Results of Forest Insect and Disease Surveys in the ALGONQUIN REGION of Ontario, 1988

I+. Forestry Forets Canada Canada

Ontario Region/Region de lOntario

Results of forest insect and disease surveys in the ALGONQUIN REGION of Ontario, 1988

CARRIED OUT BY THE GREAT LAKES FORESTRY CENTRE IN COOPERATION WITH THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

• R. J. Sajan and B. E. Smith Miscellaneous Report No. 84 THE GREAT LAKES FORESTRY CENTRE

The Great Lakes Forestry Centre is one of six regional esta- blishments located across Canada and operated by Forestry Canada. The overall objective of Forestry Canada is to promote the preservation, enhancement and wise use of a healthy, attractive and bountiful forest resource and terrestrial environment for the economic and social benefit of all Canadians. The Centre pursues this objective by conducting two major programs: research and technical services and forestry development. Both programs address major problems affecting forest management and the forest environment primarily in Ontario, but because of the transprovincial nature of the forest resource, many elements of our research program are of national significance.

The Centre specializes in research in forest production, forest protection, forest environment and forest utilization. These programs deal directly with the issue of maintaining and enhancing the resource supply. Activities range from basic to applied and developmental research, and include a significant technology transfer component.

Major activites in forestry development include federal management responsibility for federal-provincial forest management agreements, participation in the National Forestry Statistics program and forest economics research.

Close working relationships are maintained with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the forest industry, educational insti- tutions specializing in forestry and the biological sciences, and other forestry organizations within the province. The Centre is represented on the Ontario Forestry Council and the Ontario Forestry Research Committee, which have responsibility for coordinating forestry research in Ontario.

It is recognized that forested land must be managed in the best public interest, not only for the wood production essential to our econ- omy, but also for the recreational purposes that are so important to our social well-being. This must be achieved in a manner that will maintain or improve the quality of the forest environment and preserve it for generations to come. RESULTS OF FOREST INSECT AND DISEASE SURVEYS IN THE ALGONQUIN REGION OF ONTARIO 1988

(FOREST DISTRICTS: PARRY SOUND. BRACEBRIDGE. ALGONQUIN PARK, PEMBROKE. MINDEN AND BANCROFT)

R.J. SAJAN and B.E. SMITH

FORESTRY CANADA

ONTARIO REGION

GREAT LAKES FORESTRY CENTRE

1989

MISCELLANEOUS REPORT NO. 84 Minister of Supply and Services Canada 1989 Catalogue No. Fo29-8/84A ISBN 0-662-16711-2 ISSN 0832-7130

Additional copies of this publication are available at no charge from:

Communications Services Great Lakes Forestry Centre Forestry Canada P.O. Box 490 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 5M7

Microfiches of this publication may be purchased from:

Micromedia Inc. Place du Portage 165, Hotel-de-Ville Hull, Quebec J8% 3%2 SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

This report describes the most important and prevalent biotic and abiotic conditions that were detected and evaluated during extensive aerial and ground surveys conducted in the Algonquin Region of Ontario in 1988.

The area of moderate-to-severe defoliation caused by the forest tent caterpillar continued to increase. It amounted to 1,257,909 ha in 1988 and was forecasted to expand in 1989. Defoliation of hardwoods by the gypsy moth in Bancroft and Pembroke districts increased from 111 ha in 1987 to 494 ha in 1988. Egg-mass surveys to forecast next years population levels of this pest were conducted for the first time in Minden District, and severe defoliation was forecasted for an area in Cavendish Township in 1989. Damage caused by the redheaded pine sawfly and the pine false webworm continued to increase in pine plantations across the region, as did damage caused by the cedar leafminer complex in cedar. There was a near-complete collapse of the Bruce spanworm infestation and no evidence of damage by either the spruce or the jack pine budworm could be found.

In all, 76 plantations were surveyed for Scleroderris canker; the European race of this disease was found infecting four new plantations, but all were within the immediate area of previous infection centers. The long drought experienced across the region resulted in severe foliar browning of hardwoods, primarily, over 141,632 ha in mid-August, mainly in Bracebridge and Parry Sound districts. Blowdown was commonly encountered at numerous locations in the region.

The 20 semipermanent sugar maple plots, the three red oak decline plots and the six Acid Rain National Early Warning System (ARNEWS) plots were all retallied. Twelve red pine plantations were randomly selected and evaluated as part of the continuing surveys of high-value plantations, and a collection of 100 red pine cones was completed at two locations to determine which pests are affecting seed production. In a joint project with the United States Forest Service, four North American Sugar Maple Decline Project (NASMDP) plots were established in the region to monitor crown conditions and decline in sugar maple stands.

In this report, the following categories are used to determine the importance of insects and diseases:

Major Insects/Diseases

capable of causing serious injury to or death of living trees or shrubs

Minor Insects/Diseases

capable of causing sporadic or localized injury but not usually a serious threat to living trees or shrubs Other Forest Insects/Diseases (Tables)

These tables provide information on two types of pest:

(1) those that are of minor importance and have not been known to cause serious damage to forest trees,

(2) those that are capable of causing serious damage but, because of low populations or for other reasons, did not cause serious damage in 1988.

The authors would like to express-their appreciation to personnel of the various Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) district offices, the OMNR Regional Office, especially the timber staff, and private individuals for their excellent cooperation during the 1988 field season.

R.J. Sajan

B.E. Smith Frontispiece

Severe defoliation of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) by the forest tent caterpillar Malacosoma disstria Hbn.)

Drought-damaged red oak (Quercus rubra L.) grown on shallow-soil sites TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INSECTS

Major Insects

Pine False Webworm, Acantholyda erythrocephala 1 (All districts)

Cedar Leafminer Complex, Argyresthia aureoargentella, A. canadensis, A. thuiella and Coleotechnites thujaella 2 (Bancroft, Minden and Pembroke districts)

Spruce Budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana 2 (All districts and northern Ontario)

Jack Pine Budworm, Choristoneura pinus pinus 5 (Algonquin Park, Parry Sound and Pembroke districts)

Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar 5 (All districts)

Forest Tent Caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria 10 (All districts)

Redheaded Pine Sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei 16 (All districts)

Bruce Spanworm, Operophtera bruceata 17 (Algonquin Park and Pembroke districts)

Minor Insects Eastern Tent Caterpillar, Malacosoma americanum 17 (All districts)

Other forest insects 19

TREE DISEASES

Major Diseases Armillaria Root Rot, Armillaria mellea 21 (All districts)

(contd) TABLE OF CONTENTS (contd)

Page

Major Diseases (concl.)

Scleroderris Canker, Ascocalyx abietina 21 (All districts)

Other forest diseases 27

DIEBACKS AND DECLINES

Maple Decline 28 (All districts)

North American Sugar Maple Decline Project (NASMDP) 30 (Bancroft and Bracebridge districts)

Red Oak Decline 33 (Bracebridge and Pembroke districts)

ABIOTIC DAMAGE

Blowdown 35 (All districts)

Drought 35 (All districts)

Hail 37 (Bancroft and Pembroke districts)

SPECIAL SURVEYS

Acid Rain National Early Warning System 40 (Algonquin Park, Bracebridge, Minden, Parry Sound and Pembroke districts)

Pinewood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus 40 (All districts)

Red Pine Cone Survey 40 (Minden and Pembroke districts)

(contd) TABLE OF CONTENTS (concl.)

Page

SPECIAL SURVEYS (concl.)

Red Pine Plantation Survey 41 (All districts)

Light Trap 45 (Pembroke District)

Climatic Data 45 (Bracebridge and Pembroke districts) INSECTS

Major Insects

Pine False Webworm, Acantholyda erythrocephala (L.)

This introduced pest continues to spread and cause defoliation in pine (Pinus sp.) plantations across the region. The heaviest damage occurred in red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) plantations in McMurrich Town- ship in Parry Sound District. Severe defoliation was observed in several locations and evaluated in two that seemed to represent the defoliation that was occurring in the township. In a 1.1-m-tall, 10-ha red plantation east of Sprucedale, 85% of the trees were infested with an average of 19 webmasses per tree, which caused 25% defoliation. In the southwest corner of the township, a 1.7-m-tall, 8-ha red pine plantation was found to have 92% of its trees infested and an average of 15 webmasses per tree, which caused 20% defoliation..

In Minden District, a 6-ha red pine plantation in Stanhope Town- ship that has been heavily infested for the last three seasons and was hand-sprayed last season by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) was found to have only 40% of its trees infested in comparison with 100% last season. The numbers of webmasses per infested tree declined from 10 to only two, and defoliation declined from 90% to only 10%.

In Bancroft District, populations remained very high, causing defoliation levels from 10 to 80% in Carlow and Mayo townships. In a 0.5- ha red pine plantation south of Apsley in Cardiff Township, 30% of the 2.5-m-tall trees sustained 80% defoliation. In Bracebridge District, foliar damage levels ranging from 10 to 40% were observed in Macaulay, Draper and Stisted townships.

In Bancroft District, OMNR ground-sprayed a 2.5-ha red pine plantation to control high populations of this pest. Surveys indicated that 95% of the 2.5-m-tall trees were infested; therefore, in early July, the chemical insecticide Sevin was applied at a rate of 5 ml of active ingre- dient per L of water. Surveys five days later revealed that the treat- ment had been very successful. Cedar Leafminer Complex, Argyresthia aureoargentella Brower, A. canadensis Free., A. thuiella (Pack.), Coleotechnites thujaella (Kft.)

