The initial results of laboratory research undertaken by Canadian Forest Service and Institut Armand-Frappier researchers on a pathogenic fungus (Beauveria bassiana) of the white pine weevil could lead to the development of a new biological insecticide.

The hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria (Guenée)) is an insect pest of coniferous forests in North America. Several outbreaks of this insect have recently caused severe damage in the Gaspé and North Shore regions of Quebec.

Ground beetles, which numerous species make up the large family Carabidae, are often used as indicators of biodiversity. Their population dynamics are widely used in Europe and western North America to assess the quality of forest management from the standpoint of biodiversity maintenance.

In Ontario, a team of Canadian Forest Service pathologists have identified the presence of white rot decay in pines. This disease is caused by a fungus injected into trees by the Sirex woodwasp.

Studies done by researchers at the Canadian Forest Service, the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Université du Québec à Montréal show that anticyclonic (high atmospheric pressure) conditions associated with sea surface temperature changes in the Pacific Ocean favour the development of large forest fires in the fire triangle area (area encompassing the Waswanipi, James Bay and Lac Mistassini regions).

From the standpoint of protecting litter-dwelling insects, clearcutting and scarification are among the forestry practices that should be avoided in mixedwood forests. Small-gap harvesting is the best silvicultural approach.