Although the treatment of ‘hotspots’ in New Brunswick and Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland are complete, the work to prevent a spruce budworm outbreak is still underway. Spruce budworm field crews are busy in Fredericton and Newfoundland labs processing branch samples collected from trees in both treated and untreated areas. Branches are examined carefully for signs of spruce budworm population growth, as well as any other insects that might be feeding on branches. Collections occur periodically and give researchers estimates of budworm density inside and outside the treatment areas. Branch data tells us where budworm is most active, and helps us to determine the impact of this year’s early intervention efforts and what insect management strategies may be required next year.