A further increase in population levels and area infested was recorded in 1988. Up to 60Z foliar damage occurred on eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) across the entire southern edge of Minden Dis- trict. Fifty percent foliar damage was observed in an area encompassed by a line running from the town of Arnprior north along the Ottawa River to the city of Pembroke, west to Golden Lake, then southeast to the town of Renfrew and south to the village of Calabogie. Many small, scattered pockets were observed with 30% affected foliage in the central portion of Bancroft District (Fig. 1).

Trace population levels could be observed on ornamentals, hedges, and roadside trees across the entire region.

Spruce Budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)

Spruce budworm populations continued to decline across Ontario. In 1988, a reduction in the total area of moderate-to-severe defoliation occurred, and the area infested decreased from 7,189,763 ha in 1987 to 5,224,734 ha in 1988. The majority of the decline, 1,803,557 ha, occurred in the North Central Region. Decline was also experienced in the Northwestern Region, where a 161,122-ha reduction occurred.

A large infestation covering some 3,892,027 ha persists in Ontario. The area infested extends from the south central area of Thunder Bay District west and north through Atikokan, Ignace, Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Fort Frances, Red Lake and Kenora districts to the Manitoba border. A second area totaling some 820,249 ha is infested in the North Central Region, from the central portion of Terrace Bay District across the southwestern corner of Geraldton District and southern Nipigon District to the eastern side of Thunder Bay District (Fig. 2). The annually conducted spruce budworm egg-mass survey has indicated that much of the infested area will persist next season.

In an effort to protect high-value forested areas, OMNR aerially sprayed some 14,010 ha with the bacterial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.). In Nipigon and Thunder Bay Districts, 9,801 and 4,209 ha, respectively, were treated.

In the Algonquin Region, no evidence of this pest was detected during aerial or ground surveys in 1988. The six locations annually monitored with Multi-pher sex pheromone traps also produced negative results. The traps are located in Stratton and White townships in Algonquin Park District, Bethune Township in Bracebridge District, Hindon Township in Minden District, Spence Township in Parry Sound District, and Alice Township in Pembroke District. ALGONQUIN REGION

PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS 1 PARRY SOUND 2 BRACEBRIDGE 3 ALGONQUIN PARK 4 PEMBROKE 5 MINDEN 6 BANCROFT

Figure 1. Cedar leafminer complex 0 64 Areas within which affected Kilometrea foliage was observed r4 Forest Insect and Disease Survey Moderate Great Lakes Forestry Centre Light • PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS AND DISTRICTS REGIONS • 1 NORTHWESTERN 2 NORTH CENTRAL 3. NORTHERN 4 NORTHEASTERN 5 ALGONOUIN 6. EASTERN 7 CENTRAL 8. SOUTHWESTERN

Figure 2. SPRUCE BUDWORM Moderate-to-severe defoliation o r • 1988 5.224,734 HA

KIllumetles 0 SO 100 AM Forest Insect and Disease Survey

Deem Lakes Forestry Centre A spruce budworm egg-mass survey was conducted at the same six locations in which the Multi-pher pheromone traps were deployed. The egg-mass survey was conducted to assist in predicting infestation levels expected in 1989. Examination of the foliage on the six branches collected in each area did not reveal any egg masses; consequently, no damage is forecasted for 1989.

Jack Pine Budworm, Choristoneura pinus pinus Free.

For the second consecutive year no evidence of damage to jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) caused by the- jack pine budworm was detected in the region. Egg-mass surveys conducted over the past two years have indicated that this would be the case, and the survey conducted at 10 locations in 1988 indicates a similar situation for 1989. One egg-mass sample each was collected from Mowat, Wallbridge and Harrison townships and two from Carling Township in Parry Sound District, and one each from White, Edgar and Stratton townships in Algonquin Park District and from Buchanan and Petawawa townships in Pembroke District.

Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar (L.)

Population levels of this pest continued to fluctuate throughout the region. Moderate-to-severe defoliation was aerially sketch-mapped across some 494 ha, all within Bancroft and Pembroke districts.

In Bancroft District, 370 ha of moderate-to-severe defoliation were detected, primarily in Methuen Township. Sixteen areas of heavy defoliation were found in the township, the largest covering 78 ha, and two additional pockets of 14 and 13 ha of heavy defoliation were found along the north side of Oak Lake. A 32-ha area of moderate-to-severe defoliation was detected on the north side of MacDonald Bay on Kasshabog Lake, in addition to 32-ha and 18-ha areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation along the north side of Long Lake. At Methuen Lake 28-ha and 16-ha pockets were mapped. (The remaining eight pockets, < 15 ha in size, were scattered throughout the township.) In Carlow Township, a 12-ha area of moderate-to-severe defoliation was found in the north central portion of the township. The 124 ha of moderate-to-severe defoliation in Pembroke District consisted of seven pockets, each approximately 15 ha in size, along the north side of Golden Lake in North Algona Township, with two pockets of similar size in Fraser Township (Fig. 3).

Elsewhere in the region, trace-to-low numbers of insects were frequently encountered in hardwood stands. At Beaver Dam campground in Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound District, small numbers feeding on red oak (Quercus rubra L.) were collected. However, the defoliation that occurred throughout the campground was caused by the more abundant forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria Hbn.), which is present in the area. In the Gravenhurst area of Bracebridge District, similarly small numbers of gypsy moth were found at Muldrew Lake and Muskoka Bay in Muskoka Township, together with forest tent caterpillar, which caused the defoliation in these two places. Trace numbers were reported by OMNR on

ALGONQUIN REGION

PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS 1 PARRY SOUND 2 BRACEBRIDGE 3 ALGONQUIN PARK 4 PEMBROKE 5 MINDEN 6 BANCROFT

0 64 Figure 3. Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar [L.]) I Kilometres Areas within which trace numbers of egg masses or larvae were Forest Insect and Disease Survey collected in 1988 • Great Lakes Forestry Centre Areas within which moderate-to- severe defoliation occurred in 1988 • the south shore of Rousseau Lake in the Port Carling area of Watt Town- ship. In Minden District, small numbers were found on open-growing scrub oak (Quercus spp.) at Gull Lake in Lutterworth Township, Crystal Lake in Galway Township and Mississauga Lake in Harvey Township. In Bancroft District, small numbers were encountered on oak along Stony Lake in Bur- leigh Township and throughout most of Methuen Township. Defoliation levels of approximately 5% were found on sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) near Calabogie in Blithfield Township, and in oak stands east of Muskrat Lake in Westmeath Township and at Mountain Hill in Griffith Township.

In cooperation with OMNR Parks staff, the burlap trapping program was conducted again in 1988 at 22 provincial campgrounds in the region. At each campground, 10 burlap traps were set out in late May and routinely examined by Parks staff for the presence of larvae until mid- July. For the first time, larvae were recovered from Lake St. Peter and Silent Lake provincial parks in .Bancroft District and from Killbear Provincial Park in Parry Sound District. The complete results of this trapping survey are presented in Table 1.

In conjunction with the burlap trapping program, pheromone traps were set out at each of the 22 campgrounds. Two traps were set out at each campground, one at the main entrance to the park, and one in the campgrounds in which the burlap traps were located. The numbers of male moths trapped at all the campgrounds in Algonquin Park decreased signifi- cantly, whereas the numbers trapped at the remaining parks were very similar to those of 1987. The complete results of this survey are presented in Table 1.

Burlap traps were also set out at one location at the Petawawa National Forestry Institute (PNFI). The 10 traps were placed on Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra var. italica Muenchh.) at a public beach and for a second year, three larvae were recovered. Four pheromone traps were set out at PNFI and 57 male moths were captured, a number similar to that of 1987. At the Canadian Armed Forces Base at Petawawa, 14 pheromone traps were deployed, 10 of the regular sticky traps and four of the newer Multi-pher traps. Nine of the 10 sticky traps were recovered, and 152 moths were trapped. Again, the catch was very similar to that of 1987. The four Multi-pher traps were recovered and 597 moths were captured. This type of trap uses a pail to collect the moths. Unlike the smaller, sticky trap, it does not become saturated after capturing 15-20 moths.

An egg-mass survey was conducted in late September at four locations in Minden District that were known to harbor populations of gypsy moth. Because of the severe defoliation caused by the forest tent caterpillar, however, the exact level of damage attributable to gypsy moth could not be determined. Therefore, egg-mass counts were conducted according to the line-search method. Three lines, each 160 m long, were examined at each location. Only trace population levels were found at all but one of these locations. In a rocky, open-growing red oak stand at the dam on Mississauga Lake in Harvey Township, 32 egg masses (on average) were detected along each line. The locations of the line searches are given and the results are summarized in Table 2. Table 1. Results of larval burlap trapping and adult pheromone trapping of gypsy moth at 22 campgrounds in the Algonquin Region (counts based on 10 burlap traps and two pheromone traps set out at each location).

