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2005 Plant Protection Survey Report

Table of Contents

Forestry Surveys

Horticulture Surveys

Grains and Field Crops Survey

Potatoes Survey

Forestry Surveys

Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)

Established populations of Anoplophora glabripennis were detected for the first time in Canada in September of 2003. The infestation occurred in an area along the municipal border between the cities of Vaughan and Toronto, Ontario. In November of 2003 an eradication program was launched by the CFIA in cooperation with municipal, regional and provincial agencies as well as the Canadian Forest Service. The regulated area remains in place since February of 2004, and covers 169 square kilometres, including parts of the cities of Toronto and Vaughan. Details on the progress of this program can be found at the CFIA Asian Longhorned Beetle web page.

Ontario

In 2005, as part of the broad scale survey 20 high risk sites across Ontario were surveyed for ALHB. Targeted sites included industrial areas, manufacturers and farm equipment suppliers who received imports from Asia. ALHB was not detected outside of the regulated area. Early in 2005, the eradication protocol was modified to include the removal of all Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALHB) host trees within 400 metres of a tree exhibiting any living life stage of ALHB.

Throughout 2005, approximately 10,000 additional trees were removed within the regulated area due to detection of the Asian Longhorned Beetle through ground and aerial surveys, which brings the total of trees removed since 2003 to 25,000.

Quebec

In 2005, as part of the broad scale survey 75 high risk sites across eleven MRCs and two urban communities were surveyed (Bas-Richelieu, Bécancour, Champlain, Francheville, Lajemmerais, Laval, L'Érable, Le Domaine du Roy, Lotbinière, Matane, Portneuf plus Communauté urbaine de Montréal and Communauté urbaine de Québec). Targeted sites included industrial areas, manufacturers and suppliers who received imports from Asia. In addition, a few sites were targeted around maritime ports. No Anoplophora glabripennis were detected.

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

This exotic insect pest of ash (Fraxinus spp.) was positively identified for the first time in North America in the summer of 2002. Background information on the pest and regulatory updates can be found at the following link on the CFIA Emerald Ash Borer web page.

Early in 2004 the beetle was detected at low levels east of the Ash-Free Zone in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. In accordance with the science-based management strategy, the CFIA implemented a cut program east of the Ash-Free Zone early in 2005. A total of 49,841 trees were removed in Chatham-Kent which entailed all positive trees and all ash within a 500 m buffer of each positive. 3460 sites were intensively surveyed in Chatham-Kent Municipality in 2004/2005 resulting in the discovery of 94 positive sites and 44 suspect trees. An additional 33 positive sites were found in Chatham-Kent once surveying recommenced in the fall of 2005 following the tree cut. In September 2005, the presence of EAB at a rest stop in Elgin County was confirmed. Intensive surveys were conducted within five kilometres of this area and other areas in the County. EAB was detected at 12 out of the 1042 sites surveyed. Survey crews continued to find EAB positive sites in Lambton County. Given the level of infestation, no surveys were conducted in Essex County in 2005. 892 high risk sites were surveyed in areas of Ontario not known to be infested with EAB. EAB was not detected outside the regulated areas in 2005. The infested counties of Essex and Chatham-Kent continued to be regulated under Ministerial orders, while the positive areas in Elgin and Lambton Counties were regulated by Notices of Quarantine and Prohibition of Movement.

Table 1. Summary of Emerald Ash Borer Surveys in Ontario - 2005

Ontario County/Area No. Survey Sites No. Trees
Not Detected (-) Detected (+) Suspect Removed Firewood
Essex County 0 0 0 0 0
Chatham-Kent Municipality 3,460 94
(June 04-March 05)
33
(Late 2005)		 44 50,000 0
Lambton County 5,342 43 8 0 42
Elgin 1,042 12 0 300 0
Other high-risk sites in Ontario
(campsites, parks, sawmills, nurseries)		 892 0 0 0 0
Totals 10,736 149 52 50,300 42

Quebec

A total of 43 sites (comprised mainly of nurseries and public parks) in 16 municipalities across the province were visual surveyed. No symptoms or signs of Agrilus planipennis were detected.

