Spruce budworm infestation may not materialize, scientist says

A staff scientist at Science North isn't sure if there will be a spruce budworm infestation next year, but says we're due.

Recent predictions of a moderate to severe infestation in northern Ontariomay not materialize, Jenny Fortier said.

The spruce budworm feeds on new growth on trees and can cause substantial damage and outbreaks of the pest are cyclical.

"The peak of the last outbreak was 1975, so we are at that 40 year-mark," Fortier said.

"We can predict that we are due for another outbreak."

A spokesperson with the Ontario Forest Industry Association said collection of aerial data is ongoing and it isn't yet clear how the bugs will affect the forest next year.

Outbreaks can be a concern to the forestry industry, Fortier added.

"For a tree generally to die because of spruce budworm feeding, it needs to be attacked a few years in a row generally."

Listen to Fortier's entire interview on CBC Sudbury's Morning North radio program here.

Morning North5:16Is there a coming spruce budworm infestation?

Yesterday on our show, columnist Backroads Bill suggested that next year there could be a moderate to severe infestation of spruce budworms. So CBC reporter Kate Rutherford spoke to Science North scientist Jenny Fortier about it.