WESTERN COMMITTEE ON CROP PESTS th 44 ANNUAL MEETING October 13, 2004 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Minutes Prepared by Julie Soroka, Secretary WCCP [email protected]
1.0 Welcome and Introductions Chairperson Scott Hartley, SAFRR, called the meeting to order at 0810 hrs and welcomed attendees. Thirty members signed the attendance list.
Mike Fagan Glen Forster John Gavloski Chad Grekul Rebecca Hallett Lloyd Harris Scott Hartley Al Kohlman Gord Knight Ted Labrun Alex Matus Scott Meers Nancy Muchka-Dahl Owen Olfert Chrystel Olivier Doon Pauly Hugh Philip Rob Reddekopp Lori Reichert Brian Rex Dale Risula Andrea Saunders Wendy Schatz Leeds Brian Schilling Tom Shanower Julie Soroka Neil Wagner Brad White Ian Wise Jerod Yasinowski
2.0 Additions to the agenda None. Motion to accept the Agenda: Wise/Harris CARRIED
3.0 Appointment of Resolutions Committee Hugh Philip volunteered to Chair.
4.0 Approval of 2003 Minutes Motion to accept the Minutes: Philip/Gavloski CARRIED
5.0 Business arising from 2003 minutes 5.1 Archiving of WCCP minutes Owen Olfert has compiled three complete sets of WCCP minutes from the inception of the meetings to date. One set will be stored at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon. The other two sets of minutes need to be stored elsewhere. After discussion it was decided that Scott Meers would arrange to have one set go to Alberta, archived at the University of Alberta or Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Edmonton office. Failing either of these two options, AAFC Lethbridge would be approached to be a repository. Owen Olfert will arrange to have the final set stored at the University of Saskatchewan Archives.
6.0 Provincial Insect Pest Summaries See Appendix Ia-d for reports from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Following the Saskatchewan Provincial Entomologist’s Report is the Provincial Fruit Specialist’s Report on Pests of Fruits 2004, Appendix Ic.1. This report was not presented at the WCCP 1 meeting, but is included in the Minutes to provide a complete picture of pests of agriculture in Saskatchewan in 2004.
Appointment of summarizers - to remain as for 2003.
7.0 Provincial Entomology Research Summaries See Appendix IIa-d for reports from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Hugh Philip gave the BC report for Bob Vernon. Scott Meers gave the AB report for Hector Cárcamo. Chrystél Olivier has replaced M. Erlandson in Saskatchewan.
8.0 WCCP Guide - The question arose as to the handling of updates if the Guide is moved to the Western Forum website. Chapter editors will send changes to Section Editors, then to Ralph Lange (WF Webmaster). A definite date for yearly changes is necessary, although editors can make changes at any time. December 31 was decided as the deadline for Chapter changes to be posted on the Web. Therefore, Chapter editors must have their revisions in to the Section editors well before that date, preferably by the WCCP meeting.
Motion by Olfert/Philip that we contact Ralph Lange to place the WCCP on the Western Forum website. CARRIED
It is recommended that ‘Last Updated’ be added to the bottom of Chapters as they are edited, so that readers have an idea of the date of the information.
8.1 Appointment of Guide and section editors. See Appendix III for 2005 WCCP Chairs. Section editors to remain as J. Gavloski (Domestic), H. Philip (Horticulture), and I. Wise (Agriculture).
9.0 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Quarantine Update - Brian Rex See Appendix IV for the CFIA report from Brian Rex.
10.0 PMRA Report - Mike Fagan See Appendix V for the PMRA report from Mike Fagan
11.0 Ottawa research Centre Update - Peter Mason, read by Scott Hartley See Appendix VI for research report.
12.0 Sponsor Updates - Rod McLeod, Bayer Crop Life gave a presentation on Poncho and Prosper. Neil Wagner, Peacock Industries - gave handout on EcoBran grasshopper bait. Currently the company is working towards registration of the product for cutworm control. There was no representation from Crop Life Canada
13.0 Special reports - Appendix VII. 13.1 Wheat Stem Sawfly - Tom Shanower, USDA, Sidney, Montana. See Appendix VII.a. 13.2 Swede Midge - Rebecca Hallett, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario. See Appendix VII.b. 13.3 Update of West Nile Virus in Saskatchewan 2004 - Phil Curry, Sask. Health, Regina. See Appendix VII.c.
14.0 Election of 2005 WCCP Chair 2 Scott Meers, AAFRD elected Chair. Secretary to be appointed.
15.0 Resolutions None. However, because there was no response to last year’s resolution, the Committee decided to resubmit the resolution, this time to the federal Minister of Agriculture. See Appendix VIII.
16.0 Other business. Funds solicited by Western Forum - because neither WCCP nor WCPD is generating funds (the Guides, their chief form of income generation, are now available free on the Web), discussion occurred on possibly acquiring some of the funds solicited by WF to invite speakers to Committee meeting as well as to WF. One suggestion was that assets at the end of the meeting above $6500 be divided three ways for speaker costs.
The Weed Science Society of Canada informally inquired about having a joint meeting with WF at some time, suggesting BC in 2006. According to the current rotation, Western Forum will be held in Manitoba in 2006. Date is also a problem, with weed meetings usually in early December. Although the two groups have some points of mutual interest, such as weed biocontrol and IPM that includes weeds, no ready solution for a joint meeting was found.
17.0 Adjournment
3 Appendix I - Provincial insect pest summaries Appendix Ia. British Columbia
BRITISH COLUMBIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD & FISHERIES
2004 INSECT PEST REPORT to the WESTERN COMMITTEE ON CROP PESTS
Compiled by: Hugh Philip, PAg Food Safety and Quality Branch BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries 200 -1690 Powick Road Kelowna, BC, V1X 7G5 [email protected]
SUMMARY: 2004 followed the on-going trend of significant agricultural and horticultural insect pest problems in BC. Isolated infestations of grasshoppers required control on some rangeland from the Peace River region to southern BC. Alfalfa weevil infestations continue to require chemical control in the Southern Interior. Wireworms again caused injury to various row crops in the Fraser Valley and on Vancouver Island, and to forage corn in the Okanagan. Apple leaf midge is suspected to be present in the Okanagan Valley, likely arriving on infested soil from the Fraser Valley. Shothole borer infestations were once again a problem in many Okanagan Valley sweet cherry orchards late in the season. Climbing cutworms continue to cause damage to emerging buds on grape plants in many vineyards in the South Okanagan. An agromyzid leafminer attacking hellebore was detected for the first time in Canada.
FORAGE CROPS
Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) continues to be a problem in alfalfa crops in the Souhern Interior. Affected growers target larvae feeding on the regrowth following first cut. This on-going problem may be a result of growers harvesting first cut later than previously recommended. Delaying harvest may increase available regrowth upon which the larvae can feed, causing greater yield reduction and delaying crop development.
Grasshoppers required control in several isolated areas from the Peace River region to southern BC, mainly on Crown rangeland and adjacent forage crops. The cooler, wetter August and September will hopefully have reduced grasshopper mating and egg-laying activity.
HORTICULTURAL CROPS
Shothole borer (Scolytus rugulosus): several reports of severe infestations again in sweet cherry blocks in August. Speculation is the trees suffered frost injury last fall or late this spring that may have impaired upward water movement during the hot weather in July and early August. This stress attracts wood borers. Maintaining healthy trees and sanitation (destruction of dead or dying branches and trees, wood piles) is the only way to minimize attack by these beetles and ambrosia beetles, another group of wood borers. 4
Apple leaf midge (Dasineura mali), first detected in the Fraser Valley in 1992, is possibly present in the Okanagan Valley. Pathway of introduction is unknown but one scenario is that some overwintering pupae entered the valley in soil on the roots of apple nursery stock grown in the Fraser Valley. The distribution is currently restricted to apple orchards adjacent to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Pacific Agri- Food Research Centre (Summerland) where the midge’s presence went unreported in 2003. This insect poses a risk to apple nursery stock and young apple trees because it attacks the terminals leaves, reducing limb extension which is important in developing proper limb structure of young trees. Plans are underway to introduce a larval parasitoid from Europe released a few years ago in Nova Scotia where it has effectively controlled the midge.
Wireworms continue to plaque potato, corn and other row crop producers in the Fraser Valley and on Vancouver Island. Crows have learned to pull up strawberry, corn and cole crop seedlings in search of wireworms, causing considerable crop loss in some cases. Similar damage occurred in the North Okanagan where seagulls, ravens and crows destroyed about 30% of a seedling silage corn crop. Growers are looking forward to Poncho-treated seed to protect next year’s young crops.
Cherry bark tortrix (Enarmonia formosana) may not be present in the Salmon Arm area as reported in 2003. The moths collected on CBT pheromone-baited traps may be another species of Tortricidae associated with native sumac. This could explain why investigating AA-FC entomologists could not locate host trees infested with larvae. Further investigation is underway.
Scientists suspect up to 7 species of climbing cutworms are responsible for damaging developing wine grape buds in the spring. Plans are underway to develop baits for placement at the base of plants in order to avoid need for foliar sprays against the larvae. Click beetles are no longer considered pests of developing buds after intensive night monitoring by growers and scientists failed to observe any feeding by the beetles.
Phytomyza hellebore (Diptera: Agromyzidae) was identified for the first time in Canada from host plants (Helleborus spp. e.g. Christmas Rose, Bear’s Foot, Green hellebore) imported into Vancouver. The larvae create blackish, short, linear mines in the leaf, later forming a blotch.
Forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) outbreaks occurred on Vancouver Island and several adjacent Gulf islands. Many land owners are reluctant to use Btk products because of either cost, ‘tricky’ application, or its impact on non-target species.
TURF
Black Turfgrass Ataenius, Ataenius spretulus, (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is not present in the southern Interior as reported last year. Taxonomists in Ottawa identified the beetles as Aphodius granarius, an introduced dung feeder from Europe. Apparently the affected golf course in Osoyoos irrigates the fairways and greens with liquid effluent from the local waste treatment facility. This effluent likely attracts the adults seeking food and egg laying sites. Larvae of this beetle were reported damaging a golf course in Toronto back in 1978. For more information, see http://res2.agr.ca/lethbridge/scitech/kdf/dungbugs/granar_e.htm
European chafer has expanded its range from New Westminster to Burnaby and Vancouver, mainly attacking boulevards and adjacent lawns. Skunks and crows continue to damage lawns in search of the larvae.
5
MISCELLANEOUS
Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreak in the Prince George area will have an impact on livestock producers as well as the local forestry industries. Harvesting using the ‘snip and skid’ method within traditional ranges will open up the canopy and provide better forage for both livestock and wildlife. In Agriculture Development Areas cattlemen are insisting the logged beetle-infested blocks be clear-cut to facilitate range development. These clear-cuts can impact water drainage and quality in near- by streams, rivers and lakes. Clear-cutting is a double-edged sword. On positive side, increased forage for grazers and targets for hunters – deer, elk and moose. On the negative side, deer and elk populations may increase to point that local forage crops are at risk, and predator populations may also increase resulting in possible conflicts with cattlemen.
An infestation of suspected clover cutworm (Discestra trifolii) in early September resulted in several agencies in the Kelowna area responding to pleas for help by a local orchardist family. The cutworms moved en masse from an alfalfa crop to an adjacent yard and orchard. The alfalfa crop was not damaged, and some ornamental plants suffered limited feeding injury. The same species was observed feeding on some weeds in a burned area in the South Okanagan.
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
1. BCMAFF web site development Staff continue compiling useful web sites for various commodities for inclusion in the free INFOBASKET service available online at http://infobasket.gov.bc.ca/Infoman/communities/ community.asp?UserID=2&. Grapes will be launched this fall.
Work continues on the Pesticide Wise section on the BCMAFF web site. This site will contain information on pesticides in general, personal safety, application equipment and calibration, food, crop and livestock safety, emergencies, certification, laws and regulations, pesticide registration, labels and other resources. Roll out is expected before the new year.
2. BCMAFF Invasive Alien Species Strategy The Food Safety & Quality Branch continues implementation of a strategy to deal with recently introduced and potential exotic arthropod, microbial and plant species (Invasive Alien Species - IAS) that could adversely impact BC agriculture and horticulture. The initial focus of the strategy is to increase public awareness of IAS and cooperation in early detection in order to facilitate rapid response and implementation of eradication or management programs. Linkages will be made with the National Strategy for IAS – Terrestrial Plants and Plant Pests Working Group, the Provincial Invasive Plant Strategy (led by the Fraser Basin Council), and with the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection’s Invasive Alien Species Strategy for BC: Identifying and Addressing Threats to Biodiversity. GardenWise magazine will distribute an article on selected IAS this winter to increase public awareness and to inform the public on how to report suspected IAS.
3. The Food Safety & Quality Branch expects to soon implement a new program to support the BC agri- food industry transition to national food safety and quality regimes and to respond to crucial plant and animal health issues. $2.1 million will be made available until March 2006 to projects that are targeted to two themes - a) the development of a baseline of knowledge, and b) information materials and 6 infrastructure - to strategically position the industry in making this transition. The funding is provided through the Canada/BC Agriculture Policy Framework agreement. Two projects of interest to IPM workers are ‘Development of Critical Information Materials’ and ‘Strategy to Mitigate Key Plant Health Impacts in BC’. Priority for insect pest management projects will be to those addressing information gaps identified in BC Crop Profiles.
LEGISLATION
Integrated Pest Management Act The Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection plans to have regulations in place by the end of this year so enforcement of the Act can begin in January 2005. This act replaces the Pesticide Control Act. An Overview (PDF: 403 KB / 9 pages), describing the goals of the IPM Act and proposed regulations; the consultation process used to develop the new legislation; key changes resulting from the new legislation; and a description of the legislation's key elements is posted at http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/ipmp/pestact/ipmdiscussion_04.pdf
Compiled by: Hugh Philip, PAg Food Safety and Quality Branch BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries 200 -1690 Powick Road Kelowna, BC, V1X 7G5 [email protected]
Contributors: Bob Costello, Kevin Murphy, Doug Macfarlane, Robert Kline, Wayne Haddow, Denise McLean, Graham Strachan, Madeline Waring
7 Appendix Ib. Alberta
ALBERTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD & RURAL DEVELOPMENT
2004 INSECT PEST REPORT to the WESTERN COMMITTEE ON CROP PESTS
Compiled by: Scott Meers Pest Risk Management Specialist Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development SS#1 Brooks, Alberta [email protected]
SUMMARY: Flea beetles, wheat stem sawfly, and black grass bugs were the pest species responsible for greatest economic damage to Alberta cropland in 2004. Grasshoppers could fall into that category as well except numbers were far below what was expected. Cabbage seedpod weevil, bertha armyworm, root maggots, wireworm, and orange blossom wheat midge all showed increases in 2004. Insects with low or decreasing impact included diamondback moth, Lygus, beet webworm and cutworms.
OILSEED INSECTS
Both striped (Phyllotreta striolata) and crucifer flea beetle (P. cruciferae) caused substantial damage to canola in 2004. Striped flea beetle was particularly troublesome in the Peace River region (around Grande Prairie, Sexsmith, Eaglesham, and Tangent) and also in north-central Alberta. In many cases the seed treatment could not prevent the damage from occurring and foliar spraying had to be employed. Both of the seed treatment companies have guarantee programs and as a result had to pay farmers for the spraying operations. Stem feeding was noted in many instances because beetle densities were so high that adults fed upon seedling epicotyls as they emerged from the ground. At least 3,000 hectares were re- seeded in the Peace River region and many more developed thin plant stands as a result of flea beetle attack.
Cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) resurged in southern Alberta this year. Economic threshold levels occurred in several fields and near threshold densities in many others; however, spraying for weevil control was minimal with only about 3,000 hectares sprayed primarily in the Lethbridge region. Dr Lloyd Dosdall is wrapping up his major project on cabbage seedpod weevil and is reporting many different parasitoids and increasing parasitism levels. Environmental conditions for weevil larval development were ideal in 2004, and very high numbers of new generation adults were observed in southern Alberta. Emergence trap collections in fields near Lethbridge in late August and September were commonly 200 to 400 adult weevils per square meter, indicating that an outbreak will develop in 2005 provided that overwintering success is high.
Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) is showing signs of an increase as well. Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development expanded its survey efforts on this insect with the assistance of many cooperators across the province. A small outbreak occurred in the Peace River region around La Crete with some spraying (less than 10,000 acres) taking place. 8 Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) was also monitored in 2004. Twenty sentinel sites were established across the province. No substantial infestations were recorded and no spraying was reported for diamondback moth larvae. Yearly reports of adults being collected very early in spring may be indicating an overwintering population which should be investigated further.
Damage by red turnip beetle (Entomoscelis americana) to canola was reported in central Alberta, near Eckville, Wetaskiwin and Red Deer.
Lygus bugs in canola were not a concern in 2004, and caused only minor crop damage even though early in the season adult densities in eastern and central Alberta were high in some fields. The cool summer conditions appeared to slow down nymphal development in relation to the crop. There is much confusion of the threshold levels and producers are unsure about spraying operations and timing. Despite low Lygus numbers some mixing of herbicides and insecticides to prevent Lygus at the bud stage seems to continue in northern areas.
Beet webworm (Loxostege sticticalis) again had a substantial flight although not as large as in 2003. No confirmed spraying was done for this insect in 2004.
High numbers of clover cutworm (Scotogramma trifolii) moths were discovered in early monitoring for bertha armyworm moths (found in traps) but no reports were made of damage by larval feeding.
Root maggot (Delia spp.) populations and damage were not great in 2004 as in most years. The severe drought conditions experienced province-wide in 2002 appear to have been responsible for reducing infestation levels in 2003 and 2004; however, it is evident that root maggot numbers are on the rebound. If cool, moist environmental conditions persist in 2005, crop damage by these pests could be substantial.
CEREAL INSECTS
Wireworm (Elateridae) concerns were higher in 2004 than at any time in the past decade. Most cereal acres were seeded without insecticidal seed coatings again this year and the results are becoming evident through increasing crop damage from wireworms. New seed treatment products are higher priced and their reduced use will likely continue until substantial crop losses are encountered. Bob Vernon of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is cooperating in a species survey of specimens sent in from Alberta. This was an effort spearheaded by the Potato Growers Association but samples are being forwarded from non-irrigated areas as well. Severe damage and reseeding occurred over less than 10,000 hectares acres this year. Undiagnosed and diagnosed but not reseeded acreage far exceeds this number.
Cutworms (Noctuidae) were less of a problem in 2004 than previous years but damage did occur in the Edmonton region, south of Lethbridge and north eastern Alberta. Species involved vary but the usual list of suspects is: red backed (Euxoa ochrogaster), pale western (Agrotis orthogonia), army (Euxoa auxiliaris) and glassy (Apamea devastator). In some cases samples included specimens of crane fly larvae, Tipulidae. The return to normal rainfall levels in 2004, especially the heavy rains in June just when cutworm damage was becoming severe in some areas, was responsible for limiting damage by these pests.
Wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus) was severe in many places this year. Areas affected have expanded this year to include most of Alberta south of Highway 9 and further north along eastern Alberta. There are reports of low-level damage as far north as Bonnyville and an unconfirmed report of damage from the Peace River region and around Edmonton. In some pockets of southern Alberta the parasitoid, Bracon cephi, was very common and may have had an impact on the population. 9
Orange blossom wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana) was forecast to be a problem in northeastern Alberta. No reports on spraying or damage have been received at this time. Pheromone traps were employed for the first time in 2004 for individual field monitoring. Threshold numbers were reached in the Killam and Viking area. Reports of 2 to 3 adults per head were received from the Killam area. Pheromone traps and pie plate scouting confirmed above threshold numbers.
PULSE CROP INSECTS
Pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) damage was noted at the site of the Southern Crop Diagnostic Field School in Lethbridge (on station at AAFC). While this was likely a result of concentration of the pest due to late seeding of demonstration plots, it was interesting to note that serious damage occurred to the nodules by larval feeding. A neighboring commercial field had very high accumulations of adults on the combine header at harvest time.
GRASS CROP, PASTURES AND GENERAL INSECTS
Timothy worm. A small lepitodopteran larva has been documented to be causing stand damage in timothy hay fields by Scott Meers. The culprit appears to be a member of the Gelechiidae family, likely in the genus Chionodes. Specimens have been sent to AAFC in Ottawa and to USDA in Maryland for species determination. Thanks go to Charlie Byrd and Greg Pohl for initial family diagnosis. Rearing of adult moths from field collected larvae and pupae resulted in two specimens of a Braconid parasitoid being collected. The same braconid species was also field-collected.
