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Common Tree Insects & Diseases

The following identifies some common tree insects and diseases that have a significant impact on biodiversity in Alberta’s forests.

In Alberta, what are the important, common tree insects and diseases?

There are many types of tree insects and diseases in Alberta. Some important, common tree insects and diseases include:

  • Armillaria root disease
  • Aspen defoliators
  • Dwarf mistletoe
  • Hypoxylon canker
  • Mountain pine beetle
  • Spruce beetle
  • Spruce budworm
  • Western gall rust
  • Western spruce budworm

What role do insects and diseases play in the forest?

Some insects and diseases use trees for food and shelter. Some are predators or parasites, feeding on other organisms including insects. In a healthy forest, insects and disease play important roles, including some or all of the following:

  • Providing food for other insects, spiders, birds and small mammals
  • Allowing the sunlight to reach young trees and ground vegetation
  • Removing weakened and/or older trees to make room for healthy, young plants
  • Pollinating flowers to help them reproduce
  • Breaking down plant material and returning nutrients to the forest floor
  • Changing the forest over time (succession)
  • Helping maintain insect population levels by feeding on other insects (predators or parasites)

What is a forest pest?

Usually insects and diseases are a natural part of the ecosystem, but when the population and activity of a certain species becomes extreme, they can damage the overall health of a forest. When some organisms threaten the overall health of the trees, or compete with us in the use of the forest, we identify them as forest pests. Typically, pests are organisms that occur in unwanted numbers and places. They can threaten a forest by damaging the trees and environment that people think are valuable.

Forest pests can include:

  • Insects and mites
  • microorganisms that cause diseases (pathogens)
  • other animals
  • disorders, such as drought
  • invasive plants

What does the government do about forest pests?

As part of the integrated pest management strategy, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development detects and monitors forest insects and diseases in Alberta. The programs may include pest detection, survey and monitoring, risk and impact assessment and management programs in forest stands to maintain forest health.

 

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Posted: April 29, 2009