Forest Health Conditions in Ontario 2016

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

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Compiled by: • Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Science and Research Branch — Biodiversity and Monitoring Section, Forest Research and Monitoring Section, Natural Resources Information Section

Find the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on-line at: http://www.ontario.ca

For more information about forest health in Ontario visit the natural resources website: www.ontario.ca/foresthealth

Cette publication hautement spécialisée Forest Health Conditions in Ontario 2016 n’est disponible qu’en anglais conformément au Règlement 671/92, selon lequel il n’est pas obligatoire de la traduire en vertu de la Loi sur les services en français. Pour obtenir des renseignements en français, veuillez communiquer avec le ministère des Richesses naturelles et des Forêts au [email protected].

ISBN 978-1-4868-0306-4 PDF ISSN 1913-617X (online) Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Contributors:

Forest health technical specialists (MNRF):

• Vance Boudreau • Kirstin Hicks • Vanessa Chaimbrone • Susan McGowan • Rebecca Lidster • Chris McVeety • Mike Francis • Christine Orchard • Lia Fricano • Kyle Webb • Victoria Hard • Cheryl Widdifield

Scientific and program direction:

• Dan Rowlinson (Field coordination) • Dave Etheridge (Regional coordination) • Dr. Richard Wilson (Pathology leadership) • Bill Towill (Regional coordination) • Dr. Taylor Scarr (Entomology leadership) • Sandra Wawryszyn (Regional coordination)

Insects and disease identification:

• Sylvia Greifenhagen (Ontario Forest Research Institute) – diseases • David Dutkiewicz (Invasive Species Centre) – insects

Reviewing, editing, and compiling maps (MNRF)

• Barry Cooke • Mike Francis • Dan Rowlinson • Richard Wilson • John Johnson • Alvaro Duran Northern Tent Caterpillar larvae

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État de santé des forêts en 2016 -- Sommaire Chaque année, nous surveillons les régions forestières de l’Ontario pour savoir si des perturbations sont causées par des insectes, des maladies et des conditions météorologiques comme le vent ou la sécheresse. La surveillance de la vitalité forestière comprend : • la cartographie des régions pour documenter la superficie touchée et la gravité des dommages • la collecte d’échantillons d’insectes et de maladies pour suivre leurs traces, connaître leur importance, et tout changement survenant aux essences touchées • le constat des parasites propres aux forêts, en particulier les espèces envahissantes ou les parasites qui nuisent à la biodiversité • la réalisation ou l’aide apportée à des projets scientifiques en rapport avec la vitalité forestière • la collecte d’information sur des parcelles de longue durée afin d’évaluer la vitalité de l’écosystème forestier En 2016, les principales difficultés météorologiques ayant des répercussions sur la vitalité des forêts ont été le chablis, la pluie verglaçante et la sécheresse. Le nombre de régions où les feuilles/aiguilles des arbres ont été dévorées par la livrée des forêts a augmenté, tandis que le nombre des régions ayant perdu des feuilles à cause de la tordeuse des bourgeons de l’épinette et de la tordeuse de pin gris a diminué. Dans le Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario, les dégâts provoqués par le longicorne noir ont augmenté dans les régions endommagées par la neige en 2012. Plusieurs autres insectes ont nui aux forêts de toute la province, mais les dommages ont été minimes et localisés. En raison des conditions chaudes et sèches, une plus petite superficie a été touchée par des maladies dommageables pour les feuilles, en particulier dans le Sud. L’agrile du frêne a continué à se répandre et a été trouvé dans le Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario, pour la première fois à Thunder Bay.

4 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Introduction Forest health monitoring in Ontario is conducted as a partnership between the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and Natural Resources Canada – Canadian Forest Service (CFS). The annual forest health monitoring program has five components: • Aerial mapping of major forest disturbances to quantify their extent and severity (e.g., insect outbreaks, weather events, decline, and disease damage) • Biomonitoring through the collection of insect and disease samples to track occurrence, changes in range or host species attacked, or changes in abundance • Undertaking special surveys for pests of interests, particularly invasive species, or pests affecting high value trees, such as plantations or seed orchards • Conducting or supportingesearch r projects in forest entomology, pathology, or weather effects • Monitoring temporary and permanent sample plots to track health of forest ecosystems Forest health monitoring in Ontario includes the occurrence of native, non‐native, and invasive biotic (e.g., insects, disease) and abiotic (e.g., snow and drought damage) disturbances and events. All forested area in the province, regardless of ownership, is monitored and reported on each year. Insect diagnostics were executed through a partnership between MNRF, CFS, and the Invasive Species Centre (ISC), with samples collected identified by ISC staff. The CFS supported insect diagnostics by verifying insect identification, and providing use of laboratory space and access to its insect collection. Disease samples were identified at the Ontario Forest Research Institute (OFRI). Results of the insect and disease collections were entered into the national database managed by CFS. Maps, tables, and graphs were produced from aerial surveys of major forest disturbances. Diplodia tip blight damage Monitoring program results were reported provincially at the Ontario Forest Health Review and nationally at the Forest Pest Management Forum. Final results and analyses are described in this report.

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Weather patterns Weather affects the growth, phenology (timing of different life cycle stages), dispersal, and survival of forest insects. Forest pathogens, especially leaf diseases and needle cast fungi, can be more common during wet or humid periods. Also, extreme weather events such as drought, snowfall, flooding, tornadoes, microbursts, frost, freezing, scorch, and rapid fluctuations in temperature can affect tree health, causing foliage or twig death, or tree decline and mortality. Early 2016 was warmer and drier than normal and in February the weather was variable across the province, but overall precipitation and temperature were in the normal range. March saw the earliest tornado on record in Ontario in Southern Region west of Mount Forest. On March 16, peak winds were between 155 and 175 km per hour, an Enhanced Fujita Scale One (EF1) tornado. This same system brought heavy snow to Northwest Region, with as much as 30 to 40 cm in Thunder Bay area. Temperatures were slightly warmer than normal in March. April was colder than normal and precipitation in the form of snow exceeded that in March. June and July temperatures were close to normal, but it was very dry in the southern part of the province and wetter than normal in the northwest. August weather brought higher temperatures, lots of humidity, and thunderstorms. Despite the thunderstorms, it was very dry in the southern and northeast regions and wet in Northwest Region. The heat continued into September and drought-like conditions persisted in southern Ontario. Almost 25,000 ha of drought damage were mapped in Southern Region in September. Wilting and drying of leaves, premature leaf drop, and discoloured (red) foliage were observed on rocky sites and areas with shallow soils. Warm weather continued in October with higher than normal temperatures. It was still dry in the Drought damage southern part of the province, but eastern Ontario received some relief with wetter than normal conditions. Temperatures in the first half of November were above normal and the lack of precipitation persisted, except for the area around Thunder Bay in Northwest Region. Northern Ontario saw its first snow November 18–19, followed by eastern Ontario November 20–21. December started out warm, but soon cooled and was within two degrees of normal monthly values by the end of the month. Significant amounts of snowfall were seen in snowbelt areas such as Sault Ste. Marie, Grey and Bruce counties, and the Barrie and Muskoka areas. Closer to the New Year, freezing rain occurred across the province. The 2016 weather conditions were not ideal for tree growth and health in Southern Region or southern portions of Northeast Region, but were favourable in the rest of the province. Warm temperatures in late summer and into the fall provided ideal conditions for sun loving sawflies, with several species reported across the province. 6 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Extreme weather and abiotic events In December 2015, an ice storm in Northeast Region caused trees to bend, snap, and be uprooted. Damage was not mapped until July 2016 with total area of damage estimated at 3,569 ha. Most of the damage was along roadways and forest edges, where support for tops bent by the added weight of ice encased branches is lacking. Over five times as much blowdown occurred in Ontario in 2016, compared to 2015, with total area of damage amounting to 11,448 ha. Most of this damage occurred in Northwest Region, with small scattered areas predominantly in the northern part of the northern districts, particularly Red Lake and Sioux Lookout. In Northeast Region only 350 ha of blowdown were mapped in 2016, with 275 ha of it scattered across Chapleau District. No blowdown was recorded in Southern Region. A hail storm occurred in Fort Frances District, Northwest Region. A total of 1,553 ha of damage was mapped 12 km north of the Town of Fort Frances. All species and age classes of trees suffered damage. Most sawfly species thrive in warm temperatures, including balsam fir sawfly, redheaded pine sawfly, introduced pine sawfly, and yellowhead spruce sawfly. The warmer than normal temperatures during summer 2016 improved the fecundity of some of these defoliators. Light defoliation (591 ha) by balsam fir sawfly was aerially mapped in Southern Region and during ground surveys areas of light defoliation were seen in Northeast Region. Redheaded pine sawfly populations were localized in Ice damage Northeast Region, and introduced pine sawfly was recorded in Northeast and Southern regions in 2016. Yellowheaded spruce sawfly was reported in all three regions.

Insect infestations The current jack pine budworm outbreak declined significantly from 21,349 ha in 2015 to 5,085 ha in 2016. Moderate to severe defoliation was aerially mapped beginning in 2004 and peaked in 2006 at 740,116 ha. Total defoliated area declined steadily each year thereafter, reaching a low of 27,765 ha in 2011. Defoliation then increased in 2012 to 61,018 ha and again in 2013 to 83,075 ha. The 2013 defoliation was confined to Sioux Lookout District. In 2014, defoliation was again limited to this district, declining to 22,010 ha. The decline continued in 2015, but by only 661 ha as a new infestation popped up in Northeast Region. In 2016, area of moderate-to-severe defoliation recorded in Northwest Region decreased substantially due to reductions in area affected in Sioux Lookout District, which went from 17,461 ha in 2015 to 662 ha in 2016. Jack pine budworm defoliation was also detected during assessments of jack pine forest health plots in Northwest Region, where light defoliation was observed in plots north Jack pine budworm pupal case 7 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

of Red Lake, Red Lake District. In Northeast Region, the area of mapped defoliation parallelled that mapped in 2015. In 2016, area of defoliation decreased by just over 100 ha. Jack pine budworm was also collected in historically infested areas in the Espanola area, Sudbury District, and north of Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie District. Light defoliation was recorded in jack pine health plots north of Elliot Lake and north of Thessalon near Wharncliffe, Sault Ste. Marie District. At this time, no insect management programs are expected to be undertaken. Aerial spray programs were undertaken during 2006, 2007, and 2009 — the peak years of defoliation — to protect foliage and keep trees alive in selected high value jack pine stands (control programs are reported in the yearly Annual Report on Forest Management). In 2016, 116,023 ha of moderate-to-severe spruce budworm defoliation was mapped in the province. The most recent spruce budworm outbreak in Northeast Region between Sudbury, North Bay, and Temagami collapsed in 2013, with only 253 ha of moderate to severe defoliation occurring, compared to 99,797 ha in 2012. A new infestation totalling 30,317 ha developed in 2014 along the border between Chapleau and Hearst districts and the old outbreak in Sudbury and North Bay districts had a slight resurgence with just over 10,000 ha of defoliation, predominantly in North Bay District. In 2015, the area of moderate to severe defoliation increased considerably in North Bay District to just over 119,000 ha and continued to expand in Chapleau, Hearst, and Sudbury districts. With new defoliation mapped in Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie districts, total area of spruce budworm defoliation amounted to 148,542 ha. In 2016, moderate to severe defoliation decreased slightly in Northeast Region and a small, new infestation was found in Southern Region, but total area of defoliation in the province decreased by 32,665 ha from that recorded in 2015. In Northeast Region, the area of defoliation increased in Chapleau, Hearst, and Timmins districts with a new area of defoliation in Cochrane District. Area of defoliation declined substantially in North Bay and Sudbury districts, and no defoliation was mapped in Sault Ste. Marie District in 2016. In Southern Region, a small area of defoliation was mapped in Balsam Lake Provincial Park, Peterborough District. Susceptible forests of spruce and balsam fir across much of northern Ontario are beginning to reach age classes preferred by spruce budworm (i.e., >40 years). Spruce budworm pheromone trapping and aerial surveys will continue to be carried out to detect any significant increases in populations, which may signal the beginning of the next outbreak. The current forest tent caterpillar outbreak increased by over 400,000 ha in 2016, reaching 1,123,440 ha of moderate to severe defoliation. Most of this (940,399 ha) was Forest tent caterpillar larvae recorded in Northwest Region, where defoliation occurred in all districts. In Northeast Region, area of defoliation increased by almost 100,000 ha, most of it in Hearst District, with new areas of defoliation in North Bay, Kirkland Lake, and Sault Ste. Marie districts. 8 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

The total area of moderate-to-severe forest tent caterpillar defoliation in Northeast Region was 132,135 ha. Area affected by forest tent caterpillar defoliation more than doubled in Southern Region in 2016, with 50,906 ha of damage across six districts. New infestations caused defoliation in five of the six districts, with most defoliation (37,577 ha) mapped in Bancroft District. Other new infestations were recorded in Peterborough, Pembroke, Kemptville, and Algonquin Park districts. The Midhurst District infestation continues to fluctuate and declined by over 19,000 ha to 2,150 ha in 2016. In October 2012, a heavy wet snow event in Northwest Region, predominantly in Red Lake District, caused trees to snap, be uprooted, or bend over. In 2015, whitespotted sawyer beetle damage totalling 926 ha was mapped in this same area. In 2016, the area of whitespotted sawyer beetle damage in this same general area increased to 40,697 ha. Most of the damage was in and around Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, expanding in all directions including to the Manitoba border. This opportunistic beetle attacks recently dead or dying trees, which the 2012 snow event would have created. Larvae spend two years in the host and emerge throughout the summer. The adult beetles feed on the branches of host trees killing branches from the feeding site to the tip. The last large aspen tortrix infestation peaked in 2009 with 81,947 ha of moderate to severe defoliation. Defoliation has not been mapped in the province since 2013. In 2016, 22,587 ha of moderate to severe defoliation was mapped in Northeast Region, mostly in Chapleau District. At times it was mixed with forest tent caterpillar defoliation, making it difficult to differentiate and map. Large aspen tortrix is second only to forest tent caterpillar as an aspen defoliator. Several other insects caused localized defoliation or damage in various parts of Ontario. These occurrences did not develop into provincially significant areas of defoliation, but do contribute to overall forest health concerns.

Forest pathogens and tree decline Most tree pathogens do not cause symptoms over geographic areas large enough to be aerially mapped. Nonetheless, when the damage is exceptionally severe foliar diseases can occasionally be mapped. In 2016, brown spot needle blight was aerially mapped in Sudbury District totalling 100 ha of damage on Scots pine. This year, numerous foliar diseases were reported, including septoria leaf spot on balsam poplar and white birch in Northeast and Northwest regions. With drier weather in the south diseases such as Brown spot needle blight anthracnose were not as prevalent, although in some areas drought may have triggered armillaria root rot.

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Invasive species Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). As of April 1, 2014, areas previously regulated to control EAB in Ontario were consolidated into one large regulated area. The northern boundary of this area extends to areas within the municipal boundaries of Algoma, Sudbury, and Nipissing, and encompasses all areas south of this. The CFIA and MNRF discovered several new locations with EAB in 2014, including new infestations on St. Joseph Island and within Grey, Bruce, Simcoe, and Northumberland counties. Aerial surveys in 2016 showed that cumulative decline and mortality of ash species had reached 242,283 ha, an increase of 4,688 ha over that mapped in 2015. The decline and mortality has spread further east and north in Midhurst District. The Ottawa infestation has spread northwest into Pembroke District and further south in Kemptville District. The infestation has also spread north of Peterborough, Peterborough District. In June, the CFIA confirmed the presence of EAB in the Municipality of Thunder Bay, Ontario. In 2013, as part of a long-term strategy to reduce the effects of EAB, the CFS released biocontrol agents. In Ontario, the larval parasitoid, Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang, native to China, was released at three sites in 2013, four in 2014, five in 2015, and two in 2016, all in Southern Region. In 2015, another parasitoide, Oobius agrili Zhang and Huang, also native to China, was released in four sites and again in 2016 at five sites, also in Southern Region. Follow-up assessments determined that Tetrastichus planipennisi was recovered from the sites where sampling was completed in 2016. It was too early for follow-up sampling to evaluate the establishment of Oobius agrili. On April 5, 2013, CFIA declared Asian long-horned beetle (ALHB) eradicated from Toronto and Vaughan. The declaration resulted following a program aimed at eliminating the pest after it was initially found in the area in 2003. The program involved cutting and chipping infested trees and all potential host trees within 400 m of an infested tree, followed by surveys to determine if any beetles remained. After five consecutive years in which no beetles or infested trees were found during detection surveys, the CFIA declared the pest eradicated. In August 2013, a new infestation of ALHB was found in Mississauga, following the discovery of a beetle on a car. Subsequent surveys by CFIA; the cities of Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton; and MNRF found approximately 25 infested Norway and Manitoba maple trees. Infested trees were found in the area around Lester B. Pearson International Airport, with the exception of one tree found in an adjacent area in the City of Toronto. This infestation was subject to an aggressive eradication program led by the CFIA, which continues to lead the federal detection survey. No new infestations were found in 2016. Beech bark disease, a complex that involves an invasive scale insect and an invasive fungal pathogen, continues to spread in Ontario. In 2016, additional infested sites were found in Sault Ste. Marie, Aurora, and Midhurst districts. Beech scale 10 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Pest index – Major forest disturbances Major forest disturbances occur when an insect, disease, or weather event affects a very large area, is not specific to a region, or has affected more than one region in the past. These disturbances are considered to be of provincial significance.