European Wood Wasp (Sirex noctilio)

On July 5, 2005, the first established population of the European wood wasp, Sirex noctilio Fabricus, was reported in Fulton, New York. The European wood wasp feeds on many species of pine and is a serious pest of plantations in Australia, South America and South Africa. In response to additional finds near the initial discovery in Fulton, the Canadian Forest Service and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency established a rapid trap survey of sites along the Canada-US border extending west from Cornwall to Prince Edward County south of Belleville, Ontario. A total of 36 sites were located from Sandbanks Provincial Park southeast of Wellington, Ontario to Cornwall. Sites contained either two or three needle hard pine, and ranged from small residential and roadside plantings, small plantations, and natural forests. 12-unit Lindgren funnel traps were placed among pines approximately 1 m away from the tree trunk and the bottom of the trap at least 0.5 m above ground. Each trap was baited with alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, both, or a formulation of both. Traps were deployed at the end of August, 2005. All insects were collected from the traps between September 19-23, and again between October 10-13 2005, at which time the traps were taken down. Five adult females of S. noctilio were captured at four sites in Ontario (Table). Two additional adults were found in Lindgren traps baited with alpha-pinene/ethanol as per the CFIA Exotic Forest Insect survey. These traps were located in Waterloo County and Durham County.

Site No. Location Type of Site Description S. Noctilio finds Lure
28 Sandbanks Provincial Park, Prince Edward County Scots pine plantation 18 m tall, semi-mature, west aspect, full stocked stand in decline two adult females captured with alpha-pinene
29 Simpson Road, Milford, Prince Edward County Scots pine plantation Private land, 15 m tall, semi-mature, flat, full stocked stand one adult female captured with alpha-pinene
30 Morrison Point Road, Black River, Prince Edward County Austrian pine possibly red pine Private land, young to semi-mature, stocked stand one adult female captured with alpha-pinene
36 Hwy. 416, north of Hwy. 401, near Prescott, Ontario Scots pine Provincial Crown land, 9 m tall, young to semi-mature, flat, partially stocked stand (road side planting) one adult female captured with alpha-pinene

Exotic Forest Insect Survey

Related CFIA links: Wood packing material, Wood Import Alert

See also CFS Biodiversity Studies.

The Exotic Forest Insect detection survey complements the CFIA's import inspection program for wood packing materials in marine containers. Sites near dunnage storage and disposal areas were the principal survey target areas as well as a number of inland locations identified through CFIA import interceptions. Trapping in port areas was focussed on detection of possibly established populations not interception of transient occurrences. Therefore traps were not placed on the pier (vessel docking and loading/unloading points at the port) but were placed in host stands within the vicinity of the port.

Lindgren funnel traps (8 or 12-funnel) were used for the survey. Traps were placed in March and collected in November. There were two lure changes during the trapping season one in June and other in September. A minimum of three traps were placed at each target area with multiple groups of three traps placed at some larger sites. Each trap was baited with one of the three lure combinations below:

1) Ultra-High Release -pinene + UHR ethanol

2) Ultra-High Release ethanol alone

3) Phero Tech Inc. Exotic Bark Beetle Lure® (ipsdienol, methyl butenol, cis-verbenol)

For this national survey a total of 711 traps were placed in 2005 with the number of traps per province broken down as follows: BC (77), ON (355); QC (138); NB (42); NS (42); PE (24); NF (33). In Ontario, two adult Tomicus piniperda (L.) were identified from traps placed among Pinus and Picea spp. host trees in Niagara RM and an additional adult was collected from a trap in Lambton County. One Agrilus planipennis (EAB) adult was collected from a trap located in Essex County which has been regulated for EAB since 2004. A total of two adult specimens of Sirex noctilio were collected from Lindgren traps set for the EFIS; one in Waterloo County and one in Durham County. In addition to the above, separate Tomicus piniperda surveys were conducted in some provinces as described in other sections of this report under Tomicus piniperda.

For additional information concerning this survey contact Robert Favrin, National Plant Health Survey Co-ordinator.

Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)

Newfoundland and Labrador

In 2005, 367 delta traps were deployed in the annual detection survey in Newfoundland. Traps were placed in areas that were identified as locations that posed a high risk of possible introduction, such as campgrounds, recreational sites, tourist chalets and wooded areas frequented by visitors. Most survey sites were near the towns of Port-aux-Basques, Corner Brook, Gander, and St. John's. Three males were captured in two traps in the city of St. John's and three males were captured in Gander.

Prince Edward Island

The detection survey for gypsy moth in Prince Edward Island is a co-operative undertaking between CFIA and Parks Canada. In 2005 a slight decrease in moth captures was observed, compared to 2004. Among the 425 delta traps placed, 402 moths were captured in 83 positive traps (compared to 461 moths captured in 124 positive traps in 2004). Multiple trap captures were recorded from 83 traps with a maximum capture of 25 moths per trap. The city of Charlottetown had the highest trap captures of 333 males in 40 traps. During follow-up egg mass searches, conducted in the fall and early spring, various life stages, including egg masses and pupal casings, of gypsy moth were found in the Charlottetown area. This is the first time that evidence of a reproducing gypsy moth population has been found on PEI.

