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Canadian Food Inspection Agency Summary of Plant Quarantine Pest and Disease Situations in Canada
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Introduction |
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Entomology
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Mycology
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This report summarizes survey activities conducted in 1998 for plant pests and diseases of quarantine significance to Canada. Survey and pest distribution information provides a basis for regulations and control measures to prevent the spread of these organisms as well as for the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for export. Most of the surveys are conducted for pests listed in Schedule II of the Plant Protection Domestic Regulations, i.e. quarantine pests* which have not yet reached the limits of their potential range in Canada. This report also includes a survey for exotic pests not known to occur in North America but have been intercepted on incoming cargo (see Exotic Bark Beetle Survey).
Most of the information contained in this report was generated by the personnel of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). However, as noted in the text, the report also includes information from surveys conducted by, or in collaboration with, other agencies, notably the Canadian Forest Service (CFS), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Research Branch, and Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Survey data were compiled, summarized and mapped in Nepean by the survey team of the Plant Health Risk Assessment Unit. Inquiries about these and other non-indigenous pests and diseases may be directed to:
Robert Favrin
Plant Health Survey Co-ordinator
Science Division
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
3851 Fallowfield Road
Nepean, Ontario Canada
K2H 8P9
(613) 998-9320 (ext. 5909)
Email: favrinr@inspection.gc.ca
* 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. (Glossary of phytosanitary terms. 1997. International Plant Protection Convention, FAO, Rome).
Interception records in both Canada and the United States show that many pests of wood and living trees, such as bark beetles (e.g. Ips typographus, Tomicus piniperda) and borers (e.g. Anoplophora spp.), can be associated with dunnage and various types of crating material used to support and stabilize cargo during shipping. The wood used for this purpose is often of low quality and may be in many forms, such as, lumber, logs and crating.
In response to the threat of introduction of exotic forest pests by this pathway CFIA developed a dunnage policy directive (D-95-10). The policy requires that port authorities establish designated areas for storage of clean dunnage. Dunnage which has bark attached to it, signs of insect damage or other suspicious symptoms must be disposed of or treated in a manner approved by CFIA. Procedures currently approved include deep burial and incineration. A similar regulation for wooden crating and pallets is also being drafted.
The trapping survey for exotic bark beetles continued in 1998 in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic using trapping protocols and densities similar to those described in 1997. Sites near dunnage storage and disposal areas were the principal targets. Three traps were placed at each survey site and baited with one of three lures (Ipslure, alpha-pinene or ethanol). About 60 sites were trapped in Ontario and Quebec and 20-30 sites in each of the Atlantic and B.C. regions. In addition to the CFIA survey a number of sites in the Atlantic and B.C. were trapped by the Canadian Forest Service. Initial specimen screening was conducted by the respective agency managing the traps. Final diagnostic confirmations were performed CFIA in cooperation with AAFC. In addition to the above, separate Tomicus-specific surveys (sites with alpha-pinene baited traps only) were conducted in Ontario and Quebec. Tomicus piniperda was found for the first time in Elgin County, Ontario (see section on Pine Shoot Beetle). Also, a CFS cooperator provided the contents of a Theysohn trap in Camp Tamawaby Demonstration Forest, Prince County, Prince Edward Island. Georgette Smith of the CFS-Atlantic Forestry Centre screened the material and identified two Trypodendron domesticum adults, later confirmed by Bruce Gill (CFIA) and Donald Bright (AAFC). This European ambrosia beetle is native to western and central Europe where it attacks a great diversity of hardwood trees. It was recently reported in British Columbia, the only known location outside of its native range prior to the P.E.I. report. This is the first known report of this insect in P.E.I. and the Atlantic region.
Import inspections of Wooden Dunnage and Crating continued into 1998. Historical interception data shows that serious foreign pests can travel around intact in wooden crating material. The Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, has been intercepted in this material a number of times in the US and Canada. For the inspection program, specific commodity groups were targeted because they are often associated with larger dimension wooden crating. These "high-risk" commodities included, but were not limited to, sheet metal, tile, granite/stone/marble, wire cables (wooden spools), heavy machinery, and steel/iron products such as pipe. As these commodities are non-agricultural, the consignments were identified by reviewing shipping manifests in advance and then flagged for inspection on arrival. Notice was also given to Canada Customs staff to refer suspect shipments (wood with bark, insects or signs of insects) to the CFIA. Identifications were provided by the CFIA the Centre for Plant Quarantine Pests in conjunction with AAFC-Biological Resources Program. For a number of samples, preliminary identification and rearing was also performed by the CFS, Pacific Forestry Centre. Table 1, shows the pest interceptions in wooden packing from late 1996 through 1998.