Burlap trapping Pheromone trapping Positive (+) or negative (-) Total number of male Location trapping of larvae moths trapped (Park) 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988

Algonquin Park District b b Driftwood 0 24 17 33 4 Algonquin Park b b Kearny Lake 0 0 2 12 0 b Pog Lake 0b 0 15 22 7 b b b Lake of Two Rivers 1 0 1 9 8 b Mew Lake 1 1 14 3 b0 b Tea Lake 0 1 3 26 4 b Coon Lake 2b 0 19 35 18 b Rock Lake 1 1 15 30 4 b b b Whitefish Lake 0 0 3 35 7 b Opeongo Lake 0 18 -c b0 Canisby O 0 3 33 4

Bancroft District b Lake St. Peter 18 10 38 44 35 b b Petroglyphs 13 41 22 15 63 b Silent Lake 7 13 41 31 7

Bracebridge District b Arrowhead O 0 19 23 20 b Mikisew O 0 18 1 1

(contd) Table 1. Results of larval burlap trapping and adult pheromone trapping of gypsy moth at 22 campgrounds in the Algonquin Region (counts based on 10 burlap traps and two pheromone traps set out at each location) (concl.)

Burlap trapping Pheromone trapping Positive (+) or negative (-) Total number of male Location trapping of larvae moths trapped (Park) 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988

Parry Sound District

Grundy Lake 1 0 24 9 6 b Killbear 2 37 29 27 b Oastler Lake 0 1 14 23 a 32 Sturgeon Bay 0 19 18 30

Pembroke District b b Bonnechere 2 39 22 22 b b 33 Carson Lake 4 21 40 43 30 a no trapping at campground in 1984 b one pheromone trap missing at each location

two pheromone traps missing at each location - 10 -

Table 2. Results of a gypsy moth egg-mass survey conducted at 12 locations in the Minden Region (counts based on the examination of three 160-m lines at each location).

Total number of new egg masses per line Location (Twp) A B C

Minden District

Harvey Twp - Mississauga Dam Road 4 1 1 - north of Dam 5 1 8 - at Dam 31 35 30 - Deer Bay Road 15 7 7 Galway Twp - Crystal Lake Dam 1 0 2 - Crystal Lake Road 1 km east of Dam 0 0 0 - Loon Lake access point 2 2 3 Lutterworth Twp - Deep Bay Road 0 0 0 - Deep Bay Road, south of Little Gull Lk 1 1 1 - North shore of Little Gull Lk 1 0 2 - Denna Lk Road, at Hydro Line 0 0 0 - Hwy 35, north of Kilco Camp 0 1 0

Forest Tent Caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hbn.

The area of hardwoods moderate to severely defoliated by this pest continues to increase in the region. There was approximately a threefold increase in the total area defoliated in 1988, with some 1,257,909 ha being aerially sketch-mapped, in comparison with 473,964 ha in 1987.

The largest areas of continuous defoliation are still in the western half of the region; however, areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation were recorded in all six districts. The total area defoliated, by district, in descending order, was: Parry Sound District - 408,302 ha, Bracebridge District - 330,845 ha, Minden District - 268,633 ha, Bancroft District - 148,125 ha, Algonquin Park District - 62,579 ha, and Pembroke District - 39,425 ha (Fig. 4). ALGONQUIN REGION

PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS 1 PARRY SOUND 2 BRACEBRIDGE 3 ALGONQUIN PARK 4 PEMBROKE 5 MINDEN 6 BANCROFT

Figure 4. Forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria Hbn.) Areas within which defoliation occurred in 1988 Kilometres Moderate-to-severe Or ■ Forest Insect and Disease Survey Great Lakes Forestry Centre - 12 -

An egg-band survey for the purpose of forecasting defoliation levels expected in 1989 was conducted at 19 locations in the region (Fig. 5). The counts were made along the outer edge of the infestation and at six provincial parks, four of which were ground sprayed by OMNR in late May to control this pest. The sampling procedure requires the felling of one to three trees and examination of the entire crown for egg bands. This destructive sampling technique could not be used in all of the provincial parks; therefore, a branch-sampling method was used. Two 75-cm branches were cut from the upper crowns of 10 to 15 trees. Four parks were surveyed according to this method, and although the results are not as precise as those obtained with the first technique, an estimate for next seasons population levels was obtained.

The survey indicates that further spread is expected in 1989 and the area that was infested in 1988 should remain infested. Expansion should occur in the western, northern and eastern portions of Algonquin Park District, at the northern end of Bracebridge and Pembroke districts, and on the northeastern side of Minden District. The entire southern portion of Bancroft District will be severely defoliated in 1989 and Parry Sound District should experience an expansion of the area infested in the northern portion of the district. The entire list of locations and forecasts is presented in Table 3.

Naturally occurring predatory insects and nuclear polyhedrosis viruses that destroy pupae are two of the natural controllers of this pest. To monitor the effects of these types of natural controls, 100 randomly selected pupal cases were collected at 12 locations across the region and dissected, and the condition of the pupae was recorded. Approximately 55% of the pupae examined had been destroyed by these agents, but this is still well below the 75%+ required if there is to be a significant impact on the population. The complete list of locations and data is presented in Table 4.

Control operations conducted by OMNR at four provincial parks in the region began on 24 May and were completed by 31 May. Silent Lake in Bancroft District was ground-sprayed on 24 and 25 May, Arrowhead Lake in Bracebridge District on 26 and 27 May and Oastler Lake and Grundy Lake in Parry Sound District on 31 May. With a Hardi mistblower mounted on a tractor, or an air-blast sprayer mounted on an articulated wheeled skid- der, a single dose of the biological insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) was applied at a rate of 14.8 BIU per L.

At each park, both sides of the main entrance road were sprayed as were both sides of the main roads in most of the principal campgrounds. At Grundy Lake, as a result of the spraying, a lighter level of defoliation along the main entrance was evident. The level of defoliation was lower on roadside trees than it was 50 m off the road. No reduction in defoliation levels in the various campgrounds in comparison with surrounding untreated areas was evident when these were viewed from the air. At Oastler Lake defoliation levels throughout the entire park

ALGONQUIN REGION

•

..-1. .. • % 1• •% 3 • • t t r) t 1 % t , % I t • I % r Pembroke I % ,- I r

■ \I • ....3 t I • r , .... -1 ...... -0....) .• ....op % I A...-. , ....1 % • % Hunteville r% r" I I ...f.... % % I • , % I % • is5 1 -.0 ■ _... - u., ••• t I I I % % GEORGIAN ....) I PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE BAY C % DISTRICTS II.) 1 1 PARRY SOUND .....1 • r ■ 2 BRACEBRIDGE % 4) % 4ND 3 ALGONQUIN PARK e 4 PEMBROKE • 5 MINDEN 6 BANCROFT

0 64 Figure 5. Forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria Hbn.) I Location and forecasts of egg-band counts completed Kilometres in 1988 Forest Insect and Disease Survey Great Lakes Forestry Centre Nil ■ Light O

Moderate. Severe • - 14 - exceeded 75%, and as a result, the main campground was closed to campers for most of the month of June because of the large number of crawling caterpillars. Arrowhead Park is located on the leading edge of the current infestation, and it received a lower overall level of defoliation than the other three parks. Defoliation ranged between 10 and 50% in different areas of the park, and once again the treated areas appeared very similar to the surrounding untreated areas. There may have been some reduction in defoliation along the main entrance road. Silent Lake was similar to Oastler Lake, receiving very heavy defoliation (75%+), and again the major campground was closed to campers during June.

Forest tent caterpillar egg-band counts at 19 locations in Algonquin Region.

No. of Avg no. Infestation Location Avg DBH trees of egg bands forecasts (TwP)Hosta(cm)examinedperfor 1989" tree

Algonquin Park District

Airy tA 15.0 1 16 S Murchison tA 15.0 1 16 S Wilkes sM 15.0 1 0 N

Bancroft District

Burleigh tA 15.0 1 91 S Cardiff r0 8.0 1 11 S c - Silent Lake Prov. Pk r0 8.0 12 15 11 sM 15.0 12c 6 L

Bracebridge District

Ridout sM 14.0 1 11 S - Chaffey Arrowhead Prov. Pk sM 14.0 1 14 tA14.038 - Machar Mikisev Prov. Pk tA 16.0 1 42 S sM 35.0 15c 1 S

Minden District

Monmouth tA 17.5 1 29 S Sherborne sM 14.5 1 14 S Snowdon tA 13.0 1 19 S Somerville sM 16.0 1 46 S

(contd) - 15 -

Table 3. Forest tent caterpillar egg band counts at 19 locations in the Algonquin Region (concl.)

No. of Avg no. Infestation Location Avg DBH trees of egg bands forecast; (Twp) Hosta (cm) examined per tree for 1989

Parry Sound District

Blair tA 14.0 1 24 Conger r0 16.5 1 13 S Gibson sM 12.5 3 5 Carling Killbear Prov. Pk sM 18.5 3 6 r0 28.5 10e 1 sM 18.0 3 3 Foley Oastler Lake Prov. Pk sM 15.0 15 c 1 L cPo 21.0 1 29 S Mowat Grundy Lake Prov. Pk tA 17.0 1 48 S tA 15.0 1 92 S

Pembroke District

Clara tA 15.0 1 55

a tA . trembling aspen, sM sugar maple, r0 - red oak, cPo • Carolina poplar

b N - nil, L - light, M • moderate, S - severe

two branches sampled from upper crown of each tree at these locations - 16 -

Table 4. Results of a forest tent caterpillar cocoon dissection at 12 locations in the Algonquin Region (counts based on the examination of 100 randomly selected pupal cases at each location).

