey.

Overwintering Egg Survey

In 2014, 319 sites were sampled province wide (Figure 11). The percentage of positive sites was 5.3%, down from 9.7% in 2013 (Table 10).

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Figure 11: Results of the 2014 whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg mass survey.

Table 10: Summary of whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2014.

Average Number of Number (%) Number Egg Masses/Three Branches Year Sites with Of Sites Low Moderate High Egg Masses Zero 0.01-0.7 0.71-1.99 >1.99 2004 794 60 (7.6) 734 51 6 3 2005 662 91 (13.7) 571 89 2 0 2006 683 150 (22.0) 533 132 16 2 2007 286 44 (15.4) 242 44 0 0 2008 290 40 (13.8) 250 40 0 0 2009 343 26 (7.6) 317 26 0 0 2010 325 25 (7.7) 300 25 0 0 2011 343 37 (10.8) 306 37 0 0 2012 306 8 (2.6) 298 8 0 0 2013 309 30 (9.7) 279 30 0 0 2014 319 17 (5.3) 302 17 0 0

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Balsam Gall Midge - Paradiplosis tumifex (Gagné)

Balsam gall midge is native to North America and occurs throughout the range of balsam and Fraser fir. It is not considered a significant forest pest but is one of the most serious pests of balsam fir in Christmas tree stands. These tiny, 4mm long, orange flies were first recorded in eastern Canada in 1938 and have since have been reported regularly. Infestations are generally of short duration, lasting approximately three years.

Larvae initiate the formation of galls on current-year needles, which appear as swellings at the base of the needles. Each gall contains a larva feeding on the needle’s internal tissue. Galled needles turn yellow and dry, dropping off prematurely in the fall. Repeated severe infestations can cause tree growth loss but does not result in mortality. If infested Christmas trees are not to be harvested for another three to four years, they may outgrow the damage.

Balsam gall midge populations are monitored in a general way by assessing their presence on balsam fir branch samples collected for the balsam fir sawfly survey. This survey is not predictive; it simply quantifies the damage that occurred the previous season. In 2014, 152 sites surveyed. The percentage of positive sites was 7%, down slightly from 9% in 2013 (Figure 12, Table 11).

Figure 12: Results of the 2014 balsam gall midge (Paradiplosis tumifex) damage survey.

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Table 11: Summary of balsam gall midge (Paradiplosis tumifex) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2014.

Number of Sites with Number (%) Number Balsam Gall Midge Damage Year Positive of Sites Light Moderate Severe Sites Zero 1-24% 25-64% 65-100% 2003 659 9 (1.4) 650 9 0 0 2004 669 1 (0.1) 668 1 0 0 2005 411 14 (3.4) 397 14 0 0 2006 427 32 (7.5) 395 31 1 0 2007 0 2008 42 2 (4.8) 40 2 0 0 2009 46 12 (26.1) 34 10 2 0 2010 127 16 (12.6) 111 16 0 0 2011 123 1 (0.8) 122 1 0 0 2012 149 7 (4.7) 142 7 0 0 2013 148 13 (8.8) 135 12 1 0 2014 152 10 (6.6) 142 9 1 0

Invasive Alien Species Present in Nova Scotia

Balsam Woolly Adelgid - Adelges picea (Ratz.)

The balsam woolly adelgid is native to Central Europe. It was first reported in Canada in 1910 in southern Nova Scotia, but is now distributed throughout the province. It feeds exclusively on true firs (genus: Abies) and is considered a serious pest of forest, Christmas, landscape, and seed trees.

As they feed, the adelgids inject saliva into the tree causing swellings, called gout, on branches and twigs. Their feeding also causes stunted terminal growth, top kill, and the formation of compression wood. This compression wood cannot carry water or nutrients so the tree will eventually lose its needles and die.