See, also: Asian Long-Horned Beetle Information Sheet
Table 1. Wood Dunnage/Crating Intercepted Pests
COLEOPTERA
HYMENOPTERA
LEPIDOPTERA
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Ontario, British Columbia. In response to interceptions of Anoplophora glabripennis in wooden crating from China, field surveys were conducted around a number of importer facilities and their clients. Nine sites were surveyed in Ontario and four sites in British Columbia. All host material within a 200-500 meter radius was visually inspected for signs of Anoplophora damage, (oviposition scars, exit holes, flowing sap, sawdust). No evidence of Anoplophora was observed in either province. (See also, Factsheet, Information Sheet, Wooden Dunnage and Crating Inspection )
The Oriental fruit moth attacks various temperate fruit trees and related ornamentals, but its preferred host is peach. Adults emerge from cocoons on dormant stems in the spring and deposit eggs on young twigs. The larvae bore into twigs and cause dieback. As the season progresses and the twigs mature, later generations of larvae bore into ripening fruits, which become unmarketable. Pesticides cannot reach the larvae in their burrows, so wherever the pest occurs growers monitor moth flights carefully and apply multiple sprays of pesticides to kill the adults before they can deposit their eggs.
Native to China and Korea, where the peach tree also originated, the Oriental fruit moth was spread to many temperate fruit-growing areas of the world during the first thirty years of this century. The means of spread between countries was most probably as larvae in cocoons on dormant fruit-tree nursery stock, but spread within each country also occurred with infested fruit and by local moth flight. The insect was discovered in the U.S.A. in 1916. It spread rapidly throughout the country, and into southern Ontario in eastern Canada by 1925. Today, the only commercial peach-growing area of North America believed to be free of the pest is the province of British Columbia. A small infestation was discovered in B.C. in 1956 and eradicated in 1957. The moth has not been found in B.C. since then.
Surveys are conducted annually using Pherocon® 1C wing traps baited with an OFM pheromone. Traps are set in May and monitored weekly or bi-weekly until October. Site selection is biased toward areas having a higher risk of introduction, such as unsprayed and neglected peach orchards, campgrounds, nurseries, packing houses, border crossings, fruit stands and warehouses.
British Columbia (map) Surveys for this pest support claims of pest-free status for import and export requirements. Each year about 150 high risk introduction sites are trapped for this pest in Okanagan Valley, the Fraser Valley and southern Vancouver Island. As of this report, Grapholita molesta is not known to be established in British Columbia.
Gypsy moth is native to Eurasia. Moths originating from eggs originally imported from France were accidentally released in Massachusetts in 1869 and the species quickly became a serious pest. All levels of government co-operated in a control effort and within a few years the insect was almost eradicated. At that point, with the threat no longer obvious, the program was ended and eventually populations increased again. Gypsy moth is now established throughout the northeastern quarter of the U.S.A. In Canada, gypsy moth is established in southern Ontario, southern Québec, southwestern New Brunswick and southwestern Nova Scotia.
This pest can defoliate large areas of forest and has killed and weakened trees in some parts of the northeastern United States, thereby causing major changes in some ecosystems. Preferred hosts are oak, birch and poplar. However, the insect can survive on a wide variety of deciduous tree species. When numerous, the caterpillars are also a nuisance to people and control programs are sometimes required in urban and cottage areas.
Various combinations of federal and provincial government agencies co-operate to detect and control gypsy moth across Canada. The following report provides a general overview of the gypsy moth situation in Canada. It summarizes the activities of all government agencies across Canada relevant to detection and eradication of isolated infestations, or to monitoring expansion of generally infested areas.
Asian Genotype (AGM). The Asian genotype of Lymantria dispar (AGM) is indigenous to the far eastern Asia. Significant phenotypic differences exist between AGM and the North American genotype (NAGM), which is the genotype established in eastern North America. Most notable of these traits is the ability of AGM females to fly. In addition, the Asian genotype has a broader preferred host range, which includes some conifers such as Larix, Picea and Pseudotsuga. There are also phenological differences; for example, up to 25% of AGM egg masses undergo pre-eclosion instead of diapausing, i.e. they hatch in the fall of the year in which they were laid. The two genotypes are difficult to distinguish using traditional morphological examination but it is possible to separate them using DNA analysis. There also appears to be a range of intermediate types in parts of Europe and central Asia.