Infestations of the black grassbug (Labops hesperius) occurred across Alberta, except in the Peace River Region. Many producers believed that pest densities were sufficient to warrant spraying. At first glance damage appeared to be drought stress but closer inspection revealed the feeding damage. Fairly high numbers occurred in central region and even some cases from as far north as the Athabasca area. Jim Broatch was getting 50-100/sweep in brome, fescue and bluegrass stands (Lacombe area). Dan Johnson’s numbers from southern Alberta were much lower through out the season. Reports of damage were primarily in pasture situations. Other areas reporting damage included Eckville, Lacombe, Red Deer, and Ponoka.
Grasshoppers were the insect event that almost didn’t happen this year. We were poised for an extreme situation that for the most part did not occur. Timely rains appear to be the cause. Dr Dan Johnson of University of Lethbridge commented that the rains could not have been more perfectly timed to exact maximum mortality. Some areas did not receive the early rains and experienced higher levels of grasshopper damage. Some spraying did occur but not nearly as extensively as in 2003.
Notes on grasshopper species from Dan Johnson: The species that overwinter and become adults in April were fine, and in fact ahead of schedule by about a week. The species that hatch in late May and June (including the main pest species) were delayed, and then hammered by repeated cold rain that alternated with warm temperatures. The species that normally hatch in late June were moved into July, and some of these thrived in August and September. Species that do well under moist conditions, such as the red-legged grasshopper (Melanoplus fermur-rubrum) and certain katydids increased. Some overwintering species were way down in September, because they were trying to breed during the cool, rainy mid-summer. So, some species were well above average in numbers, but most of those were non-pest species. Despite the general decline, pockets of two-striped (Melanoplus bivittatus) and clear-winged (Camnula pellucida) did quite well. In some areas (most of Alberta south of Calgary) the clear-winged was reduced to low numbers. Packard's (Melanoplus 10 packardii) continued a moderate increase (it is has been increasing since 2002) and is now the third most common species. The migratory grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes) remains low in Alberta and moderate in Saskatchewan. Diversity didn't suffer on native range with some sites yielding more than 35 species and two native range sites more than 50 species of grasshopper.
PROGRAM NOTES Alberta Agriculture is improving its pest monitoring efforts through a pest Monitoring Network made up of many interested parties. The network in being headed up by Paul Laflamme and is being reported on in other portions of this meeting.
Murray Hartman of AAFC is developing a canola stand establishment diagnostic flow chart with the Canola Council of Canada. He would appreciate the members of this group having a look at it and providing him feedback on anything he may be missing and the accuracy of the symptoms descriptions. Copies are available for those who wish to make comments to Murray.
Scott Meers Pest Risk Management Specialist Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development SS#1 Brooks, Alberta [email protected]
Thanks to Kim Zeleny, Kent MacDonald, Dan Johnson, Paul Laflamme, Hector Carcamo, and Lloyd Dosdall for assistance in compiling this report.
11 Appendix Ic. Saskatchewan
SASKATCHEWAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL REVITALIZATION
2004 Insect Pest Report to the WESTERN COMMITTEE ON CROP PESTS
compiled by: Scott Hartley Insect Specialist, SAFFRD 125 - 3085 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4S 0B1 [email protected]
SUMMARY: Overall, most insect populations were suppressed due to the cool environmental conditions experienced in 2004.
A survey conducted in November 2003 indicated very poor subsoil moisture levels for much of Saskatchewan. Accumulated snowfall and spring precipitation for much of the province resulted in a much improved outlook depicted in the May 1, 2004 Subsoil Moisture map.
Lack of heat units was a major factor affecting insect and crop development. The summer was characterized by cool, moist conditions with a few warm days near the end of April, the end of May into early June, late June and sporadic warmer temperatures in July and August. Overall observations and reports suggested insect and crop development was delayed as much as 2 to 3 weeks by early July. Due to the slow crop development, two frosts in the latter part of August (the first on the 20th), are likely to have a major impact on crop production in 2004.
Flea beetles, wireworms and cutworms were the main early season pests. There were periodic outbreaks of grasshoppers where insecticide application was required but much reduced from 2003. Economic infestations of aphids were reported on pea, lentil and even some cereal crops in late July and into August. Wheat stem sawfly continues to be a major pest of wheat in the province.
The incidence of West Nile virus was lower in the province in 2004. This appeared to be a result of lower heat units especially earlier in the year and therefore Culex tarsalis (main vector) did not reach the population levels as observed in 2003. In addition there were lower levels of disease circulating in the environment in 2004. This was indicated in the low number of birds positive with the virus and the low number of positive mosquito pools.
Re-structuring within SAFRR has resulted in changes to some of the insect pest monitoring programs in the province.
CEREAL INSECTS
Orthoptera:
12 Grasshoppers – The annual grasshopper survey was conducted in late summer and fall of 2003 (August / September) and published on the SAFRR website as the 2004 Grasshopper Forecast. The forecast warned of high risk throughout most of the agricultural region of the province. The risk of severe grasshopper infestations appeared to be greatest in a wide band running diagonally from the northwest to the southeast. Economic infestations had been affecting some areas in the east central and northeast regions where they have rarely a problem historically. ! Due to the potential of widespread, severe risk from grasshoppers, an Emergency Registration was sought for a pest management product suitable for use in organic farming systems. Saskatchewan and Alberta put in separate applications for an E.R. for Nolo Bait (Nosema locustae) produced by M & R Durango (Colorado). The application was refused due to the fact that N. locustae is not a registered active ingredient in Canada.(Reg doc #) PMRA suggested a Research Permit would be a better option. However constraints associated with a research permit would not have been suitable for making the product easily available to organic producers. (e.g. labelling that includes “not for Sale and Distribution except to theResearch Coordinator and Cooperators”) However, there appears to be a better understanding of the statement “the actual severity of a grasshopper infestation will primarily depend on weather conditions in the spring and the level of last summer’s grasshopper infestation in a given area”. The cool spring extended and delayed the hatch and continued cool, moist conditions delayed nymphal development. Initial hatching of grasshopper eggs began in late April and early May. Reports of very small grasshoppers in mid-July suggested that hatching had continued into July in many areas. Developmental stages ranged from 1st to fifth instars (mostly two-striped grasshoppers) so all stages could be found in any given location. Insecticides were applied to control grasshopper populations, largely in the west central and northwest regions, and included both edge and full field application. Producers were advised to regularly monitor the population of grasshoppers in a field to confirm actual densities. There were numerous reports of heavy infestations all but disappearing within a few days. However reports of grasshopper feeding continued sporadically through the growing season and by mid-August there were reports of grasshoppers feeding on wheat heads, flax bolls, lentil and canola pods.
Early in the season field scouting found large populations of pale “C” shaped larvae, initially in the Watrous area. Additional reports followed in other areas in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Due to significant populations of cutworms in the past few growing seasons the affected producers were concerned. Samples submitted to the Crop Protection Laboratory in Regina were of the family Bomyliidae – bee flies – potential grasshopper egg predators. Identification was not taken to species level.
There were also more numerous reports of diseased, dead grasshoppers observed hanging from plants. (E. grylii) High populations of black crickets ( Gryllus pennsylvanicus Burmeister) were observed and reported in a number of areas in the province.
A fall grasshopper survey was conducted in 2004 (August to September) by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance adjustors.
Coleoptera: Elateridae –wireworms - Wireworm populations have been on the increase over the last few years. Control of wireworm is through seed treatments applied prior to planting. Lindane based seed treatments have been the traditional insecticides used for wireworms but although these seed treatments are still registered for use in 2004 the sale was discontinued as of December 31, 2003 and stocks were already in short supply leading into 2004. Saskatchewan was preparing to apply for an emergency registration for a wireworm control product until the registration for Cruiser (a.i. thiamethoxam) was announced. 13
Lepidoptera: Noctuidae - Cutworms (various species mainly Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenee) (redbacked cutworm) and Agrotis orthogonia Morrison (pale western cutworm) depending on region in the province) – Subterranean insect pests appeared to be more problematic than above ground insects that were more affected by ambient temperatures in 2004. Larval stages appeared to last longer with feeding extending well into July. On most years larval development is completed by late June and early July. Chlorpyrifos products and synthetic pyrethroids are the most commonly used pesticides for cutworm control. Producers are largely aware that insecticides for cutworms should be applied in the evening but many expect “overnight” control. It was noted that it could take up to ten days for optimum effects.
Hymenoptera: Cephus cinctus Norton – wheat stem sawfly – Although climatic conditions were not been favourable to many of the usual agricultural insect pests, wheat stem sawflies were active well into July in many locations across Saskatchewan. Producers were recommended to monitor wheat crops for potential infestations in case a “salvage” operation would be necessary – i.e. swath early (approximately 40% moisture) before the cut stems fall over. Crop staging and corresponding susceptibility to sawfly damage varied greatly from field to field, depending on time of seeding and growing conditions in the area.
As in 2003 there was another wheat stem sawfly survey conducted in the fall of 2004. (AAFC and Provincial Ag. Depts. – Saskatchewan and Alberta) There continues to be widespread reports of sawfly infestations but there is also a growing awareness of the problem by producers. Wheat stem sawfly is probably the worst insect pest in wheat in Saskatchewan in 2004.
Through the International sawfly working group (SAFRR, AAFRD, AAFC, USDA, Montana State University) there continues to be cooperative efforts in improving management of this insect pest. The release of a new hard red spring wheat variety AC Lillian (September 04) with improved quality over previous solid-stemmed varieties will be an asset for producers affected.
Diptera: Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin) - wheat midge – Based on the annual wheat midge survey, midge populations were not expected to be a serious threat to producers in 2004. Although wheat midge was observed and collected in various parts of the province, no economic infestations and associated insecticide applications were reported for this pest. Midge emergence was also delayed. Using degree day modelling, it was estimated that only a small part of the west central and southwest near the Alberta border had achieved 800 DD (peak emergence) by July 22. Crop staging and associated susceptibility to midge damage was variable across the province.
A wheat midge pheromone monitoring system was marketed and used in a number of locations for the first time in 2004. There appear to be some doubts as to the effectiveness of this monitoring system but producers seem to be welcoming the prospect of an improved method of estimating populations in their fields, especially when large areas and multiple fields have to be monitored by a single producer.
Homoptera: Aphids: In late July and August aphid infestations were reported in some durum wheat fields at economic levels. Generally infestations (if controlled) were controlled through broad spectrum insecticides used in conjunction for other insect pests such as grasshoppers. There were still inquiries regarding aphid control in September where there were relatively high populations but even with delayed maturity, the crop was already into soft dough stage.
14 Other cereal insects of 2004 insects – There were reports of potential economic infestations of thrips in barley.
OILSEED INSECTS
Coleoptera:
Chrysomelidae: Alticinae – Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) – crucifer flea beetle High flea beetle feeding pressure was reported in the spring across the province. Slow emergence and crop development due to the cooler weather also meant that the plants were more vulnerable and not capable of outgrowing the damage. Flea Beetle was activity was also slow and reports noted that where there were significant numbers on the warmer days. As was noted by the Canola Council and others, the flea beetles continue to locate themselves in a more comfortable habitat such as cracks in the soil. This included areas where the seedling is emerging and the most practical food source is the young canola stem. Producers were advised to scout for feeding on the more susceptible seedling stem as well as the more obvious cotyledon damage. Higher seed treatment rates appeared to provide the best control, especially on earlier seeded fields.
Curculionidae: Ceutorhynchinae – Ceutorhyncus obstrictus – cabbage seedpod weevil – Surveying for the weevil continues in Saskatchewan (conducted by AAFC - Saskatoon). Populations are still small in this province but distribution appears to be expanding. Monitoring for this pest will continue in 2005.
Meloidae: Blister beetles – Blister beetles were reported in canola crops across the Prairies. In Saskatchewan the most common species is the Nuttall’s blister beetle. However in Saskatchewan were reports of darker blister beetles present as well, including ashgray and black blister beetles.
Lepidoptera:
Noctuidae: Hadeninae – Mamestra configurata Walker - Bertha armyworm – The 2004 BAW pheromone monitoring system was set up earlier in June but did not start until late in the month as there were not sufficient heat units to complete pupal development. The peak count of adult moths occurred about the third week in July. There were no economic infestations reported. The results of the trapping system were published in a map posted on the SAFRR website. Plutellidae – Diamondback moth – Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) – Diamondback moths were picked up at sentinel sites and during field monitoring (sweeps). However there were no reports of economic infestations in 2004.
Hemiptera: Miridae - Lygus bugs – In Saskatchewan lygus bugs have been a problem most consistently in alfalfa. Lygus in canola is a more recent pest issue with the northwest (e.g. Meadow Lake) and the north east (e.g. Nipawin, Carrot River) being the areas with frequent economic infestations in the past few years. In the past there has been concern that when the alfalfa is cut the lygus bugs will move to nearby canola fields to feed. However this has not been a common occurrence but reports from the northeast in 2004 suggested that this was been occurring in some fields.
Other oilseed crops
15 Flax – Later in the growing season (August) grasshoppers were reported to be nipping off bolls and in the Yellowgrass area (south of Regina) flax bollworm was noted to be causing significant damage in some fields in the southern part of the province. Recommendations include use of insecticides as required but it is difficult to find registered products. Sunflowers – Reports from the field and submissions to the Crop Protection Lab have contained sunflower beetle larvae as well as sunflower maggots. Although there are economic thresholds listed for some of the insect pests of sunflower (e.g. sunflower beetle, weevils and banded sunflower moth), there has been no economic threshold developed for sunflower maggots. Although the presence of the maggots and / or pupae in the sunflower head is quite visible the actual effect on the overall yield is considered to be negligible. In addition by the time the maggots are noticed, most of the damage is already done (tunnelling through the stem and back of the head) and because of their location insecticide application has not proven to be economical in controlling the maggots. Because the presence of the insects and damage is easily observed it is difficult to convince producers that insecticide application will not provide a consistent yield response.
PULSE AND SPECIALTY CROP INSECTS
Peas Homoptera: Aphididae: Aphidinae - Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) pea aphid – Aphids were higher in 2004 but not as widespread as in 2003. Most reports were from the eastern side of the province. Dimethoate based insecticides were most preferred due to the systemic and contact mode of action of the chemical and the price of the products.
Canaryseed Homoptera: - Aphids (various species but largely bird cherry oat, Rhopalisiphum padi (L.) and English grain, Sitobion avenae (Fabricus)) – Aphid populations were at economic levels in canaryseed crops across the province. Although this tends to be an annual occurrence there were more widespread reports of economic infestations compared to most years.
Stored Insect Pests:
There were a number of inquires regarding control of stored grain insects in 2004. There have also been concerns with export commodities as end market countries are noting the presence of various stored product insect pests. Some of these appear to real concerns while others appear to be related to marketing strategies. Producers are referred to the annual Guide to Crop Protection for more information on prevention methods, identification and control techniques.
Miscellaneous:
In August damage to a number of crops in the west central region were reported with “clipping” just below the heads of canaryseed, chickpea and wheat. (Kindersley, Rosetown, Biggar and others fields south of North Battleford) A number of resource people were consulted including SAFRR and AAFC (Saskatoon). Wheat samples were sent in to the Crop Protection Laboratory - all appeared to have an angled “cut” (approximately 45o) just below the head. Edges of the stem had a more broken or shattered appearance. Therefore the damage appeared more mechanical rather than due to insect chewing. No pest was observed causing the damage and it is thought that most damage was occurring nocturnally. Heads and pods found on the ground were generally devoid of seeds. A number of possible explanations were considered and explored including: ! grasshoppers but there were few present in the field and did not seem to be in sufficient number to cause the damage noted
16 ! black crickets – high in number but although present were never observed to be doing the damage ! frost and wind – There had been two frosts in August (as noted previously, the first on the 20th) and crops were immature and more susceptible to frost damage. Although damage continued in September this did not fit the patterns in the field and standing plants did not show signs of weakening on the stem below the head ! mice or other small field rodents – This appears to be the best explanation as there were a number of rodent holes present in the vicinity of the damage. This could explain the removal of seeds from the heads when on the ground and some heads were observed in the “mouse burrows”. The damage also appeared similar to damage noted in Australian fact sheets on mouse damage.
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS AND CONCERNS
! Management of wheat stem sawfly over most of the wheat growing areas of Saskatchewan
! Insecticide control options: " Lacking in “newer” crops in Saskatchewan – e.g. chickpea " Acceptable products are scarce for organic farming systems " Control of wireworms in cereals where the trend is for new products requiring seed to be treated by licensed applicators - i.e. no on farm treatment
! West Nile Virus in Saskatchewan
Compiled by: Scott Hartley Insect Specialist / Saskatchewan Agriculture
17 Appendix Ic.1
SASKATCHEWAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL REVITALIZATION
Saskatchewan Fruit Production Report -2004
compiled by: Clarence Peters Fruit Development Specialist, SAFRR Room 125, 3085 Albert Street, Regina, SK, S4S 0B1 Telephone 306-787-4666 E-mail: [email protected]
Fruit production in Saskatchewan was generally average or lower than average for most crops and in most areas of the province in 2004. The most significant feature of the season was the extremely uncharacteristic weather patterns, throughout the entire year including the winter, spring and the growing season. The year proved to be a difficult challenge for many fruit growers, and resulted in severe winter injury, spring frost damage to blossoms, and delayed development and maturity in many fruit crops resulting from extended cool conditions throughout the summer. The maturity of most crops was delayed by one to two weeks. Both the yield and quality of the fruit were reduced over much of the area. Winter injury reports were common for many fruits, but particularly woody plants under dryland conditions. The summer drought in 2003 resulted in severe stress conditions, resulting in early dormancy, and in some cases followed by a fall bud break, regrowth and loss of dormancy. Spring bud break was also delayed by nearly a month of cold weather.
Strawberry The area planted to strawberries remains unchanged at approximately 200 acres. June-bearing strawberry production was quite variable from one region to the next, and generally delayed by one to two weeks. Reports of winter injury, reduced crown vigour and diseases associated with stress conditions were common. Growers in areas with limited winter snow cover reported severe winter injury to strawberry plants, which lowered the quality, yield, and size of fruit.
Late spring frosts resulted in the loss of king blossoms or severe cat-facing in the fruit in many areas. Yields, with some exceptions, were generally average or less than average, and quality was generally reduced. Several growers in the east central area around Canora again reported poor establishment of new strawberry plants this spring, possibly due to extended crown storage and delayed planting. Root and crown rot, likely caused by Rhizoctonia sp., and Fusarium sp. were reported along with winter injury on established fields. Fruit rot, Botrytis cinerea, was the most common disease problem in strawberry fields, causing additional fruit losses because of the cool, wet weather conditions throughout the fruiting season. A general increase was observed in the incidence of powdery mildew, Spaerotheca macularis, leaf spot, Mycosphaerella fragariae (Tul.) Lindau and angular leaf spot, Xanthomonas campestris pv fragariae (Kennedy & King) in the fields that were surveyed. No nematodes were found in samples taken from strawberry fields designated for crown production.
Cyclamen mite (Strawberry crown mite), Phytonemus pallidus (Banks) was found damaging crowns in a number of fields investigated including fields at Outlook, Yorkton, Cadillac and Waldheim. The pest is
18 gradually reaching major pest status, as the incidence of this pest has increased gradually over the last six years. The pest is introduced annually through infested crowns.
Tarnished plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris (P.de B.), and related species, as always, were of major concern throughout the year in June-bearing strawberries, as well as on day-neutrals later in the season. Strawberry cutworm, Amphipoea interoceana (Sm.) was taken from a strawberry field at Canora, but damage was insignificant. Bronzing of the fruit, apparently from thrips damage, was reported in the Yorkton area. When investigated, however, no thrips were found during sampling. As in previous years with reports of thrips damage in strawberry fields, at least in Saskatchewan, I suspect that much of the damage attributed to thrips may include other factors, especially sunscald, and perhaps grey mould, powdery mildew, etc. The damage occurred immediately after a very hot week following several weeks of cool rainy weather.
A general survey of strawberry fields also found slug damage to the fruit at several sites. One field in eastern Saskatchewan also had wireworms, root weevils and leatherjackets associated with weak strawberry plants suffering from what appeared to be winter injury. Two leafrollers, strawberry leafroller, Ancylis comptana Froh., and garden tortrix, Ptycholoma peritana Clemens, were both common in a number of strawberry fields but not in economic numbers.
Raspberry The production area for raspberries remains unchanged at between 80-100 acres. A number of growers reported severe winter injury to floricane raspberry crops in 2004. Late fall rains in 2003 following drought conditions may have predisposed some fields to winter injury by delaying the hardening of plants for winter. While many growers did not harvest a significant crop this year, several growers reported excellent but very late yields. No primocane raspberries, as far as I am aware, produced a significant crop in 2004.