Nova Scotia

The CFIA conducted leading edge trapping along the eastern boundary of the regulated area, and detection trapping throughout eastern N.S. In support of the survey activity, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources has had in place (since 1995) a province-wide network of pheromone traps to monitor population trends. In 2005, there were 404 traps placed and the highest male moth captures were recorded in the Halifax area. There was one trap with one male captured in Cape Breton. Egg Mass searches were carried out in the Halifax, Kentville and Truro areas with negative results.

New Brunswick

Gypsy moth surveys within the province of New Brunswick are a co-operative undertaking between the CFIA, the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources (NBDNR), the Canadian Forest Service (CFS), Parks Canada and the municipalities of Fredericton, Moncton. and Miramichi.

Ground and aerial surveys conducted by NBDNR in areas previously defoliated by gypsy moth did not detect any signs of defoliation in 2005. This has been contributed to the high over winter mortality of eggs and the decline in egg mass densities seen in 2003 and 2004. There has also been a noted increase in naturally occurring biological controls, including the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga, nuclear polyhedrosis virus, predators and parasites.

In addition to the aerial and ground defoliation survey conducted, trapping surveys were carried out by all partners. Trapping efforts focused on; 1) delimitation along the leading edge of the infestation; 2) early detection in areas removed from infested areas; 3) detection at locations with a high risk of introduction (e.g. importing saw mills, tourist areas) 4) delimitation surveys within municipalities, and 5) monitoring of trap catches in known gypsy moth areas.

The CFIA placed 195 delta traps along the leading edge and at high risk sites. NBDNR deployed a total of 151 traps in 2005 - 103 traps were used for early detection within areas not known to have gypsy moth populations while the remainder were used to monitor changes in trap catches within areas previously declared infested with gypsy moth. In 2005, CFS and Parks Canada continued their early detection efforts by placing 40 traps in the National Parks. Three municipalities (Fredericton, Moncton and Miramichi) deployed a total of 139 traps as part of an ongoing delimitation surveys.

Provincial trap catch numbers continued to decline in 2005. However, significant increases in trap captures compared to previous years occurred in Peticodiac, Memramcook, Sackville and Bouctouche. Increases in trap catches were also noted in the cities of Fredericton and Miramichi.

In addition to pheromone trapping, egg mass surveys were conducted in the fall of 2005 by NBDNR, CFIA and municipal staff. In general, egg mass densities in south-central New Brunswick continued to decline. Exceptions were noted at sites near Memramcook and Bouctouche. In addition, using delimitation results, new egg masses were found for the first time at one location in the City of Moncton. These areas are all outside of the current regulated area. Despite annual efforts by the Municipality of Miramichi to remove egg masses, new egg masses were found for the fourth consecutive year. Increase in the occurrence of new egg mass finds were also reported in the City of Fredericton.

Quebec

Surveys for the North American biotype of gypsy moth were not conducted by CFIA staff in 2005. According to provincial surveillance information, the overall gypsy moth distribution has not changed significantly in Quebec in a number of years with little to no defoliation observed in the past several years except in a few isolated locations in southern Quebec.

Ontario

According to CFS aerial survey information, there was an increase in the total area of moderate-to-severe defoliation caused by the gypsy moth in 2005 (1,242 ha) when compared to 2004 (441 ha). All of the defoliation occurred in the Southern Ontario. Further information on specific areas of defoliation can be obtained from the Canadian Forest Service in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. In 2005, 349 Delta traps were placed along transportation corridors in a linear arrangement in the Thunder Bay area. There were a total of 63 adult moth captures at 57 sites with a maximum capture of 4 moths per trap.

Gypsy Moth defoliation in Ontario
Gypsy Moth Defoliation in Ontario from 1981 to 2005">

Western Canada: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia

Annual surveys are conducted for Gypsy Moth in all four Western Canada provinces by both the CFIA and provincial partners. For L. dispar, + disparlure pheromone in a Delta trap were used for detection. There was one positive trap in Manitoba with two male moths captured at LaSalle, near Winnipeg. There was also a single positive trap in Saskatchewan at a park in the city of Saskatoon. All traps in Alberta were negative. In British Columbia, the B.C. Ministry of Forests and Range takes the lead in eradication and control programs following new detections and the CFIA conducts the majority of the surveys.

In BC during 2005, 140 male moths were caught in pheromone traps in the following locations.

Lower Mainland:

Burnaby (3), Cloverdale (2), Coquitlam (1), Delta (4), Kent-Harrison (1), Langley (3), Maple Ridge (1), Powell River, (1), Silver Creek (1), Surrey (1), and Texada Island (1)Vancouver Island: Black Creek (1), Colwood (1), Courtenay (7), Duncan (2), Esquimalt (1), Gabriola Island (19), Nanaimo (11), Saanich (27), Saanichton (1), Salt Spring Island (43), and Sidney (8).

