News Release Archive
NATURAL RESOURCES--B.t.k. PROGRAM TO COMBAT HEMLOCK LOOPER
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A B.t.k. spray program to protect about 300 hectares of balsam
fir from damage by the hemlock looper will be conducted by the
Department of Natural Resources in Victoria and Inverness
Counties beginning in June.
The B.t.k. will be applied between mid June and late July.
Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (B.t.k.) is an organism that
occurs naturally in the soil. Used as a biological insecticide,
it is highly effective in curbing insect populations that,
otherwise, would infest and destroy woodlands.
"Last year's program was highly successful, with over 2,000
hectares protected from defoliation by the looper," said Natural
Resources Minister Eleanor Norrie.
"The areas treated last summer are now healthy and green. As the
result of our success in containing the looper last year, the
total acreage that must be sprayed this year is minimal and
involves only five small sites in remote areas of the two
counties."
None of the areas sprayed last year require further treatment
this year. Four of the sites that need protection from the looper
this year are in Inverness County and one is in Victoria county.
B.t.k. products are registered for use by the federal Department
of Health. Their application in forestry in Nova Scotia is
regulated and monitored by the Department of Environment.
Further information on the hemlock looper and this year's B.t.k.
program can be obtained from Department of Natural Resources
offices at Whycocomagh, Baddeck, Coxheath, and St. Peter's.
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Contact: Blain Henshaw 902-424-5252
Walter Fanning 902-758-2232
jlw Apr. 30, 1997 5:15 p.m.