Common name Scientific name Type Page Asian long-horned beetle Anoplohora glabripennis Motschulsky Insect 23 Balsam fir sawfly Neodiprion abietis (Harr.) 25 Beech bark disease Neonectria faginata (Lohman et al.) Castl. Disease 27 Blowdown n/a Abiotic 29 Brown spot needle blight Mycosphaerella dearnessii M.E. Barr Disease 34 Cedar leafminer complex Various species Insect 36 Drought n/a Abiotic 39 Emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire Insect 43 Fall cankerworm Alsophila pometaria (Harr.) Insect 50 Forest tent caterpillar Malacosoma disstria Hubner Insect 52 Hail n/a Abiotic 60 Ice damage n/a Abiotic 62 Jack pine budworm Choristoneura pinus pinus Freeman Insect 64 Larch casebearer Coleophora laricella (Hubner) Insect 71 Large aspen tortrix Choristoneura conflictana(Wlk.) Insect 74 Septoria leaf spot Mycosphaerella populicola G. E. Thomps. Disease 77 Spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana Clemens Insect 80 Whitespotted sawyer Monochamus s. scutellatus (Say) Insect 87 beetle Whitespotted sawyer beetle damage

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Pest index – Minor forest disturbances Minor forest disturbances are identified regionally using forest health surveys. These disturbances could have local or regional significance to forest health conditions.

Common name Scientific name Type Page Alder flea beetle Altica ambiens LeC. Insect 90 Armillaria root rot Armillaria spp Disease 91 Aspen leafblotch miner Phyllonorycter ontario (Free.) Insect 92 Aspen webworm Pococera aplastella Hulst Insect 93 Balsam gall midge Paradiplosis tumifex Gagne Insect 94 Basswood leafminer Baliosus nervosus (Panz.) Insect 95 Beech scale Cryptococcus fagisuga Linding. Insect 96 Birch leafminer Fenusa pusilla (Lepeletier) Insect 98 Blackheaded birch leaffolder Logiana placidana (Clerck) Insect 99 Cedar applerust Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae Schwein Disease 100 Darkheaded aspen leafroller Anacampsis innocuella (Zell.) Insect 101 Dooks needle blight Lophophacidium dooksii Corlett & Shoemaker Disease 102 Eastern blackheaded budworm Acleris variana (Fernald) Insect 103 Eastern tent caterpillar Malacosoma americanum (F.) Insect 104 Elm leafminer Fenusa ulmi Sund. Insect 105 Entomosporium leaf spot Entomosporium mespili (DC.) Sacc. Disease 106 Fall webworm Hyphantria cunea (Drury) Insect 107 Greenstriped mapleworm Dryocampa rubicunda (F.) Insect 109 Gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (L.) Insect 110 Hypoxylon canker Entoleuca mammatum (Wahlenb.) J.D. Rogers & Y.M. Ju Disease 111 Introduced pine sawfly Diprion similis (Htg.) Insect 112 Japanese beetle Popillia japonica Newm. Insect 113 Linospora leaf blight Linospora tetraspora G.E. Thomps. Disease 114 Maple webworm Pococera asperatella (Clemens) Insect 115 Northern pitch twig moth Retinia albicapitana (Bsk.) Insect 116

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Pest index – Minor forest disturbances

Common name Scientific name Type Page Northern tent caterpillar Malacosoma californicum pluviale (Dyar) Insect 117 Oak lace bug Corythucha arcuate (Say) Insect 118 Oak leafmining sawfly Profenusa lucifex (Ross) Insect 119 Phyllosticta leaf spot Phyllosticta minima (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Underw. & Earle Disease 120 Pine false webworm Acantholyda erythrocephala (Linnaeus) Insect 121 Redheaded pine sawfly Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch) Insect 122 Redhumped oakworm Symmerista canicosta Franc. Insect 123 Shoot blight of aspen Venturia macularis (Fr.:Fr.) E. Mull. & Arx Disease 124 Spruce bud moth Zeiraphera canadensis Mut. & Free. Insect 125 White pine blister rust Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch. Disease 126 Willow flea weevil Isochnus rufipes (LeC.) Insect 127 Yellowheaded spruce sawfly Pikonema alaskensis (Roh.) Insect 128

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Pest index – invasive forest species Invasive forest species are insects or diseases that are not native to Ontario. Invasive species have the potential or proven ability to have deleterious effects on forest health, tree health, ecosystem functioning, or social and economic values.

Common name Scientific name Type Page Asian long-horned beetle Anaplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) Insect 23 Beech bark disease Neonectria faginata (Lohman et al.) Castl. & Rossman Disease 27 Beech scale Cryptococcus fagisuga Linding Insect 96 Birch leafminer Fenusa pusilla (Lepeletier) Insect 98 Emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire Insect 43 Gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (L.) Insect 110 Introduced pine sawfly Diprion similis (Htg.) Insect 112 Japanese beetle Popillia japonica Newm. Insect 113 Larch casebearer Coleophora laricella (Hubner) Insect 71 Pine false webworm Acantholyda erythrocephala (L.) Insect 121 White pine blister rust Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch. Disease 126

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Host index Tree and shrub species mentioned in this report and their scientific names.

Common name Scientific name Common name Scientific name American beech Fagus grandifolia Ehrh. Jack pine Pinus banksiana Lamb. American elm/white elm Ulmus americana L. Largetooth aspen Populus grandidentata Michx. Balsam fir Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. Lombardy poplar Populus nigra L. Balsam poplar Populus balsamifera L. Manitoba maple Acer negundo L. Basswood Tilia americana L. Pin cherry Prunus pensylvanica L. f. Bitternut hickory Carya cordiformis (Wangenh.) K Koch Red maple Acer rubrum L. Black ash Fraxinus nigra Marsh. Red oak Quercus rubra L. Black cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh. Red pine Pinus resinosa Ait. Black spruce Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP Red spruce Picea rubens Sarg. Pinus sylvestris Black walnut Juglans nigra L. Scots pine L. Silver maple Acer saccharinum L. Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa Michx. Speckled alder Alnus incana spp. rugosa (Du Roi) J. Clausen Carolina poplar Populus x canadensis Moench cv. Eugenei Sugar maple Acer saccharum Marsh. Choke cherry Prunus virginiana L. Tamarack/larch Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch Eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. Trembling aspen Populus tremuloides Michx. Eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière White ash Fraxinus americana L. Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar L. White birch Betula papyrifera Marsh. Eastern white cedar Thuja occidentalis L. White oak Quercus alba L. Eastern white pine Pinus strobus L. White spruce Picea glauca (Moench) Voss European larch Larix decidua Mill. Willow species Salix spp. European white poplar Populus alba L. Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall

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Mapped area Major forest disturbances are mapped to quantify current status and analyze trends. The following table outlines total area (ha) of mapped defoliation/damage by severity class for major disturbances in 2016.

Common name Light Moderate-to-severe Tree mortality Area total Balsam fir sawfly 591 - - 591 Blowdown - 11,448 - 11,448 Brown spot needle blight - 100 - 100 Cedar leafminer - 14 - 14 Drought - 24,925 - 24,925 Emerald ash borer - 4,688 - 4,688 Fall cankerworm - 3,853 - 3,853 Forest tent caterpillar 263 1,123,440 - 1,123,703 Hail 1,051 502 - 1,553 Ice - 3,569 - 3,569 Jack pine budworm - 5,085 - 5,085 Larch casebearer - 1,510 - 1,510 Septoria leaf spot - 332 - 332 Spruce budworm 360 116,023 1,165 117,548 Whitespotted sawyer beetle - 40,697 - 40,697

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Major disturbances Provincial overview

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Major disturbances Northwest overview

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Major disturbances Northeast overview

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Major disturbances Southern overview

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Example report – How to read a major disturbance report Each forest health condition report summarizes information Areaabout summaryan event or –disturbancewhere applicable, affecting information the health aboutof Ontario’s the total forests, area including: in which the disturbance caused moderate to severe damage from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF region and district.

Pest/damage information– basic information for the disturbance, including the type of disturbance, origin, host Pest or damage species, area affected that year, and link to a factsheet. information

Key facts – overview of the disturbance, including provincial Key Pest or damage scale information about the disturbance, impacts, and i activity in that year. Regional Regional summary – regional summaries, outlining more summary specific information by MNRF administrative regions (Northwest, Northeast, Southern). Image – a photo of the disturbance or pest.

Outlook – where applicable, an overview of potential future Outlook implications and developments for the disturbance. (where applicable) Trends – where applicable, additional information for the Area summary trend analysis of the disturbance. (where Area summary – where applicable, information about the applicable) total area in which the disturbance caused moderate to severe damage from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF region and Trends district. (where applicable)

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Example map – How to read a map in this document For major disturbances, the forest health condition report contains the following spatial information: Damage map – shows the areas of infestation or damage. Light damage is typically represented in orange, moderate-to-severe damage in red, and mortality in purple. Damage areas are also highlighted with a pink shadow or outline to help the user distinguish small damage areas. Legend – describes the features of the map. Extent map – map of Ontario shows the area of focus outlined in deep red.

Image – a photo of the disturbance or pest Image – a photo of the disturbance or pest

Damage map

Image

Legend

Extent map

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Asian long-horned beetle Pest information Common Name: Asian long-horned beetle Scientific Name: Anaplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) Pest origins: Invasive – Native to Asia Pest type: Wood borer Host species: Birch, elm, hackberry, horse chestnut, Katsura, maple, mountain ash, poplar, silk tree, sycamore or London plane tree, and willow Infestation area: A N Provincial key facts Asian long-horned beetle

• This beetle was first found in 2003 in an industrial park bordering Toronto and the City of Vaughan. • It was possibly introduced to North America by way of wooden pallets, crates, or packaging materials used in shipping. • The lead agency responsible for preventing the entry and spread of invasive insect species is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The CFIA joined with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), the Canadian Forest Service (CFS), City of Toronto, City of Vaughan, York Region, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create a task force focused on controlling the Asian long-horned beetle. • After several rounds of host tree removals and surveys, the Toronto Vaughan infestation was declared to be eradicated. • On September 20, 2013, the CFIA confirmed the presence of Asian long‐horned beetle in an industrial area near Pearson International Airport, Mississauga. • Approximately 25 trees were identified as infested and destroyed. • In early 2014, host trees within 800 metres of infested trees were removed from parks, ravines, and industrial and residential areas of Mississauga and west Toronto. • In 2016, inspection surveys revealed no additional beetles. • As part of eradication efforts, the CFIA established a regulated area in Mississauga and Toronto to prevent the spread of the insect. • This area is approximately 20 square kilometres, bordered in the north by Finch, in the east by Martin Grove, in the south by Hwy 401, and in the west by Dixie. • Restrictions on moving nursery stock, trees, logs, lumber, wood, wood chips, and bark chips from certain deciduous trees identified as hosts of the beetle are in place within the regulated zone. • Agencies currently working collaboratively to eradicate this insect are the CFIA, Canadian Forest Service, OMNRF, and cities of Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton. • More information is available on the CFIA website at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-protection/insects/asian-longhorned-beetle/ eng/1337792721926/1337792820836 Regional summary Southern: • No new infestations were discovered through surveys of host trees carried out in 2016. • Additional surveys will be carried out in 2017.

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Asian long-horned beetle regulated area

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Balsam fir sawfly Pest information Common name: Balsam fir sawfly Scientific name: Neodiprion abietis (Harr.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Balsam fir Infestation area: 591 ha light defoliation

Provincial key facts

• Infestations are more common in eastern Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador) and less frequent in Ontario • Outbreaks occurred in southeastern Ontario in the Ottawa Valley in the early 1940s and 50s as well as the 1960s and early 70s • More than five or six consecutive years of defoliation can result in some mortality, but usually spruce budworm outbreaks occur simultaneously making it difficult to distinguish which insect is the most damaging. • Light defoliation was aerially mapped in Southern Region in 2016. Defoliation was also detected in Northeast Region during an extension call, but was not aerially mapped. • This sawfly prefers the previous year’s foliage. Regional summary Northeast: • In Sault Ste. Marie District, north of Sault Ste. Marie a small area of moderate defoliation was observed during an extension call on Havilland Shores Road, Havilland Twp. Nine understory balsam fir averaged 30% defoliation. Light defoliation (<10%) was also observed on the drive along Havilland Shores Drive. All trees affected were understory balsam fir in a predominantly hardwood stand. Southern: • In 2016, light balsam fir sawfly defoliation was aerially mapped in the southeast corner of Pembroke District (covering 591 ha). Two areas of defoliation were recorded in the district, one larger area in McNab Twp, the other smaller area in Stafford Twp. In the southern end of McNab Twp, light defoliation was recorded between White Lake and Lake Madawaska along Hwy 2 southwest of Arnprior. The smaller area of defoliation was south of Pembroke on the southeast side of Stafford Twp along Snake River Line south of Mud Lake. In both cases, defoliation was observed in the upper crowns of mature balsam fir on the previous years’ (2014 and 2015) foliage. Balsam fir sawfly 25 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

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Beech bark disease Pest information Common name: Beech bark disease Scientific name: Fungus – Neonectria faginata (Lohman et al) Castl. Insect – Cryptococcus fagisuga Lind. Pest origins: Invasive - Native to Europe Pest type: Insect–disease complex Host species: American beech Infestation Area: NA

Provincial key facts Beech bark disease

• Beech bark disease is the result of an insect–fungal pathogen complex that is initiated by the infestation of beech scale on American beech. • As the insect and fungus become established in a stand they reduce growth, deform trees, decrease wood quality and mast production, and can cause premature mortality. • Beech bark disease has been identified across the range of beech in Ontario, as far north as St. Joseph Island, Sault Ste. Marie District. • Three distinct phases of beech bark disease can be observed within Ontario: • Advancing front: beech scale populations have colonized trees and the fungus is not yet present. • Killing front: beech scale populations are high and fungal infections are abundant. The killing front is characterized by heavy levels of tree mortality. • Aftermath forest: disease has passed through but remains endemic. Large remnant trees continue to decline and young trees become infected, disfigured, and gradually decline. • In 2016, beech bark disease was found in one new location in Northeast Region and two in Southern Region.

Regional summary Northeast: • During ground surveys in early August in Sault Ste. Marie District, singular beech trees with beech bark disease were detected on the southwest side of St. Joseph Island along 5th Sideroad. These trees were in severe decline in predominantly sugar maple stands with a minor component of American beech. In the fall, beech bark disease surveys in five locations on the southern part of St. Joseph Island in Jocelyn and Hilton townships indicated the disease was present in all but one location. Three of the four locations had a slight increase in the incidence of beech bark disease and the other had its first incidence. The latter was on Otter Lake Road, Jocelyn Twp, where three overmature beech were diseased. In the other plots the infection rate was less than three trees per plot. Southern: • Beech bark disease has been expanding westward through Midhurst and Aurora districts since the early 2000s and beech is dying in woodlots south of Geor- gian Bay where the disease has been present for several years. • The advancing front of beech bark disease progressed through southern Bruce County in Midhurst District where one large diseased tree was found in a woodlot near Chepstow, approximately 20 km east of Lake Huron. Beech scale was still visible on 60% of the beech in this mixed maple– beech–hemlock forest. • Beech scale and beech bark disease were observed at Bronte Creek Provincial Park near Burlington in Halton Region, Aurora District.

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Beech Bark Disease – Known sites to date Map 1 – Provincial overview, beech bark disease and beech scale sample locations.

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Blowdown

Damage information Common name: Blowdown Scientific name: n/a Pest origins: n/a Pest type: Abiotic Host species: All species Infestation area: 11,448 ha

Provincial key facts

• Blowdown, which is any damage to trees from high winds or extreme weather events, is part of natural processes in forests. The extent and frequency of such damage is sporadic. • More damaged area was recorded in 2016 (11,448 ha) than in 2015 (2,047 ha) or 2014 (3,415 ha). • Most of the damage was mapped in Northwest Region, with only a few hundred hectares of damage reported in Northeast Region.

