This week marks an important milestone in the creation of a HWA Biocontrol Facility at the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre through the work of Dr. Kirk Hillier and team. The facility received certification from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for biocontainment research.  The facility officially meets federal standards for secure containment of regulated arthropods and biological control agents, enabling Dr. Hillier’s team to conduct quarantined research required before releasing potential biocontrol agents to the environment.  

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA, aka. Adelges tsugae) is an invasive insect that infests hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) leading to high rates of tree mortality. Biocontrol through the release of predatory Laricobius beetles and Leucotaraxis silver flies is a tool for key long-term management of expanding HWA infestations in Nova Scotia, and survival of Eastern Hemlock in the region.   

Dr. Hillier says “Achieving CFIA certification is not just a technical milestone—it’s a signal that Acadia and its partners are now positioned to lead on invasive forest pest management in Atlantic Canada and national level.” 

To ensure safe, reliable control of HWA in this region Dr. Hillier and team are working in partnership from Canadian Forest Service, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NS-DNR), and Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NS-ECC) on numerous research questions in addition to creating a space to rear the biocontrol agents.  Funding for establishment and operations of the facility wasprovided through the Sustainable Climate Communities Fund, as well as the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, via NS-ECC. 

The HWA Biocontrol Facility strengthens Acadia’s capacity to contribute to long-term management of invasive pests affecting forests, agriculture, and natural ecosystems in Atlantic Canada. Dr. Mark Mallory, Research Director at the K.C. Irving Centre says, “we’re thrilled to have the CFIA approval, which now allows Kirk’s team to move forward on this exciting and critical project. It’s a great example of federal, provincial and academic research collaboration to deal with a major challenge in Nova Scotia, and follows Acadia’s tradition of working closely with government, First Nations and industry to tackle environmental issues”. The K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre is pleased to house this facility as it contributes meaningfully to protection and preservation of the Wa’pnaki Forest Region.  

To learn more about the HWA Facility please click here.