The first interception of gypsy moths from Asia occurred in 1979 when the Victoria Plant Protection office in British Columbia reported finding egg masses on a Soviet vessel. No further interceptions were made until 1989 when low numbers of egg masses once again were intercepted on Soviet ships. The fall of 1990 was the start of a major effort to resolve this problem. During that winter, a number of Soviet vessels were found to be heavily infested with egg masses. However, no action was required because the weather was too cold for hatching. In 1991, the discovery of large numbers of egg masses on vessels originating from ports in the Primorski Region of Russia ultimately led to a ban of 17 vessels from Canadian waters. It was learned that loading lights shining on the vessels in the ports (Vladivostok, Nakhodka/Vostochny) attracted flying females to the ships and that these egg mass finds coincided with a peak in the Russian Far East gypsy moth population. In 1992, an extensive spray program was carried out in the Vancouver harbour area as part of the Asian Gypsy Moth Eradication plan. A total area of 18,813 hectares was treated with Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (B.t.k.) at a rate of 50 BIU/ha. Subsequent surveys in the treatment area caught no moths. Trapping and eradication efforts continue in B.C. and all moths captured outside of regulated provinces are now subjected to DNA analysis to determine genotype. AGM has never been found in provinces other than British Columbia. Vessels entering Canadian waters from the Russian far east are now regulated under Plant Protection Directive D-95-03.
Atlantic Provinces. Trapping programs in this region are aimed at the detection of new infestations (all provinces) and delimitation along the leading edge of the known infested area (Nova Scotia and New Brunswick). Trap results are also used to target areas for fall and spring egg mass searches.
There were no changes to the regulated areas in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in 1998. Regulated areas are listed in Plant Protection Directive D-96-21 which governs movement of Christmas trees to the United States.
Newfoundland (map). Approximately 300 delta traps are deployed in the annual detection surveys in Newfoundland. Trap sites were selected based on risk of introduction, such as, campgrounds, recreational sites, tourist chalets and wooded areas frequented by visitors. Most survey sites are near the towns of Port-aux-Basques, Corner Brook, Gander, St. John's, Goose Bay (Labrador). As of this report, Newfoundland is considered to be an uninfested province.
Prince Edward Island (map). Trap captures were similar to those in 1997. There were 31 positive traps among the 350 deployed, with a total capture of 36 moths. All of the positive traps contained one or two moths with the exception of a single trap in the city of Charlottetown which captured three males. No other gypsy moth life stages were found during follow-up searches. As of this report, Prince Edward Island is considered to be an uninfested province
Nova Scotia (map). During 1998, the CFIA and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources conducted leading edge trapping along the eastern boundary of the regulated area, and detection trapping throughout eastern N.S. Egg masses searches were also conducted at the trap sites along the leading edge. For the most part there were only single moth captures outside of the regulated area. Multiple captures were recorded near New Prospect (9 moths, one trap) and Porters Lake (13 moths in 3 traps). No egg masses were found at any of the sites searched.
New Brunswick (maps:trapping; egg mass survey).
Data for the attached maps were assembled from the various cooperators by the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy (NBDNRE).
Pheromone Trapping. Trapping surveys were a cooperative effort among a variety of federal, provincial agencies. Their activities are summarized below and on the corresponding maps. The majority of the trapping effort focused on delimitation along the leading edge of the infestation and early detection in areas removed from the infested areas and determined to have a high risk of introduction (importing sawmills, tourist areas). Three hundred and sixty traps were placed as follows: CFIA (213), CFS/Parks Canada (41), NBDNRE (106). A subset of the CFIA traps in high risk areas were subjected to DNA analysis for the Asian strain of Lymantria dispar. All moths were identified as the North American strain.
Egg Masses and Other Life Stages. Fall egg mass surveys were conducted by NBDNRE at 221 locations, at sites within about 20 km of the regulated areas. New egg masses were found at 41 sites and 21 sites had old egg masses or other insect stages. Data shown on the map represents only new egg masses. Three of the positive sites were outside of the regulated area (Woodstock, Morrisdale and Carters Point). Carters Point was the only site of the three at which both old and new egg masses were found.
Québec Surveys for NAGM were not conducted by CFIA staff in 1998. According to general provincial surveillance information, the overall gypsy moth (NAGM) distribution has not changed significantly in Quebec in a number of years with negligible defoliation observed in the past several years.