Regional summary Northwest: • The largest area of blowdown in Northwest Region (6,761 ha) was recorded in Red Lake District, with small scattered areas of damage spread throughout the district. Most of the damage was observed in the north central part of the district; north of McInnes Lake, between Oikagikum and Berens lakes, south of Poplar Hill, and on the east side of Moar Lake near the Manitoba border. Small areas of damage were also recorded in the south central part of the district in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park northeast of Gammon Lake, the Odin Lake area, east of Trout Lake, and at the south end of Pakwash Lake west of Ear Falls. • Blowdown in Sioux Lookout District was predominantly in the south central area. In 2016, 3,080 ha of damage, most of which occurred north of Lake St. Joseph between Pickle and Wright lakes, were aerially mapped. South of Lake St. Joseph, two small pockets of blowdown were recorded: one at the north end of Miniss Lake and the other between Lawson and Armit lakes. Three small pockets were also mapped west of Cat Lake near the Red Lake District border. Blowdown 29 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Regional summary • In Dryden District, three areas of blowdown, totalling 884 ha, were mapped: two north of Dryden on the south side of Gullwing Lake and one south of Shikag Lake. • In Nipigon District, three small areas of blowdown were mapped: two in the northern part of the district, northwest of Ogoki Lake, and one north of Neys Provincial Park. • Only two areas of blowdown were mapped in Thunder Bay District: one in Wabakimi Provincial Park and the other just outside the northwest boundary of the park. • Two small pockets of blowdown were recorded in the northwest part of Kenora District: one on the southwest side of Fletcher Lake and the other east of Rex Lake. Northeast: • Chapleau District had a total of 275 ha of blowdown. Most of it was in Missinaibi Lake Provincial Park on the northwest side of Missinaibi Lake, in Kildare and Barclay townships. The storm that caused this damage occurred in October of 2015 but the damage was not recorded until 2016. Two additional small areas of damage were aerially mapped in Lincoln and Lemoine townships between Foleyet and Nemegosenda River. Another small area was recorded north of Sultan between Sylvanite and Cree Lakes in Denyes Twp. • Cochrane District had 67 ha of blowdown in Kendrey Twp, just southeast of Smoothrock Falls. • In Timmins District, two small areas of blowdown were observed: one southeast of Timmins, south of Nighthawk Lake in Fallon Twp, and the other in the northwest corner of Noble Twp north of Gogama. • On the east side of Hearst District, two small areas of blowdown were mapped west of Fraserdale between the Kapuskasing and Groundhog rivers in the southwest corner of Clay Twp. • A small area of blowdown was observed in Sault Ste. Marie District off Hwy 129 on the edge of Rioux and Villeneuve townships. Jack pine and trembling aspen were blown over and tops snapped off next to an old burn. Aerial surveys revealed that the damage was limited to this area. • Sudbury District had a late season storm resulting in blowdown along Hwy 144 corridor in Cartier and Antrim townships. Damage was evident from Geneva Lake Road north as far as Benny Road, south of Onaping. Blowdown was also reported north of McKerrow on the north side of Agnew Lake in Porter Twp. Neither of these areas was aerially mapped due to late season logistics; they will be revisited in 2017. • On the west side of Kirkland Lake District, blowdown was observed in a young aspen stand west of Gowganda in Milner Twp. This resulted in bent trees over Hwy 560 and on adjacent hills. Another blowdown event affecting a white spruce stand was observed near the town of Kirkland Lake in Maisonville Twp. Roughly 20% of the larger trees in the stand were damaged or uprooted. Both areas of damage were too small to record from the air.

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Total area (in hectares) in which blowdown caused moderate-to-severe damage between 2012 and 2016 by MNRF district.

Region Area of damage (ha) District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Northeast Chapleau - 27 - 4 275 Cochrane - - 7 - 67 Hearst - - 1 - 3 Kirkland Lake - - - - - North Bay 363 - - - - Sault Ste. Marie - 125 152 - - Sudbury 47 - 7 67 - Timmins - - - - 5 Wawa - - - - - Sub total 410 152 168 71 350 Northwest Dryden 538 1,582 292 31 884 Fort Frances - 1,379 792 991 - Kenora 1,651 - 106 488 73 Nipigon - 220 46 277 180 Red Lake 213 189 - - 6,761 Sioux Lookout 622 825 9 72 3,080 Thunder Bay - 42 1,867 117 120 Sub total 3,024 4,236 3,111 1,976 11,098 Southern Algonquin Park - 761 114 - - Aurora - - - - - Aylmer - - - - - Bancroft 19 - 7 - - Guelph - 19 - - - Kemptville 37 - - - - Midhurst 71 - - - - Parry Sound - 7 - - - Pembroke 1,765 102 16 - - Peterborough - - - - - Sub total 1,892 888 136 0 0 Provincial total 5,327 5,276 3,415 2,047 11,448 31 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

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Brown spot needle blight Pest information

Common name: Brown spot needle blight Scientific name: Mycosphaerella dearnessii M.E. Barr. Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Needle blight Host species: Scots pine Infestation area: 100 ha

Provincial key facts

• This disease affects trees of all ages, but is most damaging to seedlings and smaller trees, such as nursery stock and Christmas tree plantations. • Several years of infection can reduce tree growth. Coupled with other factors, such as drought and secondary insect attack, it may result in branch and tree mortality. • In Ontario, Scots pine is most severely affected by this blight. • Localized area of damage found in Northeast Region in 2016. Brown spot needle blight

Regional summary Total area (in hectares) in which brown spot needle blight caused Northeast: moderate-to-severe defoliation between 2012 and 2016 by MNRF district. • In Sudbury District, 100 ha of severe brown spot needle blight Region Area of defoliation (ha) damage was aerially mapped in a Scots pine stand on the west District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 side of Manitoulin Island in Dawson Twp, southeast of Meldrum Northeast Bay. This is the third consecutive year damage has been Sault Ste. Marie 26 167 176 15 - recorded along Hwy 560 between Lily and Loon lakes. Sudbury - - 150 11 100 Sub total 26 167 327 26 100 Southern Parry Sound 141 - - - - Sub total 141 0 0 0 0 Provincial total 167 167 327 26 100

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Cedar leafminer complex Pest information Common name: Cedar leafminer complex Scientific name: Argyresthia aureoargentella Brower, Argyresthia canadensis Freeman, Argyresthia thuiella (Pack), and Coleotechnites thujaella (Kft.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Eastern white cedar Infestation area: 14 ha

Provincial key facts Cedar leafminer complex • Cedar leafminer complex is a group of similar insects that mine cedar foliage, including: • Argyresthia aureoargentella Brower • Argyresthia canadensis Freeman • Argyresthia thuiella (Pack) • Coleotechnites thujaella (Kft.) • The last broad-scale cedar leafminer outbreak occurred in Kemptville District in 2002–07 resulting in top-kill and whole tree mortality. • In 2016, defoliation caused by cedar leafminer complex continued to decline, with only 14 ha of moderate-to-severe defoliation aerially mapped in Kemptville District, Southern Region.

Regional summary Southern: • Defoliation caused by cedar leafminer complex was aerially mapped in Kempville District (14 ha). Moderate-to-severe defoliation was mapped in Philipsville, Bastard Twp in July. During routine ground surveys, light defoliation was reported on hedgerows and open-grown cedar north of Lyndhurst along Young Hill’s Rd., also in Bastard Twp. • In Midhurst District, cedar leafminer complex caused light defoliation at most locations in historically infested areas throughout Grey, Bruce, Simcoe, and Dufferin counties. However, moderate-to-severe defoliation was observed from the ground in several stands of eastern white cedar west of Orangeville, in Dufferin County. By June 27, larval feeding had ceased and adult moths were observed. • Light defoliation caused by cedar leafminer complex was observed in small areas of eastern white cedar scattered throughout Aurora District. • In Aylmer District, moderate-to-severe defoliation caused by cedar leafminer complex was observed during ground surveys on eastern white cedar planted in hedgerows along agricultural fields in areas surrounding Arkona south to Hwy 402 in Municipality of Lambton Shores. Defoliation was also observed in planted rows of eastern white cedar at Leslie M. Dickson Arboretum east of Woodstock along Oxford County Rd. 4. • During routine ground surveys in Guelph District, moderate-to-severe defoliation was reported at the University of Guelph Arboretum in Guelph. Eastern white cedar hedgerows also had moderate-to-severe defolation from Niagara Street in St. Catharines east along Lakeshore Road to Four Mile Creek Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 36 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Total area (in hectares) within which cedar leafminer complex caused moderate-to- severe defoliation from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF district.

Region Area of defoliation (ha) District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Southern Algonquin Park - - - 44 - Aurora 14,051 695 631 - - Aylmer 386 36 - - Bancroft 713 31 231 9 - Guelph 1,020 992 2,199 - - Kemptville 32 - 2 82 14 Midhurst 10,307 3,628 6,567 56 - Parry Sound - - - - - Pembroke 197 - 227 200 - Peterborough 4,165 477 886 120 - Sub total 30,486 6,209 10,780 511 14 Provincial total 30,486 6,209 10,780 511 14

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38 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Drought Damage information Common name: Drought Scientific name: n/a Pest origins: n/a Pest type: Abiotic Host species: Various coniferous and deciduous species Damage area: 24,925 ha

Provincial key facts • In recent years, namely 2001-02, 2006-07, and 2012, forested areas within Southern Region have been subjected to drought. • In 2016, below average precipitation and high temperatures were reported throughout the growing season in the Northeast and Southern regions. These conditions lead to drought stress on various tree species causing symptoms such as wilting and drying of leaves, premature leaf drop, and discoloured (red) foliage. Drought conditions were confirmed by weather data collected across southern Ontario, which indicated deficits in precipitation during the growing season (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 2016). • Drought symptoms were observed during ground surveys conducted in late summer in Northeast Region, but was not mapped in 2016. Similarly in Southern Region, effects of drought were observed during mid-to-late summer ground surveys and damage was identified and mapped during late season aerial surveys.

Regional summary Northeast: • In Sault Ste. Marie District, drought symptoms appeared in late August to mid-September on sites with shallow soils north and west of Sault Ste. Marie Drought in the Harmony Bay and Iron Bridge areas, respectively. Species affected included red oak, white birch, and red maple growing on rocky areas with shallow soils. • In Sudbury District, effects of drought conditions were mainly reported on white and red pine, with some symptoms also evident on white spruce, balsam fir, white birch, and ash. Most affected were coniferous species growing in rocky areas with shallow soils. 39 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Southern: • Most of the drought mapped in 2016 was in Peterborough District (21,632ha). Sugar maple, oak, ash and poplar in areas with shallow soil and rocky outcrops exhibited signs of drought. The majority of this damage was recorded in the northeast part of the district south of Kaladar in Sheffield, Kaladar, Kennebec and Hungerford townships. A smaller area was mapped east of here in Olden Twp northwest of Eagle Lake. Scattered pockets of damage were also seen along the Peterborough/Bancroft district boundary near Burleigh Falls around Stony and Clear lakes. A small area of severe drought damage was recorded in the southern part of the district in Prince Edward County on the south side of Consecon Lake, Ameliasburgh Twp. By mid-July a hardwood stand comprising sugar and silver maple, ash and trembling aspen had severe leaf browning and early leaf drop. Approximately 100 trees were affected. • In Bancroft District, scattered pockets of drought were predominantly in southern areas along or near Peterborough and Midhurst District boundaries with a small area on the east side of the district along the Pembroke District boundary. Most of the damage in the south was grouped in with damage seen in Peterborough District north of Story Lake in in Burleigh and Methuen townships. Smaller areas of damage Total area (in hectares) within which drought caused moderate-to-severe were recorded near the Midhurst District boundary on the west damage from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF district. side of Dalrymple Lake and northeast of Kawartha Lakes south of Four Mile Lake in Somerville Twp. The small area of drought Region Area of damage (ha) mapped on the east side of Bancroft District was northeast of District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Denbigh along the Pembroke District boundary, Denbigh Twp. Northeast • In Kemptville District, 1,034 ha of moderate-to-severe drought Kirkland Lake 458 - - - - damage affecting many tree species was aerially mapped northwest of Fergusons Falls in Lanark Twp. Damage to North Bay 1,150 - - - - coniferous species on the northern banks of Upper Rideau Lake Sudbury 5,180 - - - - east of Westport, North Crosby Twp was detected during ground Sub total 6,788 0 0 0 0 surveys. Northwest • A small area (113 ha) of moderate-to-severe drought damage Fort Frances 70 - - - - was also mapped east of Renfrew, just south of Hwy 17, Pembroke District; numerous hardwood species were affected. Kenora 2,215 - - - - • In Guelph District, drought damage was reported on various Sub total 2,285 0 0 0 0 tree species, particularly in Niagara Region on rocky sites of Southern the Niagara Escarpment and the Niagara River Glen in areas Algonquin Park 7,411 - - - - between St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Queenston, and Niagara Falls. Many broadleaf tree species, including sugar Bancroft 21,290 - - - 2,146 maple, basswood, Norway maple, and red oak, had symptoms of Kemptville 29,367 - - - 1,034 damage. In most cases, these trees were located in natural forest Parry Sound 76,039 - - - - stands or were open-grown, urban boulevard trees. Pembroke 18,407 - - - 113 • In Parry Sound District, drought damage was not aerially mapped Peterborough 13,020 - - - 21,632 but was reported on roadside trees in the northern part of the district. Both coniferous and deciduous species on shallow soils Sub total 165,534 0 0 0 24,925 were affected. Provincial total 174,607 0 0 0 24,925 40 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Departure from Average Precipitation (Ontario Region) April 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016

< -120 mm -120 to -100 mm -100 to -80 mm -80 to -60 mm -60 to -40 mm -40 to -20 mm -20 to 0 mm 0 to 20 mm 20 to 40 mm 40 to 60 mm 60 to 80 mm 80 to 100 mm 100 to 120 mm > 120 mm Extent of Agricultural Land Lakes and Rivers

Produced using near real-time data that has undergone initial quality control. The map may not be accurate for all regions due to data availability and data errors.

Prepared by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s National Agroclimate Information Service (NAIS). Data provided through partnership with Created: 11/01/16 Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and many Provincial agencies. www.agr.gc.ca/drought

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Emerald ash borer Pest information Common name: Emerald ash borer Scientific name: Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire) Pest origins: Invasive – Native to Asia Pest type: Wood borer Host species: Ash spp. Infestation area: 4,688 ha

Provincial key facts Emerald ash borer • Since it was discovered in Windsor in 2002, emerald ash borer (EAB) has been a significant threat to ash in Ontario. • By 2013, EAB was well established in many municipalities in Aylmer and Guelph districts; throughout the Greater Toronto Area and east to Durham Region; north to Lake Simcoe, Aurora District; several locations in Peterborough District; in Sault Ste. Marie; in Ottawa; and in Leeds, Grenville, Prescott, and Russell in Kemptville District. • Due to new discoveries in previously uninfested areas in Ontario in 2013, the CFIA expanded the regulated area in 2014 to include all areas south of Montreal River, Sault Ste. Marie District, and across to the Quebec border. • In 2014, EAB continued to spread, moving from Windsor north to Tobermory and east to Niagara, outward from the golden horseshoe, Ottawa, and Brockville, along the northern shore of Lake Ontario following the Hwy 401 corridor, and east from Sault Ste. Marie to St. Joseph Island. • In 2014, MNRF conducted an EAB detection program outside the regulated area, coordinated with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This program focused on green prism trap deployment in high risk areas, such as provincial parks and camp sites in Northwest and Northeast regions. No insects were captured. • In 2015 and 2016, aerial mapping was carried out to determine the advancing front of the insect in southern Ontario. Findings were that ash between satellite infestations are affected and that complete infestation throughout central Ontario is inevitable as is already the case in Aylmer , Guelph, and Aurora districts. • In 2016, 4,688 ha of ash decline and mortality were aerially mapped along the advancing front in Southern Region. Extensive ground surveys were used to confirm the infestation boundaries. Also reported were the first find of emerald ash borer in Northwest Region and the continuing expansion of the original Northeast infestation.

Regional summary Northwest: • In June the CFIA confirmed the presence of EAB in the Municipality of Thunder Bay, Ontario. This was the first find of the insect beyond the current regulated area. Larvae were detected in 12 ash trees and adult beetles were captured on green prism traps deployed in the city. Additional symptomatic trees were identified within a one kilometre buffer around the epicentre of the known infestation. 43 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Northeast: • In Sault Ste. Marie District, EAB has spread to larger trees in the original area near A-line on St. Joseph Island, Jocelyn Twp. Not far from this area, a small stand of young ash trees at the south end of Huron Line were infested. Epicormic shoots and woodpecker activity were observed on ash trees and further investigation revealed several larvae, which diagnotics confirmed as EAB. Also on St. Joseph Island one larva was found on D-line west of Richards Landing and more decline is appearing on the northwest side of the island. Mortality of ash trees has also increased in the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

Southern: • In 2016, 2,100 ha of ash decline and mortality were mapped in three distinct areas in Midhurst District. The largest area was on the west side of the district along Lake Huron between Sauble Beach and Southampton. A smaller area just south of here in MacGregor Point Provincial Park was also recorded. Scattered pockets of ash decline and mortality were also noted in the central part of the district south of Meaford in St. Vincent and Euphrasia townships. On the eastern side of the district, small areas of decline and mortality were mapped on the west side of Lake Simcoe between Orillia and Barrie in Oro Twp as well as a small extent in Rama Twp on the east side of Lake St. John and Mud Lake in the Lake Couchiching area near the junction of Hwy 169 and 3rd Line. During ground surveys, EAB infested trees were discovered at Blue Mountains on the eastern edge of Grey County, creating the link from Wasaga Beach on Georgian Bay in Simcoe County. • In Pembroke District, almost 2,000 ha of ash decline and mortality were observed between Arnprior and Renfrew in McNab and Total area (in hectares) in which emerald ash borer caused ash mortality and Horton townships. The infested area paralleled Hwy 17 and the decline from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF district Ottawa River. Region Area of mortality and decline (ha) • On the northwest side of Kemptville District, 550 ha of mortality and decline were mapped. The area was split between the Mississippi District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Lake area north of Perth in Drummond Twp and northwest of Northeast Almonte along the Mississippi River in Pakenham Twp. Sault Ste. Marie - - 108 - 0 • Small areas of ash decline and mortality were aerially mapped on Sub total 0 0 108 0 0 the northwest side of Peterborough District. These areas were Southern in and north of the Town of Lindsay, northwest of Bobcaygeon along Hwy 36, and on either side of Eel Creek Harvey Twp, on the Aurora - - 166 6,092 0 southwest side of Peterborough and south of Campbellford along Aylmer 1,410 56,908 15,076 2,149 0 the Trent Severn Waterway. Bancroft - - - - 3 Guelph 2,812 27,963 23,347 29,468 0 Outlook Kemptville 328 192 4,548 1,021 557 • EAB continues to spread in all directions within Southern Ontario and is moving from forests with a high percentage composition of Midhurst - - - 2,336 2,127 ash spp. (>30%) to more diverse forests with lower compositions Pembroke - - - 80 1,942 of ash spp. (5-10%). As a result, the perceived impact in areas with Peterborough - 5 93 190 59 lower compositions of ash is lessened; damage remains severe, Sub total 4,550 85,069 43,230 41,337 4,688 however, on a much smaller percentage of the forest composition. EAB is expected to spread across the entire range of ash, causing Provincial total 4,550 85,069 43,338 41,337 4,688 widespread ash mortality in Ontario. 44 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

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Fall cankerworm Pest information Common name: Fall cankerworm Scientific name: Alsophila pometaria (Harris) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Various hardwoods, with preference for basswood, Manitoba maple, black walnut, white ash, and oak spp. Infestation area: 3,853 ha

Provincial key facts

• Important early season defoliator of hardwood trees that is known to reach epidemic proportions throughout its range in North America. • Distribution of this pest is believed to coincide with the range of basswood in Ontario. • In North America, it has an outbreak cycle with large populations present for two or three years and then a sharp decline for five to eight years. • Fall cankerworm was aerially mapped in Southern Region in 2016.