No significant losses were reported resulting from plant diseases in raspberries in 2004, and very few diseases were noted during surveys in 2004. For the first time in the last four years, no bacterial blight or fire blight (Erwinia sp.) was reported or observed during the surveys.
Spider mites were again a major concern in raspberry crops, partially resulting from the severe damage over winter, and slow growth throughout the season. Grasshopper damage was greatly reduced from the previous year and no damage was reported.
Damage from tarnished plant bugs, raspberry sawflies and spring-feeding cutworms were evident in surveys but no significant injury was reported.
Saskatoon Serviceberry The production area of saskatoons continues to increase, and is now estimated at just under 1200 acres. Several new larger scale plantings with 20-40 acres were established in 2004. Saskatoon production yields in 2004 were generally below average in many areas as a result of a number of factors. One major orchard was lost to fire blight. Spring frosts and generally cold spring weather conditions interfered with pollination and reduced fruit set in central and southern areas. Yield and quality were extremely variable from site to site in central Saskatchewan but generally below average. Several orchards, eg., Carrot River, Outlook and Cadillac, etc., however, reported high yields with both excellent size and fruit quality. A dryland site of note at Carrot River produced the fourth consecutive high-yielding crop in spite of three years of drought. Blossoming was delayed and pollination was interrupted until late May and early June in some cases, because of the unique weather patterns in spring, over much of the province, resulting in variable maturity and uneven ripening. Severe frost injury also resulted in a complete loss of fruit in a 19 few cases. Some crops were again lost to insect infestations and plant diseases, as a number of growers still insist on growing saskatoons ‘organically’, or at least with minimum pest management.
Saskatoon-Juniper rust, Gymnosporangium nelsonii Arth., Quince Rust, Gymnosporangium clavipes Cke. & Pk., and possibly other related rust species, were the predominant problems in 2004 in most regions of the province where either of the native junipers, Juniperus communis or Juniperus horizontalis is present. Timing of fungicides proved difficult since the disease appeared later than usual because the erratic weather patterns and persistent rains. The infections this year commonly resulted in very severely infected and swollen twigs, stems and branches in addition to the usual infections on the leaves and fruit. Moderate to severe losses occurred where fungicides were not applied or were applied too late. Brown rot (Mummyberry), Monilinia amelanchieris, also appeared on saskatoon fruit in many orchards, resulting from cool wet conditions early in the season and caused light to moderate losses. Common leaf and berry spot, Entomosporium mespili, was again reported as a problem this year, but it generally appeared near, during or after fruit maturation. Nevertheless, a few crops, particularly in central and east central regions were lost completely. Grey mould, Botrytis sp., was also found in fruit clusters in several orchards.
Powdery mildew, Podosphaera clandestina, infections were reported from several orchards in the north central region on plants that were supposedly seedlings of Smoky. However, this is not characteristic of the cultivar Smoky or other known seedlings of Smoky, which are normally quite resistant. I would question the identity and source of these plants, since there were Smoky seedlings from a previous planting in the same orchard showing no signs of mildew infection. This underlines the importance of using clones of named cultivars from a reliable source, rather than seedlings.
Blackleaf, Apiosporina collinsi (Schw.) Hoehn., was very abundant in wild stands this year and was also found in an orchard near Wadena on a single plant. Cytospora canker and dieback, Cytospora leucostoma, was common in many orchards in the province. Based on my observations over the last number of years, and knowing the history of many of the infected fields, I suspect that Cytospora canker is mainly a disease of secondary infection following severe and repeated attacks from root aphids, which severely injure and weaken the plants. I also attribute much of the tip dieback infected with Cytospora canker to initial damage from tarnished plant bugs.
Fire blight, Erwinia amylovora, was again confirmed in a saskatoon orchard near Keeler, where it has been a persistent problem over a number of years. This orchard was removed this year and mowed to the ground with a brush cutter. After cutting, some of the rows were covered with straw and burned. No fire blight was evident in this part of the orchard at midsummer, while the rows that were only cut showed some signs of fire blight. It was observed that the rows that were burned only had regrowth from below the ground which produced a much better improved hedgerow as compared with the segments that were not burned. It’s been noted before in range management trials that saskatoons respond well to burning. Many cases of suspected fire blight were reported from orchards across the province this year, however, all of the reports were found to be negative (see woolly elm aphid). A fire blight information sheet was prepared with general recommendations for saskatoons.
Woolly elm aphid, Eriosoma americana (Riley), and woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum Hausm., were less evident on elm trees this summer compared with the last few seasons. However, the damage that resulted from infestations that occurred in late summer in 2003 was very severe and evident in many fields this summer. Numerous reports of the appearance of fire blight in saskatoon orchards this season were investigated and all were found to be a result of damage from woolly elm and woolly apple aphids. The damage symptoms, which usually appear very early in the spring following the injury, were delayed in developing this year as a result of the extended cool wet season. In 2004, symptoms did not appear 20 until after the brief hot spell in July. Infested plants or portions of the plants wilted rapidly and in full leaf, giving the appearance of fire blight symptoms. Injury from aphid attacks to older shrubs can be severe even on well established plants. Plants, five to seven year old, have been found in some years with the roots completely destroyed. The industry needs to address this problem immediately, and seek an extension for the Orthene registration to include fruiting plants (applied after harvesting the fruit each season), or register an alternative insecticide that can be applied during the fruiting years.
Tarnished plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris (P. de B.) and several related plant bug species, caused moderate to severe injury in several orchards surveyed this season. Much of the tip kill and shoot dieback, previously thought to be caused by Cytospra canker, results from plant bug injury to the buds in spring. Saskatoon plants do not appear to have any vestigial buds at the base of primary buds, as they do not generate new shoots from the base of injured buds. The proximity to field crops, such as Canola and alfalfa, which always have an abundance of plant bugs, may be an important factor controlling local populations. Saskatoon budmoth, Epinotia bicordana Heinrich populations were very low this year and arrived late due to the erratic and cold spring weather. The adult moths first appeared in orchards in early April, but were probably eliminated by the cold weather in late April and May. Saskatoon sawflies, appeared too late in the season to cause severe injury. At Bulyea, for instance, they were present well after petal fall in early to mid June. Apple curculio, Anthonomus quadrigibbus (Say), on the other hand, was very numerous in native stands and in orchards but also remained later than normal. Some orchards surveyed had high numbers of infested berries. The hawthorn weevil, Pseudanthonomus crataegi Walsh, was less prominent this year.
Hawthorn lacebug, Corythuca cydoniae (Fitch) was very numerous again in 2004, especially after mid- summer, resulting in severe damage to foliage and in some cases early leaf drop, but mostly in wild stands. Decis applications, early in the season for other pest species, appear to control wintering lacebug populations in orchards that are treated. This species requires some additional investigation and merits further study, since it likely limits the growth of new shoots and reduces fruit bud development where not controlled.
Chokecherry Chokecherry production was much lower than average in 2004. Yields of chokecherry were greatly reduced and some crops were lost due to severe late spring frosts and extended cold wet weather during blossoming. Where late spring frosts were avoided or less severe, crop yields and quality were excellent.
Brown rot, Monilinia fruticola, which caused severe losses and unusual damage symptoms in 2003, was again evident shortly after the frost injury on blossoms and fruit in orchards, as well as in native stands. Shoot dieback and defoliation on suckers and younger shoots in the canopy were again observed, but to a lesser extent than in 2003. Powdery mildew, (Podospaerae oxyacanthae or Phyllactinia guttata (Fr.) Lev. ?) was severe in many chokecherry orchards this year and on some seedlings in test plantings at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. Black knot, Apiosporina morbosa (Schw.) Arx.was observed on many seedlings in test plantings at the University of Saskatchewan, where the orchard was seeded with the disease to aid in the selection of resistant clones. Shot hole, Blumeriella jaapii (previously Coccymyces sp.) was severe on foliage in some orchards, and another leafspot (not identified), was common late in the season as well. Western X-disease (unidentified MLO) was again observed in many native stands.
Fruit gall midge, Contarinia virginianae, was present in most orchards and caused moderate lossesin some cases. Cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cingulata (Loew), was found in several wild clones near Bulyea, and in two seedling selections in the University of Saskatchewan plots. They appear to prefer the milder tasting cultivars as opposed to astringent types. 21
Sour Cherry and Pin Cherry Interest in the new dwarf sour cherries from the University of Saskatchewan continues to grow rapidly and plant supplies are very scarce. A Cherry Festival, including educational events, demonstrations and a trade show, held on August 14 and 15, 2004 attracted 1800 visitors. Approximately 150 acres of dwarf sour cherries have been planted for commercial production and in test plantings in the province. No significant pests or diseases have been reported in previous year, so an extensive survey was done in 2004. Moderate to severe winter injury occurred to a number of seedlings in test plantings, particularly in dryland sites. The drought during the 2003 growing season, followed by fall rains resulted in a failure to harden-off for winter and, in fact, caused some fall bud break and late regrowth. This confirms the importance of proper water management for sour cherry as well as other fruit crops for production in the prairie. Carmine Jewel suffered significantly less from winter injury than most of the seedlings at these sites.
As a result of the popularity of the new crop and the intentions of most growers towards ‘organic’ production, many commercial fields as well as test plantings and related cherries were surveyed throughout the growing season for insects and diseases in 2004. Surprisingly, very little evidence of plant disease was reported or observed during the surveys in spite of the severe winter injury to many of the test seedlings. It is expected, however, that infections from secondary rot organisms will invade injured wood that was not removed by late this fall or early next season. A single plant at White City was found to be suffering from silverleaf, Stereum purpureum. Leaf spot was common on pin cherry in native stands and in orchards, also resulting in spotting on the fruit.
Cherry plantings were surveyed for fruit fly activity throughout June, July and August, and suspicious fruit samples were collected for rearing. Both the cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cingulata (Loew) and black cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis fausta (O.S.) were present and captured on dwarf sour cherry in July and early August at the University of Saskatchewan, but both were much more numerous on pin cherries nearby. Apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh was also present in the orchard during mid to late August, but none were captured on sour cherry. Fruit of sour cherry and pin cherry, displaying any type of injury were collected during the surveys. A large number of maggots have emerged and pupated from the fruit samples and will be reared over the winter. Many of the dimpled fruits appear to have been stings from plant bugs or stink bugs, which were present in most fields.
The black cherry aphid Mysus cerasus Fabricius, was present on Evans cherry at the University of Saskatchewan orchard and at Lumsden, but was not present on any dwarf sour cherry plants that were surveyed. Cherry leaf beetles, Tricholochmaea cavicollis (LeConte) were collected from dwarf sour cherry at Rosthern, and Evans Cherry in the University plots, but no injury was evident. They were more numerous on native pin cherry in the same orchard and were not found in sour cherry plots where pin cherries were not present. Pear slug sawfly, Caliroa cerasi (L), was present on pin cherry as well as sour cherry in late summer and fall at several locations. Lesser peach tree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (G. & R.) was found in an injured trunk of Evans Cherry at Lumsden.
A number of problems have also been encountered with wildlife species. The most significant injury to date on sour cherry has been from white-tailed deer and porcupines. Both appear to be extremely attracted to sour cherries. White-tailed deer, as well as moose where present, feed on the foliage and twigs. Porcupines are very attracted to the foliage during the summer months and feed on the bark and twigs during the winter. Foxes, as well as coyotes, have been observed to consume the fruit in late summer.
Currant and Gooseberry 22 Several commercial orchards of European black currant orchards have been established over the last few years. Production was low this season due to repeated frosts and persistent cool weather this spring. Buffalo currant yields were high, but there was loss to spring frost in a few sites. Very limited observations were made this season on currants.
Powdery mildew was present in all cultivars that are not resistant to this disease. Cold wet conditions through much of the growing season compounded the problem.
Twospotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, and the Currant Aphid, Capitophorus ribis Linne, were present at the University of Saskatchewan plots and in an orchard site near Regina. Currant Fruit Fly, Epochra canadensis (Loew), were numerous on buffalo currant, European black Currant as well as on gooseberry.
Blue Honeysuckle A limited survey was done of several plantings of blue honeysuckle, closely related ornamental sweetberry honeysuckles, and some wild blue-fly honeysuckle, a related native species in eastern Saskatchewan. No insect pest species or plant diseases where found in any of this group. Blue honeysuckle is completely immune to the honeysuckle aphid, Hyadaphis tataricae Aizenberg, which causes a witches broom of the tips in many other honeysuckle species.
Sea Buckthorn No insects or diseases were found on sea buckhorn in observations at three sites with test plantings.
Apple There are between 80-100 acres of apples planted for commercial production in Saskatchewan. Interest in apple production on the dwarf rootstock, Ottawa #3, continues to increase annually. Several growers reported difficulty in establishing Ottawa #3 rootstock last year and suffered some losses from rootstocks and one-year old budded plants established the year before. Winter injury was quite severe in spite of fairly mild winter temperatures. Dryland plantings, in particular, suffered from winter injury, mainly resulting from a failure of the plants to harden-off and enter dormancy in fall 2003, following a summer of severe drought. Many of the trees, even hardy crabapples, broke bud prematurely in late summer, grew and flowered again. These trees failed to harden off properly for winter. In spring bud break was delayed or interrupted by nearly a month of cold weather in May and early June, which may have caused additional dieback. Frost injury to blossoms resulted in a reduced fruit set, as well as reduced size and quality. Maturity was also delayed at least for early season cultivars, but less so for later cultivars. In spite of the reported problems, there were a number of apple orchards that reported excellent crops and quality.
Apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) was reported from several new localities in the province, including Rosthern, Humboldt, Strasbourg and Melville. Generally, the fruit fly population were much lower than in 2003. Apple maggots were also reported from Saskatoon, Yorkton, North Battleford and Prince Albert.
Fire blight continued to be present in apples from many home gardens. Fire blight was also confirmed on Ottawa #3 dwarfing rootstock in a commercial orchard in Lumsden. I have observed that general bronzing of the foliage on apple trees or individual branches followed by early leaf drop in late summer and fall after the new growth is completed, is a fairly reliable indicator symptom of fire blight. This has not been reported in the literature that I am aware.
23 Wildlife problems were common in apple this winter. White-tailed deer cause severe damage to apples, particularly on dwarf rootstock, where orchards were not properly fenced (8 foot deer fence required). Porcupines appear to be much more numerous than average over the past few seasons and caused extensive losses to a number of orchards this past winter. A two-acre apple orchard on dwarf rootstock was completely destroyed at White City over this past winter.
Clarence Peters Fruit Development Specialist Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food, and Rural Revitalization Room 125, 3085 Albert Street Regina, SK S4S 0B1 Telephone 306-787-4666 E-mail: [email protected]
24 Appendix 1d. Manitoba
MANITOBA AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL INITIATIVES 2004 INSECT PEST REPORT to the WESTERN COMMITTEE ON CROP PESTS
Compiled by: John Gavloski, Entomologist, Manitoba Agriculture, Food, and Rural Initiatives Box 1149, Carman, MB, ROG OJO Phone: (204) 745- 5668Fax: (204) 745-5690 [email protected]
Abbreviations used: The following abbreviations will be used in this document to indicate the following agricultural regions in Manitoba; NW=Northwest, SW=Southwest, C=Central, E=Eastern, I=Interlake.
SUMMARY: The spring and summer of 2004 were very cool and wet in Manitoba, and as a result many insects were well below normal in their rate of development and damaged crops later in the season than is normal. Flea beetles caused widespread damage in canola, and aphids were a concern in peas, cereals and canaryseed in many areas. Cutworms were a concern in many crops. Grasshoppers were not as damaging as has initially been expected. The weather was not favorable for grasshopper development, and natural enemies of grasshoppers were also quite abundant in some areas.
CANOLA
Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.): For some of the early seeded canola, the insecticide portion of the seed treatments broke down to levels where they were no longer controlling flea beetles while the plants were still quite susceptible to flea beetle feeding. This happened even for seed treatments with higher rates of insecticide. Early season growth of canola was slow in many areas, so the canola took a long time to reach stages that are more tolerant to feeding by flea beetles. Foliar spraying to control flea beetles was common in many areas again this year. Areas where foliar insecticides were applied to control flea beetles in canola fields include Swan River (NW), Hamiota (SW), Tilston (SW), Carberry (SW), Neepawa (SW), Gladstone (C), Portage la Prairie (C), Notre Dame (C), Starbuck (C), Elm Creek (C), Carman (C), Miami (C), Homewood (C), Sperling (C), Roland (C), Pilot Mound (C), Morris (C), Altona (E), and Riverton (I). Some fields in the Southwest were sprayed 2-3 times to control flea beetles. Some reseeding of canola because of damage by flea beetles was reported from the Northwest and Southwest, and some fields in the Altona (C), and St. Pierre (E) areas. The high flea beetle populations persisted well into July in some areas. In the second week of July, concern was raised by an agronomist in the Gilbert Plains area that flea beetles were feeding on the buds of canola, and whether this will result in economic damage or will the plants compensate for this feeding on the buds the way it does for lygus bug feeding.
Cutworms: Cutworms populations were reported to be quite high in some canola fields in the Arborg/Riverton area of the Interlake, with some of these fields being treated with insecticides in late- June. About 1,000 acres of canola in the Hamiota area was also treated with insecticide to control cutworms.
25 Bertha Armyworm (Mamestra configurata): Adults of bertha armyworms were once again monitored with pheromone-baited traps. Fifty traps were monitored, and counts showed a low risk of larval infestation (0-300 over the monitoring period) in 46 of the 50 traps, and an uncertain risk (300-900 moths) in 2 traps in the southwest and 2 traps in the northwest. There were no reports of bertha armyworm larvae being at or near economic levels in any canola fields. A map of the trap counts for 2004 can be viewed at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/insect/bertha/ba.html What is very interesting about the trap counts for bertha armyworm this year is how late in the season the peak counts occurred. In most areas peak counts of the adult moths in the traps occurred any time between July 12th and July 23rd. However, for some of the traps in the northwest peak trap counts were even later. For all 3 traps in the Swan River district, peak catch of adult bertha armyworm was during the week of August 2 to August 6th, which was the last week these traps were up and later than the originally planned period for the traps to be up.
Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella): Diamondback moth adults were once again monitored with pheromone-baited traps. Eighty-four traps were monitored across Manitoba. Counts were low throughout the trapping period in May and June. Some traps were left up longer than the initial 6 week trapping period, and started to catch some higher numbers of diamondback moth during the week of July 19-23. However, there were no reports of diamondback moth being of economic concern in any canola fields in Manitoba in 2004.
Grasshoppers: There were concerns in some areas over grasshoppers feeding on canola early in the season. A canola field (which was pasture the previous year) near Sidney (C) was sprayed to control grasshopper nymphs in early June. There were also some reports of grasshopper damage to canola in the southwest in June.
Blister Beetles (Epicauta spp.): Blister beetles were quite noticeable in many canola fields this year, although it was mainly Epicauta species that were present, and not the Nuttall blister beetle (Lytta nuttalli) which is the more common species of blister beetle in canola in many years. The black blister beetle (Epicauta pensylvanica) was quite noticeable in some fields. Control was not recommended because of the minimal feeding damage the blister beetles were doing, and because larvae of Epicauta species feed on grasshopper eggs (Horsfall, 1941). A canola plot near Elm Creek was treated with insecticide to control blister beetles.
SUNFLOWERS
Cutworms and Wireworms: There were only a couple of reports of cutworms and wireworms being of concern in sunflowers in 2004. A sunflower field in the Grosse Isle (I) area was sprayed with insecticide to control cutworms. Wireworm damage was reported from a sunflower field near MacGregor (C).
Sunflower beetle (Zygogramma exclamationis): Economically significant populations of sunflower beetle were present in some fields in the eastern and central part of Manitoba. Insecticides were applied to control sunflower beetles in sunflower fields near Treherne, Lowe Farm, Horndean, and Altona in the Central region; and Dugald in the Eastern region. These fields were sprayed during the last week in July and first week in August. Grasshoppers: There was a limited amount of grasshopper control around the edges of sunflower fields. A couple of sunflower fields in the Beausejour (E) area had insecticide treated bait spread around the field edge to control grasshoppers.
26 Sunflower Midge (Contarinia schulzi): There were a few reports of sunflower midge from the Roland and Altona areas, but no major damage. It seemed to be concentrated in the low lying areas.
Sunflower Bud Moth (Suleima helianthana): Sunflower bud moth was reported from sunflower fields across Manitoba again this year. Although the literature suggests that this pest is not economically significant, some feel the damage they cause is getting close to being an economic problem.
