Evaluation of branch sampling, ocular assessments, and aerial surveys for estimating spruce budworm defoliation

We compared three methods for estimating current-year spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) defoliation from 2014 to 2021 using a network of 99 permanent sample plots in central Gaspé Peninsula, Québec. Percent current-year defoliation was measured by assessing shoots from mid-crown branches, ocular ratings of all individual trees using binoculars, and provincial government aerial surveys. Ocular survey defoliation differed from branch sample defoliation in 5–6 out of 7 years, consistently underestimating defoliation, across the full range of defoliation severity observed. Nested mixed-effects models for fir-spruce combined, balsam fir, white spruce, and black spruce ocular survey defoliation bias resulted in marginal R2 of 0.40, 0.47, 0.82, and 0.86, respectively. Current defoliation severity and its interaction with previous year defoliation and weather conditions significantly affected ocular survey bias. Correspondence of aerial survey estimates and mean plot defoliation occurred in only 43% of all plot-years and ranged from 14–58% in individual years. Differences between aerial survey defoliation and plot values mainly resulted from assigning an adjacent class (e.g., light <30% assigned as moderate 31–70% defoliation) or misplaced defoliation polygon boundaries, suggesting that assignment of aerial survey defoliation to plots or specific ground areas needs ground truth sampling.