Regional summary Southern: • Over 90% of the moderate-to-severe fall cankerworm defoliation mapped in 2016 was in Guelph District. Defoliation was predominantly in small scattered pockets from the Dundas/Hamilton area stretching southeast, along the Niagara Escarpment, to the town of Lincoln, just west of St. Catharines. A few larger areas of defoliation were recorded in and around Ancaster, with another area mapped west of Brantford. Moderate-to-severe defoliation was also observed on Manitoba maple, green ash, and silver maple in Guelph District along the Grand River between Cayuga and York in Haldimand County. • The remainer of the moderate-to-severe defoliation mapped was in Aurora District on the northwest end of Lake Ontario. This was an extension of the Guelph District infestation. Moderate-to-severe defoliation was recorded on black walnut, Manitoba maple, and oak along Hwy 403 west of Burlington. During ground surveys light defoliation was observed on black locust at the Royal Botanical Gardens as well as in a black walnut/white oak plantation west of Hwy 6 and Old Guelph Road. Light defoliation was also recorded north and south of Hwy 403 at the junction of Fall cankerworm Waterdown Rd. 50 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

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Forest tent caterpillar Pest information

Common name: Forest tent caterpillar Scientific name: Malacasoma disstria (Hubner) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Various deciduous species Infestation area: 1,123,440 ha Forest tent caterpillar Provincial key facts • On average, forest tent caterpillar outbreaks have occurred every ten to twelve years in Ontario, with outbreaks generally continuing for three to five years. • Forest tent caterpillar prefers sugar maple and oak in the southern part of the province and trembling aspen in northern areas, but is found on a variety of deciduous species. • Cumulatively, the area of moderate-to-severe defoliation in the province increased by 65% in 2016. • Forest tent caterpillar defoliation was aerially mapped in all three regions in 2016.

Regional summary Northwest: • Over a third of moderate-to-severe forest tent caterpillar defoliation in Northwest Region occurred in Dryden District. Except for three areas, most of the district had some defoliation. No defoliation was seen in the northwest part of the district between Lac Seul and Route Lake; the south central part of the district south of Ignace to the Fort Frances District boundary; and the eastern part of the district from Brightsands and Seseganaga lakes to the Thunder Bay District boundary. • Kenora District had areas of moderate-to- severe defoliation, predominantly on the east side of the district from the City of Kenora to the Dryden District boundary. Small scattered areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation were also recorded along the Manitoba border in the northwest corner of the district from Umfrevill Lake to the southern part of Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. During ground surveys, light defoliation was observed south of Sioux Narrows on Hwy 71 to Fort Frances District. • Most moderate-to-severe defoliation in Sioux Lookout District was recorded in the southern part of the district from Lake St. Joseph to Minnitaki Lake south of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout. Small areas of defoliation were also mapped north of Lake St. Joseph in the Bamaji, Cat, and Badesdawa/Collishaw lakes areas.

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• In Red Lake District, the bulk of moderate-to-severe defoliation was mapped in the southern part of the district around larger lakes such as Red, Gullrock, Medicine Stone, Pakwash, and Confusion. A few other large areas of defoliation were recorded between Kirkness and Pikangikum lakes. Smaller areas of defoliation were scattered across Woodland Caribou Provincial Park from Optic Lake in the south to Onepine Lake in the north. Scattered pockets of defoliation were also noted at the northeast end of Trout Lake, in the Noble Lake area, and east to Birch Lake near the Sioux Lookout District boundary. • Defoliation in Fort Frances District was scattered across the district from Caliper Lake in the northwest to the northwest part of Quetico Provincial Park in the east. Small areas of defoliation were observed along the north and east sides of Rainy Lake as well as to the north between Pipestone and Bat lakes. Several areas of defoliation were also recorded around Manitou Lake and Lawrence and Hector lakes in the northern part of the district. Between Mine Centre and Atikokan, scattered areas of defoliation were also seen along Hwy 11. Areas of defoliation were also mapped north of Atikokan near Marmion and Companion lakes. In Quetico Provincial Park, most of the defoliation was mapped between McAlpine and Jesse lakes in the north central part of the park with small patches seen near Bearpelt Lake in the northwest and along the southeast side of Pickerel Lake in the northeast part of the park. • The decline of forest tent caterpillar continued in the northern part of Nipigon District, but new areas of defoliation were seen in the southern part. Most (65%) defoliation was in new areas on the northeast side of Black Bay Peninsula south of Nipigon and east of Lake Helen, north of Nipigon. Only a small remnant of defoliation was observed in the Albany River area in the northern part of the district. • Thunder Bay District had the least area of moderate-to-severe defoliation in Northwest Region. Defoliation was mapped along Hwy 17 just north of Lac des Mille Lacs up to the community of Upsala. Northeast: • The largest area of defoliation in the region was recorded in Hearst District, where the affected area almost tripled in 2016. Moderate-to-severe defoliation was observed in the central part of the district following the Hwy 11 corridor from Fauquier in the east to Nagagami River in the west, just west of Calstock, almost the full width of the district. Defoliation stretched both north and south of Hwy 11. The northern extent reached up into Missinaibi Provincial Park, while in the south defoliation was recorded as far as Saganash Lake on the east side of Kapuskasing River. • In Sudbury District, most of moderate-to-severe defoliation was recorded along Hwy 17 starting in Nairn Centre and extending west beyond the town of Massey, with the bulk of the defoliation in the Espanola area. Moderate-to-severe defoliation was also evident on Hwy 6 south of Espanola in small areas on Manitoulin Island. Scattered areas of defoliation were also recorded north of Sudbury from Blezard Valley to north of Cartier. The largest areas of defoliation in this stretch were seen at Windy Lake, Rayside Balfour, and Vermillion Lake. • Most of the moderate-to-severe defoliation in Kirkland Lake District was in the northern portion from Kirkland Lake to the junction of Hwy 11 and Hwy 101 near Matheson. Smaller areas of defoliation were seen to the north in McCool Twp south of Lake Abitibi. Small areas of defoliation were also observed in the southern part of the district south of Elk Lake along Hwy 65 in the Mountain lake area Barber and Tudhope townships. • In North Bay District, moderate-to-severe defoliation was mapped predominantly in the northern part of the district along Hwy 11 between Martin River and Latchford, with the bulk of defoliation in the Temagami area. Small scattered pockets were also recorded south of Cobalt on the west side of the southern part of Lake Temiskaming. In the southern part of the district, a stretch of sugar maple between Hwy 17 and Lake Nipissing west of North Bay had moderate-to-severe defoliation in Commanda Twp. • Moderate-to-severe defoliation in Timmins District was in the northern part of the district in and around the City of Timmins, with most on the north side of Hwy 101 in Mountjoy and Jessop townships. Small scattered areas of defoliation were also noted north of Kamiskotia Lake, on the northwest side of the district along Malette Lumber Road south of Fortune Lake in Fortune and Enid townships, and the far north part of the district in Geary, Wilhelmina, and Mahaffy townships. 53 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

• This was the first year since 2003 that forest tent caterpillar was mapped in Sault Ste. Marie District. Most of the moderate-to-severe defoliation was recorded on the west and east sides of the district. On the east side, moderate-to-severe defoliation was seen along Hwy 17 corridor in Spragge and Lewis townships, spilling over into the Sudbury District in Shedden Twp. Small scattered pockets of defoliation were just east of Cutler to the Sudbury District boundary. Larger pockets of defoliation were seen between Spragge and Serpent River close to the turn off to Elliot Lake. Individual stands were also defoliated (moderate-to-severe) west of Algoma Mills in Striker Twp along the Northshore Yacht Club Road. On the west side of the district, moderate-to-severe defoliation was observed east of Sault Ste. Marie in MacDonald Twp and Garden River Reserve, west and east of Echo Bay. The majority of defoliation was seen in Garden River Reserve on Echo River Road (trembling aspen) and along the hillside in the Belleau Lake area (sugar maple). Smaller areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation on trembling aspen were also recorded on the east side of Laird and Tarbutt townships, south of the main area of defoliation. On St. Joseph Island, five small areas of sugar maple had forest tent caterpillar defoliation, three in the central portion of the island (Jocelyn Twp) and two smaller areas in the northwest corner (St. Joseph Twp). Two lesser areas of defoliation were also mapped north of Sault Ste. Marie in sugar maple stands in Vankoughnet and Tupper townships northeast of Goulais River. Another small area north of Sault Ste. Marie had moderate defoliation, but was not aerially mapped. This area was along Hwy 17 on the cusp of Mile Hill in Aweres Twp, south of Goulais River. • Over 1,000 ha of moderate-to-severe defoliation was recorded in the southern part of Cochrane District. Most of this defoliation was in scattered areas along the Hwy 11 corridor, but concentrated around Smooth Rock Falls, west of the junction of Hwy 655 and Hwy 11 in Bradford Twp and south of the Town of Cochrane in Fournier and Lamarche townships. Southern: • In 2016, Bancroft District had almost 75% of all the moderate-to severe forest tent caterpillar defoliation in Southern Region. The largest area of defoliation was mapped in the southeast part of the district in North Frontenac County, with pockets of moderate-to-severe defoliation spread from Bon Echo Provincial Park along Hwy 41, east to Crotch Lake, and most of the defoliation mapped in Clarendon Twp, south from Miller Twp to the Peterborough District boundary. The second largest area of defoliation was in the central part of the district along Hwy 28 around Eels Lake and Silent Lake Provincial Park extending north to the southwest corner of McClure Twp. Smaller, more scattered areas of defoliation were mapped between the two larger areas in Wollaston and Limerick townships in the area of Wollaston and Limerick lakes. • In the northeast corner of Peterborough District, areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation of various hardwoods were mapped across Central Frontenac County, which were extensions from the larger infested area north in Bancroft District. Defoliation was reported along Hwy 7 in Kennebec and Olden townships. Small patches of defoliation were also reported along Hwy 15 to Puzzle Lake Provincial Park, and along Long Lake, Hinchinbrooke Twp. • In the southern part of Pembroke District, scattered pockets of moderate-to-severe defoliation were observed between Pembroke and Arnprior. North and south of Renfrew small areas of defoliation were mapped in Horton, McNab, Bagot, and Adamston townships. Small areas of defoliation were also recorded along the Hwy 60 corridor near Eganville on the north side of Mink Lake and the northwest side of Golden Lake. South of Eganville a moderately sized area of defoliation was seen between Hwy 64 and the south side of Clear Lake, Sebastopol Twp. Between Pembroke and Cobden, small areas of defoliation were also observed along the Madawaska River in McNab Twp. Also, damage was recorded east and west of Renfrew, southeast of the City of Pembroke, along Hwy 60 in Deacon North of Golden Lake, and in small patches in Ross and Wilberforce townships. • In Midhurst District, after six years the Grey and Bruce county infestations declined to 2,100 ha of moderate-to-severe defoliation just in Grey County. Most of this defoliation was in Keppel Twp east of the Town of Wiarton. Small areas of defoliation were also mapped in St. Vincent Twp west of Meaford and in the adjacent township to the south, Euphrasia Twp. 54 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

• On the west side of Kemptville District, moderate-to-severe Total area (in hectares) within which forest tent caterpillar caused defoliation was recorded in small scattered areas. West of Perth, moderate-to-severe defoliation from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF district. several areas of defoliation were mapped between Pike, Christie, and Bennett lakes in South Sherbrooke, Burgess, and Bathurst Region Area of defoliation (ha) townships. Additional areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 were reported in North Sherbrooke and Dalhousie townships in Northeast the Dalhousie Lake area, which are an extension of the Bancroft Chapleau - - - 132 - District infestation. North of Carleton Place and Almonte, Cochrane - - - 29 1,188 defoliation was also recorded in Ramsay, Darling, and Pakenham townships. Hearst - - 1,031 36,444 100,990 Kirkland Lake - - - - 5,845 • One small area of forest tent caterpillar defoliation was recorded on the northeast side of Algonquin District on the south side of North Bay - - - - 5,778 Grand Lake, Barron Twp. Sault Ste. Marie - - - - 3,468 Sudbury - - - 25 10,539 Timmins - - - 443 4,327 Wawa - - - 1,239 - Sub total 0 0 1,031 38,312 132,135 Northwest Dryden 963 37,100 185,878 169,564 386,518 Fort Frances - - - 8,693 20,980 Kenora 2,087 36,738 61,857 53,974 197,292 Nipigon 14,811 48,371 64,913 147,945 1,504 Red Lake - 9,724 24,079 38,036 139,046 Sioux Lookout 196 59,898 114,242 87,316 186,838 Thunder Bay - - 8,228 116,466 8,221 Sub total 18,056 191,832 459,197 621,994 940,399 Southern Algonquin Park - - - - 18 Bancroft - - - - 37,577 Guelph 34 - - - - Kemptville - - - - 2,007 Midhurst 9,626 3,794 8,638 21,339 2,150 Pembroke - - - - 2,560 Peterborough - - - - 6,594 Sub total 9,660 3,794 8,638 21,339 50,906 Provincial total 27,716 195,626 468,866 681,645 1,123,440 55 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

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Hail damage Damage information Common name: Hail damage Scientific name: N/A Pest origins: N/A Pest type: Abiotic Host species: All spp. Infestation area: 1,553 ha

Provincial key facts • Hail occasionally causes severe damage, ranging from damaged bark and foliage to tree mortality, to Ontario’s forested stands. • Hailstones can rip and shred foliage, defoliate branches, and tear away smaller branches. • Depending on its size, hail can damage a tree’s underlying vascular tissues and tear bark on both the upper surface of branches and the windward side of the main trunk, affecting the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients from roots to limbs, twigs and foliage. Wounds from branch tearing and bark damage often become entry sites for insects and diseases. • In late June 2016, a major hail event occurred in Ontario’s Northwest Region.

Regional summary Northwest: • In Fort Frances District, 1,553 ha of forest surrounding Wegg and Boffin lakes, 12 km north of the Town of Fort Frances, experienced hail damage. Just over a third of the damage was severe; the rest was light. All species and age classes of trees suffered damage ranging from crown and bark damage to mortality. Another area of hail damage was reported 45 km east of Fort Frances, south of Barber Lake, affecting stands of 30 year old jack pine. This area was not mapped in 2016. After a hail event, beetle activity as well as incidence of tree diseases often increases so this area will continue to be monitored for forest health issues.

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Ice damage Damage information Common name: Ice damage Scientific name: NA Pest origins: NA Pest type: Abiotic Host species: All spp. Infestation area: 3,569 ha

Provincial key facts • Ice damage, which is any damage to trees from freezing rain or extreme cold weather events, is part of natural processes in forests. Its frequency of occurrence is sporadic and extent of damage is highly variable. • A 2-day ice storm in December 2015 in Northeast Region resulted in more than 3,500 ha of ice damage on a variety of trees, mainly along major highway corridors. Damage included trees snapped off at the upper crown as well as lower branches on the main bole. Some trees were uprooted but the most common damage was bent over trees along stand edges or major highway corridors.

Regional summary Northeast: • In Chapleau District, 3,127 ha of ice damage was aerially mapped in the southern part of the district. Damage was recorded around the town of Sultan, on the western edge of Wakami Lake Provincial Park, and along Hwy 129 south of Chapleau down to the Wenebegon Lake area. Small scattered areas of damage were also observed east of the Town of Chapleau in McNaught, Lackner, and Halcrow townships close to Lackner and Bain lakes. • In the central part of Timmins District, 422 ha of ice damage was recorded along Hwy 144 from Kenogamissi Lake in the north to just south of Gogama. The largest concentration of damage was in Stetham Twp on the west side of Stetham Lake near Mattagami Lake. Ice damage 62 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

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Jack pine budworm, jack pine forest health plots and pheromone trapping Pest information Common name: Jack pine budworm Scientific name: Choristoneura pinus, pinus Freeman Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Jack pine and eastern white pine Infestation area: 5,085 ha

Provincial key facts

• Outbreaks occur in Ontario every eight to 10 years. • Large-scale control programs have been undertaken to protect high value jack pine stands during an outbreak. The most recent control program was in 2009, as reported in that year’s annual report on forest management. • Area of moderate-to-severe defoliation decreased in Northwest Region, but relatively the same in Northeast Region compared to 2015. • During ground surveys larvae were collected in areas in Northeast Region that had historically been infested. • Low levels of jack pine budworm defoliation were recorded in jack pine forest health plots in Ontario in 2016.

