Comparing growth and mortality of a spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) inspired harvest versus a spruce budworm outbreak

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (11) ◽  
pp. 2176-2192 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Eiry Spence ◽  
David A. MacLean
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Immediate Release ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Similar Reduction

Many current forest management regimes stress emulation of natural disturbance events, e.g., spruce budworm (SBW; Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)) outbreaks in a balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) dominated forest, as the preferred method for ensuring sustainability of forest ecosystems. This study compared a SBW-inspired harvest treatment in 25 plots in northern New Brunswick with an uncontrolled SBW outbreak in 30 plots in the Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia. Stand-level measurements before, during, and after each disturbance indicated similar reduction of living stand volume (70% reduction in emulation harvest versus 83% in SBW outbreak), mortality patterns, and lengths of disturbance (4 years of >10% mortality by density of predisturbance stand). Differences for the harvest treatment included higher cumulative postdisturbance blowdown (43% versus 8% of postdisturbance stand density), conversion to hardwood-dominated stands immediately after the disturbance, and faster growth response (immediate release of all species in the harvest treatment versus decreased balsam fir and white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) growth and increased white birch (Betula papyrifera Marshall) growth in the SBW outbreak). There were significant differences in stand dynamics following the two disturbances. Results suggest that instead of emulating SBW disturbances, forest managers should be inspired by the spatial and temporal characteristics of SBW-defoliated stands and use significant key features of them to design harvest plans that satisfy management goals.

Variations in the foliar amino acid composition of flowering and non-flowering balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) in relation to outbreaks of the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem))

1971 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 1005-1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Kimmins
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Apparent Correlation

The amino acids of new and old foliage of flowering and non-flowering balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) were investigated using two-dimensional descending paper chromatography. The data were analyzed for variation associated with age of foliage, age of tree, and flowering condition. The concentration of foliar amino acids was greater in balsam fir than in white spruce, and greater in new foliage than old foliage.The difference in concentration between foliage of flowering and non-flowering trees was smaller. However, the new foliage of flowering fir had higher levels of most of the amino acids examined than any other foliage category. This appears to reflect the known suitability of these foliage categories for spruce budworm larvae. While the data presented do not quantify the ecological significance of this apparent correlation, they do support the theory that variations in the nutritional quality of host plants play a very important role in the dynamics of herbivore populations.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF DEFOLIATION BY SPRUCE BUDWORM (CHORISTONEURA FUMIFERANA CLEM.) ON RADIAL GROWTH AT BREAST HEIGHT OF BALSAM FIR (ABIES BALSAMEA (L.) MILL.) AND WHITE SPRUCE (PICEA GLAUCA (MOENCH) VOSS.)

1958 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Blais
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Radial Growth ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
First Year ◽  
Growth Ratio ◽  
Breast Height

The relationship between spruce budworm defoliation and radial growth at breast height for balsam fir and white spruce trees of merchantable size was studied in various stands in northwestern Ontario. Defoliation was recorded yearly for these stands from the beginning of the infestation, and radial growth measurements were obtained from increment cores. The first year of radial growth suppression was calculated by comparing the growth of the affected species with that of jack pine and red pine trees by means of a growth-ratio technique. Apparent suppression in balsam fir and white spruce varied between stands, and, generally, occurred at the earliest in the second year and at the latest in the fourth year of severe defoliation. A wide ring at the base of the tree coinciding with the first year of suppression as reported by Craighead was non-existent.

Windthrow and growth response following a spruce budworm inspired, variable retention harvest in New Brunswick, Canada

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 659-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward A. Wilson ◽  
David A. MacLean
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Growth Response ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Growth Release ◽  
Variable Retention ◽  
Variable Retention Harvest

Forest management regimes increasingly focus on the emulation of natural disturbance events, e.g., fire or insect outbreaks, to help increase ecosystem sustainability. We determined the residual stand response to a variable retention harvest inspired by spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)) outbreaks in New Brunswick, Canada. Our objectives were to analyze the differences between surviving residual trees and those that succumbed to windthrow and to quantify growth release. The treatment was based on harvesting the estimated spruce budworm outbreak mortality, i.e., 90% of mature balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., 60% of mature spruce (Picea spp.), and no hardwoods. Windthrow increased with the proportion of trees harvested and averaged 52% over 7–9 years in these stands with high balsam fir – spruce content. One-third of 42 harvested plots sustained >30% windthrow, whereas 73% of 11 similar unharvested plots had <10% windthrow. Balsam fir had higher windthrow than spruce at 53% and 41%, respectively. Windthrown balsam fir trees had significantly larger diameters at breast height (DBH, 1.3 m), larger heights, and smaller crown ratios than surviving residual trees. Substantial growth release occurred, with DBH increment of residual trees 48%–64% greater than trees in unharvested plots. Balsam fir and intolerant hardwoods exhibited the largest growth response. We suggest that future spruce budworm inspired harvests in stands with high balsam fir – spruce content use two or three entries about 5 years apart to reduce windthrow.

