Pest

The balsam fir sawfly (Neodiprion abietis) is a native saw-fly species that occurs throughout North America. Its larvae are a significant defoliating pest of pre-commercially thinned balsam fir (Abies balsamea). Damage caused to the tree is defoliation, reduced vigour and growth, and tree mortality.

Product

The Neodiprion abietis nucleopolyhedrovirus (NeabNPV) is a naturally occurring biocontrol agent isolated from sawfly populations in Newfoundland, Canada. The virus causes a lethal disease when ingested through feeding larvae. NeabNPV is applied to forest stands to effectively decrease populations of balsam fir sawfly and thereby minimise feeding damage particularly on silviculture and balsam fir stands.