Diseased or attacked Adult Location Parasitized by unknown agents emergence (Twp) (Z) (%) (%)

Bancroft District

Anstruther 16 38 46 Faraday 31 34. 35 Methuen 9 26 65

Bracebridge District

Draper 73 1 26 Watts 58 • 2 40

Minden District

Hindon 72 2 26 Lutterworth 62 5 33 Monmouth 59 4 37

Parry Sound District

Conger 63 0 37 Gibson 70 0 30

Pembroke District

Clara 20 23 57 Head 10 31 59

Redheaded Pine Sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch)

The population levels of this sawfly continue to remain high in the region. Heavy defoliation was reported in Richards, North Algona and Sebastopol townships in Pembroke District, and in Carling, Ryerson and McMurrich townships in Parry Sound District. The heaviest damage occurred in a 3-ha red pine plantation in Carling Township, where a mortality rate of 35% was recorded and 50% of the remaining 1.7-m-tall trees were severely defoliated.

Small numbers of sawflies, causing 5 to 25% defoliation, were commonly observed in Wilkes Township, Algonquin Park District, Dungannon Township, Bancroft District, and Jones Township, Pembroke District. Sim- ilar numbers were detected in Minden District, and in Macaulay Township in Bracebridge District. - 17 -

OMNR in Parry Sound District attempted to control this pest by applying the Lecontvirus but, because of the extreme heat in July, the larvae developed very quickly and were beyond the optimum stage at which they could be effectively controlled by the virus spray.

Additional information on this pest is presented later in this report under Special Surveys, in the Red Pine Plantation Survey.

Bruce Spanworm, Operophtera bruceata (Hlst.)

There was an almost total collapse in the population levels of this insect in 1988. Only two small pockets of defoliation could be detected from the air. One area of approximately 300 ha was located in the southwestern corner of Finlayson Township in Algonquin Park District, and the other of approximately 20 ha was in the southeastern corner of Radcliffe Township in Pembroke District (Fig. 6). The outbreak started in 1985 and continued for four consecutive years, one year longer than a normal outbreak period. The last outbreak occurred in 1973 and lasted until 1976. Infestations occur approximately every 10 to 12 years.

In the areas defoliated in 1987, large numbers of male moths were observed in the late fall of that year, an indication that defoliation would be heavy in 1988. However, early spring surveys showed that although a large number of larvae hatched and fed for approximately two weeks, they died from exposure to a naturally occurring polyhedrosis virus, as is usual when Bruce spanworm infestations collapse.

Minor Insects

Eastern Tent Caterpillar, Malacosoma americanum (F.)

Population levels of epidemic proportions caused up to 100% defoliation of open-growing pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica L.f.), choke cherry (P. virginiana L.), red oak, bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.), and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) across the entire central and southern portions of the Algonquin Region.

Especially hard-hit were areas along Hwy 169 from the village of Bala to the town of Gravenhurst, along Muskoka County Road 13 in Wood Township in Bracebridge District, and along hwys 36 and 507 in Harvey and Cavendish townships in Minden District. Similar damage occurred along Hwy 28 from the village of Burleigh Falls to the town of Bancroft in Bancroft District.

In many totally stripped areas accurate defoliation levels could not be estimated because of the severe defoliation caused by the present outbreak of forest tent caterpillar. ALGONQUIN REGION

PRQVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS 1 PARRY SOUND 2 BRACEBRIDGE 3 ALGONQUIN PARK 4 PEMBROKE 5 MINDEN 6 BANCROFT 0 64 Figure 6. Bruce spanworm (Operophtera bruceata [Hlst.]) Areas within which defoliation occurred in 1988 Kilometres me Light-to-moderate Or ■ Forest Insect and Disease Survey Great Lakes Forestry Centre - 19 -

Table 5. Other forest insects Insect Host(s) Remarks Adelges abietis (L.) wS Roadside trees 7 m tall south of Eastern spruce gall adelgid Maple Island in Craft Twp, Parry Sound District were found to have 10% of their branches infested.

Aphrophora saratogensis (Fitch) rP 20% branch mortality recorded in Saratoga spittlebug 0.5-ha areas of plantations in Hagarty, Fraser and Ross twps, Pembroke District Diprion similis (Htg.) wP trace numbers detected in a 5-ha Introduced pine sawfly seed orchard in Snowdon Twp, Minden District

Eucosma gloriola Heinr. rP 3% of the 8-m-tall trees in a 6.5-ha Eastern pine shoot borer plantation infested in Wicklow Twp, Bancroft District Exotelia pinifoliella (Cham.) JP Along a 0.5-km section of Hwy 69 at Pine needleminer the Pickerel River in Mowat Twp, Parry Sound District, 30% of the 5-m-tall trees had 25% of the old foliage damaged. Fenusa pusilla (Lep.) wB Moderate-to-severe browning was re- Birch leafminer corded on ornamentals in numerous towns across the entire region. Severe browning was also recorded on several roadside trees along Hwy 11 at Burks Falls in Armour Twp, Bracebridge District. Macrohaltica populi (Brown) bPo Along Hwy 60 from the village of Poplar flea beetle Madawaska in Murchison Twp, Algon- quin Park District to the town of Barrys Bay in Sherwood Twp, Pem- broke District 25% foliar damage was common. A 5% foliar damage level was observed along hwys 62 and 28 at the south end of Bancroft District. Neodiprion abietis complex bF Populations continued to decrease in Balsam fir sawfly Pembroke and Algonquin Park districts. Foliar damage levels of 5 to 15% were observed on roadside trees in Stafford and Horton twps, Pembroke District, and in Murchison, Sproule and Dickens twps, Algonquin Park District.

(contd) -20-

Table 5. Other forest insects (concl.) Insect Host(s) Remarks

Neodiprion pratti paradoxicus jP Populations continued to decline in Ross areas reported last season in Ban- Jack pine sawfly croft and Pembroke districts. Defol- iation levels of only 5% were seen along Hwy 17 in Clara and Maria twps and along Hwy 62 in Richards Twp, both in Pembroke District, and along various concession roads in Methuen Twp-, Bancroft District. -

Oligonychus ununguis (Jac.) wS 10% discoloration of foliage on Spruce spider mite ornamental trees at PNFI and at Round Lake in Richards Twp, Pembroke District-

Paraclemensia acerifoliella sM 2-3% defoliation recorded in a maple (Fitch) plot surveyed in Blithfield Twp, Maple leafcutter Pembroke District

Phyllobius oblongus (L.) deci- commonly encountered causing 2-5% European snout beetle duous defoliation of hardwoods at numerous locations in the eastern portion of the region Podapion gallicola Riley rP 5 to 10% of the branches of semi- Pine gall weevil mature trees affected at Opeongo, Cedar and Radiant Lake campsites in Algonquin Park, Algonquin Park District

Pseudexentera oregonana (Wise.) to 10% defoliation detected in a 0.5-ha Early aspen leafcurler area along Hwy 11 in Armour Twp, Bracebridge District

Psilocorsis reflexella Clem. rO, b0 commonly encountered causing 5 to Flat leaftier 10% defoliation of roadside and open-growing oaks at numerous locations in the western portion of the region Sciaphilus asperatus Bonsd. sM 80% defoliation of regeneration ob- Weevil served in a maple decline plot in Wicklow Twp, Bancroft District

Tetralopha asperatella (Clem.) sM very common across the western por- Maple webworm tion of the region, averaging 10 to 20 webmasses per tree; sampled in Croft and Christie twps, Parry Sound District and in Minden Twp, Minden District Webmasses of the pine false webworm (Acantholyda erythrocephala [L.])

Mature gypsy moth larva (Lymantria dispar L.) Pruning of lower branches in a red pine {Pinus resinosa Ait.) plantation to control the European race of Scleroderris canker (Ascocalyx abietina [Lagerb.] Schlapfer-Bernhard)

Severe winds caused blowdown in numerous areas across the region in 1988. - 21 -

TREE DISEASES

Major Diseases

Armillaria Root Rot, Armillaria mellea (Vahl:Fr.) Kummer

This root rot, which affects both hardwoods and softwoods, is frequently encountered throughout the region. Mortality rates of 2 to 3% are common in young pine plantations, as was the case this season in an 8-ha red pine plantation in Dungannon Township, Bancroft District. A standard 150-tree evaluation revealed a mortality rate of 2% in six-year- old, 1.5-m-tall trees. A similar mortality rate was recorded in a seven- year-old, 20-ha red pine plantation in McMurrich Township, Parry Sound District.

Additional information on this root rot is presented later in this report under Special Surveys, in the Red Pine Plantation Survey.

Scleroderris Canker, Ascocalyx abietina (Lagerb.) Schlapfer-Bernhard

A special survey is conducted annually across the entire region for any evidence of either the native or the European race of this disease. The European race is more virulent than the native and is capable of killing mature or semimature trees in a single growing season, whereas the native race usually kills only a single internode on a branch of a sapling-sized tree. In 1988, 76 pine plantations were evaluated, and a minimum of 500 trees examined at each site (Fig. 7). Serological testing confirmed the existence of six infection centers of the European race and one of the native race. Two of the six sites on which the European race was found were plantations that had been confirmed in previous years, while the remaining four were first-time records. However, all areas were very close to previously confirmed sites. The data collected from the plantation survey are presented in Table 6.

In Mayo Township, Bancroft District, the sample in which the European race was confirmed was collected in a seven-year-old, 2-ha red pine plantation that had been sanitized in 1986. In Parry Sound Dis- trict, a positive sample was again collected from a red pine plantation in McMurrich Township. This 13-year-old, 4-ha plantation was first found to be infected in 1986; however, it was confirmed in 1988 that no control or sanitation program had been conducted at the site. At present, 27% of the trees are severely affected, and the current mortality rate is 1%.