Dynamique de la sapinière à bouleau jaune de l'est après une épidémie de tordeuse des bourgeons de l'épinette

1999 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Pominville ◽  
Stéphane Déry ◽  
Louis Bélanger
Keyword(s):  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
The Other ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Betula Alleghaniensis ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Yellow Birch ◽  
Mixed Stands ◽  
The Dead

An outbreak of spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), occurred between 1974 and 1987, in Quebec, in the eastern balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill, - yellow birch, Betula alleghaniensis Britton, ecoclimatic sub-domain. The effect of this disruption has been assessed in mesic balsam fir stands killed during the outbreak, in mesic balsam fir stands partially damaged and in the following stands, also partially damaged: mesic yellow birch – balsam fir stands, mesic white birch, Betulapapyrifera Marsh., - balsam fir stands, mesic balsam fir – yellow birch stands, mesic balsam fir – white birch stands and xeric balsam fir stands. To that effect, surveys were led before, immediately after, and about five years after the outbreak in two blocks that have not been protected with insecticides. These blocks, located in Charlevoix and in Shipshaw management units, are second growth stands originating from clearcuts which occured about 50 years ago. Approximately five years after the outbreak, abundant coniferous regeneration was found everywhere except in the mesic yellow birch –balsam fir stand and in the dead mesic balsam fir stand, where softwood represented less than 50% of the regeneration. On the other hand, young softwood stems were located under the regeneration of white birch and of mountain maple, Acer spicatum Lam, in dead balsam fir stands, in balsam fir – white birch stands, as well as in living balsam fir stands and under mountain maple in yellow birch – balsam fir stands and in balsam fir – yellow birch stands. Our age structures indicate that softwood advance growth was relatively rare in these stands. Thus, during the opening of the canopy by the spruce budworm, intolerant hard-woods and shrubs invaded the still available microsites. In the dead balsam fir stands, stocking of the dominant hardwood regeneration stems is equivalent to that of softwood. Thus, dead balsam fir stands are turning to mixed stands. Xeric stands will remain softwood stands since they show luxuriant softwood regeneration dominating in height. In the other stands, we will have to wait the harvest period before we can adequately assess succession.

Foliage architecture explains oviposition preference of spruce budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) for white spruce over balsam fir

2006 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary G. Grant
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Oviposition Preference ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Spatial Arrangement ◽  
Balsam Fir

AbstractI conducted dual-choice oviposition bioassays to test the hypothesis that spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), prefer the foliage architecture (spatial arrangement of foliage needles) of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss; Pinaceae) to that of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) P. Mill.; Pinaceae). Needles of white spruce radiate around the twig axis, giving the foliage a round architecture. Needles of balsam fir typically radiate bilaterally from the twig axis, giving the foliage a flat architecture, although on some trees foliage needles radiate around the twig axis, giving the foliage a round architecture. In bioassays, females showed a 2.4:1 preference for white spruce over "flat" balsam fir foliage, but this preference was reduced significantly to a 1.2:1 ratio when balsam fir had a round architecture. Given a choice between "round" and "flat" balsam fir foliage, females preferred the "round" foliage by a 2.2:1 margin. A similar preference for the round architecture was also observed when artificial (plastic) foliage with the two types of needle arrangements were compared. I conclude that the spatial arrangement of foliage needles is a major factor responsible for the oviposition preference of spruce budworm for white spruce over balsam fir.

COMPARATIVE EFFICACIES OF SINGLE AND DOUBLE APPLICATIONS OF COMMERCIAL BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS AGAINST THE SPRUCE BUDWORM CHORISTONEURA FUMIFERANA IN BALSAM FIR STANDS

1984 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. N. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Thuringiensis ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Biological Control Agent ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Mixed Stands

Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (B.t.) is the most widely used biological control agent against the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), a major defoliator of coniferous forests. The technology of applying the bacterium, however, is still not fully developed and the strategy of applying single or split applications of B.t. in unmixed stands is still in question. Double applications are generally accepted as necessary in mixed stands of white spruce, Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, red spruce, P. rubens Sarg., black spruce, P. mariana (Mill.) BSP, and balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., due to difference in the phenological development of the host trees and of the budworm infesting them. Field trials were conducted at Mine Centre, Ontario, to compare the efficacies of double and single applications of B.t. against the budwonn infesting balsam fir stands.

