FOREST HEALTH CONDITIONS IN NOVA SCOTIA

2010 Annual Report

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

Report FOR 2017-7 Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia

2010 Annual Report

Compiled by:

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources

Forest Protection Division

Risk Services Section

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

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

Report FOR 2017-7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Editing and Administrative Support.…………………………………….……………………..5

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

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

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms Used in This Report…………………………………..6

Executive Summary ...... 7

List of Tables ...... 9

List of Figures ...... 11

Introduction ...... 13

Status of Forest Pests ...... 14

Insect Pests of Softwoods ...... 14

Spruce Budworm - fumiferana (Clem.) ...... 14

Pheromone Trap Survey ...... 14

Overwintering Larva (L2) Survey ...... 16

Jack Pine Budworm - Choristoneura pinus pinus (Free.) ...... 16

Pheromone Trap Survey ...... 17

Overwintering Larva (L2) Survey ...... 18

Hemlock Looper - Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria (Gn.) ...... 19

Pheromone Trap Survey ...... 19

Overwintering Egg Survey...... 20

Spruce Beetle - Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby) ...... 21

Permanent Research Plots ...... 22

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 2

Whitemarked Tussock - Orgyia leucostigma (J.E. Smith) ...... 23

Overwintering Egg Mass Survey ...... 23

Eastern Blackheaded Budworm - Acleris variana (Fernald) ...... 25

Overwintering Egg Survey...... 25

Balsam Fir Sawfly - Neodiprion abietis (Harr.) ...... 26

Overwintering Egg Survey...... 26

Balsam Woolly Adelgid - Adelges picea (Ratz.) ...... 27

Overwintering Nymph and Damage Surveys...... 27

Permanent Monitoring Plots ...... 29

Balsam Twig Aphid – Mindarus abietinus (Koch)...... 31

Balsam Gall Midge – Paradiplosis tumifex (Gagné) ...... 33

Insect Pests of Hardwoods…………………………………………………………...... 35

Gypsy Moth - Lymantria dispar (L.) ...... 35

Pheromone Trap Survey ...... 35

Invasive Pests ...... 39

Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle - Tetropium fuscum (Fabr.) ...... 39

Pheromone Trap Survey ...... 40

Pine Shoot Beetle - Tomicus piniperda (L.) ...... 41

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae (Annand)) ...... 41

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire)) ...... 42

Arthropods of Importance to Human Health ...... 44

West Nile Virus ...... 44

Tick Survey ...... 44

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 3

Pest Identification Service ...... 45

Communications ...... 45

Newsletter: Insectary Notes ...... 45

Website ...... 46

Extension and Outreach ...... 46

APPENDIX I – GLOSSARY ...... 47

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 4

Forest Health Staff

Matthew Campbell Jeff Ogden Jacqui Gordon Jim Rudderham

Mike LeBlanc Terry White Keith Moore Andrew Young

Editing and Administrative Support

Wanda Dahr John Ross Walter Fanning Suzette Thibodeau

Regional Services Pest Detection Officers

Eastern Region Central Region Western Region Derek Hart Allan Bland Jamie Brown Michael Hill Glen Boutilier Brian Comeau Greg Keizer Allan Jackson Bill DesChamp Dolores MacDonald Mike Kew William Grover Greg Murphy Eric Leighton Kim Huskins

David O’Connor Matthew O’Connor Kevin Totten John Ongo Adrian Samson Alan White

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 5

Acknowledgements

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

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

Appreciation is extended to the staff of the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) for their cooperation. Their research in Nova Scotia as well as the information and expertise they share relating to forest pests and forest conditions continues to be a valuable resource.

Thanks are also given to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for their assistance and information exchange during the invasive insect surv

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms Used in This Report

CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency CFS Canadian Forest Service ha Hectares NSDNR Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources PDO Pest Detection Officer

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 6

Executive Summary

This annual report contains information on forest and diseases monitored by Forest Health staff and PDO’s for the period up to and including 2010. As well as information concerning our combined efforts to assist in research conducted by the CFS and monitor invasive pests with the CFIA.

Eastern Spruce Budworm (): The percentage of positive pheromone traps was 57%, up from 28% in 2009 and the highest percentage since 1994. The maximum trap catch was 33 , up from 12 in 2009. No overwintering larvae (L2’s) were detected.

Jack Pine Budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus): The percentage of positive pheromone traps was 36%, the first time it has been below 75% since it was detected in 2005. No overwintering L2’s were detected.

Hemlock Looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria): The percentage of positive pheromone traps was 94%, up from 84% in 2009. The maximum trap catch was 286 moths, up from 168 in 2009. Overwintering eggs were detected at 10% of sites sampled, up from 0% in 2009.

Spruce Beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis): Widespread spruce beetle induced mortality of mature and over-mature white spruce is occurring throughout the province. In the fixed radius plots the percentage of white and red spruce trees infested with or killed by spruce beetle was 34% and 9%,,respectively, up from 31% and 3% in 2009 for white and red spruce, respectively.

Whitemarked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma): Overwintering egg masses were detected at 8% of the sites surveyed, unchanged from 2009.

Eastern Blackheaded Budworm (Acleris variana): Overwintering eggs were detected in 74% of the sites surveyed, up substantially from 6% in 2009.

Balsam Fir Sawfly (Neodiprion abietis): Overwintering eggs were detected at 51% of the sites surveyed, up from 7% in 2009 and the highest percentage since 1999.

Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Adelges picea): The percentage of sites with overwintering nymphs was 9%, up slightly from 7% in 2008. The percentage of sites with gouted branches was 2%, down from 22% in 2009. Current baseline plot data in 14 permanent monitoring plots established in 2009 indicate very low adult densities.

Balsam Twig Aphid (Mindarus abietinus) and Balsam Gall Midge (Paradiplosis tumifex): The percentage of sites with balsam twig aphid damage was 3%, down slightly from 4% reported in 2009. The percentage of sites with balsam gall midge damage was 13%, down from 26% in 2009.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 7

Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar): The percentage of positive multipher traps was 58%, down from 63% in 2009. The total number of moths captured was 3093, up from 2545 in 2009. Overall, the percentage of positive delta traps was 20%, down from 32.4% in 2009. New Glasgow is the only location that shows an increasing population trend.

Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle (Tetropium fuscum): Extensive pheromone trapping was conducted in the Atlantic Provinces and Quebec. There were 13 new finds, most within the generally infested area. Two new finds of note: Liscomb, the first find in Guysborough Co.; and Five Island Provincial Park, the most distant find from the regulated area. All other traps deployed in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labradour, and Quebec were negative. The total number of positive sites outside of the BSLB regulated area is 59.

Pine Shoot Beetle (Tomicus piniperda): There was no trapping survey for pine shoot beetle in 2010 because it became a biannual survey in 2009,

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae): In cooperation with the CFIA, Forest Health conducted detection surveys in 15 remote hemlock stands in the Western Region. None were detected.

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis): The emerald ash borer, native to eastern Asia, attacks and kills healthy ash trees making it a major economic and environmental concern to both urban and forested areas. It was first discovered in Canada in 2002, but has not yet been detected in Nova Scotia.

West Nile Virus: Mosquito surveillance has been suspended due to lack of West Nile virus activity, but will be re-introduced if the virus is detected within wild bird populations. Starting in 2010, dead birds in Nova Scotia will no longer be routinely tested for West Nile virus.

Tick Surveillance: In 2010, 1384 ticks were submitted to Forest Health for identification and over 700 were black legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). Currently, there are four established populations of Blacklegged ticks in Nova Scotia:

• Pictou County - near Melmerby Beach, Egerton, Kings Head, and Pine Tree; • Lunenburg County - Blue Rocks, Garden Lots, Heckmans Island, First Peninsula and surrounding areas; • Halifax County - Admirals Cove in Bedford; and • Shelburne County - Gunning Cove

Pest Identification Service: Since 1995, Forest Health staff have coordinated the identification of pests affecting Nova Scotia’s forests. In 2010, 145 inquiries were answered. Of these inquiries, 5 (4%), were made by department staff, particularly PDO’s; 44 (30 %) dealt directly with our forest resource i.e. plantations and woodlots; the remaining 86 (59%) were general homeowner inquiries.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 8

List of Tables

Table 1: Summary of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 1990 to 2010.

Table 2: Summary of jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2010.

Table 3: Summary of jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) overwintering larva (L2) surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2010.

Table 4: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 1993 to 2010.

Table 5: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 1992 to 2010.

Table 6: Summary of spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) permanent plot surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2010.

Table 7: Summary of whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 1999 to 2010.

Table 8: Summary of eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2010.

Table 9: Summary of balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 1998 to 2010.

Table 10: Balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) damage survey conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2000 to 2010.

Table 11: Results of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph survey conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2000 to 2010.

Table 12: Balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plot survey conducted by Forest Health in 2010.

Table 13: Balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus) survey conducted by Forest Health in Eastern Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2010.

Table 14: Balsam gall midge (Paradiplosis tumifex) damage survey conducted by Forest Health in Eastern Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2010.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 9

Table 15: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) permanent, multipher pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 1999 to 2010.

Table 16: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 2001 to 2010.

Table 17: Number of tick identification inquiries from 2002 to 2010.

Table 18: Summary of Pest Identification Inquiries to Forest Health from 2001 to 2010.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 10

List of Figures

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

Figure 1: Distribution of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone traps and results of the 2010 survey.

Figure 2: Distribution of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) L2 samples and results of the 2010 survey.

Figure 3: Distribution of jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone traps and results of the 2010 survey.

Figure 4: Distribution of jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) L2 samples - and results of the 2010 survey.

Figure 5: Distribution of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone traps and results of the 2010 survey.

Figure 6: Results of 2010 hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) overwintering egg survey.

Figure 7: Location of permanent spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) research plots in Nova Scotia.

Figure 8: Distribution of whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg mass survey points and results for 2010.

Figure 9: Results of the 2010 eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) overwintering egg surveys.

Figure 10: Balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg survey results for 2010.

Figure 11: Balsam woolly adelgid damage survey results for 2010.

Figure 12: Balsam woolly adelgid overwintering nymph branch survey results for 2010.

Figure 13: Locations of Forest Health balsam woolly adelgid permanent monitoring plots.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 11

Figure 14: Minimum temperatures (oC) recorded at balsam woolly adelgid permanent monitoring plots 2009-2010.

Figure 15: Balsam twig aphid damage survey results for 2010.

Figure 16: Balsam gall midge damage survey results for 2010.

Figure 17: Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) permanent trap survey conducted by Forest Health in 2010.

Figure 18: Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta trap town survey conducted by Forest Health in 2010.

Figure 19: Brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) containment area 2010.

Figure 20: Brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) Nova Scotia survey results for 2006 to 2010.

Figure 21: Brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) trap location sites for Eastern Canada 2010.

Figure 22: Hemlock woolly adelgid detection survey results for 2010.

Figure 23: CFIA emerald ash borer regulated areas in Canada for 2010.

Figure 24: Distribution of white ash trees in Nova Scotia.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 12

Introduction

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

• Monitor forest pests and develop better detection methods. • Analyze forest health conditions using field and survey data. • Provide accurate information and education to forest stakeholders in a timely manner. • Develop and maintain management options and systems.

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

This report is intended to provide an overview of the status of forest pest conditions in Nova Scotia in 2012 and highlights many of the pest management activities conducted by the Forest Health Section of NSDNR. It is not intended to itemize all details for each survey conducted, where required the reader can contact the Forest Health Section for further information. Although every effort is made to ensure that information reported in this document is accurate, its integrity is not guaranteed.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 13

Status of Forest Pests

Insect Pests of Softwoods

Eastern Spruce Budworm - Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)

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

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

Pheromone Trap Survey

In 2010, 148 pheromone traps were monitored province wide. The percentage of positive traps was 57.4% (Figure 1), up from 28.4% in 2009 and the highest percentage since 1994 (Table 1). The maximum trap catch was 33 moths, up from 12 in 2009. Since 1997, the percentage of positive traps has fluctuated, however, this is the second consecutive year the percentage of positive traps increased.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 14

Figure 1: Distribution of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone traps and results of the 2010 survey.