High density mass trapping grids (trap density 9 traps/acre or 22 traps/hectare) were placed by the province at Gabriola Island (5,300 traps), Mt. Douglas (6,048 traps), and Duncan (7,084 traps) for a total of 18,432 traps.

In areas where there are multiple male moths captured in pheromone traps, visual surveys for egg masses are carried out to determine population characteristics. In 2005, egg masses were found in Nanaimo (1 new), Victoria (1 new, 1 old), Gabriola Island (1 new unfertilized) and Salt Spring Island (6 new).

Phytophthora ramorum

Surveys for P. ramorum focused on four major activities in 2005: Recall, Trace Back, Trace Forward and a National Survey. Total survey activities which included: Recall, Trace Back, Trace Forward, National Survey (detection and delimitating) resulted in the submission of 28,289 samples of which 250 were positive for P. ramorum. The numbers of positive samples collected by host genus are summarized in Table 3.

The National (detection) Survey, conducted from June to September, was focused on nurseries that had imported host material from California, Oregon and the European Union within the last 6 years. At each of these sites, up to 30 samples from plants showing symptoms consistent with P. ramorum infection were collected and submitted to the CFIA Centre for Plant Quarantine Pests in Ottawa for analysis. The results of this survey are summarized in table 1. P. ramorum was not detected during the National Survey.

Table 1. Summary of Phytophthora ramorum National Nursery Survey Sites - 2005

Survey Area BC NB NS ON PEI QC
Nurseries 56 11 4 58 0 21
Greenhouses   0 1 4 2  
Retailers   3 7 12 5  
Forest seedling or Tree Nursery   0 0 2 0  
Public Areas (incl. forest adjacent to parks / green space) 1 0 5 1 0  
Totals 57 14 17 77 7 21

Summary of Phytophthora ramorum National Nursery Survey Sites and Trace-back and Trace-forward Activity Sites in BC - 2005

Survey Area BC
Nurseries 110
Greenhouses 3
Retailers 56
Public Areas (incl. forest adjacent to parks / green space) 1
Residential 95
Commercial Landscapes 60
Landscape material holding yards 4
Total 329

Table 3. Summary of Phytophthora ramorum positive samples - 2005

Host Genus Number of Positives
Acer 3
Ardisia 3
Camellia 42
Escallonia 3
Gaultheria 3
Hamamelis 9
Kalmia 18
Leucothoe 6
Magnolia 9
Michelia 6
Parrotia 12
Phyllrea 3
Pieris 12
Prunus 9
Pyracantha 6
Rhododendron 68
Rosa 18
Viburnum 20
Total 250

Brown Spruce Longhorned Beetle (Tetropium fuscum)

In 1999, it was confirmed that the Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle (BSLB) was established in Point Pleasant Park, Halifax Regional Municipality, N.S. To date, this is the only known location in North America where BSLB has been found. BSLB, Tetropium fuscum (Fabricius), is a wood-boring beetle native to northern and central Europe, and western Siberia, where it typically utilizes dead and dying trees (mainly spruce spp.) as hosts. It is believed that this invasive forest pest arrived in Canada in solid wood packaging via the port of Halifax. Point Pleasant Park, a 75 hectare woodland park, is located immediately adjacent to the port facilities. Since May of 2000, CFIA and Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR) staff have conducted extensive aerial surveys, ground surveys and trapping to determine the distribution of BSLB.

The Brown Spruce Longhorn Beetle (BSLB) survey and eradication program entered into its fifth year of activity in 2005. Much of the survey effort has consisted of a labour-intensive visual inspection of trees, looking for characteristic signs of BSLB attack, including, streams of unexplained resin scattered along the trunk, 4 mm exit holes in the bark, and networks of feeding tunnels just under the bark (up to 6 mm across and filled with sawdust-like material (frass)). Approximately 80 km2 of woodlands were visually surveyed in 2005, resulting in the identification of 1272 suspect trees. Based on signs and symptoms, or the presence of BSLB, 418 of these suspect trees were confirmed positive for the beetle. In total, 1075 trees were removed in support of BSLB eradication and scientific research in 2005.

Panel traps baited with a unique spruce-blend lure (developed by researchers with Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service) were used extensively for BSLB detection and monitoring in 2005. Tree banding was also carried out as a means of trapping adult beetles during the BSLB flight season (May - August). Trees were banded with traps made from polyester quilt batting, a trap design developed by Natural Resources Canada and NSDNR. In 2005, a total of 200 panel traps were deployed by CFIA within a 20-50 km radius from Point Pleasant Park, while over 750 trees were banded with polyester quilt batting. In addition, NSDNR deployed BSLB panel traps at 15 sites within the province of Nova Scotia.