The four new sites were found in two plantations in each of McMurrich and Ryerson townships, Parry Sound District. In McMurrich Township, a 13-year-old, 2-ha red pine plantation bordering the above- mentioned unsanitized plantation was found to have 25% of its trees severely affected, but no mortality was recorded. The second red pine plantation is five lots northwest of an infection center detected in 1987. It was estimated that 2% of the six-year-old red pine in the 4-ha plantation were severely affected, but once again no mortality was recorded. In Ryerson Township, the first site was detected one lot south

ALGONQUIN REGION

• • --i••%,„ - -‘,..... —\ 46 1 • % 3 . • ■ t 2 I) % % • t t ; • % t t . • • •tf % • ..- .. • Pembroke • •■ % •..- • .9 t , r • • •••at ." • % o ••• ••• ap ,• •• t , c "A • • • •••.) ,„..- ..../ , • • ----IP • .. % ....1 • .. A °.% • • • t • • ■ t HuntevIlle r • ....."*" ■ % ...I ,..r" C 6 -- r 5 % % % • 44 % ..• . I •• _ -v .) • %.. - ■ • I % % s • % • % GEORGIAN ,,..) % •• .4, % •• PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE BAY r • , DISTRICTS 1 ) .1 r 1 PARRY SOUND ..I- 2 BRACEBRIDGE • , 3 ALGONQUIN PARK • • 4 PEMBROKE • • e I 5 MINDEN 8 BANCROFT

0 Figure 7. Scleroderris canker (Ascocalyx abietina Lagerb 1 Schlapfer Bernhard) Kilometre

Forest Insect and Disease Survey Locations in which pine plantations were Great Lakes Forestry Centre examined in 1988 • -23-

Table 6. Results of a special survey for Scleroderris canker at 76 locations in Algonquin Region in 1988 (counts based on the examination of 500+ red pine trees at each location).

Tree Total Total area Trees Trees Location ht trees examined affected dead (Twp) (m) per ha (ha) (%) (%)

Algonquin Park District

Lyell 6.5 2,200 8 0 Sproule 21.0 1,600 1 0 Sabine 7.0 2,500 4 0 Guthrie 8.8 1,200 10 0 0 White 4.5 2,500 4 0 0 Stratton 4.5 2,400 1 0 0

Bancroft District

7.5 1,300 2 0 0 Burleigh a Mayo 0.5 2,500 2 2 2 1.0 2,500 4 0 0 9.0 2,200 6 0 0 17.0 1,800 8 0 0 6.0 2,300 40 0 0 7.0 1,600 6 0 0 Dungannon 7.0 2,500 3 0 0 1.5 2,500 6 0 0 2.5 2,500 2 0 0 1.5 2,200 8 0 0

Bracebridge District

Macaulay 0.8 2,000 1 0 0 0.4 2,000 1 0 0 4.0 2,100 2 0 0 4.0 2,300 5 0 0 Strong 20.0 1,000 3 0 0 Stisted 11.0 1,700 3 0 0 5.0 2,000 4 0 0

Minden District

Stanhope 1.6 2,200 8 0 0 1.7 2,200 3 0 0

(contd)

-24-

Table 6. Results of a. special survey for Scleroderris canker at 76 locations in Algonquin Region in 1988 (counts based on the examination of 500+ red pine trees at each location) (contd).

Tree Total Total area Trees Trees Location ht trees examined affected dead (Twp) (m) per ha (ha) (X) (%)

Minden District (concl.)

Somerville 16.0 1,500 10 0 0 16.0 1,400 16 0 0 9.0 1,600 10 0 0 18.0 1,200 3 0 0 17.0 1,300 10 0 0 Minden 9.0 2,300 2 0 0 9.0 2,300 3 0 0 11.0 2,000 4 0 0

Parry Sound District

Hagerman 12.0 2,100 4 0 0 McConkey 2.0 2,300 2 0 0 McMurrich 9.0 2,200 1 0 0 1.2 2,100 4 0 0 0.9 2,100 3 0 0 0.9 2,200 4 0 0 a 3.6 2,000 3 10 10.0 1,500 2 0 0 12.0 2,100 1 0 b0 3.0 2,000 4 27 1 b 3.0 2,000 2 25 0 2.0 2,200 10 0 0 c 1.0 2,100 4 1 1 b Ryerson 5.0 2,000 2 39 0 2.0 2,000 10 0 0 8.0 2,200 1 0 0 8. d 2,300 3 9.0d 0 0 1,700 4 0 0 1.0 1,900 4 0 0 d 1.0 2,200 1 0 0 d 2.0 2,100 8 0 0 0.7 2,300 1 2c 0

(contd) -25-

Table 6. Results of a special survey for Scleroderris canker at 76 locations in Algonquin Region in 1988 (counts based on the examination of 500+ red pine trees at each location) (concl.)

Tree Total Total area Trees Trees Location ht trees examined affected dead (Twp) (m) per ha (ha) (Z) (%)

Pembroke District

Head 1.8 2,200 20 0 0 Richards 2.5 2,50Q 3 0 0 5.3 2,000 8 0 0 Bromley 11.0 1,800 2 0 0 Ross 1.0 2,500 20 0 0 3.0 2,500 2 0 0 4.7 2,500 2 0 0 Horton 12.0 2,200 4 0 0 9.0 2,500 4 0 0 10.6 2,200 2 0 0 14.6 1,600 2 0 0 Grattan 12.0 2,000 5 0 0 Westmeath 6.3 2,500 6 0 0 5.0 1,800 1 0 0 Sebastopol 5.7 2,500 10 0 0 Hagarty 4.5 1,700 8 0 0 Fraser 7.0 2,200 3 0 0 Raglan 6.2 2,200 4 0 0 Maria 5.0 2,500 4 0 0 Rolph 10.0 2,500 2 0 0 a positive identification of the North American race of Scleroderris canker samples being tested for race identification 4 positive identification of the European race of Scleroderris canker Scots pine examined at these locations of the first red pine plantation in which the disease was confirmed in 1987. Evaluation revealed that 2% of the six-year-old red pine in the 2-ha plantation were affected, but there was no mortality. At the fourth and final site, three lots north of the initial site, 39% of the 16-year-old, 2-ha red pine plantation was severely affected, but no mortality was detected. As there was no mortality in evidence at any of these sites, it is possible that each is a very recent infection center (Fig. 8).

Control operations have already been conducted at the location in Mayo Township and at one of the new sites in McMurrich Township. In both areas the red pine were young (sapling size, <1 m tall), and OMNR staff simply pulled out the infected trees and burned them on site. The site confirmed in Ryerson Town- ship in 1987, the Neilson property, was completely sanitized early in the spring of 1988. Heavily infected or dead trees were cut and burned and the lower un- infected branches of the remaining trees were pruned and also burned. - 26 -

ALGONQUIN REGION RYERSON TWP

McMURRICH TWP MACAULAY TWP

Figure 8. Scleroderris canker (Ascocalyx abietina [Lagerb.] Schlapfer Bernhard)

Locations of confirmed sites of the European race of Scleroderris canker in Ryerson and McMurrich townships, Parry Sound District, Mayo Township, Bancroft District, and Macaulay Township, Bracebridge District -27-

Table 7. Other forest diseases

Disease Host(s) Remarks

Coleosporium asterum (Dietel) rP 10% defoliation of 2-m trees in a Sydow 10-ha plantation in Hagarty Twp, and Pine needle rust 2% defoliation of 0.5-m trees in a 4-ha plantation in Griffith Twp, Pembroke District

Eutypella parasitica sM Two of the 25 semimature trees on Davidson Lorenz the maple plot were cankered at Eutypella canker Killbear Prov. Pk in Carling Twp, Parry Sound District.

Lophodermium sp. rP 30% of the 2-m trees infected in a A needle cast 9.7-ha plantation in Wicklow Twp, Bancroft District, and in a 3.6-ha plantation of similar height in Airy Twp, Algonquin Park District

Phellinus igniarius (L.:Fr.) r0 found on one of the 100 tagged trees Quelet in the oak decline plot at the White trunk rot Resource Centre, Macaulay Twp, Bracebridge District

Phyllosticta ■inima (Berk. rM 30% infection rate detected on host Curt.) Underw. Earle trees on the ARNEWS plot in Mowat Leaf spot Twp, and a similar rate in a 10-ha area along Hwy 520 south of Maple Island in Croft Twp, Parry Sound District

Sphaeropsis sapinea (Fr.) ScP 20% infection rate on 4-m roadside Dyko B. Sutton AusP trees in Somerville and Lutterworth Tip blight twps and on 3-m trees along Hwy 121 in Dysart Twp, Minden District -28-

DIEBACKS AND DECLINES

Maple Decline

The 20 sugar maple impact plots established in 1987 to rate and monitor crown conditions in maple stands were retallied in 1988. A standard crown dieback classification system was used to evaluate the 25 dom- inant or codominant trees on each plot. In 1987, 352 trees (70.4%) were considered very healthy (< 5% current dieback), and only 18 trees (3.6%) were determined to have a high level (>25%) of current dieback. In 1988, 374 trees (74.8%) were considered healthy and only 25 trees (5.0%) had a high level of current dieback. In 1987, 122 trees (24.4%) were considered healthy on the basis of total dieback, and 201 trees (40.2%) were considered to have >25% of the crown dead. In 1988, 99 trees (19.8%) were healthy, and 218 trees (43.6%) had >25% total dieback; of the latter, only two trees had >40% total dieback. Therefore, it can be concluded that very little change in crown conditions has occurred on the 20 plots during the first two years of monitoring (Table 8).

