Status of viruses as biocontrol agents for spruce budworms

Aerial spray trials with a variety of viruses have been conducted between 1971 and 1983 with 2656 ha (65 plots) treated to control spruce budworm in Ontario and Quebec and 424 ha (6 plots) treated to control western spruce budworm in British Columbia. Generally, results have been inconsistent and less than satisfactory, but research continues in an effort to develop a viral insecticide for spruce budworm population regulation.