Table 1: Summary of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 1990 to 2010.

Number Number (%) Number of Moths/Trap Trap Year of of Positive Low Moderate High Catch Zero Traps Traps 1-50 51-100 >100 Range 1990 13 13 (100) 0 12 1 0 11 - 76 1991 17 15 (88.2) 2 13 2 0 0 - 59 1992 25 24 (96.0) 1 19 3 2 0 - 132 1993 18 17 (94.4) 1 11 2 4 0 - 300 1994 21 15 (71.4) 6 15 0 0 0 - 31 1995 60 0 (0) 60 0 0 0 0 1996 128 0 (0) 128 0 0 0 0 1997 119 10 (8.4) 109 10 0 0 0 - 23 1998 128 6 (4.7) 122 6 0 0 0 - 10 1999 135 1 (0.7) 134 1 0 0 0 - 1 2000 64 2 (3.1) 62 2 0 0 0 - 3 2002 145 5 (3.4) 140 5 0 0 0 - 23 2003 144 18 (12.5) 126 18 0 0 0 – 8 2004 150 11 (7.3) 139 11 0 0 0 - 38 2005 150 33 (22.0) 117 33 0 0 0 - 21

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 15

Number Number (%) Number of Moths/Trap Trap Year of of Positive Low Moderate High Catch Zero Traps Traps 1-50 51-100 >100 Range 2006 150 26 (17.3) 124 26 0 0 0 - 5 2007 150 59 (39.3) 91 59 0 0 0 - 11 2008 150 14 (9.3) 136 14 0 0 0 - 8 2009 141 40 (28.4) 101 40 0 0 0 - 12 2010 148 85 (57.4) 63 85 0 0 0 - 33

Overwintering Larva (L2) Survey

No overwintering L2’s were detected in the 168 sites surveyed (Figure 2). No L2’s have been detected since 1994.

Figure 2: Distribution of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) L2 samples and results of the 2010 survey.

Jack Pine Budworm - Choristoneura pinus pinus (Free.)

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

In Nova Scotia, Jack pine budworm defoliation has occurred in mature white pines while red pines located in outbreak areas remained relatively untouched. Defoliation of

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 16 mature white pine by Jack pine budworm was first detected in the Western Region in 2005. Jack pine budworm populations are monitored using pheromone traps and L2 surveys

Pheromone Trap Survey

In 2010, 44 pheromone traps were monitored in the Central and Western regions (Figure 3). The percentage of positive traps was 36.4%, down from 79.3% in 2009. The maximum trap catch was 5, down from 14 in 2009. This is the first time the percentage of positive traps decreased below 75% since monitoring began in 2006 (Table 2).

Figure 3: Distribution of jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone traps and results of the 2010 survey.

Table 2: Summary of jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2010.

Number of Traps Number (%) Number of Moths/Trap Maximum Year Positive Trap Placed Returned Traps 0 1-10 11-20 21-40 >40 Catch 2006 49 45 40 (88.9) 5 29 7 3 1 48 2007 70 55 42 (76.4) 13 26 16 0 0 19 2008 102 84 67 (79.8) 17 61 3 3 0 33 2009 58 58 46 (79.3) 12 45 1 0 0 14 2010 50 44 16 (36.4) 28 16 0 0 0 5

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 17

Overwintering Larva (L2) Survey

Currently, most of the published jack pine budworm biological and survey information pertains to jack pine with little similar information available for white pine. Therefore, Forest Health is developing a predictive survey methodology to determine the potential impact of jack pine budworm on Nova Scotia’s forests. In 2010, 15 sites were surveyed in areas with high populations in 2009. At each site a single mid-crown branch is sampled from each of three representative mature white pines (Figure 4, Table 3). No overwintering larvae were detected. Forest Health is currently collaborating with the CFS to improve our monitoring and forecasting methods for this insect.

Figure 4: Distribution of jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) L2 samples and results of the 2010 survey.

Table 3: Summary of jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus) overwintering larva (L2) surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2010.

Number (%) Number of L2/m2 of Bark Maximum Number Year Positive L2/m2 of of Sites Sites 0 1-50 51-200 201-500 >500 Bark 2006 38 17 (44.7) 21 16 1 0 0 166 2007 72 29 (40.3) 43 21 3 5 0 409 2008 97 31 (32.0) 66 25 3 1 2 254 2009 85 19 (22.4) 66 19 0 0 0 44 2010 15 0 (0) 15 0 0 0 0 0

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 18

Hemlock Looper - Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria (Gn.)

Hemlock looper is a native insect whose larvae feed on the needles of various tree species including hemlock, spruces, pines, and hardwoods. In Nova Scotia, its preferred host is mature to over-mature balsam fir. The hemlock looper has defoliated approximately 135,000 hectares since 1961. Control programs were conducted in portions of Victoria and Inverness counties in 1996 and 1997. Hemlock looper populations are monitored using pheromone traps and overwintering egg surveys

Pheromone Trap Survey

In 2010, 148 traps were monitored province wide. The percentage of positive traps was 94% in 2010, up from 84% in 2009. The maximum trap catch was 286, up from 168 in 2009. Since 1997, hemlock looper numbers have remained low (Figure 5, Table 4).

Figure 5: Distribution of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone traps and results of the 2010 survey.

Table 4: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 1993 to 2010.

Number (%) Number of Moths/Trap Maximum Number Year Positive Low Moderate High Trap of Traps Zero Traps 1 – 199 200 - 499 >499 Catch 1993 18 18 (100) 0 15 3 0 477 1994 31 31 (100) 0 15 7 9 2200 1995 87 87 (100) 0 42 11 34 4253 1996 151 148 (98.0) 3 108 21 19 3893

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 19

Number (%) Number of Moths/Trap Maximum Number Year Positive Low Moderate High Trap of Traps Zero Traps 1 – 199 200 - 499 >499 Catch 1997 147 145 (98.6) 2 115 25 5 995 1998 137 132 (96.4) 5 132 0 0 65 1999 144 94 (65.3) 50 94 0 0 95 2001 96 76 (79.2) 20 76 0 0 108 2002 139 116 (83.5) 23 116 0 0 0 - 107 2003 136 124 (91.2) 12 116 5 3 0 - 865 2005 85 80 (94.1) 5 74 5 1 0 - 503 2006 137 116 (84.7) 21 116 0 0 0 - 100 2007 143 138 (96.5) 5 138 0 0 0 – 117 2008 150 141 (94.0) 9 139 2 0 0- 395 2009 146 123 (84.2) 23 123 0 0 0 - 168 2010 148 139 (93.9) 9 138 1 0 0 - 286 * No traps were deployed in 2000 and 2004.