Defoliation was recorded on 70% of the plots. The forest tent caterpillar was found causing from 5 to 90% defoliation on 50% of the plots and the Bruce spanworm was recorded causing from 10 to 40% defoliation on 25% of the plots. Wood-boring insects were recorded infesting the stems of 2.8% of the trees on 40% of the plots and stem decay or stem cankers were recorded on 19.4% of the trees on 45% of the plots. Abiotic damage, such as frost, was found on 1.4% of the trees on 10% of the plots.

Table 8. Summary of data collected from 20 semipermanent sugar maple plots established in the Algonquin Region to monitor crown conditions (counts based on the examination of 25 host trees at each location).

Dieback Classesa

Avg Current Total Location DBH (Twp) (cm) Year 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5

Algonquin Park District

Deacon 32.5 1987 14 11 0 0 0 0 0 3 18 4 0 0 1988 23 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 16 6 0 0 Murchison 41.0 1987 17 8 0 0 0 0 0 9 16 6 0 0 1988 18 7 0 0 0 0 0 9 16 0 0 0 Peck 36.3 1987 15 10 0 0 0 0 0 4 17 4 0 0 1988 21 4 0 0 0 0 0 5 16 4 0 0 Bancroft District

Bangor 44.9 1987 13 12 0 0 0 0 0 6 13 6 0 0 1988 23 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 13 6 0 0 Cardiff 32.3 1987 11 12 2 0 0 0 0 3 13 9 0 0 1988 22 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 15 7 0 0

(contd) -29-

Table Summary of data collected from 20 semipermanent sugar maple plots established in the Algonquin Region to monitor crown conditions (counts based on the examination of 25 host trees at each location) (concl.).

Dieback Classesa

Avg Current Total Location DBH (Twp) (cm) Year 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5

Bancroft District (concl.)

Limerick 31.8 1987 21 4 0 0 0 0 0 6 16 3 0 0 1988 24 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 16 3 0 0 Bracebridge District

Chaffey 31.6 1987 24 0 0 1 0 0 14 10 0 0 1 0 1988 21 3 1 0 0 0 11 12 1 0 1 0 Machar 34.4 1987 24 1 0 0 0 0 12 11 2 0 0 0 1988 19 5 1 0 0 0 9 13 3 0 0 0 Stisted 29.9 1987 16 9 0 0 0 0 10 15 0 0 0 0 1988 4 10 9 2 0 0 2 12 9 2 0 0 Wood 31.3 1987 24 1 0 0 0 0 17 7 1 0 0 0 1988 17 5 3 0 0 0 14 8 3 0 0 0 Minden District

Hindon 35.9 1987 24 4 0 0 0 0 9 16 0 0 0 0 1988 13 11 1 0 0 0 7 17 1 0 0 0 Minden 41.0 1987 6 11 5 3 0 0 5 12 5 3 0 0 1988 20 4 1 0 0 0 5 15 4 1 0 0 Monmouth 30.4 1987 21 4 0 0 0 0 12 11 2 0 0 0 1988 14 8 3 0 0 0 9 12 4 0 0 0 Pembroke District

Richard 40.5 1987 16 9 0 0 0 0 0 10 15 0 0 0 1988 22 3 0 0 0 0 0 7 17 1 0 0 Ross 43.5 1987 13 12 0 0 0 0 0 12 13 0 0 0 1988 18 7 0 0 0 0 0 11 14 0 0 0 Sebastopol 40.2 1987 18 7 0 0 0 0 0 15 9 1 0 0 1988 22 3 0 0 0 0 0 15 9. 1 0 0 Wylie 37.0 1987 23 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 17 3 0 0 1988 15 9 1 0 0 0 0 4 14 7 0 0 Parry Sound District

Carling 30.6 1987 25 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 0 0 1988 24 1 0 0 0 0 24 1 0 0 0 0 Christie 31.7 1987 8 10 7 0 0 0 3 14 7 1 0 0 1988 12 11 2 0 0 0 2 16 6 1 0 0 Gibson 27.1 1987 22 3 0 0 0 0 15 8 2 0 0 0 1988 22 3 0 0 0 0 16 8 1 0 0 0 a Dieback classes: 0 0-5%, 1 6-20%, 2 21-40%, 3 41-60%, 4 61%+, 5 dead tree -30-

North American Sugar Maple Decline Project (NASMDP)

As part of a continuing effort to determine if maple decline is a problem in Ontarios forests, Forestry Canada has entered into a coopera- tive agreement with the United States Forest Service to study the extent and causes of decline in northeastern North America. The objectives of the agreement are: 1) to determine the rate of change in sugar maple tree-condition ratings from 1988 through 1990; 2) to determine if the rate of change in sugar maple tree-condition ratings is different between: a) various levels of pollution measured as wet deposition, b) sugarbush and undisturbed forest, and c) various levels of initial stand decline conditions; 3) to determine the possible causes of sugar maple decline and the geographical relationship between causes and extent of decline. In an attempt to meet these objectives, the two partners in the agreement have established 103 plots in the northeastern United States and 62 in northeastern Canada.

In Ontario, the responsibility for establishing and monitoring these plots was given to the Forest Insect and Disease Survey Unit (FIDS) at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre. In 1988, 24 plots were established, four in the Northeastern Region, four in the Algonquin Region, three in the Eastern Region, six in the Central Region and seven in the South- western Region. The plots are paired in each deposition zone, one in a sugar maple bush that is being tapped for maple syrup production, and the other in an undisturbed stand.

In the Algonquin Region, one plot was established in each of Ridout and Franklin townships in Bracebridge District and Cardiff and Wicklow townships in Bancroft District (Fig. 9). At each sample point, a cluster of five plots, each 20 m , at least 20 m apart and 20 m from any stand opening or edge, was set in place. A complete site and stand des- cription was provided for each of the five plots in the cluster. The following data were recorded for all sugar maple trees on the plots: DBH, crown position and vigor, number of current and old tapping holes, stem defects, percentage of crown dieback, foliage density, leaf discoloration, leaf dwarfing and epicormic shoots. Increment cores were also collected to determine stand age and to evaluate sugar maple growth patterns before the plots were established.

The crown evaluations revealed that most of the trees were very healthy. In the undisturbed stand in Cardiff Township only 16.0% of the trees had more than 15% dieback in the crown, and in the sugar bush in Wicklow Township that was being tapped, 24.5% of the trees had >15% dieback. In Ridout Township, in the undisturbed stand, 16.4% of the trees had >15% dieback and the figure dropped to only 9.1% in the stand that was being tapped in Franklin Township. Results of the crown evaluations are presented in Table 9. At each location, conditions such as stem wounds caused by various agents, dead branch stubs, and sweep or crook were also recorded. Table 10 presents data on three agents that may cause large, open wounds: the sugar maple borer (Glycobius speciosus [Say]), Eutypella canker (Eutypella parasitica Davidson Lorenz) and frost cracks longer than 1 m. These open wounds often serve as an entrance court for other diseases that may add to a decline problem. ALGONQUIN REGION

PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS 1 PARRY SOUND 2 BRACEBRIDGE 3 ALGONQUIN PARK 4 PEMBROKE 5 MINDEN 6 BANCROFT

0 64 Figure 9. North American Sugar Maple Decline Project / I (NASMDP) Kilometres Location of plots established in 1988 Forest Insect and Disease Survey Great lakes Forestry Centre Tapped sugar maple stand • Undisturbed sugar maple stand • -32-

Table 9. Summary of sugar maple crown conditions recorded in four North American Sugar Maple Decline Project (NASMDP) plots established in the Algonquin Region in 1988.

Avg Total Total no. of trees per dieback class a Location DBH no. of (Twp) (cm) trees 00 05 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 99

Bancroft District

Cardiff 20.2 94 1 54 24 11 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 Wicklow 37.1 53 0 13 27 11 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bracebridge District

Ridout 25.4 61 0 36 15 5 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 Franklin 32.3 44 0 32 8 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a Dieback classes: 00 . 0, 05 - 1-5Z, 10 . 6-15X, 20 - 16-25Z, 30 . 26-35Z, 40 36-45Z, 50 - 46-55X, 60 . 56-65Z, 70 - 66-75X, 80 . 76-85, 90 . 86-95%, 99 95-100Z

Table 10. Summary of data on stem wounds recorded in four North American Sugar Maple Decline Project (NASMDP) plots established in the Algonquin Region in 1988.

Stem wounds

Avg Sugar maple Eutypella Frost crack Location DBH Total no. borer canker >1 m long (Twp) (cm) of trees (X) (%) (%)

Bancroft District

Cardiff 20.2 94 6.4 5.3 20.2 Wicklow 37.1 53 24.5 0.0 35.8

Bracebridge District

Ridout 25.4 61 34.4 3.3 32.8 Franklin 32.3 44 22.7 2.3 45.5 -33-

Red Oak Decline

Three red oak decline plots in the region are monitored annually to record crown conditions of 100 tagged trees at each site. A standard classification system is employed to record the current dieback and cumulative dieback levels in each crown. In 1987, significant crown deteri- oration occurred throughout the plot in Macaulay Township in Bracebridge District. This was the result of late frosts in the spring of 1987 fol- lowed by severe defoliation by the forest tent caterpillar. The evaluation in 1988 showed a marked decrease in the number of trees with current dieback: only 13% of the trees had more than 20% current dieback in comparison with 33% in 1987. The 1988 level-of dieback was the same as that recorded in the three years previous to 1987, although severe defoliation by the forest tent caterpillar has occurred now for two consecutive years. However, no damaging late spring frosts were recorded in 1988.