A Ministerial Order was issued in October 2000 (revised in July 2001) that established a portion of Halifax Regional Municipality as a regulated area for BSLB. From 2000 to 2004, BSLB was found at five sites outside this regulated area. In 2005, two additional sites were confirmed positive for BSLB outside the regulated area; the most distant site was approximately 24.5 km from Point Pleasant Park and located near Fall River, Nova Scotia.

Please visit the CFIA Brown Spruce Longhorned Beetle page for more information on this program.

The table below summarizes the surveys conducted for BSLB in Nova Scotia up to March 31 2006.

BSLB Survey Area Covered
Surveyed Area
The associated figures include any areas surveyed for BSLB across Nova Scotia. The majority of land surveyed is within a 50 km radius of Point Pleasant Park with site priorities based on risk factors such a host tree composition, and proximity to infested trees.		 April 1, 2000 - March 31, 2001 - 267.33 km2
April 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002 - 545.30 km2
April 1, 2002 - March 31, 2003 - 195.09 km2
April 1, 2003 - March 31, 2004 - 295.57 km2
April 1, 2004 - March 31, 2005 - 248.81 km2
April 1, 2005 - March 31, 2006 - 80.0 km2
Total Area Surveyed (April 2001 - March 2006) - 1632.1 km2
Ports
The first survey of a port includes the survey of all host material within 3 km of the port. If a port is scheduled for a re-survey, all host material within 1 km is re-surveyed. Ports include: Country Harbour, Liverpool, Lunenburg, Port Hawksbury, Pictou, Sheet Harbour, Shelburne, Yarmouth.		 2001 - 6 Ports surveyed for the first time
2002 - No ports were surveyed this year
2003 - 6 Port were re-surveyed
2004 - No Ports were surveyed this year.
2005 - No Ports were surveyed this year.
Sawmills
The first survey of a mill includes the survey of all host material within a 1.5 km radius of the mill. If a mill is scheduled for a re-survey, all host material within 500 m radius is re-surveyed.		 2001 - 7 Mills surveyed for the first time
2002 - 8 Mills surveyed (3 new mills, 5 re-surveyed)
2003 - 9 Mills surveyed (1 new mill, 8 re-surveyed)
2004 - 10 Mills surveyed (2 new mill, 8 re-surveyed)
2005 - 9 Mills re-surveyed
Radial Survey*
Boundary points of 50 km from Point Pleasant Park were identified along major highway corridors leaving the Halifax Area as the furthest point out to be surveyed. An aerial survey is completed first to select potential suspect trees that are within 250 m from the road. The stands are then followed up on the ground, and of those trees checked, candidates for further analysis will be removed.		 2002 - Highways 101, 102, 103, 107
1035 trees surveyed (0 positive trees removed)
2003 - Highways 354, 357, 212
384 trees surveyed (0 positive trees removed)
2004 - Highway 333
83 trees surveyed (0 positive trees removed)
Tree Removals
There are currently 5 sites found outside the Ministerial Order Area that have been confirmed positive for BSLB. The furthest location from Point Pleasant Park is 22.5 km.		 April 1, 2000 - March 31, 2001 - 3524
April 1, 2001 - March 31, 2002 - 786
April 1, 2002 - March 31, 2003 - 1102
April 1, 2003 - March 31, 2004 - 723
April 1, 2004 - March 31, 2005 - 403
April 1, 2005 - March 31, 2006 - 1075
Total Trees Removed (April 2001 - March 2006) - 7609

*The Radial Survey is now complete because most major road corridors out to 50 km from Point Pleasant Park have been checked.

Pine Shoot Beetle (Tomicus piniperda)

The list of regulated areas can be found in Appendix 1 of D-94-22.

Newfoundland and British Columbia

Pine Shoot Beetle (PSB) detection surveys in these provinces were incorporated into the Exotic Forest Insect Survey through the use of the ultra-high release alpha-pinene baited traps. No Tomicus piniperda were not detected in these provinces.

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick

In these provinces detection surveys are conducted near sites that have a high risk of introduction from North American sources, such as sawmills that import pine logs from the US or in pine stand along major transportation corridors. There were 28 sites trapped by the CFIA in New Brunswick. In Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources used traps to survey 22 sites. Samples from both provinces were submitted to the CFIA Centre for Plant Quarantine Pests in Ottawa. No Tomicus piniperda were detected in these provinces

Ontario

Trapping and visual surveys were conducted in 2005 to delimit the distribution of Tomicus piniperda in Northern Ontario and determine infestation status in counties where T. piniperda was not known to occur. A total of 83 sites were targeted in Northern Ontario. Tomicus piniperda was detected for the first time in Algoma District and Sudbury District with two positive sites in each.