Seedhead Insects
Banded Sunflower Moth (Cochylis hospes) and red sunflower seed weevil (Smicronyx fulvus): There were no reports of sunflower seed weevils being seen at or even near economic threshold levels in 2004. A couple of sunflower fields in the Holland/Treherne (C) area had the edges sprayed to control banded sunflower moth. Lygus bugs (Lygus spp.) were noticed in high numbers on sunflowers in some areas.
FLAX
Grasshoppers and potato aphids were the main insect pests in flax.
Grasshoppers: A field of flax in the Miniota area (SW) was sprayed to control grasshoppers in late June. Some fields of flax in the Dauphin area (NW) were treated to control grasshoppers in late July.
Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae): Fields of flax were treated to control aphids near Lowe Farm (C) and Aubigny (E).
WHEAT, BARLEY, OATS
Cutworms: Cutworms were at levels capable of causing economic damage in a few fields of small grain cereals. What was unusual was how long into the summer the problem lasted this year. Control of cutworms began about mid-May, and there was a field of barley near Teulon (I) that was treated with insecticide to control cutworms as late as July 13th. The field near Teulon was reported to have populations as high as 9-10 / m2, and was noticed after a high population of gulls was spotted in the field.
Wireworms: Wireworm damage was reported from fields near Melita (SW) and in the Gladstone-Plumas area (C).
Grasshoppers: Aside from a report of some barley just north of Plumas (C) being sprayed to control grasshoppers in late July, there were no reports of grasshoppers causing economic damage or being controlled with insecticides in small grain cereals this year.
Wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana): Most of the higher populations of wheat midge were reported from the Southwest. A few wheat fields in the Rapid City (SW) area were sprayed to control wheat midge around July 24th. Midge levels in these fields were reported to be on average about 1 midge per every 1-3 plants. A wheat field from the Waskada (SW) area was reported to have wheat midge levels about 2-3 midge per plant, although in this case the wheat was too far advanced for the wheat midge to be of economical concern.
Aphids: Aphids were a concern in many small grain cereal fields. Application of insecticides to control aphids in small grain cereals was reported from near Portage la Prairie (C), Brunkild (C), Morris (C), and Aubigny (E). Most of these fields were sprayed in the first 3 weeks of August. One of the aerial applicators who had sprayed a few oat fields for aphids noticed that there were more aphids in the oat 27 fields that had earlier been sprayed with Tilt for disease control; these fields were staying greener longer. Aside from fields staying green longer, another possible explanation for the increased aphid populations following fungicide applications could be that beneficial fungi that affect aphids could have been killed by the fungicides. True armyworm (Pseudaletia unipuncta): The population of true armyworm larvae started to get noticeable about mid-July in the Morden-Winkler area (C), and by late July at least 1 field in the area was reported to have a population above the suggested economic threshold of 10/m2. However, I am not aware of any insecticide being applied to control true armyworm.
CANARYSEED
Aphids: Aphids were once again a concern for many growing canaryseed. Fields of canaryseed were sprayed with insecticides to control aphids near Boissevain (SW), Neepawa (SW), Starbuck (C), Morris (C), Altona (C) and Beausejour (E). Most of this spraying was in the last week of July and the first 2 weeks of August. In contrast, in 2003 most of the reports of aphid control in canaryseed were between July 1st and July 15th.
DRY BEANS
Cutworms: Cutworms were a problem in a bean field in the Portage la Prairie area. What was unusual was how long into the season the cutworms continued to be a problem. The field was sprayed July 2nd, and a week later there was still evidence of cutworm feeding.
Wireworms and Seedcorn Maggot: Considerable wireworm feeding was noticed in a couple of bean fields in the Boissevain area, while damage from seedcorn maggots was noticeable in a bean field in the Altona area.
Potato Leafhopper (Empoasca fabae): Potato leafhoppers were not an economical concern in dry beans in Manitoba in 2004.
Grasshoppers: Although grasshopper populations were high along many field edges early in the season, there were only a couple reports of control needed in or around bean fields. A field of beans southwest of Portage la Prairie (C) was sprayed to control grasshoppers in mid-June, while the edge of a dry bean field near Elma (E) was sprayed to control grasshoppers in late July.
PEAS
Cutworms: There was some insecticide applied for cutworm control in peas in the Hamiota area in early June.
Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum): Populations of pea aphid on peas were generally quite high for the second straight year. Insecticide applications to control pea aphids began in late July (around July 20th) and continued through the first week in August. Last year aphid control in peas began in the first week in July, about 2 weeks earlier than in 2004. Pea fields are known to have been sprayed to control aphids this year in the Swan River Valley in the northwest, in the Boissevain area in the Southwest, near Neepawa, Pilot Mound and Morris in the central region, and in the Arborg area in the Interlake.
SOYBEANS
Grasshopper populations early in the growing season were the main insect concern in soybeans this year. 28
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers had to be controlled in some soybean fields early in the season in the Morris, Portage and Treherne districts (C).
Soybean Aphid (Aphis glycines): There were no reports of soybean aphids in Manitoba in 2004. FORAGES AND FORAGE SEED
Plant Bugs: Alfalfa growth and bloom was about 2 weeks later than normal this year, and as a result scouting and insecticide applications to control plant bugs was later than normal. The use of dimethoate was down, and in crop treatments (after the release of leafcutter bees) were up due to the late bloom.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers were sprayed on some pastures in the central region in early August.
European Skipper (Thymelicus lineola): There were more reports of damage by European skipper on timothy than normal this year. There was some spraying to control European skipper in timothy in the Fisher Branch and Beausejour districts.
ISSUES
Lack of registered pesticides resulting in illegal uses of pesticides:
There are instances where Manitoba farmers do not have any insecticides registered to control certain insect pests in specific crops, while insecticide options (often many) are available to farmers in neighbouring U.S. states. This lack of options results in off-label uses of pesticides. Companies that produce pesticides often lack the incentive to register specific pesticides, or specific uses of a pesticide, in Canada.
FUTURE PLANS
Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus): Monitoring for cereal leaf beetle was performed again in 2004. No evidence of cereal leaf beetle being in Manitoba was found. This monitoring program will continue in 2005.
Insect Monitoring in canola: Monitoring for adult stages of diamondback moth and bertha armyworm using pheromone baited traps will continue. Plans are being made to include this data as part of a new web-based prairie wide pest monitoring network that is being developed.
Literature Cited
Horsfall, W.R. 1941. Biology of the black blister beetle (Coleoptera: Meloidae). Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 34: 114-126.
29 Appendix II - Provincial Research Progress Reports Appendix IIa. British Columbia
RESEARCH PROGRESS ON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA - 2004
Compiled by M. Clodius and R. S. Vernon Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (AAFC) 6947 #7 Hwy. P.O. Box 1000 Agassiz, B.C. V0M 1A0 [email protected] ______Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PARC, Agassiz: 2004 Insect Pest Research Report
Title 1: Directory of Microbial Pesticides for Agricultural Crops in OECD Countries
Author and Associates: Todd Kabaluk, Katka Gazdik
Problem: The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) works to help governments respond to new challenges such as sustainable development, electronic commerce and biotechnology. The OECD Pesticide Programme is an element of the organization’s Environmental Health and Safety Programme, and focuses on both chemical and biological pesticides used in agriculture and other settings. Its goal is to help OECD countries share the work of pesticide risk assessment and find new approaches to risk reduction. The development and promotion of microbial pesticides is one promising strategy for reducing the risks associated with pest management. Canada needs a clear resource of microbial pesticides from which to select candidates for User Requested Minor Use Registrations (URMURs) using a standardized OECD, or other, dossier.
Objective of Research: The compilation of a current Directory of Microbial Pesticides can i) enable registration of microbial pesticides in Canada for products that have followed OECD Pesticide Programme protocols; ii) stimulate risk reduction programmes in Canada that would facilitate further harmonization; and iii) encourage adapting foreign pest control products to Canadian agriculture through research, followed by subsequent registration guidance from OECD protocols.
Summary of Results: The final copy was completed September 2004, circulated, and posted on Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Pest Management Centre’s website (http://www.agr.gc.ca/env/index_e.php?section=pest&page=prr OR http://www.agr.gc.ca/env/index_f.php?section=pest&page=prr)
Continuing Research: The directory will be update periodically.
Contact: Todd Kabaluk Tel: (604) 796-2221 (local 215) Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
30 Title 2: Development of Biopesticides for Management of Wireworms and Root Maggots in Potatoes and Canola
Author and Associates: Todd Kabaluk, Mark Goettel, Martin Erlandson, Julie Soroka, Doug Inglis, Bob Vernon
Problem: Wireworms have a long history as a pest to agricultural crops in Canada. Of the hundreds of species occurring in North America, those of five genera, Agriotes, Conoderus, Ctenicera, Limonius, and Melanotus are of the greatest economic importance. Yield losses from root maggots in Argentine canola have been recorded as high as 20%. In 2002, average B. napus yields were 1.25 tonnes per ha on 3.8 million ha of canola on the prairies. Alternatives to chemical insecticides for management of these pests are lacking.
Objective of Research: To determine the effectiveness of an insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, against wireworms and root maggots.
Summary of Results: Storage facilities for both root maggots and wireworms have been constructed, and ample insects have been collected for experiments; 9,000 wireworms were collected in the spring 2004 and Delia spp. flies collected in the summer 2004, to generate eggs and pupae for experiments.
For wireworms, 14 fungal isolates were bioassayed against 3 species of wireworms. Ctenicera pruinina proved to be the most susceptible species, attaining 100 % mortality within 19 - 40 days with all but one of the isolates tested. LT50s ranged from approximately 8 to 20 days according to specific isolate. Only one isolate failed to induce more that 50% mortality in 40 days.
Agriotes obscurus proved to be highly susceptible to 4 isolates with 85 - 100% mortality being attained in 16 - 25 days. LT50s for these ranged from approximately 8 - 14 days. One isolate had moderate virulence, providing 65% mortality in 35 days, while the rest of the isolates were unable to kill more than 40% of the wireworms in 40 days.
Agriotes lineatus proved to be the wireworm species most resistant to the majority of the Metarhizium anisopliae isolates tested. Three isolates were most virulent, providing 80 - 85% mortality in 28 - 30 days (LT50s between 10 to 22 days). Interestingly, all three isolates are from BC, with 2 of these originally isolated from a cadaver of A. lineatus and one from A. obscurus.
For canola root maggot, a bioassay method was developed.
Various laboratory studies showed i) that there is a tendency for wireworms to be repelled from highly concentrated (108 conidia/g soil) conidia environments; ii) at 18 C, at least 48 hours are required for wireworms to be exposed to soil Metarhizium at 106conidia/g soil before significant amounts of infection occur.
Other natural enemies of wireworms encountered during the research included: dipteran pupae inside click beetle abdomen, Mermithidae nematodes (accounting for about 10% mortality of stock collection), unidentified bacteria, phoretic Acaridae deutonymph mites, Beauvaria bassiana and Tolypocladium cylindrosporum.
Replicated temperature thermoprofiles for 14 fungal isolates were carried out in their entirety for 2004/2005. Data is currently being used to assess productivity of the isolates.
31 Continuing Research: Molecular characterization of the fungal isolates is in progress. Jerry Ericsson, M.Sc. candidate is exploring wireworm immunology, a previously unexplored area. Bioassays will be carried out against root maggots. Field trials will be carried out when appropriate.
Contac Todd Kabaluk Tel: (604) 796-2221 (local 215) Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 3: Improving sampling for the green peach aphid in potato
Author and Associates: Todd Kabaluk and Bob Vernon (AAFC, Agassiz)
Problem: The green peach aphid is monitored in BC potatoes with little knowledge of the method’s precision and operating characters related to decision making. Additionally, knowledge of simple phenology of the green peach aphid on the west coast would improve the operational efficiency of IPM companies.
Objective of Research: To characterize current sampling methods with respect to precision, and develop a less labour-intensive method using a binomial sampling method. To suggest improvements to the sampling of the green peach aphid by describing its phenology in south coastal BC.
Summary of Results: Precision of the sampling method has been calculated based on three years of sample data. A binomial method has been developed. Green peach aphid phenology has been summarized from four years of sampling data, and modifications have been made to aphid sampling strategies that streamline consultant-run IPM programs.
Continuing Research: A manuscript has been completed on aphid phenology and improved sampling strategies and will be published in 2005.
Contact: Todd Kabaluk Tel: (604) 796-2221 (local 215) Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 4: Surveys of vineyards in the Okanagan valley of B.C. to determine species of click beetles attacking grapes.
Author and Associates: Bob Vernon (PARC, Agassiz), Tom Lowery (PARC, Summerland) and Ed. Becker (ECORC, Ottawa).
Problem: Grape growers in the Okanagan valley of B.C. have been observing an increase in damage to early bud growth in several vineyards in Oliver and Osoyoos. This damage is alleged to be caused by cutworms and/or by one or more species of unidentified click beetles. Damage caused by click beetles is described as small, circular holes that are bored straight into the buds. This reduces fruit production, and secondary bud growth results in asynchronous maturation of grapes.
32 Objective of Research: Aside from preliminary observations and anecdotal descriptions of damage, nothing is known about the predominant species of click beetles involved. As the first of a 2 year study funded by the B.C. Wine Institute and Matching Investment Initiative of AAFC, research was initiated to: a) develop monitoring procedures and conduct surveys in vineyards to determine the species of click beetles and wireworms present; b) determine the spatial distribution of wireworms of interest in vineyards; and c) begin to develop management strategies for click beetles and wireworms in grapes.
Summary of Results: Click beetles obtained from visual surveys of 10 commercial vineyards were sent to Ed Becker at ECORC for identification. The predominant species was the sugar beet wireworm Limonius californicus. Field surveys for wireworms in a major vineyard in Osoyoos also caught primarily L. californicus. An expanded survey in additional Okanagan sites in 2004, however, showed that an additional species, Limonius canus, is also present in high numbers in certain vineyards, and may also be responsible for bud damage. These species are known to become established in irrigated, grassy cropland conditions, which are typically found in most Okanagan vineyards. Knowing the probable species of click beetles attacking the grape buds will assist in the development of management strategies for this pest.
Continuing Research: Additional surveys for click beetles and wireworms will be conducted in additional vineyards in 2005, and attempts made to determine the relative damage caused by L. californicus, L. canus, or lepidopterans also known to damage buds in vineyards. Work is also underway with Phero Tech Inc. to collect the above click beetle species in an effort to identify pheromones that could be used in future management programs.
Contact: Dr. Bob Vernon Tel: (604) 796-2221 (local 212) Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 5: Evaluating various insecticides for control of the wireworms Agriotes obscurus and A. lineatus in potatoes.
Author and Associates: Bob Vernon and Victoria Brookes (AAFC, Agassiz).
Problem: The European wireworms, Agriotes obscurus and A. lineatus, are insects of major concern to the potato industry in B.C. and Nova Scotia. Other wireworm species are causing increasing problems in other major potato growing provinces of Canada. Growers have traditionally applied granular insecticides for control of this pest, and during the past decade have relied almost exclusively on the organophosphate Thimet (phorate). Thimet, however, was withdrawn from B.C. for environmental reasons in 1997, and will be gone from Canada by 2006. The testing of new insecticides and alternative approaches for wireworm control in potatoes, therefore, is an urgent priority.
Objective of Research: Insecticides for control of European wireworms in potatoes were evaluated in a field near Agassiz, B.C. in 2004. Insecticidal formulations (20 treatments) were applied to seeding furrows as granules (chlorpyrifos; phorate), as sprays (chlorpyrifos; clothianidin; fipronil) as potato seed treatments (imidacloprid; clothianidin; thiamethoxam; spinosid), or as wheat seed treatments (fipronil) with the treated wheat seed sown in-furrow with the potato seed. An in-field efficacy trial was also conducted in Alberta by Dr. Michel Konshuh in 2004. Unfortunately, there was no wireworm damage reported in the trial.
33 Summary of Results: The treatments which provided similar levels of control to the standard wireworm control, phorate (=Thimet 15G), were fipronil applied as an in-furrow spray, and clothianidin and thiamethoxam applied as potato seed treatments. Chlorpyrifos applied as an in-furrow spray provided better control than granular chlorpyrifos for the fourth consecutive year, and was as effective as phorate. Leading short-term candidates for Minor Use registration for wireworm control in potatoes are clothianidin and chlorpyrifos. The thiamethoxam results are highly promising, which makes this compound a strong candidate for potato registration in the future. Clothianidin, thiamethoxam and fipronil also gave excellent control of the tuber flea beetle, Epitrix tuberis, whereas chlorpyrifos did not.
Continuing Research: It is expected that this work will continue for at least two more years.
Contact: Dr. Bob Vernon Tel: (604) 796-2221 (local 212) Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 6: Evaluating various insecticides in the lab for control of the wireworm Agriotes obscurus.
Author and Associates: Bob Vernon, Wim van Herk (AAFC, Agassiz) and Jeff Tolman (AAFC, London, ON)
Problem: See above description of problem. Over several years of field observations in wireworm efficacy studies, results suggest that wireworms might be repelled by certain insecticides. To study this, repellency bioassays have been developed by Wim van Herk at the PARC in Agassiz, and are currently underway. To accompany these bioassays, additional laboratory studies were conducted at AAFC in London, Ontario, to determine the actual relative toxicities of ten insecticides to wireworms when applied topically using the Potter Spray Tower.
Objective of Research: Standard LD50 and LT50 studies were conducted on field-collected populations of A. obscurus (and one trial of chlorpyrifos against Ctenicera pruinina) using the Potter Spray Tower delivery system at London, ON. The insecticides chlorpyrifos, tefluthrin, diazinon, clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, fipronil, lindane, acetamiprid and spinosid were tested. It was found that some chemicals required considerable lengths of time to have their LD50 results resolved, and so trials had to be continued until wireworms were either alive and healthy or dead. Some remained intoxicated and moribund for over 200 days.
Summary of Results: A new method of rating wireworm health after exposure to various insecticides was developed and will be published in 2005. It was found that the neonicotinoids thiamethoxam, clothianidin and imidacloprid put wireworms into an immediate state of intoxication, rendering them immobile, which often lasted for several months. After varying lengths of time, they either revived or died. These data, combined with field data collected from potato and wheat efficacy studies in 2003 and 2004, suggest that crops (i.e. potatoes and cereals) treated with certain neonicotinoids may actually experience stand or crop quality ‘protection’ without actual wireworm population reduction occurring. Additional research is underway to confirm these findings, as the implications are important in the development of strategies to manage the growing wireworm problem in Canada.
Continuing Research: It is expected that this work will continue for at least two more years.
Contact: 34 Dr. Bob Vernon Tel: (604) 796-2221 (local 212) Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 7: Development of a mass-trapping program for long-term management of the European wireworms Agriotes obscurus and A. lineatus.
Author and Associates: Bob Vernon, Markus Clodius, and Wim van Herk (AAFC, Agassiz).
Problem: See above description of problem. Pheromone traps have been developed for adult males of the European wireworms Agriotes obscurus and A. lineatus. Preliminary trials have suggested that mass trapping may be an effective way of removing males early in their reproductive cycle and reducing oviposition by females in problematic wireworm reservoir areas.
Objective of Research: To determine if grids of pheromone traps positioned along a highly infested grassy dyke area on Westham Island, Delta, can trap male populations of Agriotes obscurus and A. lineatus to extinction.
Summary of Results: Results were highly promising, suggesting that mass trapping can reduce populations of males, and for at least Agriotes obscurus, trap to virtual extinction if used on a large scale. Opportunities also exist to infect captured males with pathogenic organisms, such as Metarhizium anisopliae, and release them to spread disease to local females.
Continuing Research: It is expected that this work will continue for at least two more years.
Contact: Dr. Bob Vernon Tel: (604) 796-2221 (local 212) Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 8: Management of Blueberry scorch virus (BlScV).
Author and Associates: David Raworth, Chris French, Tom Lowery, Mike Bernardy, Victoria Brookes, Sneh Mathur, Mike Bouthillier, Monique Chatterton (AAFC, PARC, BC); Bob Foottit, Eric Maw (AAFC, ECORC, ON); Raymond Johnson (CFIA, BC); Siva Sabaratnam, Leslie MacDonald, Bob Costello, Mark Sweeney, Andrea Buonassisi, Jacquie Boivin (BCMAFF, BC); Zamir Punja, Jim Rahe, Lisa Wegener (SFU, BC); Deborah Henderson (E.S. Cropconsult Ltd.); Cho-kai Chan (BC); Pete Bristow (WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center, WA); Keith Pike (WSU, Prosser WA); Bob Martin (USDA/ARS, OR); Peter Oudemans (Rutgers University, NJ).