Two plots are located in Pembroke District, one each in Alice and Wylie townships. The only significant change occurred in Alice Township, where three additional oak trees on the plot died. Death was attributed to Armillaria root rot. The data from this survey are summarized and presented in Table 11. -34-

Table 11. Results of the evaluation of data collected from three semipermanent plots established in the Algonquin Region in 1977 to monitor red oak decline (data based on the examination of 100 host trees at each location).

Avg Dieback classa DBH of sample Stand Current Cumulative Location trees size (TwP) (m) (ha) Year 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5

Bracebridge District b Macaulay 35 5 1984 69 21 4 0 0 6 2 44 34 11 3 6 1985 71 17 3 2 1 6 2 39 36 12 5 6 1986 79 11 0 2 0 8 5 48 32 8 2 8 1987 22 45 22 3 0 8 2 41 37 10 2 8 1988 38 49 4 0 1 8 2 58 25 4 3 8

Pembroke District

Alice c18 4 1984 51 46 0 0 0 3 0 0 41 54 2 3 1985 95 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 41 54 2 3 1986 96 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 42 51 4 3 1987 81 12 0 0 0 3 0 2 43 45 3 3 1988 85 4 1 0 2 6 0 2 40 44 4 6

Wylie 25 3 1984 72 25 0 0 0 3 0 0 27 66 4 3 1985 93 2 0 0 0 5 0 0 23 69 2 5 1986 89 6 0 0 0 5 0 0 24 70 1 5 1987 89 6 0 0 0 5 0 0 27 66 2 5 1988 93 1 0 0 0 6 0 0 27 64 3 6

a Dieback classification: 0 0-5%, 1 6-20%, 2 21-40%, 3 41-60%, 4 61X+, 5 dead tree

b Forest tent caterpillar feeding resulted in 100X defoliation of the oak on this plot in 1987 and 1988.

Only 96 host trees were tallied; four trees were cut down and removed in 1987. -35-

ABIQTIC DAMAGE

Blowdown

Qn several occasions during the summer of 1988 severe thunder- storms, accompanied by high winds, caused numerous areas of blowdown in the region. Damage in some cases covered large areas while in others it was limited to scattered individual trees, often ornamentals.

Qn 5 August tornado-force winds struck a forested area southwest of the village of Maynooth in Monteagle Township, Bancroft District. Approximately 1,449 ha of mixed forest in one continuous strip were flat- tened by this storm. The same storm caused 252 ha of blowdown in the northeastern corner of Carlow Township in Bancroft District, and 2 ha of blowdown in a pocket in Radcliffe Township in Pembroke District. As this storm moved northeastward across the region, numerous single trees fell in its path. At PNFI in Wylie and Buchanan townships, some 630 ha were severely damaged.

Two areas of continuous damage, both approximately 10 ha in size, were detected from the air in late August: one in the southwestern corner of Oakley Township, Bracebridge District, and the other in the northwestern corner of Longford Township, Minden District. In the immediate vicinity of these two areas, numerous single trees were blown down in a much larger (approx. 20-30 ha) area.

At the junction of hwys 118 and 169 in Medora Township, Brace- bridge District, more than 75Z of the trees were blown over in a 5-ha area. This area consisted of mixed hardwoods and softwoods, with more softwoods being blown over than hardwoods. Numerous single trees that had been blown down were seen in the Kinmount area of Somerville Township and along the Hindon access road in Hindon Township in Minden District. This type of damage was also commonly encountered across the entire northern end of Bancroft District (Fig. 10).

Drought

For the second consecutive year drought has been a major problem in many areas in the region. The summer of 1988 was reported as the hottest in recent years. In addition to extremely high temperatures, a below-normal precipitation level was recorded throughout the region. This prolonged condition of high temperatures and low moisture has a significant effect on numerous tree species. Drought injury is generally difficult to diagnose, with weakened trees often being affected by secondary factors such as insects and diseases. Such injury may appear very quickly or may take two to three years to become evident. Younger trees are more seriously affected than older trees that have deeper, well established root systems. In hardwoods, leaf discoloration and premature leaf fall are commonly seen in drought years. Crown dieback, in varying amounts, is also a direct result of drought, occurring either in the same year or during the following two or three years. Depending on the extent of the dieback, whole-tree mortality is often experienced as well. ALGONQUIN REGION

PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS 1 PARRY SOUND 2 BRACEBRIDGE 3 ALGONQUIN PARK 4 PEMBROKE 5 MINDEN 8 BANCROFT

0 64 Figure 10. Blowdown Areas within which damage occurred Kilometres in 1988 ■• or III Forest Insect and Disease Survey Great Lakes Forestry Centre -37-

In 1988 some 141,632 ha of forested land were aerially sketch- mapped in the region, and showed discoloration typical of drought damage. Primarily hardwoods were affected, often only on hilltops or southwest- facing slopes. The shallow-soil areas throughout the Muskoka Lakes portion of Bracebridge District were severely affected. The majority of the damage occurred throughout Bracebridge District, where some 60,792 ha were mapped. Parry Sound sustained 36,088 ha, Minden District 24,649 ha, Bancroft District 20,126 ha, Algonquin Park District 708 ha and Pembroke District 162 ha of damage (Fig. 11).

Much of the area affected by drought was also severely defoliated by the forest tent caterpillar. The stress effect of either of these conditions is severe enough to cause diebacks and whole-tree mortality. In years when both factors occur simultaneously the result is often devastating, with whole-tree mortality occurring over large areas. This condition was recorded in 1977 and 1978 in Parry Sound and Owen Sound districts in the Southwestern Region. The extent of damage to hardwood stands may not be known for the next year or two, but the condition will be monitored.

Hail

On 5 August, hailstones and damaging winds severely defoliated 5,292 ha. The damage occurred in many scattered pockets on western exposures and hilltops across Herschel, Monteagle, Wicklow and Carlow townships in the northwestern corner of Bancroft District (Fig. 12). The area damaged consisted of mostly hardwoods, sugar maple and beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), but other species were also affected.

A hailstorm that occurred on 8 June 1987 caused 3,440 ha of severe defoliation, starting in the southeastern corner of Algonquin Park District and proceeding in an almost continuous line to the city of Pem- broke in Pembroke District (Fig. 12). An aerial survey of this area revealed mortality ranging from whole-tree mortality to severe branch mortality over 2,583 ha. The area affected contained primarily trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and largetooth aspen (Populus grandi- dentata Michx.) trees in eastern Pembroke District and white pine (Pinus strobus L.) trees in western Algonquin Park District. A salvage cut was started in 1988 to utilize the killed white pine. ALGONQUIN REGION

PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS 1 PARRY SOUND 2 BRACEBRIDGE 3 ALGONQUIN PARK 4 PEMBROKE 5 MINDEN 8 BANCROFT

0 64 Figure 11. Drought I Areas within which drought-affected hardwoods Kilometres were observed or ■ Forest Insect and Disease Survey Great Lakes Forestry Centre ALGONQUIN REGION

PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS 1 PARRY SOUND 2 BRACEBRIDGE 3 ALGONQUIN PARK 4 PEMBROKE 5 MINDEN 6 BANCROFT

0 64 Figure 12. Hail damage Areas within which severe defoliation Kilometres occurred in 1988 4N Forest Insect and Disease Survey Areas within which branch or total tree Great Lakes Forestry Centre mortality occurred (caused by 1987 hail damage) • - 40 -

SPECIAL SURVEYS

Acid Rain National Early Warning System (ARNEWS)

The six ARNEWS plots in the region were evaluated for a specific list of prescribed conditions as set out in the national plot procedure manual. Each tree was rated for overall vigor, crown condition, insect or disease pests and acid rain symptoms. Three regeneration subplots were retallied on each plot and the established list of ground plants present on each plot was reviewed for any changes in the type or number of plants.

Defoliation by the forest tent caterpillar was detected in the plots in Ridout Township, Bracebridge District, Sherbourne Township, Minden District, Mowat Township, Parry Sound District and Sproule Town- ship, Algonquin Park District. Defoliation on all of the above plots averaged 10% or less.

No damage or discoloration of foliage that might be attributed to the effects of acid precipitation was observed on any of the plots.

Pinewood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner Buhrer) Nickle

A special survey was conducted in which adult bark beetles and wood borers were collected to determine if these insects were transmit- ting the pinewood nematode from an infested to an uninfested tree. Qften, trees that are under stress from nematode activity are also attacked by these secondary pests. Adult pine engraver beetles (Ips pini [Say]) were collected from red pine plantation thinning operations at one location in Stisted Township, Bracebridge District, and two locations in Somerville Township, Minden District. A single adult, ventrally spotted buprestid (Buprestris maculativentris Say) was also collected from one of the Somerville Township locations. All of the collections are still being processed to determine if nematodes are present on the adults body; the results are unknown at this time.

To date, it has been confirmed that some form of the pinewood nematode is present in dead or dying trees at 16 locations in the region. In 1988, all areas were ground checked to determine if there was any whole-tree mortality or additional symptoms of nematode activity. No evidence of current damage could be found. At the majority of the confirmed sites, samples were taken from trees under severe stress as a result of some other factor such as flooding, severe defoliation or bark beetle activity.