Ontario (map). In 1998, the Canadian Forest Service, Ontario Region continued trapping in northern Ontario provincial parks as well as conducted aerial surveys for defoliation. Sixty locations were trapped with two traps per locations. The pattern of trap captures was similar to that observed for the past few years. The total area of moderate-to-severe defoliation increased to 3,060 ha from 25 ha observed in 1997 (graph). The two main areas of defoliation occurred on Walpole Island in southern Lambton County and near Charleston Lake in eastern Ontario. Further information on specific areas can be obtained from the Canadian Forest Service in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
Manitoba & Saskatchewan Each year approximately 400 traps are placed throughout these two provinces with an emphasis on tourist and urban areas, provincial and national parks. Two moths were captured at two sites in Winnipeg and a single moth was captured in Saskatoon. All moths were identified as the North American strain using FS1 and mitochondrial genetic markers.
Alberta (map). As in previous years, approximately 500 traps were placed in Alberta for gypsy moth detection. The program is a cooperative effort among the federal departments of Agriculture and Forestry and various provincial and municipal agencies. Three moths were captured in two traps in Banff National Park. A single moth was also captured near the town of Conrich in southeast Alberta.
British Columbia (maps: coast, interior). In 1998, approximately 13,000 traps were deployed. Delimitation trapping on Vancouver Island ( 10,000 traps) accounted for most of the effort. CFIA staff placed trap grids at 25/km² (64/mi²) densities around the (ground) spray areas in Esquimalt and Langford ( 3700 traps). Beyond the high-density grids, a number of volunteer groups, such as the Sierra Club and the B.C. Nursery Trades, placed an additional 3,281 traps ranging in density from 6/km² (16/mi²) to 14/km² (36/mi²) . On the Lower Mainland, about 2,000 traps were placed. Six areas were targeted for high-density trapping (16/mi²), on the Lower Mainland, based on moth captures during the previous three years. On the Lower Mainland, three moths were captured in a single trap in Tsawassen. In the interior of the province, a single male moth was caught in Rossland.
On southern Vancouver Island, over 575 moths were captured, mainly around the Langford and Esquimalt epicentres. Two regulated areas were established as a result of the finds - one around greater Victoria/Duncan (139,600 ha) and another around Nanaimo (9,900 ha). Movement of regulated goods from these areas is governed under Directive D-98-09. Aerial spraying is planned for four areas on southern Vancouver Island for the spring of 1999: Brentwood, 600 ha; Esquimalt/Langford, 12,000 ha; Duncan, 420 ha; and Nanaimo, 164 ha. A fifth area (Fairfield, 85 ha) was slated for mass trapping. The B.C. Ministry of Forests web page provides an excellent update on all aspects of the gypsy moth program in the province. All moths captured in B.C. in 1998 were identified as North American using FS1 and mitochondrial genetic markers.
Japanese beetle damages a wide variety of ornamental trees and shrubs as well as lawn turf. It is native to the main islands of Japan, and was first discovered in North America in southern New Jersey (USA) in 1916. The first Japanese beetle found in Canada was in a tourist's car at Yarmouth, arriving in Nova Scotia by ferry from Maine in 1939. The pest was found established in Niagara Falls, Ontario by 1940. In 1994, Canada and the United States jointly developed a regulatory protocol governing the movement of regulated commodities originating from Japanese beetle infested areas. The protocol involves accreditation of greenhouses and nurseries based on trapping, soil sampling, pesticide treatments, inspection and certification. Regulated areas in Canada include the Regional Municipalities of Niagara, Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton-Wentworth in Ontario and the Municipalités régionales de comté (MRC) of Brome-Missisquoi, Le Haut-Richelieu, Champlain, Roussillon and Bas-Richelieu in Québec.
All surveys were conducted using vaned metal or plastic traps baited with a combination of a sex pheromone and a floral lure. Areas targeted for trapping included nurseries, sod farms, public parks and gardens, airports, truck and railway terminals, golf courses and border crossings. Traps were set in mid-June and collected in mid-September. Typically one trap was placed per site, however, in some cases there were five or more, depending on the site history and proximity to infested areas. Each trap was visited from two to four times throughout the season.
In 1998, Detection Surveys were conducted at high risk sites in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and British Columbia. (BC map). No P. japonica were detected in any of these provinces.