Problem: The BCMAFF first found Blueberry scorch virus (BlScV) in 20 fields in the Fraser Valley, BC during the summer of 2000. By October 2002 BlScV was recorded in 76 fields throughout the Fraser valley and on Vancouver Island (Wegener et al. 2003 C J Plant Path). It has also been found in cranberry (Wegener and Punja 2004 Plant Disease) where no impact has as yet been detected. Infection in susceptible blueberry varieties leads progressively to significant yield reduction. Aphids vector the virus in a non-persistent manner (Bristow et al. 2000 Phytopath).
Objective of Research: To develop techniques to reduce the spread of BlScV. 35
Summary of Results: The date of application of chemical controls has been shifted from June to April (pre-bloom) to more effectively reduce aphid populations and the production of winged aphids on blueberry (see WCCP report for 2003). In conjunction with this, alternate methods of control are being developed to address the potential problem of migrant aphids. Application of kaolin clay to potted plants located near a BlScV-infected field resulted in reduced numbers of winged aphids landing on the plants. Further work will show if this resulted in reduced infection rates. Continuing Research: Work will continue for at least two more years to develop alternative approaches to regulate aphids and their behaviour. Approaches include: biological, increasing leaf reflectance, and timing and type of chemical.
Contact: Dr. David A. Raworth Tel: (604) 796-2221 (local 213) Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
______Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PARC Summerland: 2004 Insect Pest Research Report
Not currently available
______British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries: 2004 Insect Pest Research Report
Title 1: Pesticide resistance screening of cabbage root maggot, Delia radicum
Participants: Bob Costello and Kathlene Zimmerman, BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries; Bob Vernon and Jeff Tolman, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Agassiz, BC and London, ON)
Background: The cabbage root maggot (CRM), Delia radicum, one of the most serious pests in Brassicae, has developed resistance to chlorpyrifos, which is currently registered for use on turnips and rutabagas. As a result of this, PMRA approved emergency registration of Furadan (carbofuran) for control, in coastal BC in the summer of 2004, against CRM on turnips and rutabagas. A condition of the approval was that resistance testing of the CRM population in BC to chlorpyrifos, diazinon and carbofuran be performed in 2004.
Results: Representative samples of CRM were collected late in July (end of harvest) from two regions of BC: Sumas Prairie and West Delta. Resistance screening on collected samples was performed to compare against other CRM strains of known resistance to chlorpyrifos, diazinon and carbofuran. This laboratory work is not yet complete. About a tenth of the adults have been identified by BCMAFF as D. radicum.
Contact: Dr. R.A. Bob Costello Tel: (604) 556-3031 BC Minsitry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries e-mail: [email protected] 1767 Angus Campbell Road Abbotsford, BC V3G2M3
36
Appendix IIb. Alberta
RESEARCH PROGRESS ON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN ALBERTA - 2004
Compiled by Hector Cárcamo Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lethbridge Research Centre P.O. Box 3000 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1 Tel. 403-317-2247 Fax. 403-382-3156 E-mail: [email protected] ______Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge: 2004 Insect Research Report
1. Title: Assessing alternative farming strategies to mitigate wheat stem sawfly damage on the southern Prairies of Canada.
Author and Associates: Brian Beres, Hector Cárcamo, Bob Byers, Fran Clarke and Ron Depauw.
Problem: Increasing wheat stem sawfly damage was first observed in fields near Skiff, Alberta in the late 1990’s. This resurgence has now spread across the entire region prone to attack in the southern Prairies of Canada and it is anticipated that outbreak status will apply to many areas within this region. At the time of resurgence, there was no IPM program in Canada as all efforts were dedicated to solid stem cultivar development. Availability of resistant cultivars is an issue as there are currently only two registered solid-stem varieties available to producers in Canada, and, both are from the same wheat class. There is also a reluctance to adopt resistant varieties as some producers feel they can offset losses sustained by sawfly damage by using a high yielding and high quality hollow stem variety. Those producers wishing to grow wheat from classes that do not have any solid stem cultivars require novel strategies to mitigate the impact of wheat stem sawfly infestations. Since chemical control has proven to be an ineffective control strategy we have focused our efforts on assessing alternative farming strategies that may offer some degree of control and would complement today’s on-farm technologies.
Objective of Research: Determine the efficiency of trap crops, cultivar blends, and solid stem cultivars for reducing wheat stem sawfly populations.
Summary of Results: Our preliminary findings from Alberta are novel in that they disprove the common notion that a producer suffers a yield penalty by growing the resistant cultivar AC Eatonia. At both sites, AC Eatonia was the highest yielding treatment followed by the cultivar blend (AC Eatonia/AC Barrie) treatment. AC Eatonia and the cultivar blend were the only treatments that reduced overwintering larvae populations to below 10 %. It appears that our sawfly infestation was very high and extended well beyond the trap or border treatment, thereby reducing the efficacy of the trap crop strategy. In addition, it appears the adult sawflies avoided the oat trap, and instead, moved directly toward the interior hollow- stem hosts. These preliminary results suggest that producers adopting solid-stem cultivars will attain comparable yields to conventional varieties, and more importantly, solid-stems will reduce the population of overwintering larvae. Our results also support previous findings that cultivar blends may indeed have a role in an IPM strategy for the control of wheat stem sawfly.
37
Continuing Research: This study will continue for one more year. We also initiated a study in the fall of 2003 that will study the effect of residue management and direct seeding systems on wheat stem sawfly larva survivorship.
Contact: Brian Beres
2. Title: Assessment of resistance to cabbage seedpod weevil in Brassicacea germplasm
Author and Associates: Owen Olfert and Héctor Cárcamo.
Problem: The cabbage seedpod weevil is a pest of current and future Brassica crops in south Alberta and Saskatchewan. Weevil populations had declined as a result of drought, however, in 2004 cool and humid conditions favoured its dedelopment and a large pre-overwintering population was observed around the Lethbridge region.
Objective of Research: To compare levels of resistance to cabbage seedpod weevils among selected cultivars of Sinapis alba, Brassica carinata, B. juncea and B. rapa
Summary of Results: Results from the first year of this trial were not available at this time.
Continuing Research: Ongoing.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo or Owen Olfert
3. Title: Population dynamics of the wheat stem sawfly.
Author and Associates: Hector Cárcamo, Brian Beres, Scott Meers, Bob Byers, Fran Clarke and Ron Depauw.
Problem: From 1999 to 2004, the wheat stem sawfly has caused substantial damage in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Objective of Research: To quantify biotic and abiotic factors contributing to the populations dynamics of the wheat stem sawfly.
Summary of Results: Over the past 4 years we have shown that solid stem cultivars such as AC Abbey and AC Eatonia have detrimental impacts on population dynamics of the wheat stem sawfly by reducing larval weights and female fecundity. Overwintering mortality may be another factor contributing to the lower number of adults produced in solid stem wheat.
Continuing Research: Current studies are focusing on novel wheat germplasm being developed at AAFC - Swift Current, parasitism rates, and abiotic factors, namely field overwintering and cold hardiness studies in the lab. In the future, depending on resources, we plan to study biocontrol as another tool to manage the wheat stem sawfly.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo
4. Title: Phenology of lygus bugs and their nymphal parasitoids in southern Alberta.
38 Author and Associates: H. Cárcamo, C. Herle, and H. Goulet.
Problem: Lygus bugs are pest generalists attacking several valuable crops such as canola and alfalfa. So far the only management alternative available is the application of insecticides. Before a biocontrol agent can be considered for lygus bugs, it is necessary to study the biology of lygus and its native parasitoids in more detail.
Objective of Research: To quantify the phenology of adult and juvenile lygus and nymphal parasitoids in various crops and non crop habitats in southern Alberta, including early spring weeds, alfalfa and non agricultural areas.
Summary of Results: From 1999 to 2004 we have sampled flixweed, hoary cress, stinkweed, alfalfa and canola to determine seasonal activity of lygus bugs and nymphs from May to October. Preliminary results suggest that parasitism rates in alfalfa may reach around 50 % or more in the first generation of Lygus nymphs but only 23 % for the second generation.
Continuing Research: The identity of the Peristenus species complex remains to be determined (to be done by H. Goulet). Levels of parasitism in other habitats and phenology of the parasitoids will be studied over the next few years.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo
5. Title: Barrier and trap crops for flea beetles in canola.
Author and Associates: H. Cárcamo, J. Soroka, and B. Beres.
Problem: Flea beetles are likely the number one chronic pest of canola throughout all regions where this crop is grown and cause over 100 million dollars in annual losses and control costs. Virtually all canola seeded is planted with an insecticide coating in an attempt to reduce flea beetle damage to improve stand establishment.
Objective of Research: To explore the potential to use yellow mustard as a barrier crop and a trap crop of earlier planted insecticide coated seed along borders of spring planted canola.
Summary of Results: In 2002, 2003, and 2004 under very high populations, flea beetles readily ate their way through the barrier or trap crops and caused extensive feeding damage to the main crop in plot experiments conducted near Vauxhall, AB. Foliar insecticides were sprayed to half of each plot but the results have not been analyzed at this time
Continuing Research: This study is complete.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo
6. Title: Quantification of the damage risk of the wheat stem sawfly in western Canada.
Author and Associates: H. Cárcamo and O. Olfert. Problem: The wheat stem sawfly has historically been a major pest of wheat in the northern Great Plains of North America. Yield losses occur from larval mining inside the pith and subsequent cutting and lodging of the stem at maturity. From 1999 to 2003, according to limited quantitative estimates, and a
39 number of field observations by producers, agronomists and entomologists, this insect has caused substantial damage in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Objective of Research: 1) To obtain a quantitative estimate of sawfly damage (cutting and lost heads) in wheat across its “economic range”. 2) To develop a forecasting tool that farmers and industry can use to determine risk of sawfly damage in a given area and allow them to select varieties accordingly.
Summary of Results: In 2003 the extensive survey conducted in Saskatchewan and to a lesser extent in Alberta, showed that this pest poses a severe damage risk (over 20 % cutting levels) throughout its historical range in the two provinces, including areas north of Drumheller in Alberta and as far as Saskatoon. No damage was found in southern Manitoba.
Continuing Research: The study is being repeated in 2004 and a risk map for next year will be made available in the winter of 2005.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo
7. Title: Development of Microbial Control as a Component of IPM and Insecticide Resistance Management
Author and Associates: Mark S. Goettel, Christine Noronha and David W.A. Hunt
Problem: The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is the most destructive insect pest of potatoes. Until recently it was managed exclusively by the use of insecticides but the beetle has developed resistance to most of the insecticides registered for its control. In order to delay the development of resistance to newly registered insecticides, resistance management and IPM programs must be implemented.
Objective of Research: To determine the effectiveness of an insect pathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, in reducing beetle populations. Summary of Results: The project commenced in 1997. Laboratory dose/mortality assays on beetles pupating in Beauveria inoculated soils demonstrated that the pupating larvae were highly susceptible. Adult beetles were also found to be susceptible to the fungus.
Continuing Research: Field plots have been established in Prince Edward Island, Ontario and Alberta to evaluate the effectiveness of B. bassiana for inducing mortality in pupating and overwintering beetle populations. Spores were applied to the surface of the soil and at a depth of 10 cm. Emergence of adults from pupae was monitored. Emergence of overwintering adults will be monitored in the spring. Laboratory assays will continue to evaluate the importance of dose, temperature, soil type and moisture.
Contact: Name: Mark Goettel Agency: Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Mailing address: P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1 E-mail: [email protected] ______Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm: 2004 Insect Pest Research Report
1. Title: Effect of cultivar, seeding date, and pesticide inputs on insect pests and diseases occurring in canola. 40
Author and Associates: J.K. Otani, N. Harker, G. Clayton, K. Turkington, J. O’Donovan, R. Blackshaw, L. Dosdall, J. Broatch, H. Cárcamo
Problem: Recent innovations in the areas of seeding, canola variety, and tillage methods combined with insect and disease pest management strategies are being examined for overall impact on insects. Flea beetles (Phyllotreata cruciferae and P. striolata), lygus bugs (Lygus spp.), and cabbage root maggots (Delia spp.) are economically significant pests of Argentine (Brassica napus) and Polish (B. rapa) canola grown in Alberta. A series of canola experiments conducted in Beaverlodge, Lacombe, and Lethbridge are concurrently examining disease and insect pests, yield, seed quality and respective economic costs of associated agronomic practices.
Objective of Research: Insect damage and seasonal population data will be collected for three canola pests naturally occurring in Beaverlodge (i.e., flea beetles, Lygus, and cabbage root maggots). Insect damage, species identification, and relative abundance of flea beetles will be determined while sweep-net collections monitoring Lygus populations will be performed between bolting to early pod stages.
Summary of Results: Fall, April and May seeding dates of Hysyn 110 and Q2 were planted at Beaverlodge then insect pest populations were monitored through the 2004 growing season using various traps (sticky and pan) plus sweep-net collections. Flea beetle populations were monitored using sticky traps and percent leaf area consumed during the cotyledon stages were assessed in all plots. Delia radicum, D. platura, D. floralis, and D. planipalpis populations were monitored using both pan and sticky traps with egg deposition assessed at bolting stages then roots were collected following swathing to determine percent feeding damage. Sweep-net collections were performed in all plots from late-rosette to early pod stages to monitor Lygus populations. Canola yield and quality will be determine this fall.
Arthropod processing and data collection is scheduled to be performed during the late-fall and winter. In general, preliminary inspection of insect samples suggests that insect pest pressure at Beaverlodge was relatively low through the 2004 season starting with P. striolata feeding followed by low numbers of Lygus at the late-flower and early pod stages.
Continuing Research: The fourth and final field year of this study was completed at Beaverlodge in 2004.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
2. Title: The overwintering biology of Lygus.
Author and Associates: J.K. Otani and Héctor A. Cárcamo
Problem: Little is known about overwintering habitats, tolerance to cold, and the effect of freezing temperature on native Lygus species. While feeding damage occurs in canola during the spring and summer months, overwintering mortality is suspected to affect the establishment and subsequent populations of Lygus and cabbage seedpod weevils occurring in canola. Information on overwintering biology is anticipated to aid in the prediction of spring populations of these pests and determine which canola growing regions may be at risk of Lygus and/or cabbage seedpod weevil damage.
Objective of Research: 1. To determine overwintering habitats of Lygus. 2. To evaluate the cold-hardiness of Lygus. 41 3. To determine Lygus overwintering survivorship under field conditions. 4. To provide predictive information, based on overwintering success, on the likelihood of outbreaks of Lygus.
Summary of Results: Microcosm cages were constructed and stocked with adult L. keltoni collected from the field in October 2003. The caged overwintering Lygus were placed in various habitats on the Beaverlodge Research Farm and retrieved at three intervals during the winter months. The number of surviving Lygus within the microcosm cages was slightly lower compared to the previous winter and ranged from 50-80% (N=10 per cage, replicates=3 cages per interval) despite overwintering temperatures that ranged from 9 to -25ΕC (measured air temperature), and 2 to -6ΕC (measured at 0 and -4 cm in soil profile). Our third-year results indicate that Lygus survive well in the field within the insulated layers of leaf or grass litter under the snow where temperatures drop down to -6 ΕC during the winter in Beaverlodge in 2003.
Continuing Research: Overwintering microcosm cages will be placed in the field the week of 18 October 2004 and temperature, plus snow pack data will be collected in the vicinity of the overwintering Lygus until April 2005. Originally a three-year study, we are repeating for a fourth and final year at Beaverlodge with data collection to be completed in the spring of 2005.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
3. Title: Characterization of hymenopteran parasitoids attacking Lygus nymphs in the Peace River region.
Author and Associates: H. Goulet, P. Mason, J.K. Otani.
Problem: Lygus are pests in agricultural and horticultural crops which can be controlled only through chemical means at present. Native species of hymenopteran parasitoids have been observed to attack Lygus nymphs although the nature of the pest-parasitoid relationship for native species of Peristenus has not been documented to date. Integrated pest management systems intending to control Lygus populations within agricultural crops like canola may be affected or augmented by native Peristenus parasitism thus it would be useful to identify the species of beneficial wasps active in the region and to understand their biology.
Objective of Research: 1. To characterize nymphal parasitoids attacking Lygus spp. and Adelphocoris spp. occurring in the Peace River region of Canada. 2. To examine the seasonal biology of Peristenus spp. in the Peace River region.
Summary of Results: In 2004, a non-agricultural habitat near Beaverlodge AB was sampled weekly using sweep-nets. The purpose of this activity is to examine seasonal populations of mirids (e.g., Lygus, Adelphocoris, Trigonytylus) and their natural enemies (e.g., Peristenus, Mesochorus). To date, six species of Peristenus, one species of Leiophron, and one species of Mesochorus (hyper-parasitoid) have been observed to attack mirid nymphs occurring near Beaverlodge AB.
Continuing Research: Seasonal collections of Peristenus and mirid species will continue in 2005.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
42
4. Title: Canola insect surveying - On the lookout cabbage seedpod weevil and monitoring Lygus in the Peace River region.
Author and Associates: J.K. Otani, L. Dosdall, O. Olfert, D. Giffen.
Problem: Annual monitoring for the weevil commenced in 1997 in Alberta but in 2003 surveying was also performed in the Peace River region. Insect surveying was extended to detect the movement of the weevil north and to identify damaging populations of other canola insect pests occurring in commercial fields.
Objective of Research: 1. To detect the movement of cabbage seedpod weevil into canola production in the Peace River region. 2. To assess Lygus populations at full-flower stage of canola development. 3. To determine the species composition of Lygus occurring in canola.
Summary of Results: A total of 70 commercial fields of canola (Brassica napus and B. rapa) were sweep-net sampled in the Peace River region at full flower stage on 6, 8, 12, 14-15 July 2004. For the second year, no weevils were detected in fields sampled in the Peace River region. Lygus populations were low in most fields sampled at full flower and, with the exception of three sites near Fort Vermilion, one site near Peace River and one site near Dawson Creek, were not anticipated to exceed the economic threshold (i.e., 15 Lygus per 10 sweeps using 180Ε sweeps at late flower stage). Clover cutworms were present in canola near the Fort Vermilion area while clear-winged and migratory grasshoppers were observed in ditches near Dawson Creek and Wanham. Results from surveying were released to industry and extension persons in the Peace River region the week of 26 July 2004. Results were also kindly posted by the Alberta Canola Producers’ Commission to their website.
Continuing Research: Data describing the species composition of Lygus sampled will be processed in 2004. Insect surveying in canola will continue annually in the Peace River region. When resources and time permit, early Lygus numbers will be released to industry and extension persons to supplement monitoring for this pest.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
Contact Information
BERES, Brian. M.Sc. CÁRCAMO, Héctor, Ph.D. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lethbridge Research Centre Lethbridge Research Centre P.O. Box 3000 P.O. Box 3000 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1 Tel. 403-317-2251 Tel. 403-317-2247 Fax.403-382-3156 Fax. 403-382-3156 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
GOETTEL, Mark. Ph.D. OTANI, Jennifer, M.Sc. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lethbridge Research Centre Beaverlodge Research Farm 43 P.O. Box 3000 P.O. Box 29 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1 Beaverlodge, Alberta T0H 0C0 Tel. 403-317-2264 Tel. 780-354-5132 Fax. 403-382-3156 Fax. 780-354-8171 E-mail : [email protected] E-mail [email protected]
44 Appendix IIc. Saskatchewan
SASKATCHEWAN INSECT RESEARCH REPORT - 2004
Compiled by Chrystél Olivier Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Saskatoon Research Centre 107 Science Place Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2 Tel.306-956-7275 Fax.306-956-7247 E-mail: [email protected]
SASKATCHEWAN ALFALFA SEED PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION 2004 INSECT PEST RESEARCH REPORT
Title: Research on parasitoids and diseases in Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations.
Author: D.W. Goerzen
Problem: The alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata, is an important pollinator of alfalfa for seed production. Infestations of a chalcid parasitoid, Pteromalus venustus, are currently a major problem in some Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations. Another factor which may limit alfalfa leafcutting bee production is chalkbrood disease, Ascosphaera aggregata, and the occurrence of a related fungal pathogen Ascosphaera larvis.
Objective of Research: This research project is designed to evaluate parasitoid and disease levels in Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, to identify potential problems in these areas, and to develop management strategies which will assist alfalfa seed producers in maintaining high quality alfalfa leafcutting bee populations in order to enhance alfalfa seed production and increase the value of the bees in export markets.
