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Population Dynamics of the Larch Sawfly

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

Extract

The larch sawfly, Pristiphora erichsonii (Htg.), has been studied in Manitoba for over 50 years, since the first outbreaks led to the introduction of the European parasite, Mesoleius tenthredinis Morley. This parasite was credited with reducing the severity of early outbreaks but when host populations again increased in the early 1940's, it was found that M. tenthredinis was ineffective due to the ability of host larvae to encapsulate parasite eggs. Intensive studies of individual mortality factors were initiated at the Winnipeg Laboratory as staff and facilities were expanded in the late 1940's. Development of the life-table concept of recording population data (Morris and Miller 1954) led to co-ordination of several projects until by 1955 a team of research officers was engaged in comprehensive studies of general ecological relationships, parasitism, vertebrate predation, and the effect of defoliation on host stands. Members of the team currently engaged in population dynamics studies and responsible for this exhibit are: Dr.C. H. Buckner, vertebrate predators; W. G. H. Ives, quantitative methods and natural control; L. D. Nairn, interrelations with host tree; Dr. W. J. Turnock, natural and biological control, bioclimatology. Other Winnipeg officers working on related larch sawfly projects are Dr. R. J. Heron, physiological studies, and J. A. Muldrew, biological control with particular reference to immunity to M. tenthredinis.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1964

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References

Morris, R. F., and Miller, C. A.. 1954. The development of life tables for the spruce budworm. Canad. J. Zool. 32: 283301.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nairn, L. D., Turnock, W. J., Ives, W. G. H. and Buckner, C. H.. 1961. Investigations of the population dynamics of the larch sawfly in Manitoba. Proc. ent. Soc. Manitoba 17: 3146.Google Scholar
Turnock, W. J. 1960. Ecological life history of the larch sawfly, Pristiphora erichsonii (Htg.) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Canad. Ent. 92: 500516.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Watt, K. E. F. 1961. Mathematical models for use in insect pest control. Canad. Ent. Suppl. 19, 62 pp.Google Scholar