Delimitation surveys were conducted in Quebec (map) and Ontario (map), mainly in counties adjacent to the regulated areas. In Ontario, multiple beetle captures (more than one trap) were recorded near the towns of Brockville, Morrisburg, and Sarnia and at a few sites in southern Oxford County. In Quebec, multiple captures were recorded near Ayer's Cliff and on Îles de Sorel. One trap on Île Perrot also captured 3 beetles. It is not known whether these finds represent isolated populations or broader infestations within the county.
In many parts of its range, blueberry maggot is the most serious insect pest of blueberry fruit. It is native to North America, occurring all along the east coast of the U.S.A. and into the Maritime provinces of Canada, with separate populations in commercial blueberry plantations in Michigan and Wisconsin in the central U.S.A. Rhagoletis mendax became a serious economic pest in the northeastern United States in the early years of this century. In the 1930's, R. mendax was found to be widespread in Nova Scotia and now also is found in Prince Edward Island and southern New Brunswick. Blueberry maggot was found for the first time in Ontario in 1993 and Quebec in 1996. (see below). This report also highlights the first report of blueberry maggot in the Province of Québec. Plant Protection regulations are in effect to prevent the spread of the insect to uninfested blueberry production areas.
Trapping surveys are conducted using yellow Pherocon® AM traps baited with odour attractants (ammonium acetate). Traps are hung in an inverted "V" position with the yellow sticky surface pointed toward the ground. In lowbush blueberries traps are hung so that the bottom is 10-15 cm above the plants. In highbush plantations the traps are placed between plants at mid-canopy height and where fruit is most abundant. Trap locations protected from prevailing winds and within 3 meters of abundant fruit are preferred. Research also has shown that more flies are caught at weedy sites than weed-free sites. Normally traps are set in the latter part of June to capture emerging adults and are monitored through August. Fruit sampling for maggots is conducted in the vicinity of traps suspected of containing R. mendax flies.
Newfoundland. Detection trapping was conducted in nine areas in the main commercial lowbush blueberry areas of Newfoundland. The major areas surveyed were the Avalon and Bonavista peninsulas, central Newfoundland and near Port aux Basques. No R. mendax flies were found in Newfoundland.
British Columbia. The Fraser Valley is the major production area of commercial blueberries in B.C. and prior to 1996 was the only area of the province surveyed for blueberry maggot. The production area in the Fraser Valley is divided into thirds and surveyed on a three-year rotational basis. Traps also were placed on Vancouver Island where six new sites are now coming into production. No R. mendax flies were found in B.C. in 1998.
Quebec (maps: Province, Montreal district, Quebec district, St. Hyacinthe district)
A large trapping program was undertaken on three fronts, 1) delimitation trapping in a 5 km radius of the known infested sites in the Ormstown and Napierville areas, 2) detection trapping in bog areas containing wild Vaccinium across southern Quebec, 3) detection trapping at commercial farms throughout Quebec. The insect was found at two new sites in 1998: St. Édouard and St. Sabine. Both sites were in wild bog areas. The St. Sabine find represents a significant eastern extension of the known range of this pest in Quebec.
Ontario (map). In Ontario, R. mendax adults were captured at three of the four previously infested farms (near West Lorne, Fenwick and St. Williams (map)). The farm without captures was the site of the first find in Ontario (near Port Burwell). Blueberry maggot has not been found on this farm since 1995 and it is possible that the population has been reduced to undetectable levels as a result of the spray program.
The apple maggot is native to North America, having developed the native species of Rhagoletis that attacks hawthorn (Crataegus sp.). Around 1867, the hawthorn maggot suddenly began to infest domesticated apples, which had been introduced into North America from Europe hundreds of years earlier. The phenomenon was first noticed in New York State. The problem spread rapidly. Apple maggot became a very important insect pest of apple fruit because, without controls, it can ruin the entire crop. It has also been recorded from some other Rosaceous fruits (eg. races exist in the United States which attack cherries and plums).
Apple maggot is now widespread in eastern North America, from Manitoba south into Mexico and in Washington, Oregon, Utah and California. The Florida and Mexico populations may represent distinct races which evolved separately from the northeastern race. It is not known to occur in Newfoundland where an apple industry exists in the Codroy Valley and surrounding areas.
Canada had already developed a thriving apple-export industry before the apple maggot problem developed. In order to protect that industry, joint federal-provincial orchard inspection and export certification programs were initiated, beginning with Nova Scotia in the 1930's. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is still involved in apple orchard certification programs in Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario, where inspectors ensure that exported apples are free of the maggot.