Summary of Results: Occurrence of the chalcid parasitoid, P. venustus, was evaluated in the 2003 - 2004 winter survey of alfalfa leafcutting bee populations in Saskatchewan. The chalcid parasitoid was detected in 0.61% (sd 1.41, range 0.0 - 9.68%) of bee cells analysed from samples submitted by alfalfa seed producers. P. venustus was present in 57.3% of alfalfa leafcutting bee populations surveyed.
Chalcid parasitoids have traditionally been controlled during the spring leafcutting bee incubation period with dichlorvos-impregnated resin strips; however, dichlorvos has been implicated in leafcutting bee mortality and it is also among the organophosphate insecticides currently under EPA review. In order to develop an alternative to dichlorvos, parasitoid control research has been undertaken on various compounds including pyrethrin aerosol formulations. In field-scale experiments undertaken during the 2003 and 2004 field seasons, a comparison of the efficacy of pyrethrin aerosol formulation KN418 with the efficacy of dichlorvos resin strips for control of chalcid parasitoids demonstrated that while use of pyrethrins resulted in low or undetectable levels of leafcutting bee cell re-parasitism (0.0 - 0.18%) and undetectable levels of leafcutting bee pupal mortality due to parasitoid stinging, use of dichlorvos resulted in levels of leafcutting bee cell re-parasitism as high as 0.53%, combined with 0.70 - 1.59% leafcutting 45 bee pupal mortality due to parasitoid stinging and 0.88 - 0.96% leafcutting bee pupal mortality due to dichlorvos exposure.
Chalkbrood (A. aggregata) occurrence was also evaluated in the 2003 - 2004 Saskatchewan winter survey of alfalfa leafcutting bee populations. The disease was present at a low level (sporulating chalkbrood - 0.004% overall, sd 0.023, range 0.0 - 0.15%; non-sporulating chalkbrood - 0.020% overall, sd 0.081, range 0.0 - 0.43%). A related species (A. larvis) was present at a higher level (0.75% overall, sd 1.37, range 0.0 - 6.66%).
Continuing Research: Research to monitor parasitoid and disease levels in Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, and to develop parasitoid and disease management strategies, is ongoing.
Contact: D.W Goerzen Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Association 127 E - 116 Research Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 3R3 e-mail: [email protected]
______Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research Centre: 2004 Insect Pest Research Report
1. Title: Insect pest management and arthropod diversity in agro-ecosystems of northern Great Plains.
Author and Associates: O. Olfert, M. Braun
Problem: Sustainable management strategies, crop loss prevention and maintenance of soil health are central to our capacity to maintain the biological productivity of agricultural systems. The diversity of arthropods, including insects, spiders, mites, and other invertebrates are integral to crop loss and to soil health because they include both beneficial and pest species. This diversity represents an interface between farm practices and the ecosystem and contributes to an environment where farm inputs are able to enhance rather than replace natural processes. Arthropods are well-suited to characterizing the ecosystems that they inhabit.
Objective of Research: To document the diversity of insect pests and beneficial arthropods in the context of cropping systems specific to the northern Great Plains
Summary of Results: This on-going study is located at Scott, Saskatchewan (52o 22' N; 108o 50' W), in the Dark Brown soil zone; the area is categorized as moist mixed grassland. The study site consists of 16 ha of farmland that has been under cultivation for about 90 years. The experimental framework of the cropping portion of the study is based on a matrix of three levels of input use, and three levels of cropping diversity. In addition, there are four uncultivated grass areas (ranging from 30 years old to native grass). Arthropods such as soil mites are well-suited to characterizing the ecosystems that they inhabit. Within the complex of mite species, the reduced input plots general have the highest numbers of Oribatida and Prostigmata mites. Astigmata mite numbers were highest in the organic plots. Outside of the plot area, the grass surrounding the edge of the plots had relatively high numbers of all mite sub-orders. 46
Continuing Research: Future plans are to assess the direction and rate of change over time that is occurring in these components as a function of the different cropping systems (treatments). Evaluations will continue on an cyclical basis (at 6 year intervals).
Contact: Name O. Olfert Agency AAFC-Saskatoon Mailing address 107 Science Crescent, Saskatoon, SK. S7N-0X2 E-mail [email protected]
2. Title: Seed treatment evaluations in canola Authors: Bob Elliott, Larry Mann and Owen Olfert
Problem: Seed treatments are the most common method of controlling flea beetles (Phyllotreta species) in Polish canola, Brassica rapa L., and Argentine canola, B. napus L. With the de-registration of lindane-based seed treatments, studies were initiated in 2001 to evaluate the efficacy and agronomic benefits of newly registered products.
Objective of Research: Evaluate the effect of seed treatments on flea beetle damage and agronomic performance of Polish and Argentine canola.
Summary of Results: In 2003, seed treatments including Gaucho CS FL®, Assail 50 SF® , Prosper® (2 rates), Helix® and Helix XTra® had a significant effect on flea beetle damage and agronomic performance of Polish canola planted in late May. Compared to untreated seed, seed treatments reduced damage 15-20%, improved plant establishment 10-15% and improved seed yield 20-40%. Helix® , Helix XTra® and high rate of Prosper® provided the best protection, plant growth and seed yield. Flea beetle damage to open-pollinated and hybrid Argentine canola planted in early May averaged 80-95% in the check treatment. Seed treatments reduced damage 10-65% depending on the product. Seedlings grown from seed treated with Gaucho CS FL® had the highest damage, poorest plant establishment, lowest biomass and lowest seed yield. Helix XTra® provided the best protection, establishment, growth and seed yield. Damage to open-pollinated and hybrid Argentine canola planted in late May averaged 40% in the check treatment. Helix® , Helix XTra® and high rate of Prosper® provided the best protection, highest biomass and highest seed yield. Analysis of the data for 2004 is still underway.
Continuing Research: Future research will focus on the effect of seed treatments on the agronomic performance of open- pollinated and hybrid Argentine canola grown from medium and large seeds. Laboratory experiments are also in progress to delineate the effect of seed treatments on germination, seed grade and seedling weight of Polish and Argentine canola during extended storage.
Contact: Name Bob Elliott Agency Saskatoon Research Centre 47 Mailing address 107 Science Place, Saskatoon SK S7N 0X2 Email [email protected]
3. Title: Evaluating reduced rates of insecticide-treated seed for flea beetle control in canola.
Author and Associates: Julie Soroka, AAFC Saskatoon, Byron Irvine, AAFC Brandon
Problem: Flea beetles, Phyllotreta spp., are a chronic pest of canola production across the prairies.
Objective of Research: Insecticide seed dressings are a principal means of flea beetle control. If, instead of coating all seed with insecticide at seeding, the ratio of treated to untreated seed could be reduced without reducing the efficacy of flea beetle control, economic and environmental savings would accrue.
Summary of Results: In this final year of the trial, plots were established at Brandon and Saskatoon testing two insecticides applied to the seed. There were five treatments: a bare-seeded control, and canola seeded in four different ratios of insecticide treated seed - all seed, 2/3 seed, 1/3 seed and no seed treated with insecticide. Results from 2004 generally substantiate those from 2002 - under medium flea beetle pressure the 2/3 insecticide plus fungicide:1/3 fungicide only-treated seed treatment compared favourably with the full seed treatment rate in terms of flea beetle damage and seed yields.
Contact: Name Julie Soroka Agency Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research Centre Mailing address 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2 E-mail [email protected]
4. Title: Effects of late-season feeding by flea beetles
Author and Associates: Julie Soroka, AAFC Saskatoon, Hector Cárcamo, AAFC Lethbridge, and Jennifer Otani, AAFC Beaverlodge
Problem: Flea beetles, Phyllotreta spp., are a chronic pest of canola production across the prairies.
Objective of Research: The objective of the experiment was to monitor flea beetle movement into fields by means of sticky traps (Saskatoon, Lethbridge, Beaverlodge, and to develop economic thresholds of flea beetles late in the year (Saskatoon).
Summary of Results: Flea beetle numbers, species, and gender were monitored in the spring from sticky traps placed at the edges of headlands where flea beetles were expected to overwinter, and from traps placed at four distances into canola fields. The vast majority of flea beetles from Saskatoon and Lethbridge were Phyllotreta cruciferae, while sticky traps from the Beaverlodge area also had P. striolata in considerable numbers. Spring beetle populations were highest in the Peace River area. The summer generation of flea beetles was very small at Saskatoon, and trials to determine the effects of late season feeding of flea 48 beetles on canola were inconclusive because of very low feeding pressure. Sticky traps have been placed in the canola fields after harvest to determine if movement back to overwintering sites can be detected.
Continuing Research: This research will continue for two more years.
Contact: Name Julie Soroka Agency Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research Centre Mailing address 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2 E-mail [email protected]
5. Title: Forage Insect Pest Survey
Author and Associates: Julie Soroka, Rob Venette, U. of Minnesota
Problem: Alfalfa seed producers are faced with numerous insect pests that threaten seed production. The alfalfa blotch leafminer is a pest of hay alfalfa in eastern Canada that has recently been detected in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The alfalfa weevil, an economic pest of alfalfa seed fields in Alberta, has recently extended its distribution eastward and northward and is approaching northeastern Saskatchewan, the principal alfalfa seed production area of Canada.
Objectives of Research: To monitor the presence of alfalfa blotch leaf miner and alfalfa weevil in southern Saskatchewan.
Summary of Results: A survey of alfalfa hay and seed fields in the eastern regions of the province for the presence of alfalfa blotch leaf miner and alfalfa weevil was conducted in July of this year. Frequency of fields affected by leafminer was lower than last year, with damage occurring in 23 of 34 sites sampled. Damage was light, with 5.7% of the stems sampled per field, on average, having evidence of ablm injury. The greatest damage occurred in samples in the western edges of the east central region. Alfalfa weevil damage was greatest in the south central region, with a field near Estevan having 87% of the stems sampled damaged by the weevil. Moderate plant damage from grasshoppers appeared in two fields surveyed, while one field near Star City suffered severe bud and bloom blast from high levels of Adelphocoris and Lygus spp. feeding.
Continuing Research: Alfalfa blotch leaf miner presence across Saskatchewan will continue to be monitored. If it becomes common, the effect of its injury on alfalfa seed yields will have to be determined.
Contact: Name Julie Soroka Agency Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research Centre Mailing address 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2 E-mail [email protected]
6. Title: “Pest status of leafhoppers and their impact on aster yellows disease in canola”
49
Author and Associates: C. Olivier, O. Olfert, G. Séguin-Swartz
Problem: Aster yellows disease (AY) is caused by the aster yellows phytoplasma, a plant pathogenic mollicute. In Canada, the disease affects several economically important crops including vegetables, herbs, spices, alfalfa, canola, shrubs such as Saskatoon berries and raspberries, and many tree species. In canola, the disease is presumed to be transmitted by the six-spotted leafhopper Macrosteles quadrilineatus. The incidence of AY in canola on the Canadian prairies increased substantially from 1997 to 2000 but has been declining sharply since 2001 due to the drought. During the 2000 outbreak, 0 to10% of canola plants were affected by the disease. In some fields, % affected plants reached 45%. Objective of Research: 1. Epidemiology of the AY disease - Identification of the phytoplasma stain and other potential insect vectors - Leafhopper population monitoring (number, infectivity) and AY survey 2. Development of an early warning system for AY 3. Determine the impact of the presence of phytoplasmas in canola seeds and in canola plants showing atypical symptoms.
Summary of Results: 1. PCR analysis revealed that M. quadrilineatus collected in canola were infested with aster yellows phytoplasmas, as were seven other leafhopper species (Ceratagalia humilis, Endria inimica, Neokolla hieroglyphica, Scaphytopius acutus, Diplocolenus configuratus, Sorhoanus ulheri and Euscelidius shenki) and two genders (Gyponana sp and Psammotettix sp). Most of the infested insects were found at the beginning of the growing season. Phytoplasmas were detected in leaves, roots, stems ans seeds of plants of canola showing typical and atypical AY symptoms. RFLP analysis revealed that M. quadrilineatus contained the Aster Yellow phytoplasma type 16SrI-B, while C. humilis contained the type 16SrI-A and 16SrI-B. Aster yellows phytoplasma belonging to strains 16SrI-A was detected in leaf tissues of canola. M. quadrilineatus can overwinter in SK as eggs and as adults. Infected overwintering adults of M. quadrilineatus and C. humilis were detected during the study. Two to three generations of M. quadrilineatus occur during the growing season. Only adults of M. quadrilineatus were found in canola crops while larvae and adults were found in cereals and herb and spice crops. 2. Aster yellows incidence has been very low since 2001. Therefore, the relationship between leafhopper population and disease incidence cannot be examined. 3. Abnormal looking plants were found in the progeny of the phytoplasma-infected plants, including plants with no growing point, plants that had stocky and twisted stems, plants showing large and hairy leaves with a high number of trichomes and plants with compressed inflorescences. The growth of all the progeny plants were delayed by a minimum of 3 weeks. After four generations, most of the self progeny plants are abnormal looking, suggesting that phytoplasma can induce genetic changes in developing seeds.
Continuing Research: - Continue leafhopper population monitoring and AY survey in SK to develop an early warning system for AY outbreaks. - Determine if phytoplasma infection can cause genetic modifications in progenies of infected plants.
Contact: Name: Chrystel Olivier Agency: AAFC-Saskatoon Research Centre Mailing address: 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada 50 E-mail: [email protected]
7. Title: “Canola seedlings issues” Authors and associates: C. Olivier and O. Olfert
Problem: Since 2002 malformed seedlings and plants at the rosette stage have been observed in Argentine and Polish canola crops in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Malformations consisted of large, swollen and brittle cotyledons and a growing point transformed into callus-like tissue. Malformed plants were observed in patches of 5-30 m in diameter in the affected fields. Because of the similarity of between the malformations and symptoms caused by the aster yellows (AY) disease, it was suggested that malformed plants were infected with AY phytoplasmas or another fastidious prokaryotic agent (FPA).
Objective of the research: Determine if phytoplasmas are present in malformed plants of canola, using PCR analysis.
Summary of results: Malformed plants of Argentine canola were tested with molecular markers specific for phytoplasma DNA. In 2002, phytoplasma DNA was detected in 16 out of 20 malformed plants harvested in August in Alberta. In 2003, however, less than 1% of 200 malformed plants harvested in July in Alberta and Saskatchewan tested positive for phytoplasma DNA. In 2004, the percentage of plants testing positive for phytoplasma DNA was similar among malformed plants and normal plants. This suggests that phytoplasmas are not the causal agent of the malformations that are being observed in the crop.
Continuing research: Sections of malformed plants will be examined using electron microscopy.
Contact: Name: Chrystel Olivier Agency: AAFC-Saskatoon Research Centre Mailing address: 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada E-mail: [email protected]
51 Appendix IId. Manitoba RESEARCH PROGRESS REPORT - MANITOBA 2004 Prepared by Ian Wise, Cereal Research Centre Agriculture and AgriFood Canada Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2M9 Email: [email protected]
CEREAL CROP RESEARCH
1)Title: Development of spring wheats with resistance to the wheat midge Author and Associates: S. Fox, PD Brown, IL Wise ([email protected]), J. Thomas, G. Humphreys, and T. Aung, Cereal Research Centre, O.O. Olfert, AAFC Saskatoon and R. DePauw, J. Clarke, AAFC Swift Current
Problem: The insertion of the Sm1 gene into suitable spring wheat lines that renders wheat resistant to the midge requires multiple backcrossing to exclude undesirable extraneous genetic traits.
Summary of Results: Resistance to wheat midge has been incorporated into advanced breeding lines of CPS, CWRS and CWWS classes of common wheat. Several lines have reached registration trials, but none have been submitted for registration because of agronomic shortcomings. The most advanced line to date, a CWRS line, was withdrawn in 2004. A number of other advanced CWRS, CWWS and CPS lines have entered registration trials and will be considered for registration in two years.
The Sm1 gene is the only known genetic source of resistance to the wheat midge. Screening land races of wheat for other resistant sources is ongoing, and at least two sources of resistance have been identified. Genetic tests to determine the uniqueness of these sources is to be pursed.
2) Title: Development of management strategies to minimize the selection of virulent midge biotypes. Author and Associates: MAH Smith ([email protected]), RJ Lamb ([email protected]), IL Wise ([email protected]), CRC
Problem: Wheats with antibiotic resistance to the wheat midge cause mortality to larvae in excess of 99%. When released these wheats will put a substantial selection pressure on the wheat midge and will cause a comparable reduction in parasitoid populations.
Objectives of Research: 1) Complete the evaluation of deployment strategies of wheat-midge resistant wheat, using the multi-field population genetics simulation model. 2) The development of a susceptible
52 isoline to be used as a possible refuge for the midge-resistant wheat line BW314a, which was withdrawn for registration in 2004. Summary of Results: We have been able to make a number of hypotheses about the development of virulence in wheat midge on resistant wheat. Previous field research and studies of the midge’s biology suggested that the development of virulence by the wheat midge might be delayed if an interspersed refuge of 10% susceptible wheat were to be added to resistant wheat. The results of the simulations support this view. When 40% of the wheat fields in a region are assumed to be planted to resistant wheat, the simulation model shows that virulence develops rapidly when resistant fields are located in clusters. Virulence develops slowly when the 40% resistant fields are randomly scattered over a region, but when the proportion of resistant fields is increased to 60% and 80%, virulence develops rapidly. Therefore, if a refuge were to be deployed as separate susceptible fields scattered throughout the region, the proportion of refuge fields would need to be unacceptably large. When resistant fields were assumed to have a 10% interspersed refuge, virulence developed slowly regardless of the spatial distribution of fields, and over a range of midge population parameter values. Many farmers in areas where wheat midge is a problem are likely to adopt resistant wheat, resulting in clusters of resistant fields in these areas. It will be important to assure that new midge-resistant cultivars include a 10% refuge of susceptible seed. The midge-resistant line BW314a was withdrawn and not considered for registration. Therefore, the production of the susceptible isoline was terminated.
Continuing Research: 1) Investigation of the role of wheat midge dispersal on virulence development using the model show that if all female midges disperse from the emergence field, as would occur under crop rotation, the development of virulence may be accelerated in some circumstances. Therefore, the model is being expanded to include crop rotation. 2) There are seven midge-resistant CWRS wheat lines in Co-op trials. These will be screened for the presence of oviposition deterrence.
3) Title: Development of spring wheat germplasm with resistance to the wheat midge and the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor Authors and Associates: IL Wise and RIH McKenzie, CRC
Problem: The development of cultivars with specific agronomic traits is delayed if these traits have to be obtained from distant genetic sources. Summary of Results: A backcrossing program with the goal of combining wheat midge resistance and the H3 and H6 Hessian fly resistant genes in two advanced breeding lines of each of the three classes of common wheat was initiated in 2002. The fourth and fifth backcrosses were made in 2004. A possible loss of dominance by H3 and H6 genes in two wheat classes has delayed availability of these germplasms. A selfing step after each backcross will be included to identify homozygous dominance. Four lines will be selfed and grown in the field next year to select for other agronomic traits.
4) Title: Resistance to Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor in spring wheats
Author and Associates: PD Brown, IL Wise ([email protected]), G Humphrey, CRC, and J. Whistlecraft, AAFC, London, Ontario.
53 Problem: The Hessian fly is a sporadic pest of spring wheat throughout all wheat growing areas of western Canada. Various resistant genes have been bred into winter wheat cultivars in the United States but none of these genes have been added to spring wheats grown in Canada.
Summary of Results: Advanced breeding lines resistant to the wheat midge were screened for resistance to the Hessian fly both in the laboratory and in the field in 2004. Several advanced spring wheat lines in field tests were comparable to Guard in their resistance to stem breakage by the Hessian fly. The spring wheat cultivar Superb has been identified as being partially resistant to the Hessian fly and is being used as a major component of the pedigree of several advanced lines. Genetic markers for the H3 and H6 genes were again tested in several early double haploid spring wheats. The development of these markers could enable these genes to be identified in seedling tests of spring wheat lines that have either one of these 2 genes and a Superb pedigree.
5) Title: Phenology and parasitism of Hessian fly in southern Manitoba Author: IL Wise, CRC
Problem: The life history and parasitism of the Hessian fly have not been studied in the prairie provinces.
Summary of Results: The Hessian fly has two generations in southern Manitoba. The first generation develop on young spring wheat plants in June and early July, causing the death of young plants or tillers. The second generation attack late maturing tillers or late seeded wheat in mid-July, and cause the stem breakage damage associated with this pest. In 2003, about 70% of first generation puparia developed into adults, but in 2004 only about 5% emerged. Six species (3 pteromalids, 2 eulophids, 1 platygasterid) parasitize the Hessian fly; 2 attack the first generation and 4 the second.
DICOT CROP RESEARCH
1) Project title: Impact of seed source, host crops and an early warning system on PVY disease management Author and Associates: DL McLaren ([email protected]) Crop Production Pathologist, Brandon Research Centre, AAFC, Brandon, MB; R.P. Singh, Potato Research Centre, AAFC, Fredericton, NB; B.G. Elliott and T. Shinners-Carnelley, Manitoba Agriculture,Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI), Soils and Crops Branch, Carman, MB; and R. Mohr, Brandon Research Centre, AAFC, Brandon, MB. Objective of Research: The objectives are to determine the prevalence and incidence of PVY isolates in potato crops, to compare seed source (local and imported) of PVY infested potato fields, to assess the potential of an early warning system based on virus spread and to assess aphid populations in the Manitoba potato production regions using suction and pan traps for species that are important in the spread of PVY. This is a collaborative study involving AAFC (Brandon and Fredericton), MAFRI, the Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre, the Seed Potato Growers Association of Manitoba, the Keystone Vegetable Producers Association, industry partners, and many commercial and seed potato growers. Progress: Fields in the study were assessed visually for the aphid-vectored viruses potato virus Y (PVY) and potato leafroll virus (PLRV) in early July. The aphid trapping network consisted of 32 traps 54 distributed in potato fields over 11 sites for approximately 13 sampling interval end dates. Green peach, potato, buckthorn and bird-cherry oat aphid were identified from samples collected from both pan and suction traps and leaves. In the spring prior to seeding, tubers from local and imported sources were collected for analysis. In the late summer and fall of 2004, leaves and tubers were collected from selected fields for RT-PCR. Also, weeds of species known to be susceptible to PVY were collected in the vicinity of potato fields for analysis. Field results indicate that levels of PVY and PLRV in potatoes sown in surveyed fields were low and few fields were observed with virus. Analysis of tubers to determine virus levels in the harvested crop is ongoing. Aphid populations were greatest in late August but peak numbers in 2004 were significantly less than in 2003, presumably due to cool weather. Aphid, tuber and weed analyses for virus are ongoing with results available in the near future. 2)Title: Management of root maggots Delia radicum on oilseed rape in Manitoba Author and Associates: N.J. Holliday ([email protected]), Dept. of Entomology, University of Manitoba, U. Kuhlmann, CABI Bioscience Centre, Switzerland, J. Whistlecraft AAFC London. Problem: The cabbage root maggot is a serious pest of canola in many parts of western Canada. Various tillage and seeding practices that lessen damage have been studied because insecticides can not be effectively applied. Objective of Research: This project started in 1999 with an examination of the effects of agronomic practices on the population biology of root maggots in canola and the damage to plants. In 2000, we began to assess the potential for introducing European parasitoids for control of root maggots (particularly Delia radicum) in canola in Canada. Summary of Results: A study of the influence of tillage practices and seeding rates on maggot populations, parasitism rates and predator occurrence in large field plots is near completion. In collaboration with J. Gavlovski (Manitoba Agriculture and Food) and D. Maclaren (AAFC Brandon) we are examining the influence of production practices on maggot damage in commercial canola fields. We are also examining the spatial distribution of root maggots within large field plots and commercial fields, and have found evidence for elevated incidence of maggots and damage at field margins and influences of windbreaks on the pattern of distribution. In summer 2000, weekly collections of immature Delia were made from canola at two sites in Alberta, one in Saskatchewan and two in Manitoba, and mass pupal collections in the three provinces were made in the fall. We reared about 11,000 Delia from western Canada. Preliminary results suggest parasitism rates approach 50% in Manitoba, but are considerably less in Saskatchewan and Alberta. At least six parasitoid species are involved of which the most important are Trybliographa rapae and Aleochara bilineata. In summer of 2001 and 2002, a collections of Delia in oilseed rape were made from northern Germany and Switzerland, from mustard in the southern Rhine Valley and in vegetable brassicas in Switzerland. With a few exceptions, the guild of parasitoids in the prairies and in Europe did not differ. However, one European species shows promise for introduction. This species, Aleochara bipustulata, has a northern distribution and appears well adapted to the small root maggot pupae typically found on canola. More intensive studies began on A. bipustulata in 2003, in which we are assessing which Palearctic populations would be best synchronized with prairie Delia, how A. bipustulata is likely to interact with existing Canadian parasitoids of Delia, and whether there would be any threats to non- target organisms from an introduction of A. bipustulata to Canada. We are also investigating methods of attracting and retaining A. bipustulata in locations where there hosts need to be controlled. These studies will continue through 2005.
3)Title: Economic significance of late season populations of lygus bugs in alfalfa and buckwheat
55 Authors and Associates: N.J. Holliday ([email protected]), Dept of Entomology, U of M, and BG Elliott, Manitoba Agriculture and Food Problem: A study initiated in 2001 found lygus bugs feed and reproduce on buckwheat and populations are distributed throughout the field. A large increase in adult populations was observed about the time of harvest of canola. Objective of Research: In 2002, the U of M began a three year study of the economic implications for seed alfalfa and buckwheat of the large populations of adult lygus that enter these crops at about the time of harvest of canola. It seems reasonable to suppose that the adults are immigrants that are displaced by the loss of their canola habitat, and we shall be studying the influence of inter-field distance and topography on the numbers of immigrants, and investigating whether natural enemy manipulations can provide control of these populations. Summary of Results: We have been unable to detect significant yield benefits from control of late- season populations of plant bugs in seed alfalfa, despite successfully manipulating populations of bugs with insecticide applications in late August (the normal practice of many growers), early September or both. For buckwheat, we have consistently demonstrated yield benefits from control of populations of developing Lygus lineolaris nymphs, using an insecticide applied at the end of July. On average, such an application results in yields 59% higher than for an unprotected crop. In cage studies, we have demonstrated, that nymphs are more injurious than adults, and that the most vulnerable stage of the crop is flowering. The major patterns of injury are that when the insects are present at flowering stage, flowers fail to set seed, but instead become dry and shrivelled; this accounts for most of the yield weight loss. In addition, attacks on developing seeds result in seed shrivelling and weight loss of the individual seeds; this can occur from the flowering stage onwards.
STORED GRAIN RESEARCH 1) Title: The use of heat to control pests in flour mills. Author and Associates: Paul Fields ([email protected]), CRC, AAFC Winnipeg Problem: The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum and the confused flour beetle Tribolium confusum are serious pests in flour mills. Objective of Research: An alternative method to control stored-products insects in flour mills is needed because the current method of choice, methyl bromide, is slated to be banned because it is an ozone depleter. Summary of Results: The efficacy of heat or methyl bromide to control pest insects in flour mills was evaluated. Two heat treatments, one using propane-fired heaters (Temp-Air), and another using portable low-pressure steam heaters (Roo-Can Manufacturing Inc.) were examined. Methyl bromide treatments were included so that the alternatives could be compared to the currently used control method. Insect populations within the mills were estimated by using traps and monitoring insect numbers from tailings from rebolt sifters. During the treatments, adults and larvae of the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)) were placed in cages throughout the mills to determine mortality. The temperature highs ranged between 45 and 78oC in the two mills treated with heat. Temperatures were generally higher in the mill that used propane-fired heaters and, all of the insects in the test cages were killed. In the steam-heated mill, there were 4 test cages out of 23 that had some survival at the end of the treatment. In the dome traps that monitored resident insect populations, the populations dropped to 5 to 27% of what they were before the propane-heat treatments. Both the methyl bromide treatments caused populations to drop to 0 to 6% of what they were before the treatments. Although populations were significantly reduced after the steam-heat treatment, inspections found live 56 insects in the mill immediately after the heat treatment. The number of insects found in tailings was eventually reduced to zero after heat treatments in other parts of mill.
2)Title: Detection of infestations by Cryptolestes ferrugineus inside wheat kernels using a soft X-ray method. Authors and Assistants: C. Karunakaran and D. S. Jayas, Dept. of Biosystems Engineering, 425 Engineering Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3T 5V6, and N.D.G. White ([email protected]), AAFC, Cereal Research Centre, 195 Dafoe Rd., Winnipeg, R3T 2M9 Objective: Detection of C. ferrugineus larvae under the seed coat of wheat. Summary of Results: The Canada Grains Act imposes a zero tolerance for stored-product insects in grain for human consumption. The Berlese funnel method currently used to detect insect infestations in terminal elevators and grain inspection offices is slow and unreliable. The potential of a soft X-ray method to detect infestations caused by Cryptolestes ferrugeneus (Stephens) the most common stored- grain insect in Canada, was determined in this study. Canada Western Red Spring wheat kernels uninfested and infested by four larval instars, pupae, and adults of C. ferrugineus were scanned using soft X-rays at 15kV potential and 65 A current. Five hundred sound kernels and 443 kernels infested by different life stages of C. ferrugineus were used as the grain samples. Algorithms were developed to extract a total of 57 features using histogram, histogram and shape moments, and textural features using co-occurrence and run length matrix methods. The extracted features were used to identify uninfested and infested kernels using the statistical classifers and a 4-layer backpropagation neural network (BPNN). More than 75.3, 86.5 and 95.7% sound; kernels infested by larvae; and pupae-adults, respectively, were correctly identified by the parametric classifer, non-parametric classifer, and BPNN using all 57 features. There were no significant differences between the identification percentages of sound kernels by the three classifers but the parametric classifer and BPNN identified significantly higher percentages of infested kernels. Identification percentages of infested kernels were higher using textural features or all 57 features than using histogram features.
3)Title: Detection and identification of insect fragments in cleaned wheat flour by DNA fingerprinting using PCR. Authors and Associates: A. Balasubramanian and D.S. Jayas, Dept. of Biosystems Engineering, Univ. of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3T 2N8, N.D.G. White, AAFC, CRC, Winnipeg, R3T 2M9, W.G.D. Fernando and G. Li, Dept. of Plant Science, Univ. of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3T 2N2 Objective: To detect insect fragments in flour. Summary of Results: In Canada, the number of fragments ( 0.595 mm) of stored-product insects in cleaned wheat flour should be less than ten in three test samples of 225 g. The permitted number of insect fragments in cleaned wheat flour is about 75 in 50 g of flour in the United States. Insect fragments that are not visible to naked eyes may be found in large quantities in the cleaned flour. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fingerprinting is a molecular tool which helps to identify the unique DNA pattern of an organism. This technique was used to detect the insect fragments and to identify the insect species in cleaned wheat flour. Six of the commonly occurring stored-product insects in wheat flour were used for analysis. Amplification of the extracted DNA was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), thus it requires small quantity of DNA to detect the presence of insect fragments. Insect nuclear primers were used to identify the specific primer for each of the six species. The elongation factor 1-alpha primer was found specific to Tribolium castaneum. 500bp band was obtained when 30ng of DNA was used at an annealing temperature of 62 C. The repeatability of the band was also tested and found to occur in five of the six
57 samples. The insect specific primers identified are then used to detect and identify the insect fragments in cleaned wheat flour.
4)Title: Effects of temperature acclimation and age on movement of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) adults in response to temperature gradients Authors and Associates: F. Jian and D.S. Jayas, Dept. of Biosystems Engineering, Univ. of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3T 5V6 and N.D.G. White AAFC, CRC, Winnipeg, R3T 2M9 Objective: To determine dispersal and dispersion of adult Cryptolestes ferrugineus in temperature gradients in stored wheat. Summary of Results: Adult Cryptolestes ferrugineus were reared at 30 C (unacclimated adults) and acclimated to 15 (cold acclimination), 25, and 35 C (hot acclimination for different periods, (2 d, and 1, 2 or 5 wk). The movement of populations aged 1 d, and 1, 5, 10, 20 wk or mixed ages and distribution were determined in 10 x10x100 cm wheat (14.5 0.2% moisture content) columns with (25 to 35 C) or without (25 or 30 C) a 10 C/m temperature gradient after 1, 6, or 12 d. Temperature acclimation at 25 C and in a short exposure time (less than 2 d) did not influence adults’ response to temperatures. When adults were acclimated at 15 and 35 C, they changed their response to temperature and preferred a temperature higher than 30 and 35 C, respectively. Increasing the time of the hot or cold acclimation caused high aggregation. Acclimation temperature might be more important than the exposure time for influencing insect behaviour. During their movement adults were also acclimated to the tested temperature, and they did not always stay in a warmer area if the “cold” area was higher than 25 C. Adults which were 1 d-old had a lower response to temperature gradients than the older insects. With the age increased to 20 wk, there was no decrease in the response to temperature gradients.
5)Title: Movement and distribution of adult Cryptolestes ferrugineus in stored wheat in response to different temperature gradients and insect densities. Authors and Associates: F. Jian and D.S. Jayas, Dept. of Biosystems Engineering, Univ. of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3T 5V6, and N.D.G. White, AAFC, CRC, Winnipeg, R3T 2M9 Objective: To determine dispersal and dispersion of Cryptolestes ferrugineus in various temperature gradients and at different population densities in stored wheat. Summary of Results: The movement and distribution of adult Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephen)(Cleoptera; Laemophloeidae) in grain provide important information for detection of inset pests and for simulations of their distribution in grain bins. Adult movement and distribution were determines in 100 by 100 by 1000-mm wheat (14.5 0.2% moisture content) columns at four insect densities, three temperature gradients, and dynamic (changing) temperature conditions. Insect density was a minor factor influencing insect movement and distribution in grain columns with temperature gradients. Dispersal resulted in a uniform distribution at a higher insect density (higher than two adults per kilogram of wheat) and aggregation occurred at a low insect density. Adults wandered in the first 6 h after introduction, and there were fewer adults wandering in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Adults moved faster in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, and the maximum speed of the movement was 6 m/d in the horizontal direction, and 10.8 m/d in the vertical direction through wheat. Adults could detect temperature gradients in 1d preferred warmer temperatures when they had a choice. Insect distribution in horizontal wheat columns at any temperature gradient was unstable for 24 h. Twenty-four hours after introduction, adults gradually overcame their positive geotactic behavior if the upper temperature was more biologically suitable or was not 27.5 C. Adults responded faster to higher temperature gradients than to lower temperature gradients. There was a similar pattern of adult distribution in 144 h. 58
Appendix III WCCP Guide Section Editors 2004 Cereal crops and grain corn ...... J. Gavloski, O. Olfert
Oilseed crops ...... I. Wise, J. Gavloski
Forage crops ...... J.Soroka, J. Otani
Special crops ...... S. Hartley, O. Olfert
Household pests ...... J. Byer, K. Zeleny
Home vegetable crops ...... S. Barkley, R. Spencer
Commercial vegetable crops ...... R.S. Vernon, B. Elliott
Greenhouse crops ...... R. Costello, K. Fry
Interior plantscapes and house plants ...... K. Fry
Mushrooms ...... R. Costello
Berry crops...... K. Fry, B. Elliott
Tree fruits ...... H. Philip, B. Elliott Shelterbelts, ornamental trees and shrubs ...... TBA
Seasoned wood and timber structures ...... H. Philip
Turf ...... G. Byrtus
Warehouse and farm-stored grain ...... P. Fields, N.D.G. White
Hazards of applying insects to crops in bloom...... J. Soroka
59 WCCP 2004
ADDRESSES OF SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Ms. Shelley Barkley Mr. Jay Byer Alberta Agriculture, Food Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and Rural Development Ag-Info Centre, Provincial Bldg Crop Diversification Centre South 4705 - 49 Avenue SS4, Brooks, AB T1R 1E6 Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 (403) 362-1308; Fax. (403) 362-1306 (403) 742-7546; Fax: (403) 742-7527 [email protected] [email protected]
Mr. Gary Byrtus Dr. Bob Costello Alberta Environment Plant Industry Branch 5th floor, 9820 106 St. NW B.C. Min.of Agriculture and Food Edmonton, AB T6H 2J6 1767 Angus Campbell Rd. (780) 427-9911 Fax: (780) 422-5120 Abbotsford, BC V36 2M3 [email protected] (604)556-3031 Fax:(604)556-3030 [email protected]
Mr. Brent Elliott Dr. Paul G. Fields Special Crops Entomologist Cereal Research Centre Manitoba Agriculture Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Carman, Manitoba 195 Dafoe Road Box 1149, 65-3rd Ave NE R0G 0J0 Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M9 (204) 745-2040 (204) 983-1452; Fax: (204) 983-4604 [email protected] [email protected]
Dr. Ken Fry Dr. John Gavloski Crop and Plant Management Soils and Crops Branch Alberta Research Council Manitoba Agriculture and Food P.O. Bag 4000 Box 1149 Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1T4 Carman, Manitoba R0G 0J0 (780) 632-8224 Fax:(780) 632-8612 (204) 745-5668 Fax: (204) 745-5690 [email protected] [email protected]
Mr. Scott Hartley Dr. Owen Olfert Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 3085 Albert Street Saskatoon Research Centre Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0B1 107 Science Place (306) 787-4669 Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2 Fax: (306) 787-0428 (306) 95607288; Fax: (306) 956-7247 [email protected] [email protected]
60 Ms. Jennifer Otani Mr. Hugh G. Philip Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Extension Entomologist Beaverlodge Research Farm British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box 29 Food & Fisheries Beaverlodge, Alberta T0H 0C0 200 - 1690 Powick Road (780) 354-5132 Kelowna, BC V1X 7G5 Fax: (780) 354-8171 (250)861-7230 Fax:(250)681-7490 [email protected] Cell: (250) 212-8391 [email protected]
Dr. Julie Soroka Mr. Robert Spencer Saskatoon Research Centre Alberta Agricuture, Food, and Rural Devel. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ag-Info Centre, Provincial Bldg 107 Science Place 4705 - 49 Avenue Saskatoon, SK S4K 0X2 Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 (306) 956-7294; Fax: (306) 956-7247 (403) 742-7901; Fax: (403) 742-7527 [email protected] [email protected]
Dr. Robert S. Vernon Dr. N. D.G. White PARC Agassiz Cereal Research Centre Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada P.O. Box 1000 195 Dafoe Road Agassiz, BC V0M 1AO Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M9 (604) 796-2221; Fax: (604) 796-0359 (204) 983-1452; Fax: (204) 983-4604 [email protected] [email protected]
Mr. Ian Wise Ms. Kim Zeleny Cereal Research Centre Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Devel. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ag-Info Centre, Provincial Bldg 195 Dafoe Road 4705 - 49 Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M9 Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 (204) 983-1450 (403) 742-7955; Fax: (403) 742-7527 Fax: (204) 983-4604 [email protected]
61 Appendix IV
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
2004 Insect Pest Report
Presented by Brian L. Rex Grains and Field Crops Specialist, Plant Products Program Network Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Room 613, 269 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C Tel (204) 983-2236, Fax (204) 983-8022 [email protected]
Brief updates were given on the following insect pests:1) Cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanpus) The cereal leaf beetle is established in the Central Kootenay and East Kootenay Regional Districts of British Columbia. Field surveys of host species continue to be surveyed with no further detection of this pest in other area of Western Canada.
2) Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii) The swede midge was first confirmed to be present in Ontario in 2000. It is currently established in 14 counties in Ontario and four municipalities in Quebec. The pest was initially confirmed to infest cole crops, but has also been confirmed infesting canola within the areas where it is established.
3) Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) The emerald ash borer was first detected in southwest Ontario and in Michigan in 2002. In order to restrict the spread of the pest in Ontario, the CFIA established an ash free zone, eliminating potential host ash trees in a fire-break east of the known infested area in southwest Ontario. Several detections of the pest east of the ash free zone have been made, affecting one or two trees at each site. Efforts are being made to eliminate these infested trees and other nearby host trees to eliminate these infestations.
4) Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) The Asian longhorned beetle was detected in the Vaughn area, North of Toronto, in 2003. The pest was likely introduced with infested wood packaging materials from Asia. It attacks a wide range of hardwood tree species. Surveys and removal of infested and surrounding host trees is continuing in an attempt to prevent the spread, and hopefully eradicate, the pest from this site.
5) Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) The CFIA continues to conduct surveys for the presence of the gypsy moth throughout Western Canada, targeting parks, campgrounds, truck stops, railyards, etc. The North American (European) strain is established throughout much of eastern North America. In addition CFIA conducts ship inspections on ocean vessels originating from ports in eastern Asia where the Asian gypsy moth is known to occur.
62 6) Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) Japan and South Korea have phytosanitary requirement prohibiting import of plant material of host species (e.g. stem, leaves, etc. of Triticum spp., Hordeum spp., Secale spp., Agropyron spp., etc.) of the Hessian fly as a measure to prevent introduction of that pest into these countries. Products such as hay (e.g. timothy, alfalfa) and some feed grains must be certified to be free of this prohibited material. In the most recent CFIA Annual report, Notices of Rejection were received from importing countries indicating that certified product had been refused entry on about 60 consignments, out of about 65,000 consignments for which phytosanitary certificates were issued. About 2/3 of these were consignments of hay to Japan or Korea, refused entry because of the presence of the prohibited material of host species of the Hessian fly. To date there is no indication that live Hessian fly has ever been detected in any of these shipments.
