An invasive insect infestation has been discovered near Cobourg, Ont., which could have a detrimental effect on hemlock trees.
Scientists with Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service accidentally discovered the outbreak of hemlock woolly adelgid, which they say had gone undetected for some time, this summer while collecting data on hemlock trees in southern Ontario.Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Ottawa SUN, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
HWA pose no threat to humans but are highly destructive to hemlock trees, which are used for firewood, timber and other wood products. Hemlock trees are also indicators of a healthy forest, offer shading for aquatic ecosystems in streams, help deer navigate their trails in the winter by blocking snow and are scenic fixtures in Ontario’s cottage country.
The invasive species can be spread by wind, animals and human movement of nursery stock, logs, firewood and other wood products. MacQuarrie said the infestation was likely spread to some parts of Ontario and Nova Scotia by birds. A factor that contributes to HWA’s ability to invade is the fact that it reproduces asexually for most of its life cycle, said MacQuarrie. All that is needed to establish a population is one female.
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