Regional summary Jack pine budworm

Northwest: • Defoliation was mapped in Nipigon and Sioux Lookout districts in 2016. • In Nipigon District, defoliation was in the same general area where recorded in 2015, with a slight increase in total area mapped in 2016. Increases were seen in the Patte Lake area along the Sioux Lookout District boundary and between Grace and Howells lakes. These are all near the Albany River system. • A decrease of almost 17,000 ha of moderate-to-severe defoliation was seen in Sioux Lookout District in 2016. A small area of moderate-to- severe defoliation was mapped on the eastern edge of the district northeast of Pickle Lake in the Monmonawson Lake area. This is the same part of the district that was infested in 2015. The infestation in Nipigon District extended into the Sioux Lookout District in the Patte Lake area along the district boundary. 64 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Northeast: • In Sault Ste. Marie District, for the second consecutive year moderate-to-severe defoliation was mapped between Blind River and Elliot Lake. Most of the defoliation was at the junction of McGiverin, Esten, Long, and Spragge townships. The bulk of the defoliation occurred in the first two townships. Two other areas were mapped on the southeast end of Matinenda Lake in the central portion of Mack Twp. Most of the defoliated trees were semi-mature to mature jack pine, ranging from 75 to 100% defoliation. Some defoliation (10-30%) was evident on eastern white pine. Younger, intermediate size eastern white pine had the highest defoliation at 30%. Jack pine budworm larvae were collected in Sagard Twp, with low levels of defoliation observed from the ground. • In Sudbury District, jack pine budworm larvae were collected in Merrittt Twp along Jacklin Road where jack pine budworm had historically been found. Defoliation was not visible but some flower clusters were being fed on.

Jack pine forest health plots In the mid-1990s, plots were established in jack pine stands across Northeast and Northwest regions to monitor and study the effects of jack pine budworm and the overall health of jack pine forests across northern Ontario. A total of 112 plots (52 in Northeast Region, 60 in Northwest Region), comprising 5,600 jack pine trees, were assessed in 2016. The trees were rated for the presence of any pest, disease, or abiotic factors that affect health/condition as well as the abundance of male flowers.

Regional plot summary In Northeast Region, 76% of the live jack pine trees were less than 25% defoliated, while in the Northwest Region 77% were less than 25% defoliated. Over 96% of the tops of live jack pine trees were healthy in both regions. A total of 77 trees in jack pine plots in Northeast Region died in 2016. This mortality was caused mostly by armillaria root rot (36%) or snow and ice damage (29%). Western gall rust, wood borers, and abiotic factors such as blowdown contributed to the remaining mortality. A total of 49 trees in jack pine plots in Northwest Region died in 2016. Most (71%) of the mortality was caused by armillaria root rot. Bark beetles, blowdown, and snow damage accounted for most of the remaining mortality. Surveys revealed a large number of male flowers in Northeast Region in 2016. In Northeast Region over 78% of the live jack pine trees assessed in 2016 had moderate-to-high numbers of male flowers. In contrast, in Northwest Region more than 75% of the trees assessed had nil-to-moderate numbers of male flowers . In 2016, four plots in Northeast Region showed signs of jack pine budworm defoliation. All four were located in Sault Ste. Marie District: three in relative proximity of one another in Sagard and Vance townships and the fourth in Wells Twp just north of Wharncliffe. The highest average defoliation was in plot 11, Sagard Twp, but was still relatively low at 12%. In Northwest Region, four plots showed signs of jack pine budworm defoliation. All of those plots were located in Red Lake District: two in the Nungesser and Kirkness lakes area and the other two on Zimring and Sidace Lake roads. Overall, defoliation was light with the plot near Kirkness Lake having the highest average defoliation of 5%. A total of 1,375 jack pine trees were affected by forest health factors other than budworm, including western gall rust, sweet fern blister rust, and abiotic factors such as drought, blowdown, and snow damage. The most damaging agent in both regions was western gall rust. A total of 800 trees, most (652) of which were in Northeast Region, had some level of gall rust but damage was minimal. 65 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Outlook Jack pine budworm pheromone trapping was carried out across the province in 2016. Traps were deployed at 83 locations: 38 in Northwest Region, 37 in Northeast Region, and eight in Southern Region. Trap catches increased in 2016, with the largest increases in Northeast Region. In Sudbury District three locations averaged over 50 moths per trap. In Northwest Region the highest average moths per trap (13.5) were observed in Sioux Lookout District. Southern Region catches were highest in Parry Sound District in Archipelago Twp with 22 moths per trap. Jack pine budworm has historically been found there.

Total area (in hectares) within which jack pine budworm caused moderate-to-severe defoliation from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF district.

Region Area of defoliation (ha) District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Northeast Sault Ste. Marie - - - 2,520 2,403 Sudbury 4,356 - - - - Sub total 4,356 0 0 2,520 2,403 Northwest Nipigon - - - 1,368 2,020 Sioux Lookout 11,955 83,075 22,010 17,461 662 Sub total 11,955 83,075 22,010 18,829 2,682 Southern Parry Sound 44,708 - - - - Sub total 44,708 0 0 0 0 Provincial total 61,018 83,075 22,010 21,349 5,085

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Larch Casebearer Pest information Common name: Larch casebearer Scientific name: Coleophora laricella (Hubner) Pest origins: Invasive Native to Europe Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Larch (tamarack) Infestation area: 1,510 ha

Provincial key facts • Larch casebearer was introduced to North America in Massachusetts in 1886 and was detected in Ontario in 1905. • It is a serious defoliator of tamarack, with defoliation in Ontario peaking in 2003 at 16,839 ha. Defoliation in Southern Region has been mapped annually since 2001. • In 2016, moderate-to-severe defoliation caused by this pest declined for the second consecutive year. • Small, scattered areas of defoliation were recorded in Southern Region.

Regional summary

Southern: • Seventy percent of the area of moderate-to-severe defoliation mapped in Southern Region was in Guelph District. In the northeast corner of the district, a recurring population was reported at Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area south of Luther Lake, along 4th Line and East West Luther Townline, in the town of Grand Valley. • Two areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation were reported in the western part of Kemptville District. Both areas were near Perth, with the largest area south between Otty and Lower Rideau lakes in Elmsley Twp, and the smaller area west along Hwy 7 in Bathurst Twp. Larch casebearer

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• In the northeast part of Peterborough District, larch casebearer Total area (in hectares) within which larch casebearer caused caused moderate-to-severe defoliation along Hwy 7. One small moderate-to-severe defoliation from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF district. area was mapped east of Madoc, just northeast of the east end of Moira Lake. Small areas of defoliation were also noted in Arden Region Area of defoliation (ha) and Mountain Grove near Buck Lake and at the junction of Hwy 7 District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 and North/Mountain Grove Road. Ground surveys also confirmed Northeast scattered patches of light defoliation across Peterborough County, Cochrane - - 3 - - but this was not aerially mapped. Hearst - - 1,008 - - • Small areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation were also mapped in Kirkland Lake - - 15 - - the southeast corner of Bancroft District. Defoliation was recorded in Bon Echo Provincial Park west of Hwy 41, and east of Big Gull Lake North Bay 146 - - - - in southern Clarendon Twp. Sault Ste. Marie - - 34 - - • In Pembroke District, 52 ha of moderate-to-severe defoliation were Timmins - - 296 - - aerially mapped, mostly in the Round Lake area in Richards and Sub total 146 0 1,355 0 0 Hagarty townships. Smaller areas were observed in Gratton Twp, Southern along Hwy 41 south of Eganville, and along Hwy 60 between Golden Algonquin Park 34 - 57 63 - and Wilber lakes, Wilberforce Twp. Aurora 449 258 445 - - • In Midhurst District, moderate-to-severe defoliation was not aerially mapped, but during ground surveys it was observed in areas Aylmer - - 47 3 - previously affected. Defoliation was reported south of the Village of Bancroft 526 89 105 811 80 Varney, and again north of Mount Forest at Side Rd 10 and Hwy 6, Guelph 563 942 1,369 19 1056 in West Grey, Grey County. A small roadside pocket of tamarack was Kemptville 478 1,093 1,463 86 196 defoliated north of Holland Centre along Hwy 10 in Chatsworth Twp, Midhurst 1,163 1,928 2,666 661 - Grey County. In Simcoe County, moderate-to-severe defoliation was reported in Minesing Wetland, Springwater Twp, and east of Angus Parry Sound - 5 51 42 - along Hwy 90, Essa Twp. Defoliation was also reported on incidental Pembroke 805 143 929 4 52 trees in the Main Tract of Dufferin County Forest, Mulmur Twp. Peterborough 705 1,028 1,154 179 126 • Larch casebearer was also detected during ground surveys in Aylmer Sub total 4,723 5,486 8,287 1,869 1,510 District. Southeast of London a small pocket of moderate-to-severe Provincial total 4,869 5,486 9,643 1,869 1,510 defoliation was observed on 80 to 90% of all European larch at the junction of Elgin Road and Hwy 401 in Thames Centre, Middlesex County.

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Large aspen tortrix Pest information Common name: Large aspen tortrix Scientific name: Choristoneura conflictana (Wlk.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Trembling aspen, white birch Infestation area: 22,587 ha

Provincial key facts • Large aspen tortrix is second only to forest tent caterpillar as an aspen defoliator. Large aspen tortrix adult • It is an early season defoliator that prefers trembling aspen but, if aspen are completely defoliated before larvae finish feeding, it will feed on other trees and shrubs (e.g., birches, alder, and choke cherry). • This pest has periodic outbreaks, with sharp increases and quick decreases after two to three years of moderate-to-severe defoliation. • Moderate-to-severe defoliation by large aspen tortrix was aerially mapped in Northeast Region and this defoliator was detected, but not mapped in Southern Region.

Regional summary

Northeast: • The majority of moderate-to-severe defoliation mapped in Northeast Region was in Chapleau District. Defoliation was recorded from the central part of the district to the east side along the Timmins District boundary. The largest areas of defoliation were north and west of the Town of Foleyet in Oswald, Nova, Lemoine, and Foleyet townships. Smaller areas were also recorded south and west of here in Ivanhoe, Carty, and Sherlock townships. Another larger area of defoliation was north of the town of Chapleau in the Racine and Henderson lakes areas. South of Chapleau defoliation was also recorded on the west side of Nemegos Lake. Scattered areas of defoliation Large aspen tortrix damage 74 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

were also seen between Sultan and Ramsey predominantly north of Total area (in hectares) within which large aspen tortrix caused the railway. Larger areas were recorded in the Cree Lake area north of moderate-to-severe defoliation from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF Sultan as well as in the Opeepeesway Lake area. A couple of smaller district. areas were mapped on the west side of Wakami Lake in Wakami Provincial Park. Region Area of defoliation (ha) • In Timmins District, moderate-to-severe defoliation was aerially District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 mapped on the northwest side of the district, an extension of the Northeast Chapleau infestation. Larger areas of defoliation were observed Chapleau - - - - 19,521 north of Dana Lake, in Whitesides and Carscallen townships, and Hearst - - - - 86 along the border of Melrose and Reeves townships in the Groundhog River Waterway area. Another medium sized area of defoliation was Sudbury 3,521 - - - - recorded at the south end of Bromley Lake, Frey Twp. Timmins - - - - 2,980 • At the southeast edge of Hearst District, small scattered areas were Sub total 3,521 0 0 0 22,587 found with moderate-to-severe defoliation on the west side of the Provincial total 3,521 0 0 0 22,587 Groundhog River on the west side of the Northern Claybelt Complex Forest Conservation Reserve. • In Sault Ste. Marie District, light-to-moderate defoliation was observed in a small overmature trembling aspen stand north of Searchmont in Hodgins Twp. A few larvae were also found in a semi- mature stand north of Echo Bay. Defoliation was severe, but most of this defoliation was caused by forest tent caterpillar. Neither of the above locations were aerially mapped in 2016.

Southern: • In Kemptville District, large aspen tortrix was causing moderate-to- severe defoliation on mature trembling aspen stands east of Ottawa in the Mer Bleue Conservation Area, along the Prescott and Russel Link Trail, Gloucester Twp. • In Pembroke District, moderate-to-severe defoliation on mature trembling aspen was reported southeast of Eganville along McLarty Road, Bromley Twp.

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Septoria leaf spot Pest information Common name: Septoria leaf spot Scientific name: Mycosphaerella populicola G. E. Thomps. on balsam poplar and Septoria betulae Pass. on white birch Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Foliar disease Host species: Balsam poplar, white birch Infestation area: 332 ha (2016 on balsam poplar)

Provincial key facts • Common fungal disease of poplar and birch. • Commonly infects leaves, but can also cause branch and main stem cankers, particularly on hybrid poplar. • Normally prevalent in wet and humid weather conditions. Fallen leaves re-infect new leaves the following year. • Trees may lose vigour after repeated severe infections, causing them to be more susceptible to other pests and pathogens. • Recorded in Northwest and Northeast regions in 2016.

Regional summary

Northwest: • Moderate-to-severe foliage damage from septoria leaf spot was reported in Red Lake District. High levels of septoria leaf spot (Mycosphaerella populicola G. E. Thomps.) were observed on mature balsam poplar along Longlegged Lake Road west of Ear Falls, resulting in premature leaf drop. • In Dryden District, high levels of septoria leaf spot causing low-to-moderate damage were observed throughout the district. The disease was collected on Suzanne Lake Road where it caused 50 to 80% damage to the foliage of balsam poplar. Septoria leaf spot of birch (Septoria betulae Pass.) was observed on small roadside white birch along Hwy 599, north of Ignace. • In Sioux Lookout District, septoria leaf spot was commonly seen along the sides of Hwy 516 and Hwy 642, causing low-to-moderate damage to balsam poplar foliage. Septoria leaf spot • On the east side of Kenora District, high populations of septoria leaf spot of birch were recorded causing moderate damage. 77 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Northeast: • In 2016, septoria leaf spot damage (balsam poplar) was aerially mapped on the east side of Chapleau District. On the northeast side of the district small scattered areas of damage were seen northwest of Foleyet. In the southeast, small areas of damage were also recorded south of the Sultan Road and east of Wakami Lake Provincial Park. • In Cochrane District, small areas of septoria leaf spot damage (balsam polar) were seen in the southwest corner of the district. Most of this damage was south of Smooth Rock Falls. • On the east side of Timmins District, septoria leaf spot damage on balsam poplar was mapped in early August. Small stands of balsam poplar were infected north of Shining Tree up to Austen Lake, Hincks Twp. • Small areas of damage were reported on balsam poplar in the southeast part of Hearst District west of Northern Claybelt Complex Forest Conservation area on the west side of the Groundhog River. • During ground surveys, septoria leaf spot was collected in White River, Dubreuilville, and Manitouwadge in Wawa District. In each area surveyed, septoria was observed on balsam poplar causing moderate-to-severe damage to the foliage. • In Sudbury District, young white birch had septoria leaf spot in the northwest part of the district. The most affected areas were Olinyk and Moses townships along the West Branch Road.

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Spruce budworm Pest information

Common name: Spruce budworm Scientific name: Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Balsam fir and white spruce Infestation area: 116,383 ha

Provincial key facts

• Outbreaks occur periodically after the primary host, balsam fir, reaches 40 years of age. • Outbreaks can last several decades and may result in extensive mortality to balsam fir and spruce. • Spruce budworm is one of the most damaging native insects affecting fir and spruce in Ontario. • Area of moderate-to-severe spruce budworm defoliation in the province declined slightly in 2016. Most defoliation was mapped in Northeast Region, with a small area in Southern Region. • In 2016, spruce budworm killed over 1,000 ha of trees.

Regional summary

Northwest: • During ground surveys, light spruce budworm defoliation was recorded on open-grown young white spruce off Longlegged Road, west of Ear Falls, Red Lake District.