Overwintering Egg Survey

Overwintering egg surveys were conducted around pheromone traps with the highest moth catches. In 2010, 40 sites were surveyed in the Eastern Region. At each site, branch samples 45 cm long, were collected from three trees per site. Overwintering eggs were detected at 10.0% of sites sampled, up from 0% in 2009 and 9.8% in 2008 (Figure 6, Table 5).

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 20

Figure 6: Results of 2010 hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) overwintering egg survey.

Table 5: Summary of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 1992 to 2010.

Number (%) Fertile Eggs/Branch Number Year Positive Low Moderate High of Sites Zero Sites 1-9 10-19 >19 1992 43 13 (30.2) 30 13 0 0 1993 21 9 (42.9) 12 9 0 0 1994 266 195(73.3) 71 180 15 0 1995 218 192 (88.1) 26 137 20 35 1996 378 283(74.9) 95 259 16 8 1997 315 172 (54.6) 143 170 1 1 1998 279 38(13.6) 241 38 0 0 1999 25 7 (28.0) 18 7 0 0 2001 91 18 (19.8) 73 18 0 0 2002 142 29 (20.4) 113 29 0 0 2003 72 34(47.2) 38 34 0 0 2004 163 83(50.9) 80 74 6 3 2005 137 95 (69.3) 42 94 1 0 2006 148 25(16.9) 123 24 1 0 2007 36 2 (5.6) 34 2 0 0 2008 41 4 (9.8) 37 4 0 0 2009 41 0 (0) 41 0 0 0 2010 40 4 (10.0) 36 4 0 0

Spruce Beetle – Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby)

The native spruce beetle is the most significant mortality agent of mature spruce in Nova Scotia. Its preferred host is mature to over-mature white spruce, but all spruce species can be attacked. Low density populations are always present in spruce forests, surviving in severely stressed or recently killed trees and slash.

In Nova Scotia, chronic and widespread spruce beetle activity has caused mortality of mature and over-mature white spruce throughout the province. The buildup of populations is due to two main factors: abundant susceptible host material and recent mild winters facilitating beetle survival.

Spruce beetle populations and tree mortality are monitored throughout the province using permanent research plots in the Central Region and aerial defoliation surveys.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 21

Permanent Research Plots

In 2004, 18 fixed radius plots (15m) were established in red and white spruce stands in central Nova Scotia (Figure 7) to examine the impact of spruce blow-down due to hurricane Juan on the development of the spruce beetle populations and subsequent damage levels. The NSDNR conducted this project in cooperation with the CFS and was partially funded by the Nova Forest Alliance.

Since the plots were established, there has been a progressive increase in white spruce mortality due to the spruce beetle (Table 6). In 2010, 33.8% and 9.0% of all white and red spruce trees respectively were either infested with or killed by the spruce beetle. This is up from 2009, when 30.6% and 2.8% of white and red spruce were affected, respectively.

It was determined that spruce mortality appeared to be unrelated to spruce beetle activity, but caused by other factors. However, these plots currently provide useful data regarding spruce beetle activity, attack levels and mortality throughout the Central Region.

Figure 7: Location of permanent spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) research plots in Nova Scotia.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 22

Table 6: Summary of spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) permanent plot surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2010.

Number of Number (%) Number (%) Number (%) Number (%) Number (%) Trees Spruce Beetle Spruce Beetle Dead Trees Trees Not Healthy Trees Year Assessed Infested Trees Killed Trees Other Causes Found

rS wS rS wS rS wS rS wS rS wS rS wS 417 338 0 3 0 0 5 2 2 0 2004 424 343 (98.3) (98.5) (0) (0.9) (0) (0) (1.2) (0.6) (0.5) (0) 386 297 0 27 0 6 14 7 24 6 2005 424 343 (91.0) (86.6) (0) (7.9) (0) (1.8) (3.3) (2.0) (5.7) (1.7) 367 254 5 47 1 20 27 19 ( 25 2 2006 425 342 (86.4) (74.3) (1.2) (13.7) (0.2) (5.9) (6.4) 5.6) (5.9) (0.6) 341 220 7 44 7 50 33 25 36 4 2007 424 343 (80.4) (64.1) (1.7) (12.8) (1.7) (14.6) (7.8) (7.3) (8.5) (1.2) 325 190 6 41 9 71 37 24 47 17 2008 424 343 (76.7) (55.4) (1.4) (12.0) (2.1) (20.7) (8.7) (7.0) (11.1) (5.0) 320 180 2 23 10 82 41 26 51 32 2009 424 343 (75.5) (52.5) (0.5) (6.7) (2.3) (23.9) (9.7) (7.6) (12.0) (9.3) 281 106 22 31 16 85 54 19 51 102 2010 424 343 (66.3) (30.9) (5.2) (9.0) (3.8) 24.8) (12.7) (5.5) (12.0) (29.7) rS = red spruce wS = white spruce.

Note in 2006, one tree species was misidentified.

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

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

Overwintering Egg Mass Survey

In 2010, 325 sites were surveyed province wide (Figure 8, Table 7). The percentage of positive sites was 7.7%, consistent with 7.6% in 2009.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 23

Figure 8: Distribution of whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg mass survey points and results for 2010.

Table 7: Summary of whitemarked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 1999 to 2010.

