In the canopy of tall trees in Nova Scotia, a tiny black insect, barely visible, is causing significant damage. The hemlock woolly adelgid, a destructive invasive species discovered in the province in 2017, is rapidly spreading through hemlock forests, leaving behind ghostly, dead trees. By feeding on hemlock needles, these insects can kill a tree within less than a decade, leaving a white, wool-like residue on the affected trees.
Researchers at Acadia University are actively investigating solutions to combat this threat. Led by Kirk Hillier, a biology professor at the university, a research project is underway to study the impact of insecticidal treatments on controlling the hemlock woolly adelgid. The project also involves establishing a biological control facility to manage the adelgid populations.
The urgency of the situation is evident to Hillier, who has witnessed the devastating effects of the adelgid infestation on hemlock trees. To address this fast-moving danger, the project focuses on assessing the effects of the infestation on biodiversity and the use of insecticides to protect the hemlocks. Hemlocks are currently treated with insecticides either by injection or spraying to prevent their demise.
In addition to the potential impact on pollinators, the research is evaluating the overall effects of insecticides on the ecosystem, including birds, insects, and salamanders. The use of traps with molecular tools is being tested to detect adelgid infestations early on, enabling targeted treatment to save the hemlocks.
Long-term solutions include biocontrol methods involving the release of natural predators of the hemlock woolly adelgid, such as Laricobius nigrinus, a black beetle. Efforts are underway to expand the biocontrol program by rearing additional predators in a greenhouse facility at Acadia University.
While acknowledging the necessity of short-term insecticide use, experts emphasize the importance of establishing a sustainable biocontrol program to save the hemlocks in the long run. Government funding and support are crucial to ensure the success of these conservation efforts and prevent the loss of hemlocks in Nova Scotia.
The collaborative efforts of researchers, scientists, and ecologists highlight the critical need to address the hemlock woolly adelgid threat promptly to safeguard the future of hemlock forests in Nova Scotia.