Interactions among defoliation level, species, and soil richness determine foliage production during and after simulated spruce budworm attack

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 565-580
Author(s):  
Yuanyuan Wu ◽  
David A. MacLean ◽  
Chris Hennigar ◽  
Anthony R. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Shoot Length ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Number Of Shoots

Defoliation level and site type are thought to influence tree response during spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)) outbreaks. We determined the effects of four manual defoliation treatments (0%, 50%, 100%, and 100% + bud removal of current foliage) for 3 years on foliage production of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.), and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) trees on four site-quality classes. After 3 years of defoliation and 2 years of recovery, foliage biomass was reduced by 34%–98%. During defoliation, the number of shoots generally increased and shoot length of spruce generally decreased, especially on rich sites. During recovery, the number of shoots increased substantially, shoot length decreased, and bud destruction reduced the number of shoots by about 50% compared with that of trees that received the 100% defoliation treatment. Defoliation did not substantially affect needle length. Trees on rich sites had two- to fourfold greater foliage production than trees on poor sites. Effects of site and defoliation differed among species, but site quality, especially nutrition, played an important role in production of shoots and needles and the tree’s ability to withstand defoliation. Black spruce had more limited ability to recover foliage biomass, only producing more shoots, whereas balsam fir and white spruce had stronger ability to recover needle and shoot length, respectively.

Effects of surrounding forest and site conditions on growth reduction of balsam fir and spruce caused by spruce budworm defoliation

2004 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 2351-2362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne E MacKinnon ◽  
David A MacLean
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Growth Reduction

The species composition of surrounding forest and site characteristics have been postulated to influence growth loss caused by eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) defoliation. Forty spruce (Picea spp.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) stands located in north-central New Brunswick, Canada, were measured for defoliation and tree growth and used to determine the effects of surrounding forest (softwood, mixedwood), site (wet soil – nutrient poor; moist soil – nutrient rich), and species group (balsam fir, spruce) on growth reduction caused by spruce budworm. Stem analysis of six trees per stand (total 240 trees) determined mean specific volume increment (SVI) per year in 1973–1993. There was relatively little defoliation during the 1989–1993 measurement period, and regression analyses showed that SVI was significantly (p = 0.0299) related to mean defoliation for only one of eight treatment classes: balsam fir on moist–rich sites in mixedwood forests. However, two periods of earlier growth reduction were evident, and analysis of variance showed that balsam fir on wet–poor sites sustained 12% greater (p = 0.0071) reduction in SVI from 1987 to 1990 than balsam fir on moist–rich sites. White spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) sustained 13% greater (p = 0.0198) reduction in SVI from 1973 to 1978 than red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) – black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP). Surrounding forest type did not significantly affect SVI reduction from 1973 to 1978 or from 1987 to 1990, but from 1973 to 1978 stands in softwood forest sustained 5%–8% more growth reduction than those in mixedwood forest.

scholarly journals Développement de sapinières éclaircies exposées à une épidémie de tordeuse des bourgeons de l'épinette

1998 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pothier
Keyword(s):  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Diameter Increment ◽  
Outbreak Period

In 1968, three intensities of low thinning were applied in 33-year-old balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.) stands of eastern Québec in order to remove 0, 20 and 30% of the total basal area. Sample plots were located in two distinct areas, one of which was annually sprayed with insecticides between 1978 and 1982 while the other was never protected against a spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) outbreak that occurred between 1976 and 1983. A total of 32 0.04-ha sample plots were periodically measured between 1968 and 1994. Low thinnings mostly removed non merchantable trees (DBH < 9.1 cm) and left 5 000 to 7 000 trees/ha while stand density of control plots reached 10 000 stems/ha. From 1968 to 1976, net annual increment in merchantable volume was around 8 m3/ha but no differences were detected between thinning levels. During the period of severe defoliation caused by spruce budworm (1976-1985), net annual increment in merchantable volume of sample plots sprayed with insecticides decreased by 50% but get back to its initial level after 1985. Net annual increment of sample plots that were never protected against spruce budworm was strongly negative during the outbreak period until the extinction of all trees was completed. While thinning level only slightly affected merchantable yield of sample plots during the 26-year period, mean annual increment in DBH was inversely proportional to stand density. This advantage of thinned plots could have been greater if stand density had been reduced further at the beginning of the study. Indeed, the analysis of the evolution of stand density as a function of mean volume of trees shows that mortality rate of all sample plots was similar to that given by the self-thinning rule. This suggests that even trees of most heavily thinned plots suffered from strong intra-specific competition. Key words: balsam fir, low thinning, spruce budworm, growth and yield, diameter increment, self-thinning rule

EFFICACY AND FIELD PERSISTENCE OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS AFTER GROUND APPLICATION TO BALSAM FIR AND WHITE SPRUCE IN WISCONSIN

1984 ◽  
Vol 116 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Reardon ◽  
K. Haissig
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Thuringiensis ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Balsam Fir

AbstractBacillus thuringiensis was applied at three dosages (1.0 BIU/tree, 0.1 BIU/tree, and.01 BIU/tree) to balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., and white spruce, Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, with mist blowers. Crystalline proteins were detected on balsam fir foliage for a maximum of 16 days (d) after B. thuringiensis was applied at 1.0 BIU/tree. Higher levels of crystalline proteins were detected on white spruce foliage treated with Thuricide 16B than on that treated with Dipel 4L. On balsam fir, the situation was the opposite. Mist-blower-treated foliage collected for up to 16 d posttreatment caused mortality of spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), larvae. Viable endospores of B. thuringiensis were recovered on white spruce foliage collected 1 year after treatment.

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