Northeast: • A major decrease in area of moderate-to-severe defoliation was seen in North Bay District in 2016 (>110,000 ha) while increases and new areas of defoliation were observed in the northern districts. Spruce budworm moth

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• Almost 70% of all moderate-to-severe defoliation in the region was recorded in Chapleau District. The bulk of the defoliation was recorded in the northeast corner of Chapleau District, northeast of Kapuskasing Lake, stretching northeast to southern portions of Hearst and Cochrane districts as well as the northwest side of Timmins District. Two small areas of defoliation were mapped south of Hwy 101: one at the north end of Ivanhoe Lake in Ivanhoe Twp and the other at the south end of Rush Lake, Marion, Genoa, Mallard, and Eric townships. • An increase of more than 14,000 ha of moderate-to-severe defoliation was recorded in Hearst District. Most of the extension of the Chapleau District infestation was mapped in the southeast corner of Hearst District along the Chapleau/Hearst district boundary in Buchan, Lisgar, Watson, Poulett, and Aitken townships. Smaller areas of infestation were recorded north of these townships along the Groundhog River in the southwest corner of Hicks Twp and in Oke Twp northwest of Manning Lake and north of Oke Lake. • A major decline in area of moderate-to-severe spruce budworm defoliation, from 119,184 ha in 2015 to 8,995 ha in 2016, was seen in North Bay District. Scattered pockets of defoliation were observed, predominantly in the northeast corner of the district running along the Quebec border and, to a lesser extent, north and northeast of North Bay. In the northeast corner of the district, larger pockets of defoliation were mapped north and south of the town of Cobalt in Hudson, Firstbrook, Bucke, and Lorrain townships. Smaller areas of damage were seen between Latchford and Temagami in Coleman, Gillies Limit, Brigstocke, Best, and Strathy townships. Smaller areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation were also observed northeast of North Bay along the corridor of Hwy 63 to the Quebec border in Wyse, Poitras, Eddy, Butler, Phelps, and Widdifield townships. North of North Bay a few scattered areas of defoliation were seen in Merrick and Blyth townships. During ground checks, light defoliation (<25%) was observed in areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation mapped in 2015, but these were not detected from the air in 2016. Defoliation was very patchy and varied from tree to tree. • In Timmins District, area of moderate-to-severe defoliation increased over 8,000 ha in 2016, mainly in the northeast corner of the district from expansion of the Chapleau infestation. Most of the defoliation was recorded west of Kamiskotia Lake to the corner of the Hearst and Chapleau district boundaries, in Fortune, Enid, Cote, and Byers townships. Smaller areas of defoliation were also observed between Manning Lake and Jocko Creek in Wilhelmina, Geary, and Mahaffy townships. • New areas of spruce budworm infestation were found in Cochrane District. Small scattered pockets of moderate-to-severe defoliation were mapped in the southwest corner of the district south of Hwy 11 and west of the Mattagami River. Most of the defoliation was near Laidlaw and Return lakes in Kirkland and Laidlaw townships, as well as north to Sydere Twp. Smaller areas of defoliationwere noted in Haggart, Bradburn, Mabee, Dargavel, and Aubin townships. • Area of moderate-to-severe defoliation also decreased in Sudbury District. Small areas of defoliation were mapped in the central part of the district as well as on the southeast end of Manitoulin Island. In the central part of the district, defoliation was mapped on the north side of Agnew Lake, Hyman Twp; west of Fairbank Lake in Drury and Trill townships; and northeast of the town of Cartier, in Cartier Twp. On Manitoulin Island, several small areas of defoliation were recorded north of South Baymouth in Tehkummah, Assiginack, and Sandfield townships. • In Sault Ste. Marie District, spruce budworm defoliation was not mapped in 2016 but during ground surveys light defoliation was observed on the northern end of St. Joseph Island and near Little Rapids. Shrivelled larvae and unspent, parasitized, larval cases were found on St. Joseph Island. Small areas of moderate defoliation were observed on white spruce at the north and east end of the City of Sault Ste. Marie. • Over 1,000 ha of mortality caused by spruce budworm were mapped in North Bay District. This mortality occurred between North Bay and Tilden Lake in the area of Hwy 11 corridor in Widdifield, Merrick, Blyth, Notman, Lyman, and Gladman townships. Most of the killed trees were balsam fir.

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Southern: • A small area (146 ha) of moderate-to-severe defoliation was mapped in Peterborough District. Defoliation was recorded in a balsam fir stand along the road entrance to Balsam Lake Provincial Park, Kawartha Lakes Twp. Average defoliation in the stand was 51%. Outlook • In 2016, spruce budworm pheromone traps were deployed in 62 locations across the province. Overall moth catches were higher in 2016 than in 2015. Northeast Region traps averaged 117 moths per trap, while Northwest Region moth catches were low, averaging 9.7 moths per trap. Seventy-five per cent of Southern Region traps averaged over 100 moths per trap.

Total area (in hectares) within which spruce budworm caused moderate- to-severe defoliation from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF district.

Region Area of defoliation (ha) District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Northeast Chapleau 147 - 20,158 21,167 78,629 Cochrane - - - - 3,025 Hearst - - 9 1,134 15,761 North Bay 10,889 173 9,240 119,184 8,995 Sault Ste. Marie - - - 3,952 - Sudbury 87,819 80 911 2,368 549 Timmins - - - 736 8,918 Sub total 98,855 254 30,317 148,542 115,877 Southern Parry Sound 943 - - - - Peterborough - - - - 146 Sub total 943 0 0 0 146 Provincial total 99,797 254 30,317 148,542 116,023

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Whitespotted sawyer beetle

Pest information Common name: Whitespotted sawyer beetle Scientific name: Monochamus s. scutellatus Say Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Wood borer Host species: Jack pine Infestation area: 40,697 ha

Provincial key facts • Whitespotted sawyer beetle is one of the most widely distributed and common wood borers in North America. • It is found on recently dead or dying trees. • The larval tunnel damage it causes downgrades lumber value. Whitespotted sawyer beetle larvae • Larger populations often occurnear other forest disturbances, such as blowdown, drought, multiple years of defoliation, fire, and cutovers. • This beetle is often confused with the invasive Asian long-horned beetle. • In 2016 whitespotted sawyer beetle damage was aerially mapped in Northwest Region and reported on during ground surveys in Northeast Region. The area it affected increased by almost 40,000 ha in 2016.

Regional summary

Northwest: • In Northwest Region, almost all of moderate-to-severe damage caused by whitespotted sawyer beetle was in Red Lake District. In 2012, a heavy snow event resulted in uprooted and downed trees. Subsequent to the snow damage, blowdown and forest fires occurred in the same general area, which provided abundant food for the sawyer beetle. Damage in and around Woodland Caribou Provincial Park expanded in all directions from the 2015 infestation. The bulk of the damage was in the central part of the park near Larus and Sabourin lakes. Smaller areas of damage were close to Young Lake and between Murdock and Knox lakes. Scattered areas of damage were also Whitespotted sawyer beetle damage 87 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

observed in the southern part of the park near Gammon, Domain, Total area (in hectares) within which whitespotted sawyer beetle caused and Aegean lakes. In the north part of the park areas of damage moderate-to-severe damage from 2012 to 2016 by MNRF district. were observed on the northwest side of Cairns Lake. Along the Manitoba border in the park, sawyer beetle damage was recorded Region Area of damage (ha) between Carroll and Artery lakes. East of the park, damage was District 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 mapped on the east side of Trout Lake, between Trout Lake and Northeast Rathouse Lake, and south of Valhalla Lake. Small scattered areas of damage were also seen between Nungesser, Pikagikum, and Timmins - - 28 - - Nechigona lakes. North of the park, small areas of damage were Sub total 0 0 28 0 0 noted around Barton Lake, north of Schutze Lake, and south of Northwest Donaldson Lake. Dryden - - - 34 - • In Kenora District, moderate-to-severe damage was mapped in Kenora - - - - 1,650 the upper northwest corner of the district. Four small pockets of Red Lake - - - 892 39,047 damage were mapped directly west and northwest of Routine Lake. The remaining damage was mapped within Woodland Sub total 0 0 0 926 40,697 Caribou Park north of Snowshoe Lake. Provincial total 0 0 28 926 40,697 Northeast: • In Timmins District, for the third consecutive year larvae were found in mature jack pine during ground surveys in Kettle Lakes Provincial Park. In Westbrook, Garvey and Garibaldi townships light branch flagging from whitespotted sawyer beetle adults feeding was observed along Hwy 560 south of Gogama.

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Alder flea beetle Pest information Common name: Alder flea beetle Scientific name: Altica ambiens (LeC.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Alder Infestation area: N/A

Provincial key facts

• Defoliation can be severe, but seldom lasts more than one or two years. • Infestations are short lived and long between outbreaks. • Defoliation looks similar to scorch as the larvae skeletonize leaves. • Aesthetically unpleasing, but very few long lasting effects. • Defoliation was localized in Southern Region in 2016.

Regional summary

Southern: • In Bancroft District high numbers of alder flea beetle larvae and adults were observed feeding on new foliage of alder. in the Hastings Highlands and South Algonquin areas. Moderate-to-severe (50-90%) defoliation was observed on fringe trees along Hwy 127 and Hwy 62, between the towns of Maynooth and Madawaska.

Alder flea beetle

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Armillaria root rot

Pest information Common name: Armillaria root rot Scientific name: Armillaria spp. Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Root rot Host species: Various coniferous and deciduous species Infestation area: N/A

Provincial key facts • Found throughout North America, armillaria root rot is a serious fungal disease that causes tree mortality and contributes to significant wood volume losses in both hardwood and softwood stands. • This fungus is present in the soil and affects trees that are stressed by other biotic and abiotic factors. • In forest stands, mortality can be seen in individual trees or groups of trees in a circular pattern due to root grafting between adjacent trees. • In 2016, armillaria root rot was reported in all three regions. All affected trees were softwoods, except for red oak in Northeast Region (infected with Armillaria calvescens). Armillaria mycelial fans Regional summary Northwest: • In Thunder Bay District, a sample was submitted from a small, dead white spruce found near Pass Lake in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Armillaria was also common at the old tree nursery in Rosslyn Twp near the City of Thunder Bay, with many of red pine saplings succumbing to the disease. Northeast: • In North Bay District, a red pine stand in Loudon Twp, on the west side of Lake Nipissing, was in decline with some mortality caused by armillaria root rot. Surveys revealed 90% of the trees were infected and 15% had died. • In Sudbury District, armillaria root rot was found in a mature white pine stand, in the Noelville area, at the border of Martland and Cosby townships. Infected were standing dead trees that also had pine engraver beetle and white-spotted sawyer beetle damage. • In Sault Ste. Marie District, a small pocket of oak mortality was detected in a stand of mature to overmature red oak on St. Joseph Island in Hilton Twp. Ten dead trees were recorded on Baseline just south of Hilton Beach. All dead trees had armillaria root rot and a few other trees were in slight decline. An early frost in 2015, which affected many red oak (late flush), followed by drought-like conditions in 2016 may have contributed to the armillaria- related mortality. Southern: • In Parry Sound District, armillaria root rot was reported in a white pine stand in the Dorset area. Eighty-five per cent of the trees surveyed had armillaria. At Bruce County Forest in Midhurst District, in a group of 10 dead spruce on dry sandy soils armillaria fruiting bodies were present on one tree at time of survey. At Skinner’s Bluff in Grey County, 10 white birch were observed in decline, with some whole tree mortality and fruiting bodies and rhizomorphs present. In Meaford Municipality, near Massie Hills Conservation Area, armillaria was found on one dead sugar maple and one large dead American beech. These trees are stressed due to soil compaction, drought, and shallow soils leaving them susceptible to disease organisms. 91 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Aspen leafblotch miner

Pest information Common name: Aspen leafblotch miner Scientific name: Phyllonorycter ontario (Free.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Trembling aspen Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Aspen leafblotch miner is the most common leafminer in Ontario. • It prefers young trembling aspen and largetooth aspen. • Larvae form blotch mines between the upper and lower surface of leaves to feed and pupate. • Blotches are not always visible from the top of the leaf when larvae first develop. • Tree mortality is rare, but repeated infestations could reduce tree health and growth rate. • Only reported on in Northeast Region and seemed less abundant in 2016 than in 2015.

Regional summary Northeast: • Trembling aspen defoliation was recorded on the western side of Timmins District. Moderate to severe defoliation was observed in August and September in scattered pockets throughout the area. Only 50% of trees were affected; affected trees were small (< five metres tall), and individual tree defoliation ranged from 25 to 75%. Aspen leafblotch miner

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Aspen webworm Pest information Common name: Aspen webworm Scientific name: Pococera aplastella (Hlst.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Trembling aspen Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• This insect occurs across southeastern Canada, but is most prevalent in central regions. • It feeds on a variety of hardwoods. • Heaviest infestations occur in more open parts of tree crowns in the most exposed positions in the stand. • Aspen webworm populations have been observed during previous forest tent caterpillar infestations. • Reported only in Northeast Region in 2016.

Regional summary Northeast: • During ground surveys aspen webworm was found in leaves webbed together by large aspen tortrix in Racine and Lloyd townships, Chapleau District. Very little damage was evident beyond the effects of tortrix . • In Wawa District, light defoliation was found near Manitouwadge in Leslie Twp. Aspen webworm

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Balsam gall midge Pest information Common name: Balsam gall midge Scientific name: Paradiplosis tumifex Gagne Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Balsam fir Infestation area: N/A

Provincial key facts

• Occurs throughout the range of balsam fir in Ontario. • Larvae feed inside galls on internal tissue of current year needles from June until the fall causing them to dry out, turn yellow, and drop prematurely. • Balsam gall midge is a concern to the Christmas tree industry. • Infestations generally last two to three years, with repeated infestations reducing growth but not killing host trees. • Balsam gall midge was found in Northwest Region, causing moderate damage to new growth of balsam fir.

Regional summary Northwest:

• In Thunder Bay District, moderate levels of balsam gall midge were found in a mixedwood stand in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park along a five kilometre access trail north of Pass Lake. Damage was light on new growth of co- dominant balsam fir. • Balsam gall midge was also found near Windigokan Lake in Nipigon District. The insect was not widespread, but affected much of the new growth on younger balsam fir. Balsam gall midge

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Basswood leafminer Pest information Common name: Basswood leafminer Scientific name: Baliosus nervosus (Panz.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Basswood Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Basswood leafminer is a pest distributed throughout the native range of basswood in Ontario. • Feeding damage can reach moderate-to-severe levels and when defoliation occurs over two to three consecutive years may cause branch dieback and decreased tree vigour. • Basswood leafminer is known to attack all Tilia species, with basswood being the primary host. Typically, the heaviest feeding occurs on understory trees and low in the crown of larger trees. • For over ten years, moderate-to-severe defoliation has been observed in small areas across the western portion of Southern Region in Aurora, Midhurst, Guelph, and Aylmer districts. • In 2016, the pest was observed in Southern Region in Aylmer and Midhurst districts. Basswood leafminer

Regional summary

Southern: • In Aylmer District, defoliation caused by basswood leafminer occurred in woodlots with a component of basswood. Moderate-to-severe defoliation of young, understory, and fringe basswood was observed at Pittock Conservation Area in Woodstock, Oxford County, and at John E. Pearce Provincial Park south of Wallacetown in Elgin County. Additionally, moderate-to-severe defoliation of mature, fringe basswood and severe defoliation of young, understory basswood was observed at County Line Forest north of Newbury on the boundary of Lambton and Middlesex counties. • In Midhurst District, basswood leafminer defoliation was observed in several areas including some that were previously infested. Moderate-to-severe defoliation was detected on basswood at the Ontario Tree Seed Facility in the Town of Angus, in Essa Twp. Moderate-to-severe defoliation of young roadside basswood occurred along Concession 6 south, Municipality of Meaford in Grey County. Basswood leafminer has historically been found throughout most of Simcoe County but in 2016 moderate-to-severe defoliation was only reported along Carlyon Road, east of Coldwater in Oro Medonte Twp. In western Midhurst District, moderate-to-severe defoliation of fringe basswood was observed in areas adjacent to Sauble Falls Provincial Park in Sauble Beach, Municipality of South Bruce, Bruce County. The most southern location that basswood leafminer was observed in Midhurst District was in the Glammis area of Municipality of Kincardine in Bruce County. At this location, several young edge trees were lightly defoliated. 95 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Beech scale Pest information Common name: Beech scale Scientific name: Cryptococcus fagisuga Linding. Pest origins: Invasive – native to Europe Pest type: Sucking insect Host species: American beech Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts • First found in Canada in 1890s in Halifax, Nova Scotia,. • First found in Ontario in 1966 in Elgin County along the north shore of Lake Erie. • Predisposes beech trees to beech bark disease. This disease significantly affects beech tree vigour and can kill them. • Recorded in Northeast and Southern regions in 2016.

Regional summary

Northeast: • In 2016, five areas were surveyed on St. Joseph Island. Almost 60% of the trees surveyed had light infestations of this invasive scale; one percent had high, 25% had moderate, and the remaining 14% had trace levels of scale. This is the third consecutive year that scale populations declined in Sault Ste. Marie District. Southern: • This invasive scale insect has been established in eastern and central Midhurst District since the early 2000s. New detections in 2016 were along the western advancing front of the insect through Bruce County towards Lake Huron. A collection was made at Doper Road near Chepstow, in Brockton, where several trees were heavily infested with scale and had raised cankers caused by beech bark disease fungus. Beech scale was also identified west of Teeswater on Side Rd 20 in the Municipality of South Bruce, where high populations Beech scale were detected in an upland hardwood stand. Approximately 30 American beech trees in

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a woodlot west of Howdenvale in South Bruce Penninsula had trace to heavy scale levels. In South Bruce Peninsula, trace levels of scale were reported on trees in a woodlot east of Sauble Falls Provincial Park. Moderate levels of scale were observed in Brockton near Glammis at County Rd 1 and Concession 14, and trace levels were detected along Bruce Couty Rd 20 in a nearby Saugeen Conservation Authority woodlot. The most westerly detection of the scale insect occurred in south Bruce County along Side Rd 25 near Underwood in Kincardine, with individual trees lightly infested. Light scale levels were also detected along Bruce County Rd 6 from Teeswater west to Holyrood in Huron Kinloss Twp. • Beech scale continues to expand westward from established populations in the eastern portion of Aylmer District, with several new locations identified in 2016. Moderate levels of scale were identified at Lake Whittaker Conservation Area, near Belmont in Elgin County, as well as Meadowlily Woods in London. The most westerly record of beech scale to date was reported on young American beech trees at Sharon Creek Conservation Area near Delaware in Middlesex Centre, Middlesex County. Trace-to-light levels of scale were observed here. Trace levels of scale were also observed at Southwold Earthworks National Historic Site near Iona in Elgin County. No evidence of the beech bark disease fungus was seen at these locations during the surveys. • Scale populations continue to expand throughout all counties in Guelph District. Light-to-moderate scale levels were observed at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area south of Grimsby, Regional Municipality of Niagara, and at Shakespeare Conservation Area east of Stratford in Perth County. Moderate-to-heavy scale levels were reported at Eramosa Karst Conservation Area in Stoney Creek, City of Hamilton. No evidence of the beech bark disease fungus was observed at either location during the surveys.

