Tree Improvement Branch


Seed Orchard Pest Management

Rationale

Without seed, there can be no seedlings, and without pest management expertise, seed crops are at risk to damage or destruction caused by insects and diseases. Such damage could result in repercussions for future fibre production and revenue loss due to wasted time and effort spent on managing orchard cone crops or collecting infested natural stand cone crops.

Objectives

Perform research activities such as:

  • Assess the monitoring program for seed wasps in Douglas-fir, determine the effect of larch adelgid on larch seed production, vegetative management trials, and similar projects.
  • Determine the effect of conifer seed bugs on seed production.
  • Develop a management system for Douglas-fir cone gall midge.
  • Develop a management system for cone beetles in white pine.
  • Study life history, feed physiology, and molecular taxonomy of green spruce aphid.
  • Develop a web page with an interactive "expert identification system" and information about cone and seed insects.
  • Maintain operational capabilities of coastal and interior labs, work vehicles, and ancillary facilities.
  • Maintain and enhance the pest management reference library.
  • Visit sites regularly to deal with crop monitoring, emergencies and other problems, and to oversee trial initiation and monitoring.
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