Quebec

Trapping and visual surveys were conducted in 2005 to delimit the distribution of Tomicus piniperda within the province. A total of 151 sites were targeted. Tomicus piniperda was detected for the first time in Low (MRC Vallée-de-la-Gatineau), Montebello (MRC Papineau), Notre-Dame de Pontmain (MRC Antoine-Labelle), St-Lambert de Lauzon (MRC Nouvelle-Beauce) and St-Urbain (MRC Charlevoix).

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae)

Surveys for this pest began in 2001. To date, no positive finds have been reported for this insect. The survey activity also demonstrated that relatively few importing nurseries deal in hemlock stock. In addition, wild stands of hemlock are not abundant. This tree species tends to be quite dispersed and where it is present it is not inventoried. In 2005, surveys were conducted in New Brunswick (5 sites), Nova Scotia (15 sites) and in Ontario (9 sites) in support of a new import Directive. No evidence of Adelges tsugae was detected.

Nun Moth (Lymantria monacha) and Asian Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar)

Lymantria monacha and the far-east Asian biotypes of L. dispar and have the potential to cause severe damage to trees in Canada. These surveys are conducted in addition to North American gypsy moth surveys described in other sections of this report. Trapping mainly targets the areas in the vicinity of ports; marine shipping container storage depots; unloading areas and freight forwarding facilities. Traps were generally installed in a linear pattern around risk areas with an inter-trap distance of 500 m to 1 km. For L. monacha coniferous stands were preferentially selected and for L. dispar traps were placed in hardwood stands. In provinces with established populations of L. dispar, a subset of the moths captured in each trap were selected for molecular analysis to determine specimen genotype. In provinces that do not have established populations of L. dispar, all moths captured during routine gypsy moth detection surveys were also subjected to molecular analysis. For L. dispar, + disparlure pheromone was used. For L. monacha a mixture of racemic disparlure, racemic monachalure and olefin was used. In 2005, traps for these species were placed in BC (25 sites), ON (32 sites), QC (31 sites), NB (18 sites), NS (15 sites) and NF (14 sites). No L. monacha were detected and all L. dispar moths tested using molecular analysis had a genetic profile typical of other North European L. dispar reference specimens.

Horticulture Surveys

Blueberry Scorch Virus

Damage caused by this virus in British Columbia has led to concerns that more virulent strains may exist than those which occur in eastern North America. A survey to determine the virus's presence in eastern Canada was requested by the CFIA Horticulture Section, Plant Health Division. For 2005, this survey was limited to selected commercial highbush blueberry farms in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. In Ontario 101 samples were collected from 24 farms. In Nova Scotia 17 farms were surveyed with a total of 68 samples collected and submitted to the lab. In Quebec 13 farms from 5 different MRCs and one Urban Community (Arthabaska, Ile d'Orléans, La Haute Yamaska, La Jacques Cartier, Rouville, Communauté urbaine de Quebec) were surveyed. All samples were analyzed by PCR at the Sidney Laboratory - Plant Viruses and Virus-like Diseases, British Columbia. One sample from Quebec was positive for Blueberry Scorch Virus (BlSV).

Plum Pox Virus

For information on the PPV program visit the CFIA PPV page. Details on the 2005 surveys can be found in the Survey Updates section at the bottom of the page.

Swede Midge (Contarinia nasturtii)

A trapping survey using a sex pheromone to target Swede Midge adult males was conducted from mid May to late September in 2005. Traps were checked and the sticky liner was replaced every week during the crop growing season. The removed liner was submitted to the CFIA Centre for Plant Quarantine Pests in Ottawa for identification of suspect specimens. More information on the background of this pest and the CFIA response can be found on the CFIA web site's Swede Midge page.

Ontario

The CFIA surveyed 45 farms in Ontario, all of which were located in counties outside of those in which the insect was found prior to the 2004 season. CFIA survey activity focused on fields planted with cole crops, especially those not in crop rotation and were planted with cole crops the previous year. Swede midge was detected in seven new counties (Peel, Grey, Haldimand, Northumberland, Prince Edward, Hastings and Sudbury) in 2005. The majority of Swede midge specimens were captured in cauliflower, cabbage and canola.

Quebec

In Quebec 68 farms were surveyed in 2005. This represented just under 20% of the commercial vegetable farms producing host plants in the province. As a result of the expanded survey Swede Midge was confirmed in 16 additional MRC's in 2005 Argenteuil, Bas-Richelieu, D'Autray, Deux-Montagnes, Haut-Richelieu, Haut-St-Laurent, Jardins de Napierville, Joliette, L'Assomption, Les Moulins, Mirabel, Montcalm, Nicolet-Yamaska, Roussillon, Rouville, Thérèse-de-Blainville.

