Beech leaf mining weevil biocontrol potential

Beech forests are widespread in Nova Scotia. Beech provides important ecological services and is harvested for furniture construction and fuel wood. A new and significant threat to beech in Nova Scotia is the invasive beech leaf-mining weevil, which can kill beech trees, sometimes devastating entire stands. Pesticides have been largely ineffective because the weevil lives inside leaves. The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) is a co-operative of land stewards and researchers that promotes sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity conservation in the Southwestern Nova. The research project we are conducting together focuses on characterizing the natural enemies (parasitoids) of beech leaf-mining weevil in Nova Scotia, as well as abundance of the weevils and factors (such as temperature) that affect its spread within Nova Scotia. This will help support the evaluation of a potential biocontrol strategy for beech leaf-mining weevil (e.g., via controlled parasitoid release). The information gained in this project will support MTRI’s goals of better understanding and protecting the diversity of woodlands (e.g., via its woodland stewardship program).

Faculty Supervisor:

Jen Perry;Jantina Toxopeus

Student:

Partner:

Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

St. Francis Xavier University

Program: