Researchers have discovered an invasive insect infestation near Cobourg, Ont., which they say could have a detrimental effect on hemlock trees essential to their ecosystems and used in certain wood products.
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.
Hemlock woolly adelgid are aphid-like insects that attack hemlock trees by sucking sap from the base of their needles, draining the trees of their energy and killing them. Their egg sacks look like cotton balls or clumps of snow, making them hard to detect. He said there were a large number of dead hemlock trees in the surrounding area, indicating the bug has been present there for years, since it usually takes the species between four and six years to kill a tree and they may have spread beyond the infested zone.
The bugs were likely introduced to North America in the 1950s from Japan through infested nursery stock, according to the Invasive Species Centre. It was first discovered in Virginia in the '50s and has been spreading along the eastern seaboard of the continent since then, the Sault St. Marie-based non-profit wrote on its website.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Invasive insect discovered in southern Ontario could pose risk for hemlock treesResearchers have discovered an invasive insect infestation near Cobourg, Ont., which they say could have a detrimental effect on hemlock trees essential to their ecosystems and used in certain wood products.
Read more »
Invasive insect discovered in southern Ontario could pose risk for hemlock treesAn invasive insect infestation has been discovered near Cobourg, Ont., which could have a detrimental effect on hemlock trees.
Read more »
Invasive insect discovered in southern Ontario could pose risk for hemlock treesResearchers have discovered an invasive insect infestation near Cobourg, Ont., which they say could have a detrimental effect on hemlock trees essential to…
Read more »
Insects killing Hemlock trees in regionResearchers have discovered an invasive insect infestation near Cobourg which they say could have a detrimenta...
Read more »
Fur trappers launch PR campaign to counter 'misinformation'Ontario Fur Managers Federation is erecting billboards across Ontario — including on Trunk Road in the Sault — to educate public and dispel misinformation
Read more »
Mining Showcase staking more exhibitor space at Montreal expoFedNor funds will expand the footprint of the Northern Ontario pavilion at 2023 CIM convention
Read more »