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Overwintering Nymph and Damage Surveys

Balsam woolly adelgid populations are monitored in a general way. All the branches collected for the balsam fir sawfly survey are inspected for dormant overwintering nymphs in buds and balsam woolly adelgid damage, i.e. gouting. In 2014, 152 sites surveyed. The percentage of positive sites was 11.8%, down from 23.6% in 2013 (Figure 13, Table 12). None of the sites surveyed had gouted branches, down from 2.0% in 2013 (Figure 14, Table 13).

Figure 13: Results of the 2014 balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph survey.

Table 12: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2008 to 2014.

Average Number Live Dormant Nymphs/Bud Number (%) Number (3 Buds/Branch/Site) Year Positive of Sites Low Moderate High Sites Zero 1-3 4-7 >7 2008 42 3 (7.1) 39 3 0 0 2009 0 2010 127 11 (8.7) 116 10 1 0 2011 123 7 (5.7) 116 7 0 0 2012 149 20 (13.4) 129 20 0 0 2013 148 35 (23.6) 113 35 0 0 2014 152 18 (11.8) 134 18 0 0

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Figure 14: Results of the 2014 balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) damage survey.

Table 13: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) damage surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2008 to 2014.

Number of Sites with Number (%) Number Gouted Branches Year Positive of Sites Light Moderate Severe Sites Zero 1-24% 25-64% 65-100% 2008 42 5 (11.9) 37 4 1 0 2009 46 10 (21.7) 36 10 0 0 2010 127 2 (1.6) 125 2 0 0 2011 123 2 (1.6) 121 2 0 0 2012 149 2 (1.3) 147 2 0 0 2013 148 3 (2.0) 145 3 0 0 2014 152 0 (0) 152 0 0 0

Permanent Monitoring Plots

A series of 18 permanent plots was established within the nine different Provincial ecoregions for the routine monitoring of balsam woolly adelgid populations (Figure 15). When possible, these plots were paired with existing Forest Inventory research permanent sample plots to compare the impact of the adelgid on the growth, volume, and yield of balsam fir. Each spring, adult populations are measured and overall tree

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condition is rated. Tree height and diameter are measured every year and annual hourly temperature fluctuations are recorded by a data logger in each plot.

In 2014, populations had increased in 5 plots, decreased in 7 plots, and no change was detected in the remaining 6 plots (Figure 15, Table 14). One of the most important natural factors limiting adelgid populations is temperature. Mortality of overwintering nymphs increases at -20oC and can reach 100 percent at -37oC. Late spring frosts will also kill exposed feeding nymphs. Figure 16 illustrates the minimum temperatures recorded at each of the plots during the winter of 2013-14. On average, plots where populations increased recorded four days at or below -20oC, while plots where populations decreased recorded eight days at or below -20oC. These extra cold days may have been sufficient to cause some mortality.

Figure 15: Results of 2014 population monitoring at balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plots.

Table 14: Summary of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plot surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2010 to 2014.

Total Number Plot Location County Live Balsam Woolly Adelgid Adults Number 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 1 Liscomb Guysborough NA NA NA NA NA 2 Canoe Lake Yarmouth 1 0 0 0 2 3 Economy Colchester 0 0 1 0 0 4 Fielding Road Inverness 0 0 0 0 1 5 Keppoch, Mayfield Road Antigonish NA 0 3 2 0

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Total Number Plot Location County Live Balsam Woolly Adelgid Adults Number 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 6 McRae Road Victoria 0 0 0 0 0 7 Mount Merrit Road Queens 15 0 1 1 0 8 Park Spur Road Inverness 0 NA 0 0 0 9 Pleasant Valley Road Halifax 0 0 3 3 2 10 Riversdale Colchester 0 0 2 0 2 11 Sand River Cumberland 0 0 0 1 0 12 Spry Bay Halifax 0 0 0 21 4 13 St. Josephs Richmond 2 0 0 2 3 14 Truro Watershed Colchester 0 5 7 1 0 15 Lake George Kings 0 0 0 16 Sable River Shelburne 0 0 0 17 Pockwock Halifax NA NA 0 0 0 18 Beth’s Road, Framboise Richmond 4 13 0 19 Walton Hants 0 0 1

Figure 16: Minimum winter temperatures (oC) recorded at balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plots from October 2013 - March 2014.