British Columbia (map). A detection survey is conducted annually in B.C. to maintain pest-free status and to monitor the constant threat of introduction, particularly from western states. In response to R. pomonella captures in Whatcom County (Washington) in 1997, a cooperative survey was undertaken involving CFIA, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Fruit Growers Association. Survey methods were also shifted from Pherocon AM traps to red spheres. Apple maggot was not detected in the 1998 surveys, supporting pest-free status for B.C.
Tomicus piniperda is recognized as one of the most destructive bark beetles of pines in its native Eurasia. During the summer of 1992, the United States first reported finding this pest in a Scots pine Christmas tree plantation in Ohio. By the end of that year the beetle had been found in six states in the Great Lakes Region: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New York. This was the first report of pine shoot beetle being established in North America, although there were Canadian and U.S. interception reports, mainly on dunnage material, as early as the 1960's.
Surveys began in Canada in 1993 and as a result the beetle was found in seven southern Ontario counties. Regulations are in place in both Canada and the United States restricting the movement of pine material from infested counties to uninfested areas. An overview of the regulated counties in North America for the period 1992-98 is shown on the following map.
Trap surveys for this pest are conducted using Lindgren funnel traps (8- or 12-funnel), baited with two a-pinene release devices per trap. No liquid was used in the collection bucket. Traps were in place by mid- to late-March and were checked weekly or bi-weekly until mid-June. Visual inspection surveys were carried out from July to October for signs of damage to host trees, including chlorotic, wilting shoots, characteristic shoot tunnelling and fallen shoots. Stressed and dying trees were examined for galleries and emerging adults in late June and early July.
Maritimes & British Columbia. Surveys for Pine Shoot Beetle using the trapping methods described above were incorporated in the Exotic Bark Beetle Survey. No T. piniperda were found.
Quebec. In 1998, PSB was found for the first time in Quebec at two sites (map) near the Maine/New Hampshire border (approx. 45 km east Sherbrooke). The two sites are about 25 km apart. One beetle was caught at each site in June in Lindgren traps baited with alpha-pinene. One of the finds was on the premises of an importing sawmill. After an audit of the sawmill's records, it was learned that illegal importations from infested counties in New York state had taken place earlier in the year. The other positive site was in a small private plantation (<5 ac) of Scots pine in an mostly open agricultural area.
Follow-up visual surveys were conducted in late September in 50 plantations of mainly red pine in an 10-15 km radius of the two finds (Birchton, Chartierville, East Hereford, La Patrie, Notre-Dame-des-Bois, Ranboro, St-Edwidge, St-Herménégilde, St-Isidore d'Auckland, St-Malo). No other finds were recorded except an adult and tunnelled shoot collected near East Hereford . Unfortunately, the adult specimen was lost during transport not allowing identification.
Ontario (map). PSB was found in five new counties in 1998 (Elgin, Perth, Bruce, Huron and Victoria). At the Elgin site, five adults were caught in a CFIA Lindgren trap in the first week of May near the town of Rodney. Also in Elgin County, the CFS reported shoot mortality ranging between 25-80% in three small stands of Scots pine. Large amounts of slash were present at the site with 80% shoot damage. At both the Perth site, shoot damage was evident on white Pine (approx. height, 15 ft). Most of the damage appeared in the upper third of the crown. At the Perth site, the white pine were growing near a heavily infested Scots pine stand. Up to 75% of the Scots pine showed some branch and shoot mortality and about 45% of the white pine displayed shoot (maturation feeding) damage in the upper crown. It is surmised that the damage to white pine was the result of spillover from the Scots pine. At the Bruce site significant shoot damage was also observed on white pine. It was estimated that at least 50 trees (30-40 ft height) were damaged. It was also noted that there was slash in the stand (possibly the result of recent cutting or thinning). At the Huron site beetles were collected by the CFS from damaged shoots and sections of bark in a red pine stand northeast of the town of Goderich. The Victoria County find (also by CFS) was in single Scots pine stand in the extreme southwest corner of the county. Follow-up surveys to the north and east of the site were negative for PSB.
During the latter part of the summer the Canadian Forest Service recorded damage by PSB in several Scot's pine stands in southern Ontario, particularly in the regulated counties of Perth, Huron, Middlesex, Haldimand-Norfolk, Oxford, Waterloo, Wellington, Brant and Hamilton-Wentworth. All ages of Scots pine appeared to be attacked with shoot mortality from 20-80%. It is not known whether the extensive drought of recent years predisposed the trees to attack. Also, many of the stands were damaged by Diplodia tip blight. Anecdotal information from landowners at some of the sites suggests that the severe damage observed on Scots pine was a relatively recent occurrence. As mentioned above, heavy shoot damage was observed in a few stands of white pine and to a lesser extent on red and jack pine. All of the damaged stands of native pine were in the vicinity of Scots pine. For the most part, damage on native species was the result of maturation feeding in the shoots. Overall about 1000 ha of severe damage to Scots pine was observed in southern Ontario in 1998.