Red Pine Cone Survey

Every year a special collection of cones of a specific conifer species is made to determine the percentage of cones damaged, subsequent seed loss, and the pests responsible. In 1988, 100 randomly selected red pine cones were collected from the total length of the conebearing section of the crowns of eight trees at two separate locations in the region. - 41 -

The first collection was made in a semimature red pine plantation in Head Township, Pembroke District. In all, 18 of the 100 cones were damaged by insects, and the seed loss was estimated at 64% in the damaged cones. The insect pests responsible for the damage, in order of the percentage of seed loss attributed to each, are: the red pine cone borer (Eucosma monitorana Heinr.), unknown insects, unknown Lepidopterous insects, and unknown Dioryctria spp.

The second collection was taken in a semimature red pine plantation in Somerville Township, Minden District. At this location, 59 of the 100 cones were damaged, and the seed loss was estimated at 79% in the damaged cones. The insect pests responsible, in order of the percentage of seed loss attributed to each, are: the red pine cone borer, unknown Lepidopterous insects, unknown insects, the red pine cone beetle (Cono- phthorus resinosae Hopk.), the fir coneworm (Dioryctria abietivorella [Grt.]) and an unidentified midge (Resseliella sp.)

Red Pine Plantation Survey

The 1988 high-value plantation survey was conducted in 12 randomly selected red pine plantations. At each plantation, a standard 150- tree evaluation was conducted for a specific list of insects and diseases in mid-June and again in mid-August. Tables 12(a) and (b) summarize the data collected on the pests that were found to be affecting the trees during this survey (see also Fig. 13).

During the first visit, the only insect pest encountered was the pine root collar weevil (Hylobius radicis Buch.), which was affecting 1% of the trees at one location. Pine needle rust (Coleosporium asterum [Dietel] Sydow) was detected at three locations, affecting from 2 to 33% of the trees. Scleroderris canker (the European race) was found affecting 1% of the trees at a single location. Pests not found during this visit included the European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer [Geoff.]) and the black root stain disease (Verticicladiella procera Kendrick).

During the second visit, the redheaded pine sawfly was found in five of the plantations, infesting 1 to 9% of the trees. The pine false webworm was encountered at five plantations, infesting 4 to 68% of the trees. The European pine shoot moth (Rhyacionia buoliana [D. S.]) was found at six locations, infesting 1 to 21% of the trees. Armillaria root rot was detected in only one plantation, affecting 3% of the trees. Stand openings were recorded in five plantations, and current mortality ranging from 1 to 3% was recorded at three locations. In Sabine Town- ship, Algonquin Park District, suppression by other trees caused 1% mortality and in Wicklow Township, 2% mortality resulted from snow damage. In McMurrich Township, Parry Sound District, 3% mortality was caused by Armillaria root rot. A needle cast disease (Lophodermium pinastri [Schrader:Fr.] Chev.) was searched for, but not found in the survey. Table 12(a) Summary of the results of a red pin, plantation survey conducted at 12 randomly selected locations in the Algonquin Region in 1988 (counts based on the examination of 150 trees at each location).

Redheaded pine sawfly Pine false webworm European pin, shoot moth Root collar weevil Estimated Estimated Infested area of no. of Avg ht Avg no. Infested Avg defoliation Loaders Laterals Infested Location stand tress of trees trees of colonies trees per tree attacked only attacked trees (Twp) (ha) per ha (m) (%) per tree (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)

Algonquin Park District

Sabine 61.0 2,000 13.6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Airy 4.0 2,000 1.7 1 1 0 0 0 3 0

Bancroft District

Wicklow 7.0 2,300 8.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wicklow 10.0 2,300 2.4 0 0 34 7 1 21 0

Bracebridge District

Macaulay 6.0 2,300 4.4 5 1 0 0 0 0 0

Minden District

Harburn 8.0 2,200 2.6 9 2 68 6 1 0 Stanhope 3.0 2,200 1.9 0 0 4 1 0 5 0 Somerville 4.0 1,200 10.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Parry Sound District

MCMurrich 4.0 2,100 1.0 1 1 8 5 1 13 1 Hagerman 3.0 2,000 11.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pembroke District

Ross 9.0 2,400 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Norton 10.0 2,500 1.5 1 2 31 5 0 2 0

(contd) Table 12(b). Summary of the results of a red pin, plantation survey conducted at 12 randomly selected locations in the Algonquin Region in 1988 (counts based on the examination of 150 trees at each location).

Needle rust Scleroderris Canker Armillaria Estimated estimated root rot area of no. of Avg ht No. of Trees Avg Trees Stem Current Location stand trees of trees stand affected defoliation affected cankered Trees affected mortality (Twp) (ha) per ha (m) openings (t) (8) (8) (8) (8) (8)

Algonquin Park District

Sabine 61.0 2,000 13.6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Airy 4.0 2,000 1.7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bancroft District

Wicklow 7.0 2,300 8.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Wicklow 10.010.0 2,300 2.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Bracebridge District

Macaulay 6.0 2,300 4.4 3 7 1 0 0 0 0

Minden District

Harburn 8.0 2,200 2.6 8 33 1 0 0 o 0 Stanhope 3.0 2,200 1.9 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 Somerville 4.0 1,200 10.0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

Parry Sound District

McMurrich 4.0 2,100 1.0 17 2 10 1 0 3 3 Hagerman 3.0 2,000 11.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pembroke District

Ross 9.0 2,400 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Horton 10.0 2,500 1.5 ALGONQUIN REGION

PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS 1 PARRY SOUND 2 BR ACEBRIDGE 3 ALGONQUIN PARK 4 PEMBROKE 5 MINDEN 6 BANCROFT

0 64 Figure 13. Red pine plantation survey Location of plantations surveyed ...... • Kilometres Forest Insect and Disease Survey Great Lakes Forestry Centre -45-

The red pine sawfly (Neodiprion nanulus nanulus Schedl.) was not on the specific list of pests to evaluate; however, it was encountered at three locations, causing 1 to 2% defoliation on 2 to 7% of the trees. The European pine needle midge (Contarinia baeri [Prell]) was also detected at six locations, infesting 3 to 92% of the trees and causing 1 to 2% defoliation.

Special surveys were conducted in red pine plantations in the region in 1979, 1982, and 1985. The results in 1988 were very similar to those of the previous three surveys. The redheaded pine sawfly, the pine false webworm and the European pine shoot moth were detected in previous surveys but slightly higher numbers were recorded in. 1988. The European pine sawfly was not recovered during any of these surveys. Armillaria root rot is usually recovered at a low level from a couple of the plantations, as are needle rust and needle cast diseases. The black root stain disease was not recovered in any of the surveys.

Light Trap

Every year a light trap is operated at PNFI near Chalk River in Pembroke District.

In 1988 it was operated every night from 13 June to 1 August, primarily to monitor the annual flight of the spruce budworm moth. In all, 428 spruce budworm moths were captured in comparison with 0 in 1987. The first spruce budworm moths were captured on 30 June and the flight period peaked from 7 July to 11 July, when 364 moths were captured.

In addition to spruce budworm moths, the light traps captured forest tent caterpillar moths--26,903 in 1988, in comparison with 3,211 in 1987. This explosion in numbers indictates that trees in the Chalk River area may experience severe defoliation in 1989.

Climatic Data

Seasonal variations in the normal weather patterns have a direct effect on both biotic and abiotic conditions. Sudden and extreme changes in weather have a significant effect on forest pest problems, and the droughts experienced in 1988 will affect the growth and vigor of numerous tree species. Monitoring daily weather conditions permits the accurate prediction of the emergence of overwintering larvae. For these reasons, the FIDS Unit maintains daily and monthly averages of weather conditions on file for numerous locations across the province. Table 13 summarizes the weather data for 1988 (January to December) provided by two Atmos- pheric Environment Service weather offices in the Algonquin Region. The normals quoted were taken directly from the Canadian Climate Normals for Ontario, 1951-1980. -46-

Table 13. Summary of climatic data for the 12-month period, January to December 1987, for two locations in the Algonquin Region.

Mean Total temperature precipitation

Actual Normal Actual Normal Location Month (°C) (°C) (mm) (mm)

Bracebridge District

Muskoka Airport Jan. -9.5 -10.4 113.1 85.9 Feb. -11.1 -9.4 107.9 62.4 Mar. -4.8 -3.8 46.5 66.3 Apr. +4.8 +4.5 92.4 73.3 May +12.2 +10.9 62.6 77.8 June +15.2 +15.9 65.0 81.9 July +20.4 +18.3 121.4 77.5 Aug. +18.6 +17.4 97.0 89.0 Sept. +12.9 +13.2 94.9 102.4 Oct. +5.1 +7.5 142.2 93.9 Nov. +2.8 -1.1 106.2 101.0 Dec. -7.2 -7.1 97.3 97.8

Pembroke District

Petawawa Weather Station Jan. -10.5 -12.8 48.4 46.7 Feb. -12.0 -11.2 52.6 51.0 Mar. -5.5 -4.6 42.2 50.5 Apr. +4.8. +4.2 88.0 59.6 May +13.7 +11.5 40.0 60.0 June +15.7 +16.3 63.6 87.5 July +21.3 +18.7 78.0 84.5 Aug. +18.9 +17.6 101.9 79.8 Sept. +12.3 +12.6 54.5 83.1 Oct. +4.9 +7.1 109.0 66.7 Nov. +2.2 -0.1 72.1 65.8 Dec. -10.1 -9.7 31.8 64.8