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Gypsy Moth - Lymantria dispar (L.)

Gypsy moth was introduced to the United States from Europe in 1869 and has become one of the most serious defoliators of hardwoods in North America. The larvae feed on the foliage of hundreds of plant species, including conifers. Defoliation may result in tree mortality, growth reduction, and higher vulnerability to other pests.

Gypsy moth has been established in Nova Scotia since 1981. It is a pest of quarantine significance and is therefore regulated under the federal Plant Protection Act by the CFIA. The current regulated area includes the Western and Central Regions where established populations have been identified. Gypsy moth defoliation was last detected in Kentville in 2002. Forest Health monitors populations throughout the province in collaboration with the CFIA using pheromone traps.

Pheromone Trap Survey

This survey is conducted in two parts: PDO’s deploy individual multipher traps at designated sites province wide to monitor population trends (Figure 17), and place delta traps in towns outside the CFIA regulated zone to determine if the population is spreading into new areas (Figure 18).

In 2014, 21 multipher traps were deployed province wide (Figure 17). The percentage of positive traps was 76.2%, up from 66.7% in 2013. The maximum trap catch was 1017 moths, down slightly from 1047 in 2013 (Table 15). Delta traps were deployed throughout nine towns outside of the CFIA regulated area (Figure 18, Table 16). Overall, the percentage of positive traps was 15.3%, up from 8.1% in 2013. In general, delta trap catches remain stable at low densities.

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Figure 17: Results of the 2014 gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) multipher trap survey.

Table 15: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) multipher pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 2004 to 2014.

Number (%) Number of Moths/Trap Maximum Number Year Positive Low Moderate High Trap of Traps Zero Traps 1-100 101-300 >300 Catch 2004 21 14 (66.7) 7 10 1 3 604 2005 14 8 (57.1) 6 5 1 2 671 2006 21 12 (57.1) 9 7 3 2 926 2007 18 12 (66.7) 6 7 2 3 1370 2008 19 11 (57.9) 8 8 0 3 2161 2009 19 12 (63.2) 7 6 4 2 855 2010 19 11 (57.9) 8 5 1 5 1086 2011 19 13 (68.4) 6 7 2 4 867 2012 20 14 (70.0) 6 7 3 4 913 2013 18 12 (66.7) 6 5 1 6 1047 2014 21 16 (76.2) 5 7 1 8 1017

Figure 18: Results of the 2014 gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta trap survey.

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Table 16: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 2005 to 2014.

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Town # of % # of % # of % # of % # of % Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Advocate 10 90 10 90 9 55.5 DS Amherst 15 53.3 TO Antigonish 10 40 10 10 10 10 10 40 10 80 Baddeck 10 10 10 0 9 0 10 20 9 0 Big Pond 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 Cheticamp 10 30 10 10 10 0 9 11.1 9 0 Five Islands 10 100 10 100 10 100 DS Guysborough 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 10 10 10 Inverness 10 20 10 20 10 0 10 0 7 0 Mulgrave 10 0 10 10 10 0 10 10 --- New Glasgow 10 90 10 90 10 100 10 100 10 100 Parrsboro 10 100 TO Pictou 10 40 10 30 10 30 10 80 10 30 Sheet Harbour 10 40 10 10 10 20 10 20 10 70 Sherbrooke 10 10 10 0 10 0 10 30 10 40 Shubenacadie 5 0 9 90 6 100 DS Stewiacke 5 0 10 90 4 100 DS St. Peters 10 0 --- 10 0 10 0 9 0 Tatamagouche 8 87.5 10 70 10 50 10 40 1 100 Truro 20 100 TO

