Our passion and focus at Synergy remains in forestry and tree pests.
Within our focus in forestry, our scope is broad. We have the background knowledge about forestry, forestry pests and their semiochemicals. We have been doing collaborative research in forestry semiochemicals for many years.
With increased global trade comes significantly higher risk of introduction and establishment of exotic and invasive pest species. History has demonstrated exotic species introductions in urban, agricultural or forestry lands that often has detrimental ecosystem impacts. Exotic species are a key focus of researchers in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
We participate in ongoing semiochemical research
We keep abreast of new research by maintaining contact with the leading researchers in North America. We attend major scientific meetings and work groups.
We actively conduct independent field trials:
- We collaborate in field trials in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia
- We have dedicated in-house chemists working on improved syntheses of semiochemicals
- We design, manufacture and test novel release devices and traps
Synergy is currently involved in a number of on-going collaborations:
- The tribe Xyleborini, is a group comprised entirely of ambrosia beetles that are engaged in symbiotic relationships with ambrosia fungi. We have developed a superior lure for X. glabratus (Red Bay ambrosia beetle) and a novel lure for Euwallacea spp (polyphagous shothole borer, tea shothole borer and Kuroshio shothole borer).
- We are testing semiochemicals for Spruce beetle tree protection in conjunction with the US Forest Service and the College of New Caledonia.
Some of our past research projects:
- We were the first in North America to use monochamol and demonstrate that it is a pheromone component for Monochamus species. You can read it here. Samano et al 2012 Monochamus pheromones CE 144
- We tested and documented the use of semiochemicals in a mixed Mountain Pine Beetle/ Western Pine Beetle infestation in British Columbia. This was a successful push-pull strategy using Verbenone and GLV with an integrated approach and aggressive sanitation. You can view the power point summary here: Nicola Ranch Push-Pull 2009