Average Number of Number (%) Number Egg Masses/3 Branches Year Sites with of Sites Low Moderate High Egg Masses Zero 0.01-0.7 0.71-1.99 >1.99 1999 907 89 (9.8) 818 78 8 3 2000 631 90 (14.3) 541 77 6 7 2002 633 24 (3.8) 609 20 2 2 2003 659 8 (1.2) 651 5 0 3 2004 794 60 (7.6) 734 51 6 3 2005 662 91 (13.7) 571 89 2 0 2006 683 150 (22.0) 533 132 16 2 2007 286 44 (15.4) 242 44 0 0 2008 290 40 (13.8) 250 40 0 0 2009 343 26 (7.6) 317 26 0 0 2010 325 25 (7.7) 300 25 0 0

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 24

Eastern Blackheaded Budworm – Acleris variana (Fernald)

This small, native moth resembling the spruce budworm is found across Canada and feeds on 20 different conifer tree species. In Nova Scotia, its main hosts are balsam fir, white and black spruce. Localized outbreaks occur every 10 to 15 years, usually in maturing stands with a high balsam fir content. The last outbreak in 2004 covered approximately 114,000 hectares in the Cape Breton Highlands. The following year a spray trial was conducted by the CFS and the population collapsed in 2006. Eastern blackheaded budworm populations are monitored using an overwintering egg survey.

Overwintering Egg Survey

A single branch was sampled from three balsam fir trees at each of 58 sites in the Eastern Region (Figure 9, Table 8). The percentage of positive sites was 74.1%, up substantially from 5.5% in 2009.

Figure 9: Results of the 2010 eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) overwintering egg surveys.

Table 8: Summary of eastern blackheaded budworm (Acleris variana) egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2004 to 2010.

Number (%) Number of Eggs/45cm Branch Number Year Positive Low Moderate High of Sites Zero Sites 1 -26 27 - 59 >59 2004 125 125 (100) 0 83 20 22

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 25

Number (%) Number of Eggs/45cm Branch Number Year Positive Low Moderate High of Sites Zero Sites 1 -26 27 - 59 >59 2005 202 158 (78.2) 44 156 2 0 2006 184 60 (32.6) 124 60 0 0 2007 64 10 (15.6) 54 10 0 0 2008 63 8 (12.7) 55 8 0 0 2009 55 3 (5.5) 52 3 0 0 2010 58 43 (74.1) 15 43 0 0

Balsam Fir Sawfly - Neodiprion abietis (Harr.)

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

Overwintering Egg Survey

Branch samples were collected from 127 sites. The percentage of positive sites was 51.2%, up from 6.5% in 2009 and the highest percentage since 1999 (Figure 10, Table 9).

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 26

Figure 10: Balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg survey results for 2010.

Table 9: Summary of balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) overwintering egg surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 1998 to 2010.

Number (%) Egg Niches/Branch Number Year Positive Low Moderate High of Sites Zero Sites 1 – 12 13 - 24 >24 1998 308 288(93.5) 20 125 47 116 1999 902 476 (52.8) 426 373 46 57 2000 624 242 (38.8) 382 195 31 16 2001 699 279 (39.9) 420 269 6 4 2002 633 269 (42.5) 364 249 12 8 2003 659 209 (31.7) 450 195 12 2 2004 669 127 (19.0) 542 122 4 1 2005 411 130 (31.6) 281 128 1 1 2006 430 8 (1.9) 422 7 1 0 2007 35 6 (17.1) 29 6 0 0 2008 42 8 (19) 34 7 0 1 2009 46 3 (6.5) 43 0 1 2 2010 127 65 (51.2) 62 33 5 27

Balsam Woolly Adelgid - Adelges picea (Ratz.)

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

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

Overwintering Nymph and Damage Surveys

Balsam woolly adelgid populations are monitored in a general way. All branches collected for the balsam fir sawfly survey are inspected for balsam woolly adelgid damage, i.e. gouting, and dormant overwintering nymphs in buds. This is not a predictive survey; but simply quantifies the damage that occurred the previous summer. The percentage of sites with gouted branches was 1.6%, down from 21.7% in 2009

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 27

(Table 10, Figure 11). The percentage of sites with overwintering nymphs was 8.7%, up from 7.1% in 2008 (Table 11, Figure 12).

Table 10: Balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) damage survey conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2000 to 2010.

Number (%) Number of Sites with Gouted Branches Number Year Positive Light Moderate High of Sites Zero Sites 1-24% 25-64% >64% 2000 624 346 (55.4) 278 261 57 28 2001 699 264 (37.8) 435 184 61 19 2002 632 248 (39.2) 384 160 71 17 2003 659 236 (35.8) 423 170 47 19 2004 669 171 (25.6) 498 134 32 5 2005 411 102 (24.8) 309 87 15 0 2006 427 71 (16.6) 356 54 15 2 2008 42 5 (11.9) 37 4 1 0 2009 46 10 (21.7) 36 10 0 0 2010 127 2 (1.6) 125 2 0 0

Figure 11: Balsam woolly adelgid damage survey results for 2010.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 28

Table 11: Results of balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph survey conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia from 2000 to 2010.

Number of Sites with Overwintering Nymphs Number (%) Number (3 buds/branch/site) Year Positive of Sites Low Moderate High Sites Zero 1 - 3 4 - 7 >7 2000 624 353 (56.6) 271 332 18 3 2001 699 356 (50.9) 343 342 13 1 2002 633 321 (50.7) 312 285 27 9 2003 659 255 (38.7) 404 244 8 3 2008 42 3 (7.1) 39 3 0 0 2010 127 11 (8.7) 116 10 1 0 * No surveys were conducted from 2004 - 2007 and 2009.

Figure 12: Balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) overwintering nymph branch survey results for 2010.

Permanent Monitoring Plots

In 2009, Forest Health established 14 permanent plots within the nine different Provincial ecoregions for the routine monitoring of balsam woolly adelgid populations (Figure 13). When possible, these plots were paired with existing Forest Inventory research permanent sample plots to compare the impact of the adelgid on the growth, volume, and yield of balsam fir. Each spring, adult populations are measured and

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 29 overall tree condition is rated. Tree height and diameter are measured annually and annual hourly temperature fluctuations are recorded by a data logger in each plot. Baseline plot data indicate very low densities of balsam woolly adelgid adults (Table 12).