Oriental Fruit Moth (Grapholita molesta)

Surveys for Oriental Fruit Moth have been carried out in British Columbia which is the only province in western Canada with commercial stone fruit production and where the insect is not present. Wing traps baited with a flexlure pheromone dispenser are used in the survey. The principle area of commercial stone fruit production in B.C. is the Okanagan Valley where the majority of trapping takes place. A total of 135 sites were trapped in 2005 with no Grapholita molesta being detected.

Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)

Nova Scotia

See survey reports for 2001 and 2002 for detailed descriptions of the survey and control activities following the 2001 discovery of an infestation in Cornwallis Park, Halifax. For 2005, the survey area was increased and covered all areas of Nova Scotia. There were 1268 traps placed throughout the province.

In Halifax, 145 traps were placed, resulting in 256 beetles captured during the survey. In Cumberland County, 103 traps were placed out resulting in 7 adults of P. japonica being captured in the town of Oxford.

Quebec

In Quebec, the detection surveys for Popillia japonica was expanded and intensified to focus on uninfested areas classified as high-risk based on bioclimatic models. 1720 traps were set out in 22 MRCs not presently regulated for this pest. Popillia japonica was detected in 17 MRCs, 14 were declared as infested and three others due to low trap captures were listed only as detected.

Ontario

In Ontario, surveys for Popillia japonica were restricted to uninfested areas classified as high-risk based on bioclimatic models. 12 traps were placed at 10 sites in Kent County to determine if P. japonica was established in this ideal climate zone. Popillia japonica was captured at 5 of the 10 sites, confirming that Chatham-Kent RM is an infested area.

British Columbia

Annual detection surveys for Popillia japonica are conducted in British Columbia. In 2005, 121 sites were trapped in Greater Vancouver/Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and in the Interior. Other areas of the province are not suitable for larval development. The survey focused on nurseries, garden centers, sod farms, golf courses and around sites that may have been exposed to regulated imported material from infested areas of the US or Canada. Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) was not detected in British Columbia in 2005.

Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland

In 2005 there was an increase in survey activity in support of a draft Japanese Beetle Policy Directive which Popillia japonica surveys were conducted at 90 sites in Prince Edward Island, 532 sites in New Brunswick and 40 sites in Newfoundland. Detection surveys in these non-infested provinces focused on public or private sites with managed lawns and gardens such as nurseries, garden centers, sod farms, golf courses, parks and around sites that may have been exposed to regulated imported material from infested areas of the US or Canada.. In New Brunswick, a total of 12 adults were captured in 6 different locations within the province. There were no positive trap captures in Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland.

Chrysanthemum White Rust (Puccinia horiana)

In 2005, surveys were conducted in and around greenhouses and at hobbyist locations in the Fraser Valley area and Vancouver Island as a follow-up to positive find of P. horiana in a commercial greenhouse. Surveys of 16 commercial growers and 61 retail facilities led to the detection of CWR at 1 commercial grower, 8 retail operations and one home owner's garden in Langley, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Maple Ridge and Duncan and Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island.

Blueberry Maggot (Rhagoletis mendax)

Newfoundland

Detection trapping was conducted at 21 sites where lowbush blueberries are commercially harvested in Newfoundland. The major areas surveyed were the Avalon and Bonavista peninsulas, central Newfoundland and near Port aux Basques. No Rhagoletis mendax flies were detected in Newfoundland in 2005.

British Columbia

The Fraser Valley is the major production area of commercial blueberries in B.C. A small number of farms are also located on southern Vancouver Island. The production area is surveyed on a three year rotation cycle with one third surveyed in any given year. In this way the total production area is surveyed after three years. In 2005, 18 sites were trapped in the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island and no Rhagoletis mendax flies were detected.

Quebec

In Quebec during 2005, the majority of the surveys were only conducted on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River in order to define the northern limit of this pest's range. The survey involved trapping and fruit sampling at 94 sites. The sites selected were comprised of commercial plantations, hobby farms and natural areas with wild host material. A total of 873 traps were used in this survey. Adults flies of Rhagoletis mendax were detected at two locations within the MRC of Les Jardins de Napierville (St-Bernard-de-Lacolle and Hemmingford) and at one location within the MRC of Joliette (St-Paul-de-Joliette). Two adult flies were collected at a wild site in the MRC of Francheville.

Ontario

In Ontario, trapping and fruit sampling for Rhagoletis mendax was conducted at 50 sites in 2005. This represents about one third of the commercial highbush growers in the province. Rhagoletis mendax was again detected in the Wainfleet Bog in wild Vaccinium and also at an individual producer site in Elgin County that was previously positive.

