Budworm spraying considered successful

Preliminary data from an aerial spray for jackpine budworm post-assesment shows that the Ministry of Natural Resources was successful in slowing the population explosion of the insect.
Although analysis is ongoing, data indicates the spray was able to acceptably protect the area affected by the insect.

The spray of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) took place at the beginning of June and an aerial survey was carried out at the beginning of July to show areas in which the population of the insect is spreading.
It has since been determined that the insect has probably spread its infestation north into the Kenora district.
In a press release, the MNR said it is “currently working on an aggressive fall sampling strategy to aid in predicting larval populations and defoliation levels that be expected in the upcoming spring.”
It will use this information to plan strategies that will be effective in containing that insect at acceptable levels in the future.
The aerial spray earlier this spring saw 105,000 hectares of forest in the Rainy River district sprayed with Bt in order to slow the population growth of jackpine budworm back from infestation levels.