One of the most important natural factors limiting adelgid populations is temperature. Mortality of overwintering nymphs increases as temperatures dip below -20oC and can reach 100% at -37oC. Late spring frosts will also kill exposed feeding nymphs. Temperature data recorded in the plots indicate temperatures fell below -20C for two to four days (Figure 14), suggesting nymph mortality is not likely.

Figure 13: Locations of Forest Health balsam woolly adelgid permanent monitoring plots.

Table 12: Balsam woolly adelgid (Adelges picea) permanent monitoring plot survey conducted by Forest Health in 2010.

Plot Total Plot Location County Number Living Adults 1 Liscomb Guysborough NA 2 Canoe Lake Yarmouth 1 3 Economy Colchester 0 4 Fielding Road Inverness 0 5 Keppoch, Mayfield Road Antigonish NA 6 McRae Road Victoria 0

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 30

Plot Total Plot Location County Number Living Adults 7 Mount Merrit Road Queens 15 8 Park Spur Road Inverness 0 9 Pleasant Valley Road Halifax 0 10 Riversdale Colchester 0 11 Sand River Cumberland 0 12 Spry Bay Halifax 0 13 St. Josephs Richmond 2 14 Truro Watershed Colchester 0

Figure 14: Minimum temperatures (oC) recorded at balsam woolly adelgid permanent monitoring plots 2009-2010.

Balsam Twig Aphid – Mindarus abietinus (Koch)

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

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 31

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

Balsam twig aphid populations are monitored in a general way by assessing their presence on balsam fir branch samples collected for the balsam fir sawfly survey. This survey is not a predictive survey, but simply quantifies the damage that occurred the previous summer. Each branch is visually inspected for balsam twig aphid damage. In 2010, 127 sites were surveyed. The percentage of positive sites was 3.1%, down from 4.3% in 2009 (Table 13, Figure 15).

Table 13: Balsam twig aphid (Mindarus abietinus) survey conducted by Forest Health in Eastern Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2010.

Number of Sites with Number (%) Number Balsam Twig Aphid Affected Shoots Year Positive of Sites Low Moderate High Sites Zero 1-24% 25-64% >65% 2003 659 105 (15.9) 554 98 7 0 2004 669 32 (4.8) 637 29 3 0 2005 411 45 (10.9) 366 42 3 0 2006 427 69 (16.2) 358 62 7 0 2008 42 1 (2.4) 41 1 0 0 2009 46 2 (4.3) 44 2 0 0 2010 127 4 (3.1) 123 4 0 0

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 32

Figure 15: Balsam twig aphid damage survey results for 2010.

Balsam Gall Midge – Paradiplosis tumifex (Gagné)

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

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

Balsam gall midge populations are monitored in a general way by assessing their presence on balsam fir branch samples collected for the balsam fir sawfly survey. This survey is not predictive, but simply quantifies the damage that occurred the previous season. In 2010, 127 sites were surveyed. The percentage of positive sites was 12.6%, down from 26.1% in 2009 (Table 14, Figure 16).

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 33

Table 14: Balsam gall midge (Paradiplosis tumifex) damage survey conducted by Forest Health in Eastern Nova Scotia from 2003 to 2010.

Number of Sites with Balsam Gall Midge Number (%) Number Affected Shoots Year Positive of Sites Low Moderate High Sites Zero 1-24% 25-64% >65% 2003 659 9 (1.4) 650 9 0 0 2004 669 1 (0.1) 668 1 0 0 2005 411 14 (3.4) 397 14 0 0 2006 427 32 (7.5) 395 31 1 0 2008 42 2 (4.8) 40 2 0 0 2009 46 12 (26.1) 34 10 2 0 2010 127 16 (12.6) 111 16 0 0

Figure 16: Balsam gall midge damage survey results for 2010.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 34

Insect Pests of Hardwoods

Gypsy Moth - Lymantria dispar (L.)

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

The first gypsy moth egg mass in Nova Scotia was detected in Yarmouth in 1981 and populations have since become established in the Central and Western Regions of the province. It is a pest of quarantine significance and is therefore regulated under the federal Plant Protection Act by the CFIA. Gypsy moth populations are monitored throughout the province in collaboration with the CFIA using pheromone traps.

Pheromone Trap Survey

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

In 2010, 19 multipher traps were monitored province wide. The percentage of positive traps was 57.9%, down from 63.2% in 2009. A total of 3093 moths were captured, up from 2545 in 2009 (Table 15). Delta traps were deployed in nine towns outside the regulated area (Table 16). Overall, the percentage of positive traps was 20.0%, down from 32.4% in 2009.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 35

Figure 17: Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) permanent trap survey conducted by Forest Health in 2010.

Table 15: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) permanent, multipher pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 1999 to 2010.

Number of Traps Number (%) Number of Moths/Trap Total Year Positive Low Moderate High Placed Returned Zero Moths Traps 1 - 100 101 - 300 >300 1999 22 22 6 (27.3) 16 4 0 2 971 2000 21 21 9 (42.9) 12 6 0 3 2136 2001 21 21 11 (52.4) 10 8 1 2 2080 2002 22 22 15 (68.2) 7 11 1 3 3581 2003 24 24 16 (66.7) 8 12 1 3 2804 2004 23 21 14 (66.7) 7 10 1 3 1873 2005 21 14 8 (57.1) 6 5 1 2 1559 2006 22 21 12 (57.1) 9 7 3 2 2029 2007 21 18 12 (66.7) 6 7 2 3 2702 2008 19 19 11 (57.9) 8 8 0 3 3739 2009 21 19 12 (63.2) 7 6 4 2 2545 2010 20 19 11 (57.9) 8 5 1 5 3093

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 36

Figure 18: Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta trap town survey conducted by Forest Health in 2010.

Table 16: Summary of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) delta pheromone trap surveys conducted by Forest Health in Nova Scotia 2001 to 2010.

