The Impact of Balsam Woolly Aphid Damage on Balsam Fir Stands in Newfoundland

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Abstract
This paper presents data on the effects of balsam woolly aphid damage on the mensurational characteristics of balsam fir trees and stands, and quantitative estimates of changes in merchantable volumes that result from alterations in these characteristics. Average volume losses in damaged semi-mature and mature stands ranged from 2 to 6%, but were as high as 80% or more in a few highly susceptible stands. Strong and consistent relationships were recorded between the incidence and severity of aphid damage and a number of site and stand characteristics, including elevation, soil-moisture regime, stand height and age, balsam fir content and total balsam fir basal area of affected stands, and length of time damage had been present. These relationships were utilized to construct a hazard-rating system for use by forest managers in identifying sites and stands highly susceptible to severe damage, and in scheduling silvicultural control measures.

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