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Town # of % # of % # of % # of % # of % Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Antigonish 10 50 10 30 10 40 9 44.4 10 50 Baddeck 10 0 10 0 10 0 7 0 10 20 Big Pond 9 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 Cheticamp 10 0 8 0 6 0 10 0 9 22.2 Guysborough 8 0 10 0 10 10 10 0 9 11.1 Inverness 10 0 8 0 8 12.5 10 20 9 11.1 Mulgrave 9 0 9 0 10 0 10 0 8 12.5 New Glasgow 10 100 9 100 TO

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2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Town # of % # of % # of % # of % # of % Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Pictou 10 30 10 50 TO Sheet Harbour DS Sherbrooke 10 20 10 30 10 0 10 10 10 0 St. Peters 9 11 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 Tatamagouche DS -- = Traps not deployed or information not available TO: Traps taken over by the CFIA DS: Deleted from survey

Beech Leaf-Mining Weevil - Orchestes fagi (L.)

The beech leaf-mining weevil is a common and widespread pest of beech in its native range, Europe. Both adults and larvae damage the foliage of American beech, giving the crowns a scorched appearance when damage is severe. The first record of this pest in North America was in Halifax, Canada in 2012. Observations of weevil activity by the Halifax Regional Municipality indicate that the weevil may have been present in the area since at least 2005. It is well established in several areas of Nova Scotia, including Halifax and Cape Breton. The CFS and CFIA conduct surveys to determine the weevil’s distribution and risk to beech in North America.

In 2014, the CFIA conducted detection surveys for signs of feeding and presence of adults in beech stands in both forested and urban environments in the Maritime Provinces. Three new positive locations were detected in Cape Breton County, Nova Scotia (Figure 19).

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Figure 19: Results of the 2014 Canadian Food Inspection Agency beech leaf-mining weevil (Orchestes fagi) detection survey and historic detections since 2012.

Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle - Tetropium fuscum (Fabr.)

The brown spruce longhorn beetle is native to northern and central Europe and Japan. It was positively identified in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1999, but has been established in the province since at least 1990. This is the only known occurrence of this wood boring beetle in North America. It has been confirmed in red, Norway, white and black spruces. It is considered a pest of quarantine significance and is therefore regulated under the federal Plant Protection Act by the CFIA.

To help prevent the spread of the beetle, the CFIA issued a Ministerial Order in 2000 which restricts the movement of spruce round logs and firewood out of the BSLB regulated area (Figure 21). In 2008, the order was revised, mandating that a one kilometer movement restriction be placed around all positive locations outside of the original regulated area. The NSDNR works with the CFIA and CFS in a joint effort to monitor the beetle’s spread within Nova Scotia using pheromone traps.

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Figure 20: Brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) regulated area.

Pheromone Trap Survey

In 2014, an extensive detection survey using pheromone traps was conducted in Eastern Canada (Figure 21). In Nova Scotia, five new positive sites were detected in the counties of Colchester (2), Pictou (1), and Guysborough (2) (Figure 22). In New Brunswick, two new positive locations were found: one within the South Kouchibouguac Campground at the Kouchibouguac National Park and one in Memramcook, Westmorland County (Figure 22). All other traps deployed in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Quebec were negative. These new finds bring the total number of positive sites outside of the BSLB regulated area to 109 (Figure 23).

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Figure 21: Brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) survey sites for Eastern Canada in 2014.

Figure 22: Positive sites detected outside of the brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) regulated area in 2014. Circled finds are new for 2014.

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Figure 23: Positive sites detected outside of the brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) containment area from 2006 - 2014.

Invasive Alien Species of Concern Not Yet Detected in Nova Scotia

There are several invasive alien species that have yet to be detected in Nova Scotia but have been found in other north-eastern provinces and states. This is of concern because these species have the potential to cause significant damage to Nova Scotia’s forests. Even though these species spread naturally, human assisted movement through transportation of infested wood commodities (e.g., firewood, logs, landscape nursery stock) is the most important pathway for the long-range dispersal of these pests. Early detection is the key to mitigating their impacts.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae (Annand)): Is a serious pest, damaging and killing eastern North American hemlock species. This tiny insect, less than 1.5 mm in length, is not considered a significant pest in its native range, Asia. It was first reported in British Columbia in the 1920's where it is also considered a minor pest. It was first detected in eastern North America in the 1950's and is now established from New York and New England through to Georgia. Isolated infestations were found in Ontario in 2011 and 2013. The infested trees were removed, and the adelgid is not yet known to be established in eastern Canada. In 2014, Forest Health conducted visual detection surveys in cooperation with the CFIA in 11 remote stands with greater than 40% hemlock in the Western ecoregion. At each stand, two lower crown branches from 15 trees were assessed for life stages or damage. None were detected.

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire)): This beetle, native to Asia, was first detected in North America in 2002. It is highly destructive in its new range, killing tens of millions of ash trees throughout Ontario, Quebec and the United States. It poses

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 41

a significant economic and ecological threat to urban and forested areas. In Nova Scotia, annual monitoring is conducted by the CFIA.

Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky)): First detected infesting trees in Brooklyn, New York in 1996, this wood-boring pest of maples and other hardwoods was likely transported in wood pallets or packing material from Asia. In 2003, it was detected in Toronto, Ontario triggering an aggressive eradication effort led by the CFIA. Another detection was made near Pearson International Airport in 2013 and efforts are underway to eliminate the pest. In Nova Scotia, annual monitoring is conducted by the CFIA.

European Wood Wasp (Sirex noctilio (Fabricius)): Sirex noctilio is not considered a significant pest in its native range, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, where it attacks pines almost exclusively. In 2005, it was reported as established in New York State, and has caused mortality of pines in several Southern Hemisphere countries. It has been found in southern Ontario, western Quebec, southern Connecticut, western Vermont and northern Pennsylvania but has not caused significant damage in north-eastern North American forests.

Pine Shoot Beetle (Tomicus piniperda (L.)): Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, this beetle was first discovered in North America in 1992 in Ohio, USA, and has gradually spread into Québec and western Maine. In North America, all native pine species are potential hosts, however, red, Scots, and ponderosa pines are preferred. It is a pest of quarantine significance and is therefore regulated by the CFIA under the federal Plant Protection Act. In Nova Scotia, annual monitoring is conducted by the CFIA.

Provincial Aerial Overview Survey

The 2014 provincial aerial overview survey was conducted from July 11th to August 21st as helicopter availability and weather permitted. A total of 3970.8 kilometers of flight lines were flown over 62.8 hours (Figure 25).

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Figure 24: Provincial aerial overview survey flight line plan 2014.

Post tropical storm Arthur made landfall in Nova Scotia on 5 July 2014, reaching maximum sustained wind speeds of 110 km/h. Aerial survey recorded low to extensive wind damage over a 35,091 hectare area (Figure 25). Damage was more profound in coastal areas due to the salt spray associated with the storm surge.

Figure 25: Areas in which damage was recorded due to high winds from post-tropical storm Arthur in Nova Scotia, 2014.

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Pockets of damage were also recorded province wide as a result of (Table 17):

• Flooding • Spruce Beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby)) induced mortality: the preferred host of the native spruce beetle is mature to over-mature white spruce but all spruce species are susceptible. • Sirococcus Shoot Blight (Sirococcus conigenis (D.C.)): a fungal disease affecting red pine and black and white spruce. It is widely distributed throughout the Maritime Provinces and kills only the current year’s shoots. However, repeated infections can kill a tree.

Table 17: Areas within which damage was detected during the 2014 provincial aerial overview survey; affected hectares by Region.