In addition to the above the CFIA conducted delimitation surveys in southwestern, eastern and northern Ontario beyond the regulated counties. In southwestern and eastern Ontario Lindgren traps were used. In northern Ontario bait logs were placed at ten sites along the north shore of Lake Huron mainly in the vicinity of mills. Apart from the Elgin county find mentioned above there were no other PSB finds as a result of the delimitation surveys.
Apple ermine moth is a defoliator of apple trees throughout Europe and Asia, as far east as Japan. It was introduced into New York State around 1909, into New Brunswick in 1917 and into Ontario in 1957, but was eradicated in all cases.
In 1981, a single colony of apple ermine moth was collected from a nursery at Duncan, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. A survey of B.C. nurseries in 1982 resulted in the finding of a single small colony in another nursery at Lantzville, also on Vancouver Island. Nursery surveys in subsequent years did not recover Y. malinellus until 1985 when the pest was found to be widespread at Bellingham in the State of Washington, and at Cloverdale in British Columbia. Surveys in 1985 and 1986 established that the insect occurred over large areas of southeastern Vancouver Island, the southwestern corner of the B.C. mainland and adjacent northwestern Washington. It is not known when or where the apple ermine moth was introduced into western North America.
In 1989, apple ermine moth was found for the first time in the Interior of the province of British Columbia at three sites, two north of Kelowna and one near Grand Forks. In 1990 a more intensive survey was conducted to determine the insect's range in the southern interior. Apple ermine moth was subsequently found at many locations, which resulted in a change of domestic regulations. For regulatory purposes, the whole of British Columbia is now regarded as infested, although the insect has not yet spread into the southeastern portion of the province.
Surveys in non-infested provinces concentrate on unsprayed fruit or ornamental Malus trees, such as areas surrounding nurseries, residential areas, neglected orchards and wild trees in fence rows. Nurseries that receive Malus stock from British Columbia are also surveyed. Trapping is conducted from mid-July to September using Pherocon 1C wing traps baited with AEM rubber septum pheromone. Visual surveys are conducted from early spring until July.
Maritimes. In Nova Scotia trapping and visual surveys were conducted in abandoned orchards and fruit farms in about 15 areas (Annapolis, Kings, and Hants counties). On Prince Edward Island, where there is very little commercial apple production, detection trapping focused on importing nurseries. In New Brunswick a small trapping survey was conducted at about six including importing nurseries, abandoned orchards and an AAFC Research Station. No Y. malinellus were detected however, three Y. cagnagellus were identified from a leafroller trap placed near Kingston, Nova Scotia..
Quebec. Both trapping and visual surveys were conducted at about 100 sites in 1998. The targeted areas included importing nurseries, unsprayed orchards and areas with abandoned trees. Y. malinellus was not detected in either trap or visual surveys in Quebec.
European larch canker, caused by the fungus Lachnellula willkommii, is a serious disease in many parts of Europe. The fungus is generally considered to be a primary pathogen and its presence in Europe has resulted in the exclusion of larch from plantation programs. In North America the disease was first found in Massachusetts in the 1920's in plantings of European larch. Periodic eradication attempts appear to have been successful, as the disease was not found during a 1965 survey of the area. However, the disease re-appeared in northeastern Maine in 1981.
In Canada, larch canker was first discovered in the Maritimes in 1980. Surveys were conducted in 1981 to establish the distribution of the disease and it was found to be widespread on native Larix in southeastern New Brunswick and at a number of locations in central and western Nova Scotia. Within the generally infested areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia the disease levels are high and commonly affect as many as 75% of the trees. The disease was first found in Prince Edward Island in 1992. It appeared as single cankers in two stands in Prince County and both stands were destroyed that same year. In 1996, the disease was detected again in P.E.I., at a few small sites in southern Prince County. The quarantine zone was extended on P.E.I. and is described in Directive D-97-10. Within the regulated area, the provincial government has been making an effort to reduce or eliminate the disease through sanitation cutting and chipping at the infested sites.