Apple Maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella)

British Columbia is the only major apple producing area in North America that remains free of apple maggot. An annual survey has occurred for many years in British Columbia to support claims of pest freedom and justify import restrictions under Policy Directive D-00-07. The CFIA survey targets high-risk sites, fruit stands, organic growers and abandoned urban high risk areas. In addition, increased trapping along the Canada-US border was carried out to detect the potential spread of populations in adjacent areas south of the border. These survey efforts are supported by BCMAL who surveys commercial orchards. Since 1999, sticky plasticized red spheres baited with butyl hexanoate (apple volatile) have been used for trapping replacing the traditional yellow sticky board traps which significantly reduced capture of non-target Rhagoletis species. The use of the spheres has also significantly reduced the workload required for identification of target species. In 2005, 336 sites were trapped by the CFIA in B.C. and no R. pomonella were captured.

Chrysodeixis sp.

A new noctuid looper pest, Chrysodeixis spp.(confirmed by CFIA lab on Dec 14th, 2005) was discovered by a graduate student at commercial tomato grower in Delta, BC. One of two potential species, its known distribution includes Mediterranean countries, northern Europe (under glass only), and the Australian-Indonesian region. CFIA confirmed all life stages present and subsequently tried to establish the extent of the infestation. All other commercial greenhouse vegetable growers in the Delta area and one propagator in Langley were surveyed visually for all life stages. Out of 13 facilities surveyed, two facilities (includes original positive greenhouse) side by side in Delta were found positive and underwent eradication measures. Development of a pheromone based lure and its use in post eradication surveys indicated potentially effective treatments. After treatments in the two affected greenhouses no more Chrysodeixis sp. were found in pheromone traps.

Grains and Field Crops Survey

Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus)

Detection surveys were undertaken in AB, SK and MB to support area freedom. For 2005 the surveys were similar to those conducted in 2003 and 2004, concentrating on areas where potentially infested product may have been sent. Sampling consisted of 4 X 30 sweeps of the host plants at each site. In 2005, 83 sites were surveyed in Manitoba, 95 sites in Saskatchewan and 139 sites in Alberta. All sites were negative during the survey, however O. melanopus was detected during a field research trial at the Lethbridge Research Centre in Lethbridge County and then during a routine field inspection in the Municipal District of Taber.

In 2005, 20 sites were also surveyed in the southern interior of British Columbia. Sites were selected based on presence of host plants and proximity to intensive cattle operations (feedlots and dairy), hay storage, rodeo grounds and other sites at risk from CLB introduction due to hay importation from infested areas of BC or the US. All sites in British Columbia were negative for O. melanopus.

Potatoes Survey

Potato Wart (Synchytrium endobioticum)

The presence of Potato Wart, caused by Synchytrium endobioticum, was first detected in one field of 31.2 ha in Prince Edward Island (PEI) in October 2000. Subsequently, as part of province wide surveillance activities potato wart was detected in 5 fields totalling 42.2 ha in 2002 and 4 fields totalling 31.6 ha in 2004. Containment and surveillance measures have been, and continue, to be in place to prevent further spread and to determine the extent of the infection. There are currently ten known infected fields on two separate farms units (105 Ha) and additionally 41 primary contact and adjacent fields (684.2 ha) have been placed, and remain, under PW associated restrictions. As a result of the ongoing surveillance and additional soil sampling, restrictions were removed on 14 fields (119 ha) and, for as long as the field remains out of host crop production, there is no requirement to clean and disinfect equipment used in the fields. In addition to the fields under notice there are 213 other contact fields that require ongoing surveillance. There were no detections in 2005.

As part of the continued efforts to contain and eradicate Potato Wart while maintaining market access, CFIA continues to implement a risk based long-term management plan. In fiscal year 2005/2006 a total of 415 fields, 2313 Hectares, were post harvest inspected for the presence of potato wart symptoms (See Table 1.1). In addition, 520 soil samples were gathered and analyzed from potato wart associated fields (See Table 1.2). All of the inspections and the soil analyses conducted were negative for the presence of potato wart.

More information on this topic can be found on the CFIA web site's Potato Wart or Potato Canker page.

Table 1.1 Summary of Potato Wart Post Harvest Inspections Carried out on Prince Edward Island in 2005

Non-Seed Seed Total
Lots Fields Hectares Lots Fields Hectares Lots Fields Hectares
32 131 1322.76 200 284 990.277 232 415 2313.037

Table 1.2 Summary of Potato Wart Surveillance Activities carried on Controlled Fields on Prince Edward Island in 2005*

Controlled Number of Post-Harvest Field Inspections Number of Tuber Inspections Not Cleared Soil Samples Collected Suspect
Tubers
Fields Hectares Fields Hectares Seed Potato Lots Controlled Fields Positive Negative
120 1278.819 406 0 1 1.8 0 520 0 0

*Controlled fields include Primary contact, adjacent and other contact fields.


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