Résumé :
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The white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi Peck, can be found in nearly all regions of Canada and the U.S. It causes severe deformity and growth losses by damaging a tree's leader, which results in reduction of merchantable wood volume (30 to 40% in serious attacks). The goals of the white pine weevil workshop were to consolidate current scientific knowledge concerning this pest, and to map out a strategy for future research and funding requirements through the formation of a national R&D network. Thirty-three papers were presented on weevil research and management including biology, damage, genetics, silviculture and control. Total attendance was approximately 85 people. The workshop delivered the following important information : - The weevil problem is increasing in Canada. Past ecosystem disruptions and intensification of reforestation efforts has resulted in increased availability of susceptible hosts (young and vigorous spruce or pine) for this pest. This situation will inevitably lead to dramatic increases in weevil attacks in these regenerating forests. - Considerable progress has been made towards finding solutions to this problem, particularly in the areas of genetic resistance and silvicultural control. - Such solutions will require the use of various control methods coordinated through an integrated pest management (IPM) system that is tailored to each host tree species and region. Such a management system aims at restoring ecosystem balance. - There is an urgent need for national coordination of research and development activities by all agencies, so as to ensure maximum efficiency and to focus opportunities for success. In particular, the need for a coordinated approach to obtaining and delivering funding is required. It was clear that there is a need for additional research on the white pine weevil, and also for coordination of the overall efforts in Canada and abroad, so that researchers may learn from each other and speed progress in light of their past experiences. It was also clear that participants agreed on the need for an ecosystem-based IPM strategy to deal with this pest. All participants acknowledged that a National Network would be an essential tool to address these needs.
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