Affected Hectares by Region Total Causal Agent Eastern Central Western (ha) Flooding 570 2818 518 3906 Spruce Beetle 2543 1992 798 5334 Sirococcus Shoot Blight 887 1149 62 2098

Pest Identification Inquiries

Correct and timely pest identification is essential for the planning of monitoring and control strategies, selecting control options, and determining overall risk. In 2014, 96 inquiries were answered. Of these inquiries, 37% dealt directly with our forest resource i.e. plantations and woodlots, while the remaining 63% were general homeowner inquiries (Table 18).

Table 18: Summary of pest identification inquiries to Forest Health from 2006 to 2014.

Number of Pest Identification Inquiries Inquiry Related To 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 General Identification 166 132 211 125 86 76 35 55 60 Forest & Urban Trees 77 69 0 32 44 25 60 30 18 Forest Health Surveys 296 NR NR 2 5 0 5 2 0 Fungal/Abiotic* 42 45 21 23 10 0 5 6 18 Total Received 581 246 232 182 145 101 105 93 96 NR = not recorded

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Communications

Insectary Notes Newsletter

Twice a year Forest Health publishes the Insectary Notes newsletter. It originated as a publication chiefly for NSDNR employees, those interested in forestry and forest pests and entomologists. Through twenty plus years in publication, it has grown to reach offices in all levels of government, in every province of Canada and some States. The objective of this publication is to communicate current information in a timely manner using a recognized and easy to understand format. The most recent issue can be found at the website http://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/publications.asp

Extension and Outreach

Forest Health participates in various spring field days and the Kids in the Forest program, held as part of the Woodlot Owner of the Year Awards, each fall; as well as yearly information sessions as part of the Woodland Owner Conferences and Christmas Tree Producer Associations technical sessions and field days.

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APPENDIX - GLOSSARY

Abiotic - non-living chemical and physical factors in the environment.

Aerial Survey - visual assessments, made from the air, of forest disturbances caused by biotic and abiotic agents. These surveys are used to record the location, extent and severity of damage, possible damaging agent and the host tree species affected by the damaging agent.

Arthropod - an that lacks a backbone, has a segmented body, and hollow jointed legs i.e. insects, spiders, and crustaceans.

Biotic - of or relating to living organisms.

Conifer - cone-bearing trees having needles or scale-like leaves, usually evergreen, and producing wood known commercially as 'softwoods'.

Deciduous - referring to a plant that annually sheds its leaves.

Defoliation - loss of leaves, as occurs in natural shedding or from the feeding activities of insects and other plant feeders.

Delta Trap - a trap type consisting of a wax-covered cardboard housing, a pheromone lure, and an adhesive. The lure is saturated with female sex pheromone which is attractive to male moths. Once inside the trap, males are immobilized by the adhesive coating.

Detection Survey - survey conducted in an area to determine if pests are present.

Dormant - to become inactive during winter or periods of cold weather.

Ecoregions - provincial climatic regions that support distinctive vegetation communities and physiographic patterns.

Ecosystem - a term used to describe a natural unit that consists of living and non-living parts which interact to form a stable system.

Ectoparasite - an organism that lives part or all of its life on a different organism, the host, and from which it derives part or all of its sustenance.

Egg Mass - a group of eggs deposited by the female insect which are adjacent to each other or overlapping as opposed to eggs laid singly.

Endoparasite - an organism that lives part or all of its life in a different organism, the host, and from which it derives part or all of its sustenance.

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Gall - an abnormal swelling of plant tissue caused by insects, microorganisms, or external injury.

Genus (plural: genera) - a group of closely related species e.g. spruce are grouped in the genus Picea.

Gouting - excessive swelling of a branch or shoot; often accompanied by misshapen needles and buds; frequently caused by the balsam woolly adelgid on true firs.

Habitat - an area with specific environmental conditions in which an organism lives and reproduces.

Hardwood - trees which are generally deciduous, broad leafed species such as oak, birch, alder or maple.

Host - any organism upon or within which another organism lives.

Infestation - the presence of a large number of pest organisms in an area.

Instar - the stage of an insect's life between consecutive moults e.g. the first instar is between hatching from the egg and the first moult.

Invasive (Invasive Alien Species) - refers to a species that has moved outside of its native habitat and threatens the new environment, economy or society by disrupting local ecosystems.

L2 - abbreviation for second instar larvae; the larva after the first moult. Spruce budworm and jack pine budworm overwinter in this life stage.

Larva (plural: larvae) - the immature form of insects that develop through the process of complete metamorphosis including egg, several larval stages, pupa, and adult. In mites, the first-stage immature is also called a larva.

Metamorphosis - the change in form that takes place as insects grow from immatures to adults.

Ministerial Order - declares a specific area to be infested with a quarantine pest e.g. brown spruce longhorn beetle (BSLB), identifies the area and materials to be regulated, and restricts the movement of regulated articles that could transport the BSLB.

Moult - in insects and other arthropods, the shedding of skin before entering another stage of growth.

Monitoring - carefully watching and recording information on the activities, growth, development, and abundance of organisms or other factors on a regular basis over a period of time, often utilizing very specific procedures.

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Multipher Trap - a non-sticky, reusable trap in which moths are attracted to the pheromone lure and killed with an insecticide strip.

Native - of local origin, not intentionally or accidentally introduced.

Nymph - the immature stage of insects such as aphids and adelgids that hatch from eggs and gradually acquire adult form through a series of moults without passing through a pupal stage.

Outbreak - a sudden, large increase in an insect’s population.

Over-mature - those trees or stands past the mature stage.

Overwinter – a period of rest or hibernation by which insects survive the winter.

Parasite - an organism that lives part or all of its life in (endoparasite) or on (ectoparasite) a different organism, the host, and from which it derives part or all of its sustenance.

Parasitize - to live on or in a host as a parasite.

Pest - an organism that reduces the availability, quality, or value of some human resource.

Pheromone - a substance released by an organism to affect the behavior or development of other members of the same species; sex pheromones that attract the opposite sex for mating are used in monitoring certain insects.

Pheromone Trap - a trap which utilizes either a natural or, more typically, a synthetic insect sex attractant pheromone; these traps are usually species specific.

Phytosanitary Measures - any legislation, regulation or official procedure having the purpose to prevent the introduction and/or spread of pests.

Plantation - a group of cultivated trees.

Population - A group of organisms of one species that interbreed and live in the same place at the same time.

Predictive Survey - estimate expected defoliation in the coming year. These surveys can be used to forecast stand level defoliation, and will help determine when and where to prescribe stand treatments.

Pupa - the non-feeding, inactive stage between larva and adult in insects with complete metamorphosis.

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Quarantine Pest - a pest of potential economic importance to the area endangered thereby and not yet present there, or present but not widely distributed and being officially controlled.

Regulated Area (Zone) - an area, created by the CFIA, into which, within which and/or from which plants, plant products and other regulated articles are subjected to phytosanitary regulations or procedures in order to prevent the introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests or to limit the economic impact of regulated non-quarantine pests.

Regulated Article - any plant, plant product, storage place, packaging, conveyance, container, soil and any other organism, object or material capable of harboring or spreading pests, deemed to require phytosanitary measures, particularly where international transportation is involved.

Sample - the portion of a population collected in a prescribed manner upon which a judgment is made about the entire population.

Secondary Pest - an injurious insect capable of damaging only dying trees or those of low vigour.

Significant Forest Pest - forest pests capable of killing or severely damaging trees over large areas.

Softwood - cone-bearing trees with needle or scale-like leaves such as balsam fir, eastern white cedar and Jack pine.

Species - a group of individuals that have their major characteristics in common and (usually) can only breed with each other.

Survey - an official procedure conducted over a defined period of time to determine the characteristics of a pest population or to determine which species occur in an area.

Terminal - the growing tip of a stem, especially the main stem.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2014 Annual Report 49