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Town # of % # of % # of % # of % # of % Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive

Advocate 10 80 10 100 10 100 10 90 10 90 Amherst* 7 100 9 100 8 100 13 76.9 15 53.3 Antigonish 10 60 10 40 10 50 5 100 10 40 Baddeck 10 0 9 55.6 10 10 10 0 10 10 Big Pond 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 10 10 0 Cheticamp 10 0 10 80 9 11.1 10 10 10 30 Five Islands 10 90 10 100 10 100 9 100 10 100 Guysborough 9 0 10 0 10 30 10 0 10 0 Inverness 10 0 8 25 10 0 10 10 10 20 Mulgrave 9 11.1 10 20 9 0 8 0 10 0 New Glasgow 10 60 10 50 10 70 10 90 10 90 Parrsboro 10 10 9 100 10 100 9 100 10 100 Pictou 9 22.2 10 10 10 30 10 40 10 40 Sheet Harbour 10 0 11 9.1 --- 8 75 10 40

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 37

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Town # of % # of % # of % # of % # of % Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive

Sherbrooke 10 20 10 20 10 0 10 30 10 10 Shubenacadie 10 30 10 80 9 55.6 5 80 5 0 Stewiacke 9 22.2 9 55.6 8 87.5 5 80 5 0 St. Peters 9 0 9 0 9 22.2 --- 10 0 Tatamagouche 10 10 9 66.7 7 57.1 10 60 8 87.5 Truro 10 50 9 88.9 24 87.5 24 100 20 100

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Town # of % # of % # of % # of % # of % Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive Traps Positive

Advocate 10 90 9 55.5 DS Amherst* TO Antigonish 10 10 10 10 10 40 10 80 10 50 Baddeck 10 0 9 0 10 20 9 0 10 0 Big Pond 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 9 0 Cheticamp 10 10 10 0 9 11.1 9 0 10 0 Five Islands 10 100 10 100 DS Guysborough 10 0 10 0 10 10 10 10 8 0 Inverness 10 20 10 0 10 0 7 0 10 0 Mulgrave 10 10 10 0 10 10 9 0 New Glasgow 10 90 10 100 10 100 10 100 10 100 Parrsboro TO Pictou 10 30 10 30 10 80 10 30 10 30 Sheet Harbour 10 10 10 20 10 20 10 70 DS Sherbrooke 10 0 10 0 10 30 10 40 10 20 Shubenacadie 9 90 6 100 DS Stewiacke 10 90 4 100 DS St. Peters 10 0 10 0 9 0 9 11 Tatamagouche 10 70 10 50 10 40 1 100 DS Truro TO

--- : traps not deployed or information not available TO : traps taken over by the CFIA. DS : deleted from survey

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 38

Invasive Pests

Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle - Tetropium fuscum (Fabr.)

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

To help prevent the spread of the beetle, the CFIA issued a Ministerial Order in 2000 which restricts the movement of high risk articles including spruce round logs, unprocessed wood chips (> 4cm), and bark out of the regulated area (Figure 19). The order was revised in 2008 mandating that a one kilometer movement restriction be placed around all positive locations outside of the original regulated area. The NSDNR works with the CFIA and CFS in a joint effort to monitor the beetle’s spread within Nova Scotia using pheromone traps.

Figure 19: Brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) containment area 2010.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 39

Pheromone Trap Survey

In 2010, an extensive detection survey comprised of pheromone trapping was conducted throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec. There were 13 new positives sites (Figure 20), mainly within the generally infested area. In Nova Scotia two new records of note were Liscomb in Guysborough county, which is the first find for that county, and Five Island Provincial Park, which represents the most distant location from the regulated area. Additional pheromone traps deployed throughout Eastern Canada in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec were negative (Figure 21). These new records bring the total number of positive sites outside of the beetle containment area to 59.

Figure 20: Brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) Nova Scotia survey results for 2006 to 2010.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 40

Figure 21: Brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum) trap location sites for Eastern Canada 2010.

Pine Shoot Beetle – Tomicus piniperda (L.)

Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, this beetle was first discovered in North America in 1992 in Ohio, USA and has gradually spread into Québec and western Maine. In North America, all native pine species are potential hosts, however, red, Scots, and ponderosa pines are preferred. It is a pest of quarantine significance and is regulated by the CFIA under the federal Plant Protection Act. Monitoring for pine shoot beetle in Nova Scotia is conducted by NSDNR in cooperation with the CFIA. The trapping survey was not conducted in 2010 because the CFIA decided in 2009 to make this a biannual survey.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid - Adelges tsugae (Annand)

Is a serious pest, damaging and killing eastern North American hemlock species. This tiny insect, less than 1.5 mm in length, is not considered a significant pest in its native range, Asia. It was first reported in British Columbia in the 1920's where it is also considered a minor pest. It was first detected in eastern North America in the 1950's and is now established from New York and New England through to Georgia. Isolated infestations were found in Ontario in 2012. The infested trees were removed, and the adelgid is not yet known to be established in eastern Canada. In 2010, Forest Health, in cooperation with the CFIA, conducted hemlock woolly adelgid detection surveys at 12 site with greater than 40% hemlock in the Western ecoregion (Figure 22). At each stand, two lower crown branches from 15 trees were assessed for life stages or damage. None were detected.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 41

Figure 22: Hemlock woolly adelgid detection survey results for 2010.

Emerald Ash Borer - Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire)

This beetle, native to Asia, was first discovered in North America in 2002. It is highly destructive in its new range, killing tens of millions of ash trees throughout Ontario, Quebec and the United States. It poses a significant economic and ecological threat to urban and forested areas, and can be spread to new areas by the movement of infested firewood. The CFIA has identified regulated areas within Canada (Figure 23), but It has not yet been detected in Nova Scotia. In an attempt to be proactive to emerald ash borer infestation the Risk Services Unit conducted a table top analysis to identify where ash stands are located throughout the province (Figure 24).

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 42

Figure 23: CFIA emerald ash borer regulated areas in Canada for 2010.

Figure 24: Distribution of white ash trees in Nova Scotia.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 43

Arthropods of Importance to Human Health

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from feeding on birds and then can transmit it to humans. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Nova Scotia. Mosquito surveillance has been suspended due to lack of West Nile virus activity, but will be re-introduced if the virus is detected within wild bird populations. No birds have tested positive since 2003, and as of 2010, dead birds are no longer tested for West Nile virus.