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Birch leafminer Pest information Common name: Birch leafminer Scientific name: Fenusa pusilla (Lepeletier) Pest origins: Invasive: native to Europe Pest type: Defoliator Host species: White birch Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Birch leafminer was first found in Quebec in 1929. • The first outbreak in Ontario occurred in 1939. • Damage is more severe on open grown white birch. • It has two to four generations per year. • In Canada, this leafminer can be found from Newfoundland to Alberta. • Localized defoliation was seen in Northeast Region in 2016.

Regional summary

Northeast: • In the northeast corner of Sudbury District, defoliation was recorded on young understory white birch along West Branch Road south of Alces Lake, Olinyk Twp. Lower levels of defoliation were seen in the northwest portion of Sudbury District. • In Sault Ste. Marie District, birch leafminer was common in the southeast portion of the district. Young and semi-mature white birch were severely defoliated in Cobden Twp from Deans Lake to Blind River along the Hwy 17 and Mississagi River corridors. All of the birch were affected, with defoliation ranging from 70 to 100%. This was the second consecutive year that birch leafminer was reported in this area.

Birch leafminer

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Blackheaded birch leaffolder Pest information Common name: Blackheaded birch leaffolder Scientific name: Acleris logiana (Clerck) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: White birch Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• This insect is one of the most common defoliators of birch trees in Ontario. • Not a major pest in Ontario, but it has been recorded in several areas across the province. • In the early 1980s this insect was reported in low numbers in the northeast, northwest, and southern regions of Ontario. • In 2016, this leaffolder was observed in Northeast Region.

Regional summary

Northeast: • Blackheaded birch leaffolder was found in Wawa District in early September from the Town of Wawa south to Michipicoten Harbour area and west to Hwy 519. The larvae were found in folded leaves feeding on approximately 50 to 75% of white birch, with defoliation ranging from 10 to 30%.

Blackheaded birch leaffolder

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Cedar apple rust

Pest information

Common name: Cedar apple rust Scientific name: Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae Schwein. Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Foliar fungal disease Host species: Eastern red cedar Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• The causal pathogen of this disease requires a second host, apple, to complete its two-year life cycle. • As with other fungal diseases, cedar apple rust is often more prevalent in years when precipitation is abundant in spring. • In 2016, cedar apple rust was reported in Aylmer and Guelph Districts in Southern Region.

Regional summary

Southern: • In Aylmer District, the conspicuous fruiting bodies of this fungus were observed in small scattered pockets of open-grown eastern red cedar in various locations in western Elgin and Middlesex counties. • In Guelph District, fruiting bodies were observed on eastern redcedar that were open-grown and along the edges of county roads around Conestogo Lake in the Township of Mapleton, Wellington County.

Cedar apple rust

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Darkheaded aspen leafroller

Pest information Common name: Darkheaded aspen leafroller Scientific name: Anacampsis innocuella (Zell.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Largetooth aspen, trembling aspen Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• A native pest often found feeding on aspen alongside other species of leafrollers and tiers. • Historically this pest has not caused extensive defoliation, but has often been found in high numbers in North America. • The darkheaded aspen leafroller is one of three common native leafrollers referred to as early aspen leafroller complex. • Prior to 2015, the darkheaded aspen leafroller was last documented in 2006 to 2008 as part of an early aspen leafroller complex that defoliated trees in scattered patches in Northwest Region. • In 2015 and 2016, it was only found in one district in Southern Region where it caused moderate-to-severe defoliation.

Regional summary Southern: • For the second consecutive year, larvae were observed in Guelph District on a small cluster of young, open-grown largetooth and trembling aspen east of the community of McIntosh at the intersection of Tollgate Rd and Huron-Bruce Line Darkheaded aspen leafroller in Howick Township, Huron County. Average defoliation was over 50%.

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Dooks needle blight

Pest information Common name: Dooks needle blight Scientific name: Lophophacidium dooksii Corlett&Shoemaker Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Needle blight Host species: Eastern white pine Infestation area: N/A

Provincial key facts

• The first report of Dooks needle blight in Ontario was from a collection in 1979 near McCreight’s Dam, north of Thessalon, Sault Ste. Marie District. • Since then, reports of this disease have been periodic, with the last major event in 2009 causing widespread browning of eastern white pine in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. • Consecutive years of infection may weaken and stress the tree, increasing its susceptibility to secondary pests and diseases. • It was not as prevalent in Ontario in 2016 as in previous years. Dooks needle blight Regional summary

Northeast: • Dooks needle blight was reported in a few small areas in North Bay District. These areas were limited to Ferris Twp, south of North Bay, and Strathy Twp north of Temagami. Intermittent semi-mature eastern white pine trees along road sides were infected, with up to 60% damage to needles.

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Eastern blackheaded budworm

Pest information Common name: Eastern blackheaded budworm Scientific name: Acleris variana Fern. Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: White and black spruce Infestation area: N/A

Provincial key facts

• The eastern blackheaded budworm is often confused with spruce budworm. • Its preferred host is balsam fir, but it is also found on spruce and hemlock. Eastern blackheaded budworm • Outbreaks have occurred in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and Maritime provinces but not in Ontario. • Localized populations occur in Ontario with little damage. • In 2016 it was found in Northwest Region.

Regional summary Northwest: • In Red Lake District, light defoliation was observed north of the Town of Red Lake. Defoliation ranged from five to 20% on roadside and understory spruce. Affected trees ranged from young to semi-mature spruce in a jack pine-dominated forest stand. The damage was observed throughout the forest health jack pine plots north of Red Lake, with more damage to trees in the more northerly plots.

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Eastern tent caterpillar

Pest information Common name: Eastern tent caterpillar Scientific name: Malacosoma americanum (F.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Hardwood species Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts • Eastern tent caterpillar populations fluctuate year to year. • Usually defoliates roadside cherry and apple trees. • Occasionally defoliates mature black cherry along roadsides. • It is not considered a major pest, though nests can be unsightly. • Causes little permanent damage to the host tree. • Eastern tent caterpillar defoliation was recorded in Southern Region in 2016.

Regional summary Southern: • Moderate to severe defoliation was detected on small roadside cherry trees in Midhurst District as far north as Wynoch Drive in North Bruce Peninsula. Average defoliation was 70%. • In Guelph District, moderate-to-severe defoliation was detected on young black cherry at the University of Guelph Arboretum and south of Ayr on the west side of Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, North Dumfries Twp. • In Kemptville District, eastern caterpillar nests were observed south of Charleston Lake Provincial Park. Light-to-moderate defoliation was recorded in this area. • In the Pembroke District, light defoliation was recorded in Bonnechere Provincial Park and south of Round Lake in Richard Twp. Eastern tent caterpillar 104 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Elm leafminer

Pest information Common name: Elm leafminer Scientific name: Fenusa ulmi Sund. Pest origins: Invasive: native to Europe Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Elm Infestation area: N/A

Provincial key facts

• Elm leafminer are parthenogenic (reproduce without fertilization) and no male sawflies have been found in North America. • First record of elm leafminer was in New York in 1898; probably came on imported elms.

Regional summary

Southern: • In Peterborough District, severe defoliation caused by this leafminer was reported in the town of Cobourg along D’Arcy Street and Lakeshore Drive. Defoliation was as high as 95% in severe pockets. By late July, leaves on the affected trees reflushed.

Elm leafminer

105 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Entomosporium leaf spot

Pest information

Common name: Entomosporium leaf spot Scientific Name: Diplocarpon mespili (Sorauer) B. Sutton Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Disease Host species: American mountain ash Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Infected leaves yellow in early summer and premature leaf drop occurs by August. • This disease infects members of the rosaceae family, i.e., rose, hawthorns, serviceberry, and American mountain ash. • Also known as leaf blight of hawthorn. • Weakens host and predisposes it to other diseases. • Normally occurs during wet and damp conditions. • Reported in Northeast Region in 2016.

Regional summary Northeast: • Approximately 90% of American mountain ash across Wawa and Chapleau districts were infected and had yellow and brown leaves, which were shed early in the season. Entomosporium leaf spot on mountain ash • Fruit, if present, was small and mealy.

106 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Fall webworm

Pest information

Common name: Fall webworm Scientific name: Hyphantria cunea (Drury) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Variety of deciduous trees and shrubs Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Fall webworm is one of the few native North American insects accidently introduced into Europe and Asia. • Its effect on tree health is usually limited because defoliation occurs late in the growing season. Persistent infestations can cause branch and crown dieback. • In Canada only one generation per year will occur, compared to two in warmer climates. • High populations often last only two to three years making mortality unlikely. • Reported in Northeast and Southern regions in 2016.

Regional summary

Northeast: • In Sault Ste. Marie District, fall webworm was found throughout the district, but was more common along Hwy 129 from the junction of Ranger Lake Road (Hwy 556) to Aubry Lake. Larvae were seen as early as July 20 and, wherever it was found, defoliation was severe. • In Chapleau District, pin cherry and white birch were defoliated along the Hwy 101 corridor between Foleyet and Chapleau as well as along the Sultan Industrial Road between Hwy 129 and Hwy 144. • Fall webworm was also recorded in Wawa District, but to a lesser extent than in Chapleau District. It was observed on pin cherry and white birch along highway corridors, including highways 17, 519, 637, and 614. • In Timmins District, fall webworm tents were common along roadsides at the end of Fall webworm July. Higher occurrences were seen along Hwy 144 in areas where the 2015 ice storm occurred. 107 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Southern: • In Aylmer District, fall webworm was found predominantly on open-grown or fringe black walnut along road corridors. To a lesser extent, larvae and nests were found on basswood, cherry, hickory, elm, and Manitoba maple. Areas with higher numbers of this pest were observed in Point Pelee National Park, Hwy 402 from London west to County Road 81 in Middlesex County, Norfolk County between Courtland and Port Rowan, St. Thomas area, and Central Elgin Twp. • In Guelph District, fall webworm was less common, but also found mostly on black walnut. Areas with fall webworm included the Niagara region from St. Catherines to Niagara-on-the-Lake, between Paris and Cambridge along Sragues Road, and along Hwy 403 between Woodstock and Hamilton. • Varying levels of defoliation by fall webworm were seen across Kemptville District. The most defoliation was reported along Concession Road 10, Pakenham Twp, on Hill Island, Thousand Islands. Ash in this area were moderate-to-severely defoliated. • In 2016, fall webworm was common across Pembroke District, with moderate-to-severe defoliation recorded along Hwy 17 between Renfrew and Arnprior as well as north of Renfrew along Storyland Road, Horton Twp. Severe defoliation was observed on European ash along Wylie Road south of Chalk River and on semi-mature ash and poplar on a golf course south of Hwy 60 between Killaloe and Wilno, Hagaraty Twp. • In Algonquin Park, light defoliation of understory ash was seen along Barron Canyon Road. • In Peterborough District, a large number of fall webworm nests were reported in the Kawartha Lakes area. Severe defoliation was seen on white birch and ash along Pickerel Point Road north of Lindsay. Ash, Manitoba maple, and elm along Mill Line, Grasshill, and St. Alban roads in the Bobcaygeon area were severely defoliated. Roadside and edge black walnut were severely defoliated along Goodman Road in Rosedale as were ash north of Rosedale along Hwy 35.

108 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Greenstriped mapleworm Pest information Common name: Greenstriped mapleworm Scientific name: Dryocampa rubicunda (F.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Red maple Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Greenstriped mapleworm feeds primarily on red maple and sometimes on sugar maple. • Early stage larvae feed in groups, whereas late instar larvae feed independently. • Both early and late instars feed on the underside of leaves and consume most of the leaf tissue other than the mid rib and larger veins. • Severe infestations may reduce growth and cause crown dieback. • Heavy defoliation can significantly reduce sap quality affecting sugar maple production. • Localized populations have been observed in Northeast Region for several years with minimal effects on trees.

Regional summary

Northeast: • In Timmins District, defoliation was recorded on understory red maple in a mature jack pine stand along the Hwy 560 corridor. The infested trees were less than 5 m in height and defoliation ranged from 10 to 70%. Populations seemed lower in 2016 than in 2015. This is the fourth consecutive year that defoliation has been noted in this area. • In Sudbury District, greenstriped mapleworm larvae were observed feeding on understory red maple in a jack pine stand south of Lac aux Sables at the north end Greenstriped mapleworm of Hwy 810, Prescott Twp. Defoliation was only 10%. 109 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Gypsy moth

Pest information Common name: Gypsy moth Scientific name: Lymantria dispar (L.) Pest origins: Invasive: Native to Europe Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Oak spp., butternut, aspen, and various other hardwoods Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Gypsy moth was discovered in Ontario in 1969, with the first area of severe defoliation occurring in Kemptville District in 1981. • Gypsy moth outbreaks occur periodically. Major outbreaks in Ontario have peaked in 1985, 1991, and 2002. • In 2016, low populations of gypsy moth causing trace-to-light defoliation were reported in small areas in Southern Region. Defoliation was not detectable from the air.

Regional summary Southern: • In Aylmer District, trace defoliation was observed on mature white oak, red oak, and black oak in Canatara Park in Sarnia. Similarly, trace defoliation was reported on several young butternut on private land southwest of Courtland in Elgin County. Light defoliation was reported on open-grown white oak south of Brigden, and trace defoliation of fringe white oak was seen in woodlots along county roads east of Gypsy moth larvae Courtright in Lambton County. • In Guelph District, gypsy moth larvae were reported feeding alongside forest tent caterpillar. Both insects were observed causing trace defoliation on red oak, American beech, largetooth aspen, basswood, and black walnut along Huron Bruce Rd. in Howick Twp, Huron County. Gypsy moth larvae were also observed feeding alongside a larger population of fall cankerworm, which caused moderate-to-severe defoliation of Manitoba maple, white ash, red oak, willow, and black walnut in Warren Park, City of Hamilton. Most of the defoliation in this area was caused by fall cankerworm. • In Kemptville District, gypsy moth larvae were observed in small numbers causing trace defoliation of semi-mature white ash in the Municipality of Kemptville. 110 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Hypoxylon canker Pest information Common name: Hypoxylon canker Scientific name: Entoleuca mammatum (Wahlenb.) J.D. Rogers & Y.M. Ju Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Fungal disease Host species: Trembling aspen Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Hypoxylon canker often affects trees that are stressed by other factors. • Early symptoms include sunken, yellowish areas with irregular margins on stems. • As the disease progresses, the outer bark blisters and falls off, revealing decaying wood underneath. • Once the disease enters the main stem, tree will die within about five years. Affected trees are also susceptible to wind damage. • This disease appeared to be more prevalent in 2016 in Northeast Region than in 2015.

Regional summary

Northeast: • In Timmins District, hypoxylon cankers were seen on trembling aspen along Hwy 655 between Timmins and the junction of Hwy 11 at Driftwood (Cochrane District). Individual and small groups of trees were affected along this stretch of highway. Younger aspen were more affected than overmature trees. • In Cochrane District, hypoxylon cankers were noted in scattered spots along the southern half of Hwy 652 from the Town of Cochrane to Detour Mine. Hypoxylon canker was also collected in a young aspen stand southwest of the Town of Hypoxylon canker Iroquois Falls near Wilson Lake. Damage was light.

111 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Introduced pine sawfly Pest information Common name: Introduced pine sawfly Scientific name: Diprion similis (Hartig) Pest origins: Invasive: Native to Europe Pest type: Defoliator Host species: White pine, jack pine, Scots pine Infestation area: N/A

Provincial key facts

• This sawfly was first found in Ontario, near Oakville, in 1931. • It causes severe defoliation that has often resulted in widespread tree mortality in affected areas, especially among white pine in Parry Sound District. • Natural controls help keep populations low. • It has two generations per year, with the second generation usually more abundant in August and September. • In 2016, low levels of introduced pine sawfly were observed causing very little defoliation in Northwest and Southern regions.

Regional summary Northwest: • In Kenora District, low levels of introduced pine sawfly were observed southwest of the village of Redditt on Ena Road during a plantation survey. Second generation larvae were found on white pine causing light defoliation in late August. • In Thunder Bay District, introduced pine sawfly was collected on jack and Scots pine west of the City of Thunder Bay in Oliver Paipoonge on Barrie Drive. Light defoliation was recorded. Introduced pine sawfly larvae Southern: • In Peterborough District, light defoliation was found on a single white pine in Millbrook Conservation Area south of Peterborough. Eggs and second generation larvae were collected and confirmed as introduced pine sawfly via diagnostics. 112 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Japanese beetle Pest information Common name: Japanese beetle Scientific name: Popillia japonica Newm. Pest origins: Invasive: Native to Japan Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Alder spp., American elm, basswood, black walnut, red oak, sassafras Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Populations of this invasive insect have existed in Ontario since its discovery in the Niagara Peninsula, Southern Region, in 1939. • Commonly encountered as an exotic horticultural pest, the Japanese beetle will also feed on many native tree species. Preferred woody hosts in Ontario include basswood, oak, and white birch. • In 2016, Japanese beetle was recorded in Southern Region causing varying degrees of defoliation.

