Spruce budworm control application

Phosphamidon. Phosphamidon was introduced into Canadian spruce budworm control programs in the mid-60s to reduce the adverse effects on aquatic organisms, particularly Atlantic salmon stocks, which had accompanied the use of DDT in previous programs. Its relatively low toxicity to fish led to the application of phosphamidon within buffer strips along streams and rivers inside large DDT spray blocks. These protective measures greatly reduced fish losses within DDT treated areas (20). Phosphamidon has also been shown to have only limited effects on aquatic insects (21, 22). 

When abscisic acid is applied to balsam fir, the break of buds in the spring is delayed and the emerging spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana, larvae are forced to feed on old needles, which are a less desirable food. Attempts have been made, rather unsuccessfully, under natural forest situations, to manipulate budbreak with growth retardants for the control of the spruce budworm. However, this system seems to operate under controlled greenhouse conditions, and with some adjustments, it may have potential for practical applications in the field (32). 

Barry, J. Ciesla, W. Ford, R. Luebbe, R. Whitcombe, L. Young, R., "Spray Deposit Maine 1976 Operational Project for Control of the Eastern Spruce Budworm Comparing Effectiveness of Sevin 4-oil 3/4 and 1 pound per acre" USDA For. Serv., Methods Application Group, Davis, CA. 1976. 

The aerial application of insecticides for budworm control results in the deposition of insecticide on the foliage and on the forest litter the proportions of the spray being deposited can be related to tree species (fir collecting more than spruce) and the fate of the insecticide. DDT became a problem of concern partially because of its long residual life, since its withdrawal from use the presently used insecticides, fenitrothion and aminocarb are characterized by their rapid initial disappearance. Although aminocarb cannot be found chemically relatively shortly after the spray application, fenitrothion residues at very low levels can be found for a long time (up to one year) after spray application. Gardona, acephate and chlopyrifos-methyl are also characterized by a rapid initial loss. 

Our efforts on western spruce budworm have thus far been limited to survey applications. Specifically, we have been attempting to correlate moth captures (in pheromone-baited traps) with larval densities and/or defoliation on a series of test plots. We would like to expand this effort in the future, and also explore use of the budworm attractant for control purposes. 

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