Tick Survey

The Department of Health and Wellness is the Lead Agency for tick and Lyme disease related issues in Nova Scotia. Forest Health conducts active surveillance for blacklegged ticks in Nova Scotia on their behalf to determine new areas where they are becoming established. These surveys are conducted in two parts; passive and active.

Passive surveillance relies specimens to be submitted to Forest Health for identification by other DNR offices, veterinarians, physicians, and the public. If the tick is identified as a blacklegged tick (formerly called deer ticks - Ixodes scapularis), it is sent to the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg where it is tested for the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, the causal agent of Lyme disease. In 2010, 1384 ticks were submitted to Forest Health for identification and over 700 were black legged ticks.

Active surveillance involves actively collecting ticks using two techniques:

• Drag sampling - walking through a suspected tick infested area while dragging a white flannel blanket to which the ticks are attracted. • Live traps - placed to capture small mammals such as mice. The number of ticks on each mouse is counted. Blood samples are taken to determine bacterial presence and infection rates within the population.

Currently, there are four established populations of Blacklegged ticks in Nova Scotia:

• Pictou County - areas around Melmerby Beach, Egerton, Kings Head, and Pine Tree; • Lunenburg County - Blue Rocks, Garden Lots, Heckmans Island, First Peninsula as well as the areas immediately surrounding them; • Halifax County - Admirals Cove in Bedford; and • Shelburne County - Gunning Cove

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 44

A population is considered established when more than one life stage of the blacklegged tick has been found in an area.

Table 17: Number of tick identification inquiries from 2002 to 2010.

Number of Tick Identification Inquiries

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

45 170 186 190 569 635 1191 1350 1384

Pest Identification Service

Correct and timely pest identification is essential for the planning of monitoring and control strategies, selecting control options, and determining overall risk. In 2010, 145 inquiries were answered. Of these inquiries, 5 (3.5 %), were made by department staff, particularly PDO’s; 44 (30.3 %) dealt directly with our forest resource i.e. plantations and woodlots; the remaining 86 (59.3 %) were general homeowner inquiries (Table 18).

Table 18: Summary of Pest Identification Inquiries to Forest Health from 2001 to 2010

Number of Pest Identification Inquiries Inquiry Related to 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

General Identification 120 170 154 141 131 166 132 211 125 86 Forest and Urban Trees 152 159 118 91 68 77 69 0 32 44 Forest Health Surveys NR NR 269 270 225 296 NR NR 2 5 Fungal/Abiotic* 36 42 45 21 23 10 Total Inquiries Received 272 329 541 502 460 581 246 232 182 145 *From 2001 - 2004 fungal/abiotic identifications were incorporated as part of forest and urban tree. NR = not recorded

Communications

Newsletter: Insectary Notes

Forest Health publishes Insectary Notes, a bi-monthly newsletter. It originated as a publication chiefly for NSDNR employees, those interested in forestry and forest pests and entomologists. Through eighteen years in publication, it has grown to reach offices

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 45 in all levels of government, in every province of Canada and some States. The objective of this publication is to communicate current information in a timely manner using a recognized and easy to understand format.

Website

The NSDNR Forest Health section website, http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/forestprotection/foresthealth/default.asp, was launched in March of 2003. It presently contains fact sheets for various forest pests. Future plans for the website include increasing the number of fact sheets and including links to other sites within the government site that would be of use to clients.

Extension and Outreach

Forest Health delivers programs for elementary school aged students. The student education program, along with programs for adults and stakeholders, has grown into a significant part of the overall Forest Health work pan. Forest Health also participates in the Kids in the Forest program, held as part of the Woodlot Owner of the Year Awards each fall; various spring field days and National Forest Week in September; as well as yearly information sessions as part of the Woodland Owner Conferences and Christmas Tree Producer Associations technical sessions and field days.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 46

APPENDIX I – GLOSSARY

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

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

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

Bark Beetles – a group of beetles, mainly of the family Scolytidae, whose adults bore through the bark of host trees to lay their eggs, and whose larvae tunnel and feed under the bark.

Biotic - of or relating to living organisms.

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

Containment Area - application of phytosanitary measures in and around an infested area to prevent spread of a pest.

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

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

Delta Trap – a trap type used to monitor gypsy moth and many other key insect pests. Delta traps, consist of wax-covered cardboard housing, a pheromone lure, and an adhesive. The lure is saturated with female sex pheromone which is attractive to male moths. Once inside the trap, males are immobilized by its adhesive coating.

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

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

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

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

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 47

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

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

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

Fixed Radius Plot - a controlled cruise method where small plots of a fixed size are used to sample a portion of a forest area to obtain information (such as tree volume) that can be used to describe the whole area.

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

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

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

Ground Survey - the objectives of the ground surveys are: to identify the pest organism; determine the host species and locate additional trees affected by the pest in the immediate vicinity before visible crown symptoms appear. It is possible, after obtaining these data, to correct the gross aerial survey data to more accurately reflect the pest conditions within the survey area.

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

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

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

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

Introduced Species - a species that does not naturally occur in a given area, but has instead been brought in by other means.

Invasive Alien Species– are plants, and micro-organisms that, when introduced outside of their natural past or present distribution spread and cause serious and often irreversible damage to Canada's native ecosystems, economy and society.

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 48

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mortality Agent - any biotic or abiotic agent that causes damage to a tree, or other plant of concern.

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

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

Natural Regeneration - the renewal of a forest stand by natural seeding, sprouting, suckering, or layering; seeds may be deposited by wind, birds or mammals.

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

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

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

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

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

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 49

Parasitic plant – a plant that directly attaches to another plant via a modified root that forms a morphological and physiological link between the parasite and host.

Parasitoid - a parasite that ultimately kills its host, often by consuming most or all of its internal tissues.

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

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

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

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

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

Plantation - a group of cultivated trees.

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

Predator - any animal (including insects and mites) that kills other animals (prey) and feeds on them.

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

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

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

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

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 50

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forest Health Conditions in Nova Scotia 2010 Annual Report 51