Regional summary Japanese beetle Southern:

• In Aylmer District, this exotic beetle caused moderate-to-severe defoliation on a variety of hosts in small patches of natural forests and ornamental hosts in landscape settings. Southwest of the Town of Aylmer, severe defoliation of young, fringe sassafras and moderate to severe defoliation of alder, basswood, black walnut, and American elm was observed in Springwater Forest in Malahide Twp, Elgin County. Light defoliation of red oak was observed at Lake Whittaker Conservation Area east of Belmont in Dorchester Twp, Elgin County. Additionally, multiple calls were received from the public in July and August, reporting Japanese beetle causing defoliation on urban and ornamental broad-leaved shrubs and trees in Aylmer and in London. • In 2016, small populations of Japanese beetle were reported in Midhurst District. In Simcoe County, fewer than 10 beetles were observed causing light defoliation on willow and basswood along a ditch adjacent to Awenda Provincial Park. Severe defoliation was reported at this location in 2011 and 2012, but since 2013 the population has been small. • In Aurora District, moderate to severe defoliation of two mature basswood was observed at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area in Milton, Halton Region. Several consecutive years of defoliation by Japanese beetle have occurred at this location. 113 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Linospora leaf blight Pest information Common name: Linospora leaf blight Scientific name: Linospora tetraspora G.E. Thomps. Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Disease Host species: Balsam poplar Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• This leaf blight is a foliar disease affecting all ages of balsam poplar. • When severe, leaf blight infection causes early leaf drop. • Several consecutive years of severe infection can reduce tree vigour and increase their susceptibility to other pathogens. • Linospora leaf blight was reported in Northeast Region in 2016.

Northeast:Regional summary • In 2016, balsam poplar trees across Wawa District were infected with this disease. Balsam poplar were easy to find as they all had darkened leaves with black spots. Areas with higher infection rates included Wawa, Dubreuilville, and Manitouwadge. • Linospora leaf blight was also prevalent in Chapleau District, at a slightly lower level than in Wawa District, causing moderate damage.

Linospora leaf blight

114 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Maple webworm

Pest information Common name: Maple webworm Scientific name: Pococera asperatella (Clem.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Sugar maple Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Provincial distribution of maple webworm is from southern Ontario north to North Bay. • Many parasites and predators attack this pest so populations seldom reach outbreak levels in Ontario. • Maple webworm was not considered important until the 1950s when it was found to be contributing to the development of maple blight, which killed thousands of sugar maple in Wisconsin. • In 2016, maple webworm was only reported in Southern Region.

Regional summary Southern: • In Aylmer District, moderate-to-severe defoliation was reported south of Lakeview Line in John E. Pearce Provincial Park near Wallacetown, Dutton/ Dunwich, Elgin County. This pest affected both canopy and understory sugar maple of all age classes. Maple webworm

115 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Northern pitch twig moth Pest Information Common name: Northern pitch twig moth Scientific name: Retinia albicapitana (Bsk.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Shoot borer Host species: Jack pine Infestation area: N/A

Provincial key facts

• The range of northern pitch twig moth extends from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, north into the Northwest Territories, and south into Montana. • Young pines less than two metres tall are most heavily infested. • It is often confused with pitch nodule maker. • This pest can cause twig or branch mortality. Repeated attacks can result in deformed and multi-stemmed trees, decreasing wood volume and quality. • Only reported in Northwest Region in 2016.

Regional summary Northwest: • Northern pitch twig moth was collected on jack pine in northern areas of Red Lake District. One location was on North Road, northwest of Little Vermillion Lake, where light branch flagging was observed along young roadside jack pine next to mature jack pine dominated stands. Northern pitch twig moth larva

116 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Northern tent caterpillar Pest information

Common name: Northern tent caterpillar Scientific name: Malacosoma californicum pluviale (Dyar) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Pin cherry Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Emergence of northern tent caterpillar larvae coincides with budbreak on host trees. • Larvae feed mainly on pin cherry and willow, but can be found on a range of trees and shrubs in Ontario. • Young larvae protect themselves in silken nests in the crotches of branches. Nests enlarge as the larvae grow. • Even when infestations are severe or persist in an area for a few years, damage is limited to growth loss and branch dieback. • This insect was detected in Northeast and Northwest regions with infestations light and effects minimal.

Regional summary Northwest: • Northern tent caterpillar was detected in Fort Frances District across the Cedar Narrows Road network north of Rainy Lake. Moderate defoliation was seen on young roadside pin cherry. Northeast: • In the southern part of Timmins District, moderate-to-severe defoliation was observed on young roadside pin cherry along Hwy 560 near Ostrum, Westbrook Twp. Affected trees were less than two metres in height and defoliation ranged Northern tent caterpillar from 30 to 50%. 117 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Oak lace bug

Pest information

Common name: Oak lace bug Scientific name: Corythucha arcuata (Say) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Bur oak, white oak Infestation area: N/A

Provincial key facts

• Oak lace bug is a minor pest of bur and white oak. • Colonies of larvae and adults occur on the foliage where they feed by sucking sap from plant tissues. • Dense populations contributed to premature leaf drop.

Regional summary

Northwest: • Damage was limited to bur oak in the Keewatin area in Kenora District. Very high numbers of larvae and adults were found feeding on new foliage. Damage was caused by heavy feeding and black fecal spots on foliage. Southern: • In Peterborough District, moderate defoliation (60%) from larval and adult feeding was observed on a small pocket of mature white oak along County Road 30 near Campbellford . • Heavy defoliation (80%) of white oak was caused by adult and larval feeding along Johnson Road and the Ferguson Forest Trails, in Kemptville District. Oak lace bug 118 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Oak leafmining sawfly

Pest information Common name: Oak leafmining sawfly Scientific name: Profenusa lucifex (Ross) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Black oak, red oak Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• This pest is known to occasionally cause severe, localized browning of oak foliage in Ontario. • It occasionally has a partial second generation of larvae in the fall. • In 2016, oak leafmining sawfly was only observed in one district in Southern Region.

Regional summary Southern: • In Aylmer District, moderate-to-severe defoliation of approximately 20 young red and black oak was reported within an oak/white pine plantation along Front Road in Norfolk County, between St. Williams and Turkey Point. Defoliation was more severe on fringe oak trees than those within the stand.

Oak leafmining sawfly damage 119 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Phyllosticta leaf spot Pest information Common name: Phyllosticta leaf spot Scientific name: Phyllosticta minima (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Underw. & Earle Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Foliar disease Host species: Maple spp. Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• This leaf disease is not known to cause serious damage to trees. However, severely infected trees have a poor aesthetic appearance and may drop foliage prematurely. • If heavy infection persists for several years, host vigour may be reduced. • In an urban setting leaves can be raked up and disposed of in the fall to avoid reinfection the following spring. • Reported in South Region in 2016.

Regional summary

Southern: • In Aylmer District, high levels of this leaf spot were observed on 80 to 100% of all understory sugar maple and red maple along the main trail at Fisher Tract northeast side of Lake Erie (Turkey Point area) in Norfolk County.

Phyllosticta leaf spot 120 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Pine false webworm PestPest information information Common name: Pine false webworm Scientific name: Acantholyda erythrocephala (L.) Pest origins: Invasive: Native to Europe and Asia Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Eastern white pine and red pine Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• First collected in Ontario in 1961, pine false webworm was initially a pest of young pine plantations. • Starting in 1993, severe defoliation was recorded on semi-mature and mature pine near Peterborough and Simcoe. • Infestation peaked in 1997 with almost 9,000 ha of moderate-to-severe defoliation. • With the exception of 2014, low levels of defoliation have been aerially mapped in Ontario since 2008. • Pine false webworm was not aerially mapped in the province in 2016 and was only reported in Northeast Region.

Regional summary Northeast: • In Sault Ste. Marie District, a red pine plantation in Maple Ridge Gravel Pit, east of Thessalon in the northeast corner of Thessalon Twp, was infested with pine false webworm for the second consecutive year. Most of the defoliation occurred on nine year old red pine in the flats area of the plantation. A smaller area on a north facing slope, comprising younger red pine (<5 years old) was less affected. Incidence and level of defoliation in the flats area was similar to 2015. Almost 70% of the trees surveyed had some level of defoliation. Overall defoliation ranged from 5 to 60%, averaging 21% compared to 20% in 2015. The trees still seem to be growing vigorously, with no sign Pine false webworm of mortality; only a few red pine trees lacked a full complement of foliage after two consecutive years of defoliation. During the survey small areas under several trees were dug up to see if there were any overwintering larvae. In every case there were several larvae, indicating the infestation will persist in 2017. 121 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Redheaded pine sawfly Pest information Common name: Redheaded pine sawfly Scientific name: Neodiprion lecontei (Fitch) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Red pine Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Redheaded pine sawfly is the most serious pest of red pine plantations in Ontario. • It can kill branches, reduce diameter growth, and eventually kills young trees. • Trees less than three metres tall are most susceptible. • It was reported in Northeast Region in 2016.

Regional summary

Northeast: • In Sault Ste. Marie District, a young red pine plantation east of Thessalon at Maple Ridge Gravel Pit had severe defoliation on some of the younger (<5 years old) trees on the south end along a north facing slope. Over 40% of the red pine were defoliated with defoliation averaging 48%. In some cases trees were completely lacking needles. This sawfly appears to be moving into the older (nine years) red pine, but at a low rate (<1% of trees affected). Individual young red pine trees were also defoliated southwest of Searchmont along Hwy 556 near Bellevue Valley (Van Koughnet Twp) and on Mile Hill (Hwy 17) just north of Sault Ste. Marie, Aweres Twp. In both cases defoliation was severe. Redheaded pine sawfly

122 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Redhumped oakworm Pest information Common name: Redhumped oakworm Scientific name: Symmerista canicosta Franc. Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: White oak Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Last reported in Ontario in 2011, redhumped oakworm populations are generally short-lived due to parasitoids, diseases, and predators such as birds. • Its effects are minimal, but if preceded by an early season defoliator, affected trees may lose vigour and be more susceptible to other forest pests. • In 2016, light defoliation by oakworm was reported in South Region.

Regional summary

Southern: • Redhumped oakworm caused light defoliation on two white oak trees along the Ferguson Forest trails, north of the Municipality of Kemptville. This late-season feeder was observed alongside other oak defoliators (oak lace bug and oak leafminer), which caused additional skeletonizing and mining of leaves.

Redhumped oakworm

123 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Shoot blight of aspen

Pest information Common name: Shoot blight of aspen Scientific name: Venturia macularis (Fr.:Fr.) E. Mull. & Arx Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Disease Host species: Trembling aspen Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• This shoot blight kills terminal and lateral shoots reducing growth and creates a deformed stem. Younger trees can die from repeated infection. • Tips of infected shoots turn black and wither, resembling shepherd’s crook. • The disease can be serious in plantations, but is of little economic importance in natural stands. • Trees more than five years of age are often not affected. • It was found in Northeast Region in 2016.

Regional summary Northeast: • In Cochrane District, young aspen were heavily infected with shoot blight of aspen in Sydere Twp, south of Smooth Rock Falls. Damage ranged from 10 to 65%. • In Hearst District, young aspen with shrivelled and black terminal shoots were observed in Fauquier Twp in the Moonbeam area. • Other areas with heavily infected aspen were noticed near the Groundhog River, in Strachan Twp, Chapleau District. Shoot blight of aspen was also collected in the northern part of the district along Wadsworth Road in Shoot blight of aspen Wadsworth Twp, not far from the Hearst District boundary. Approximately one hectare of young aspen regeneration, five meters in height, was affected. • In Wawa District, shoot blight of aspen was observed on young aspen along Hwy 631 southwest of Hornepayne. 124 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Spruce bud moth

Pest information Common name: Spruce bud moth Scientific name: Zeiraphera canadensis Mut. & Free. Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: White spruce Infestation area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Often confused with spruce budworm defoliation as both pests feed the same time of year and early instars are found under new bud caps. • Prefer young open-grown white spruce. • Seldom extensively distributed in a forest setting and normally has little effect on the vigour of its host. • Only reported in Northeast Region in 2016.

Regional summary

Northeast: • Spruce bud moth was detected on the east side of Iron Bridge in Gladstone Twp (Hwy 17 and Glen Street), Sault Ste. Marie District, in 2016. Defoliation averaged 60% on young open-grown white spruce, but only four trees were affected. Typical bud caps still on new shoots.

Spruce bud moth defoliation

125 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

White pine blister rust Pest information Common name: White pine blister rust Scientific name: Cronartium ribicola J. C. Fisch. Pest origins: Invasive: native to Asia and Europe Pest type: Rust disease Host species: Eastern white pine Infestation area: A N/

Provincial key facts • This disease is relatively common throughout Ontario where Ribes spp. (the alternate host) occur near five needle pine. • It causes branch dieback, reduces growth, and, if infection reaches the stem, eventually kills the tree.

Regional summary Northwest: • In the Northwest region, four of seven districts reported white pine blister rust in 2016. In Kenora District, blister rust damage to eastern white pine trees was observed during a plantation survey. At the Cameron Lake Road plantation, 65% of the surveyed trees had the White pine blister rust disease. Of the affected trees, 70% were 30 to 80% damaged and <10% were dying. • In Thunder Bay District, the disease was prevalent west of the city of Thunder Bay. During an extension call to the Oliver Lake area, the disease was found on branches and main stems of surrounding eastern white pine. The disease was also observed at low levels in Nipigon District. In Fort Frances District, it was found on a semi-mature eastern white pine along Cedar Narrows Road. Northeast: • In Kirkland Lake District, three plantation surveys were done in early June. Results indicated relatively low infection rates, with the exception of Evanturel Township where 26.7% of surveyed trees had blister rust compared to 11% at the other two locations. The infection rates in Evanturel Township plantation ranged from lethal (main stem affected) and light to moderate (branches infected). Porcupine feeding was common within the plantation as they love the fruiting bodies of the blister rust, 26.7% of the trees had porcupine damage. • In North Bay District at the Gurd plantation, the level of damage was 9.33%, with 67.6% of the trees having lethal infection. Southern: • In Peterborough District, white pine blister rust was reported as causing moderate-to-severe damage and mortality to a small area of young eastern white pines west of Norland, Kawartha Lakes Twp. 126 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Willow flea weevil

Pest information

Common name: Willow flea weevil Scientific name: Isochnus rufipes (LeC.) Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Willow and balsam poplar Infestation Area: NA

Provincial key facts

• Found in eastern Canada, this weevil prefers willows but is found on a variety of hardwoods. • During heavy infestations, the leaves turn brown to grey-brown giving them a scorched look. • Severe infestations can result in dead twigs.

Regional summary

Northeast: • In Wawa District, willow flea weevil was reported mainly on shining willow and to a lesser extent on Bebb’s and pussy willow as well as balsam poplar. In Wicksteed Twp, in the Hornepayne area, defoliation was evident on balsam poplar and willows, but was more severe on balsam poplar. In Hunt Twp, in the White River area, shining willow was more severely defoliated than any other host. Willow flea weevil was also found approximately 10 km west of Manitouwadge along Industrial Road. Defoliation was observed on 60 to 80% of the leaves of shining and Bebb’s willow, but was less common on pussy willow. Willow flea weevil 127 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Yellowheaded spruce sawfly Pest information Common name: Yellowheaded spruce sawfly Scientific name: Pikonema alaskensis Rohwer Pest origins: Native to North America Pest type: Defoliator Host species: Spruce species Infestation area: NA Provincial key facts • Is a common pest in Ontario. • Is a serious pest of ornamental tree plantations, open-grown trees, and plantations. Yellowheaded spruce sawfly • Normally prefers to feed on young, open-grown roadside trees less than 10 years of age. • Severe defoliation can kill branches or the entire tree; less severe defoliation can impede growth. • Was reported on in all three regions in 2016.

Regional summary

Northwest: • The most severe yellowheaded spruce sawfly defoliation in Thunder Bay District was observed south of the City of Thunder Bay along Hwy 61 and near the Town of Shabaqua on young roadside white spruce on the Hwy 17 corridor. In both cases defoliation was almost 100%. • Defoliation was also seen in Fort Frances District on immature open-grown white spruce. Moderate-to-severe defoliation was observed along Hwy 11 between Fort Frances and Atikokan and some ornamentals within the Town of Fort Frances were severely defoliated. • In Nipigon District, patchy defoliation was recorded on white spruce north and east of the Town of Nipigon along Hwy 11 and Hwy 17. Northeast: • Defoliation was light with some areas of moderate-to-severe defoliation along the Hwy 11 corridor in North Bay District. Most of this defoliation was between the Kirkland Lake District boundary and the Town of Temagami. • In Sudbury District, early instar larvae were collected on young white spruce on Manitoulin Island south of Little Current along Hwy 6, Howland Twp. Defoliation was moderate, but larvae were still in colonies so they had just begun feeding. Larvae were also collected west of Sudbury near the Town of Whitefish in mid-June. Larvae were feeding on roadside white spruce and defoliation was light. Southern: • In Parry Sound District, this sawfly was collected north of Burks Falls on young roadside white spruce along Pickerel and Jack Road, Armour Twp. Defoliation was severe. • Yellowheaded spruce sawfly was observed in mid-July causing moderate-to-severe defoliation on young semi-mature roadside white spruce trees in Bancroft District. Notable areas of defoliation were along Hwy 62 from Brinklow Rd, Limerick Twp to the Village L’Amable south of Bancroft, Dungannon Twp and along Hwy 28 from Apsley through Bancroft east to McArthurs Mills. 128