Maritimes (map). In 1998, the Canadian Forest Service conducted visual surveys at 114 sites, mainly outside the regulated area. The disease was recorded at three sites in Nova Scotia (Halifax, Colcester and Queens counties) and at six sites in New Brunswick ( Albert, Charlotte, Kings, Queens, St. John counties). All finds were within the regulated area.
Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Brasier
Dutch elm disease can be caused by two species of fungi. The species Ophiostoma ulmi is the more weakly pathogenic of the two species and is now believed to be responsible for the first pandemic of Dutch elm disease that occurred in Europe and North America in the 1920's-40's. Ophiostoma novo-ulmi is a highly pathogenic and aggressive subgroup, responsible for the current pandemics of Dutch elm disease in Europe and North America. The fungus is transmitted chiefly by two elm bark beetles - Hylurogopinus rufipes (Eichh.), a native species, and Scolytus multistriatus (Marsh.), a species indigenous to Europe but widely distributed in North America. In areas with high concentrations of elm, disease transmission can also take place by root grafting.
In Canada, the first infected trees were found in Quebec near St. Ours, Richelieu County, in 1944. When the disease distribution became known in 1945, it was apparent that the port of Sorel was the centre of infection. Subsequent analysis of the early distribution records indicated that the disease was introduced into that area prior to 1940. Since the Quebec outbreak was over 300 km from the northern limits of the disease in the U.S., it was concluded there was a separate introduction into Canada, probably via elm crates carried on ships from Europe.
All species of native North American elm are susceptible and the disease is now occurs in most of the natural range of Ulmus americana from Manitoba to the Maritimes. Dutch elm disease is not known to occur in the three provinces where native elms do not grow: Newfoundland, Alberta and British Columbia. In these provinces, Ulmus is generally confined to landscape plantings around human settlement.
Alberta. Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, the causal agent of dutch elm disease, was found in a dying elm tree in Wainwright Alberta in June of 1998. Fungal cultures from the tree were confirmed as O. novo-ulmi in March of 1999 by Clive Brasier at the Forestry Authority Research Station, in the United Kingdom. At the time of the find, the tree was treated as having the disease and was cut and burned within a few days of the find. Additional pheromone traps were placed throughout Wainwright but no beetles were found. All nearby elm trees were also visually examined on three subsequent occasions and no other samples tested positive. More information about the various DED prevention activities in Alberta can be obtained from the Alberta Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, or the non-profit organization, "Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease (STOPDED)". These activities and more information about the Wainwright find can also be found at the following Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development web page: www.agric.gov.ab.ca/pests/diseases/ded/index.html
Chrysanthemum white rust is a serious fungal disease of chrysanthemums, especially of the common chrysanthemums of florists, Dendranthema grandiflora. The disease is spread by infected host materials in which the disease can remain systemic but not visible.
The introduction and spread of chrysanthemum white rust could lead to serious losses. The disease can spread rapidly throughout a greenhouse causing complete crop failure. Intensive management and continuous control measures are required where the disease is present. There is evidence that chrysanthemum white rust develops tolerance to certain pesticides used to control the disease. The introduction of the disease could also result in the loss of export markets for chrysanthemums to certain areas such as non-infested states of the United States.
Chrysanthemum white rust probably originated in China and Japan, where it was first reported in 1895. It spread from East Asia to Europe and South Africa in the 1960's. It has since spread throughout Europe and has reached South America and southeast Asia, New Zealand and Australia.
Localized introductions have occurred in North America. In California, eradication activities are being carried out where the disease is known to occur, i.e. in Contra Costa and Santa Cruz counties. In Oregon and Washington states, all infected plants at infected nurseries were destroyed and some delimiting surveys carried out following the detection of the disease in the fall of 1995. The affected counties were Clackamas County in Oregon State, and Clallam and Snohomish Counties in Washington State. There is concern however, that infected mums, especially hardy garden mums from infested nurseries, may have been distributed to dealers in several other counties of Oregon and Washington and thus be present in residential properties in those counties. As a result of introductions of the disease in the states of California, Oregon and Washington, phytosanitary certification of host material imported from these states is now required
In Canada, an outbreak that occurred in a single commercial greenhouse in Ontario was eradicated in 1990. In British Columbia, the disease was detected in 1993 in a limited number of backyard gardens. Trace back, inspection and plant removal activities were carried out.
British Columbia. Annual surveys are conducted in both in commercial greenhouses and in hobbyists backyards, with the major part of the survey taking place on Vancouver Island. Chrysanthemum white rust is not know to occur in British Columbia.
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