7) Bruchids in pulses to India In addition to other recently introduced certification requirements, India now requires that shipments of peas and beans for export to India must be certified as ‘free from bruchids'. Currently the CFIA uses Berlese funnels and visual inspection of representative samples of export consignments. Neither method is very good at detecting the pest. Alternative methods, such as the use of soft x-ray technique included in the Manitoba research report need to be considered.
63 Appendix V Federal Regulatory Update, Pest Management Regulatory Agency Presented by Mike Fagan, Pest Management Regulatory Agency 300 - 3085 Albert St., Regina, SK, S4P 4E3 [email protected] 1) Complaints and Investigations a) In relation to insecticide use, the number of complaints received this year are significantly lower than previous years. b) Some of the insecticide complaints of interest include; - questionable advertising for mosquito adulticiding by an aerial application company - manufacture of an unregistered insecticide - sale and distribution of an unregistered personal insect repellant
2) Update on 2004 Program Inspections Conducted approximately 150 on site inspections. Some of the outcomes are as follows: a) Aerial Applicator consultation program - new program - Acceptable use of chlorpyrifos - In 2002 and 2003, a number of cases of aerial use of chlorpyrifos were investigated. - Of concern was the aerial application of chlorpyrifos to a number of farm yards. - Attached is an article which appeared in the October CAAA (Canadian Aerial Applicators Association) newsletter: http://www.canadianaerialapplicators.com/downloads/Oct04(Full).pdf - Program viewed as a compliance promotion activity b) Golf Course Inspection - new program - Inspections of golf courses to verify the products being used are registered and labeled for golf courses and turf. - Superintendents were also questioned on mosquito control programs and re-entry times. - No problem areas identified d) Market Place Inspection - ongoing program - Inspection at the retail level of domestic home and garden products for verification on the registration status of products being sold to the public. - In 2004 actions were taken at 6 retailers; unregistered product and sale of commercial class product at the domestic retail level e) Research Permit Inspection - ongoing program - Field trials were evaluated against the terms and conditions specified in the research permit (posting research site, rates of application, field size, product storage and disposal) - No significant problem identified.
64 Appendix VI Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Centre, Ottawa 2004 Insect Pest Research Report compiled by P.G. Mason, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research Centre 960 Carling Ave. Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6 [email protected]
Title: Assessing Genetic Diversity of Lygus Pest Species in Crop and Non-Crop Habitats Author and Associates: R. Foottit & P. Mason AAFC, Ottawa, ON; L. Braun, AAFC, Saskatoon, SK; H. Carcamo Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge
Problem: Development of crop varieties tolerant to attack by insect pests is an important alternative strategy to use of insecticides. Studies by Gerber (1997) indicate that Lygus lineolaris has different oviposition preferences on various lines of B. napus and that B. juncea is not a preferred host plant. Identification of Lygus populations more prone to feed on canola than other populations will provide the technology to facilitate more precise targeting of tolerant crop variety development. Objective of Research: The overall project objective is to determine the genetic structure of Lygus spp. (L. elisus, L. keltoni, and L. lineolaris) populations in western Canada using an array of molecular markers (microsatellite flanking regions). Summary of Results: This project investigated the development and use of DNA microsatellite flanking region sequences forthe analysis of genetic diversity in Lygus species both from the perspective of species relationships and from population-level characteristics of certain pest Lygus species, particularly Lygus lineolaris. Methods were developed or refined for the establishment of informative sequencing loci which would provide combined information on both within- and between-species patterns of variation. Analysis of interspecific patterns confirmed the general classification of Lygus based on morphology, however, molecular data established the re-positioning within the phylogenetic tree of Lygus borealis and Lygus keltoni, both economically important species. Analysis of genotypic patterns within Lygus lineolaris, based on extensive geographic- and host plant- based sampling, uncovered the presence of two major genotypes. These genotypes often were sympatrically associated although they appear to be reproductively isolated.
The re-positioning of Lygus borealis and Lygus keltoni has implications for the management of and the future research on the genus Lygus. An accurate phylogenetic tree, indicating the position and relationships among species and species groups is essential for non-target testing of biological control agents and conversely for the testing of host range, host suitability and quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of control agents.
The presence of major genotypic differences among populations of Lygus lineolaris has implications for the future management of this pest. The current situation as revealed by the DNA sequence
65 analysis possibly reflects a dynamic, on-going process of selection and adaptation to changing agricultural practices and environmental modification. Contact: Dr. Robert Foottit Tel: (613) 759-1774 e Fax: (613) 759-1926 Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6 e-mail: [email protected]
Title: Parasitoids of Lygus in North America and Europe Author and Associates: H. Goulet, C. Boudreault & P. Mason, AAFC, Ottawa, ON; B. Broadbent, J. Whistlecraft, AAFC, London, ON; D. Gillespie, AAFC, Agassiz, BC; H. Carcamo, AAFC, Lethbridge, AB; J. Otani, AAFC, Beaverlodge, AB; L. Braun, AAFC, Saskatoon, SK; D. Moreau and M Hardman, AAFC, Kentville, NS; U. Kuhlmann, CABI Bioscience, Delemont, Switzerland; T. Haye, Christiane Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany. Problem: Host-specificity testing of biological control agents of Lygus spp. requires that the taxonomy of Euphorine parasitoids be up to date. Further, useable taxonomic keys need to be available for researchers studying the ecology of these parasitoids. Objective of Research: To: a) recognize and characterize parasitoids of Lygus from North America and Europe; b) define the phenology of adults of most North American species associated with Lygus; c) prepare keys to parasitoids of Lygus in Canada and the northern United States; d) develop a collection of mirid parasitoids significant enough to allow for systematic study; and e) identify parasitoids reared from Lygus and other mirid genera. Summary of Results: A very large and diverse collection of Peristenus and Leiophron from North America and Europe has been developed. A manuscript on the taxonomy of North American species is essentially completed. Taxonomic revision of the European species of the P. pallipes complex is in progress. Knowledge of the distribution and adult phenology of many species has been improved, particularly in western Canada, due to field collections and rearing by collaborators. More than 16,000 specimens have been identified and numerous new species have been discovered. Continuing Research: Additional field trips to south central British Columbia, southwestern Alberta and southernmost Ontario would complete a survey of the Canadian species. The of systematic study of Peristenus and Leiophron associated with Lygus in North America is essentially completed, and the revision of species of the P. pallipes complex in Europe is in progress. Contact: Dr. H. Goulet Research Centre Tel: (613) 759-1823 960 Carling Avenue Fax: (613) 759-1924 Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6 e-mail: [email protected]
Title: Cabbage seedpod weevil in eastern Canada Author and Associates: P. Mason, G. Gibson, P. Bouchard, AAFC, Ottawa, ON; T. Baute, OMAF, Ridgetown, ON; M. Roy, MAPAQ, St. Foy, Québec; J. Brodeur, Université Laval; O. Olfert, AAFC, Saskatoon
66 Problem: The cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham), is the most significant insect pest of canola in Europe and the USA. Since its accidental introduction into Vancouver, Canada in 1932, C. obstrictus has invaded Alberta, Saskatchewan and Québec as well as the western and southeastern US. In 2001, C. obstrictus was found in Ontario on canola, Brassica napus L., and wild mustard, Sinapis arvensis L. There is potential for damage to eastern Canada’s canola industry, which is important for new variety testing as well as oil production. Objective of Research: To document the status of C. obstrictus in Ontario and Québec and develop biologically-based integrated management strategies. Summary of Results: In eastern Canada, C. obstrictus has become established. A manuscript (Journal of the Entomological Society of Ontario 134: 107-113) will be available shortly summarizing distribution and infestation levels to 2002 in Ontario and Quebec. C. obstrictus continues to expand its range and in 2004 winter canola in southwestern Ontario were heavily infested. Continuing Research: In 2005, planned research will continue to focus on determining economic damage levels, composition of parasitoids, levels of parasitism, and biology of C. obstrictus in Ontario and Québec. Contact: Dr. P.G. Mason Research Centre Tel: (613) 759-1908 960 Carling Avenue Fax: (613) 759-1701 Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6 e-mail: [email protected]
Title: Ectoparasitoids (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) of the cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in western Canada Author and Associates: Gary A.P. Gibson (AAFC, Ottawa), Bryan Ulmer and Lloyd Dosdall (Univ. Alberta, Edmonton), Hannes Baur (Natural History Museum, Bern, Switzerland), Franck Muller and Ulli Kuhlmann (CABI Bioscience, Delémont, Switzerland) Problem: The cabbage seedpod weevil, a pest of canola and rapeseed, was introduced to western North America from Europe about 70 years ago. A necessary prerequisite prior to devising enhanced biological control programmes is accurate knowledge of the species identities of all native and introduced parasitoids of the pest. Objective of Research: To determine accurately the species identities of the chalcid ectoparasitoids of the cabbage seedpod weevil in western Canada and North America. Summary of Results: About 15 species of chalcid ectoparasitoids have been recognized from British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, including the discovery that for over 60 years the three major chalcid parasitoids of the cabbage seedpod weevil in North America have been misidentified. Contact: Dr. Gary Gibson Invertebrate Biodiversity Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C6 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada E-mail: [email protected] 960 Carling Avenue Phone: 613-759-1823 Fax: 613-759-1927
Title: Checklist of beetles of Canada and Alaska
67 Authors: P. Bouchard, Y. Bousquet, A. Davies, L. LeSage. AAFC, Ottawa, ON Problem: The original version of the “Checklist of beetles of Canada and Alaska” was published fifteen years ago [Bousquet, Y. (Ed.) 1991. Checklist of beetles of Canada and Alaska. Research Branch, Agriculutre Canada. Publication 1861/E., Ottawa. 430pp]. This publication contained synonymies and distribution data for the nearly 7500 species of Coeloptera known in Canada and Alaska at the time. Objective of Research: To update the data presented in the original checklist and a review of the classification, nomenclature and distribution data as well as additions to the fauna since 1991 is underway by the staff of the CNC Coleoptera Unit. The estimated number of described beetle species known to occur in Canada is now 9000. Summary of Results: Because of its popularity, the data contained in the Checklist was transformed into a database containing the distribution of all valid species in Canada and Alaska. This database, developed by staff of Agriculture Canada, appeared on the internet for several years before being removed recently. We are making this data available online once again http://www.canacoll.org/Coleo/Checklist/checklist.htm. Continuing Research: We intend to have accurate distribution data for all species for the updated Checklist. Please consider sending representative specimens of new or interesting distributional records to P. Bouchard (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, K.W. Neatby Building, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0C6, CANADA) for deposition in the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes and inclusion in the Second Version of the Checklist. If you are interested in reviewing our data before the publication of the Second Version of the Checklist (either specific families or the entire dataset) please send a notification of interest to [email protected]. Contact: Dr. P. Bouchard Research Centre Tel: (613) 759-7510 960 Carling Avenue Fax: (613) 759-1927 Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6 e-mail: [email protected]
Title: Tachinid parasitoids of Choristoneura species Author: Jim O'Hara, AAFC, Ottawa Problem: Leafrollers of the genus Choristoneura (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) comprise 16 species in the Nearctic region and include such serious agricultural and forestry pests as the spruce budworm, western spruce budworm, large aspen tortrix, jack pine budworm and obliquebanded leafroller. Ecologists in agriculture and forestry working with the parasitoids and predators of these pests have requested keys to, and biological information on, the tachinid parasitoids of Nearctic Choristoneura species. Objective of Research: To prepare a publication on the tachinid parasitoids of Nearctic Choristoneura species. Summary of Results: A manuscript has been prepared to permit the separation of adults and puparia of the 15 tachinid species recorded from Nearctic Choristoneura species and includes illustrated keys, digitally enhanced images of the adult and puparium of each species, and information on the life history of each species.
68 Continuing Research: The manuscript has been completed and is currently being reviewed by colleagues in AAFC and Forestry Canada. The manuscript will be submitted to Zootaxa for hardcopy and online publication and will include colour images of adult tachinids. Contact: Dr. James E. O'Hara Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C6 Invertebrate Biodiversity E-mail: [email protected] Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Phone: 613-759-1795 Fax: 613-759-1927 960 Carling Avenue Tachinidae website: http://www.nadsdiptera.org/Tach/home.htm
Title: Tachinid parasitoids of sunflower pests Author: Jim O'Hara, AAFC, Ottawa Problem: Harmful insect pests of cultivated sunflowers in Canada and the United States include the sunflower beetle, sunflower moth, banded sunflower moth, sunflower stem weevil, red sunflower seed weevil and sunflower midge. Tachinid parasitoids attack some of these pests but their taxonomy needs investigation. Objective of Research: There are published reports and an unpublished Ph.D. thesis citing a new species of Myiopharus (Tachinidae) attacking the sunflower beetle in Manitoba, Minnesota and North Dakota. There are three species of Clausicella (Tachinidae) recorded from the sunflower moth but Clausicella is in need of revision because the described species cannot be reliably identified. The new species of Myiopharus will be described and a revision of Clausicella will be undertaken. Summary of Results: A field trip to Fargo, North Dakota was arranged with the help of sunflower pest specialist Dr. Larry Charlet, USDA, Fargo, ND. The purpose of the trip was to search for and collect specimens of Myiopharus n.sp. to augment the few specimens present in the Canadian National Collection, Ottawa. The trip took place in July 2004 and a series of specimens were found in sunflower plots near Fargo. These specimens will be helpful in the description of the new species of Myiopharus. Specimens of Clausicella have been solicited from various institutions for use in the revision of the North American species of Clausicella. The genus Clausicella currently has eight described species in North America Continuing Research: The new species of Myiopharus will be described in 2005 and the revision of Clausicella will commence at that time.
Contact: Dr. James E. O'Hara Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada E-mail: [email protected] 960 Carling Avenue Phone: 613-759-1795 Fax: 613-759-1927 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C6 Tachinidae website: http://www.nadsdiptera.org/Tach/home.htm
69 Appendix VII. Special Reports
Appendix VII.a. Advances in Wheat Stem Sawfly Management Thomas G. Shanower, USDA,-ARS, Sidney, Montana, USA
A summary of on-going wheat stem sawfly research activities in Montana, USA was presented. Research into the phylogeography of the wheat stem sawfly is being conducted by USDA-ARS scientists in Montana and France. Sawflies from 57 populations across Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Saskatechewan and Alberta were assessed using the CO1 mitochondrial gene. There is a great deal of genetic diversity among these populations suggesting that sawflies may have been established in these areas for a long time. Researchers at Montana State University (MSU) have identified wheat plant odors that attract sawflies and have demonstrated differences in the amount produced by different wheat cultivars. Developing wheat cultivars less attractive to the wheat stem sawfly may be a possibility in the future. Other studies at MSU have shown that sheep grazing in the fall and/or spring may effectively reduce sawfly populations. Sheep grazing does not cause significant soil compaction, and an additional benefit is a reduction in weed biomass. Results of on-going efforts to find and import exotic natural enemies for the wheat stem sawfly were also reported. A new and currently undescribed ichneumonid parasitoid has been discovered in China. This species, related to the ichneumonid that was successfully established in eastern North America against the European wheat stem sawfly, is being investigated in quarantine. It has successfully oviposited and completed development in the wheat stem sawfly.
70 Appendix VII.b. The Swede Midge: An Exotic Pest of Cruciferous Crops Rebecca Hallett, Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph
Dr. Rebecca Hallett gave a special report on the swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii, a member of the gall midge family (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that is a pest of cruciferous crops, including canola. The discovery of the swede midge in Ontario in 2000 was the first Nearctic record of this pest, which is widespread in Europe. The current Canadian distribution of the swede midge includes 14 counties in Ontario and 4 in Quebec. The swede midge was also discovered for the first time in the USA in 2004, from pheromone-baited traps in New York State. Although cole crops are primarily affected in Ontario, damage has been observed in canola in Ontario, and 62% of Ontario’s canola production occurs in counties that are regulated for swede midge. There are 3 to 5 generations per year in Europe. Females lay eggs singly or in groups on young tissue of host plants; larvae feed for 7-21 days and then flip down to the soil for pupation; the pupal period lasts 10-48 days; development is strongly influenced by temperature and moisture. The swede midge overwinters as a prepupae in a cocoon in the soil, with about 10% of the population spending two winters in diapause before emerging as adults. Larvae feed by extraintestinal digestion causing twisting and distortion of plant tissue, galling on petioles, death of meristematic tissue, brown, corky scarring within cole crop heads and on petioles, and formation of multiple compensatory shoots. The younger the plant is at oviposition, the more damage is incurred by the plant. Damage to canola includes stunting of plant height, increased branching, compaction of the inflorescence, reduction in podset and reduction in seed yield. A preliminary trial conducted in 2003 showed 55 to 60 times reductions in pod set and seed yield due to swede midge infestation. The swede midge is a crucifer specialist and many cruciferous weeds also serve as hosts for the swede midge. For detection of swede midge, incandescent CDC light traps are recommended as they capture many more midges than yellow sticky traps and require less sorting than do blacklight CDC traps. Weekly captures on sticky traps in highly infested areas average only 1 to 2 midges per trap per week. Swede midge pheromone traps were available on an experimental basis in 2003 and are far more efficient than yellow sticky traps. The swede midge presents a number of challenges that need to be overcome in developing an effective pest management program: damage is not a good basis for action; adults are very small and difficult to identify; timing of insecticide applications is difficult; currently there are limited active ingredients registered for swede midge control. Populations need to be controlled while they are still low, and crop rotation is key to slowing population increases. A number of different avenues of research that are ongoing in the Hallett lab and with collaborators at AAFC and UofG were briefly outlined.
71 Appendix VII.c. West Nile Virus in Saskatchewan - the 2004 Season Philip Curry, Saskatchewan Health, Regina, SK
2003 was an outbreak year for West Nile virus in Saskatchewan. Surveillance results indicated 157 cases of dead birds in the province, 133 ill horses, 37 infected mosquito pools, and 941 human cases. Factors in the 2003 outbreak included good habitat conditions in the spring; above normal spring and summer temperatures, especially night-time temperatures; an extended frost-free period; a strong correlation with Culex tarsalis habitat, numbers, and timing of generations; pronounced amplification of the virus in birds; and a long WNV exposure period, especially in the southern prairie grassland areas. As of September 15, 2004, 29 dead birds were found infected with WNV, eight probable horse cases, 30 mosquito pools, and eight probable and two confirmed cases of WNV in humans. What caused the difference in cases in the two years? There are four main requirements for an arbovirus outbreak: high levels of virus circulating in birds, mammals and other hosts; high proportions of the total number of mosquitoes that are bridging species (that is, mosquitoes that bite birds and then people, such as Culex tarsalis); hot weather, with high daily mean temperatures 2 degrees or more above average; and susceptible populations of birds and humans. 2004 did not see the virus amplify in birds to the same extent as in 2003, with only 29 positive cases in birds in 2004 compared to 157 in 2003. Mosquitoes were later in their development, and the vector mosquito species missed the main nesting period in June, when young nestling birds are vulnerable to mosquito attack. Further, there were very few “biting nights” compared to 2003. Only a few mosquito species are good vectors of WNV. The best vectors are those that overwinter as adults, are multigenerational, and have numerous hosts. Culex tarsalis and Culex restuans have these attributes. Culex tarsalis is the main bridging species, that is, a species that can take the virus from birds and infect other animals such as humans or horses. It overwinters mainly as adult females; under ideal conditions it has multiple generations, building up to highest numbers in late summer; it takes multiple feeds in hot weather; it prefers birds and mammals; and it appears to be expanding its range northward into the parkland region of the province. There are three generations in southern Saskatchewan, and 2-3 in the Parkland. Breeding areas and larval habitat include shallow ponds, irrigation overflows, ditches, artificial containers such as bird baths and used tires, hoofprints filled with water, and areas with high organic matter levels. Thus, there is a high association of Culex tarsalis with livestock watering and irrigation overflow areas - in effect, this is a rural species that can migrate to urban areas, unlike Culex species in eastern Canada that are more urban in occurrence, breeding in storm sewers and catch basins. 2004 had fewer problems with mosquitoes in catch basins, stagnant creeks, and irrigation areas than were found in 2003. There were lower numbers of Culex restuans in 2004. Temperatures in 2004 were well below normal, with very few evenings and nights having temperatures above 15 degrees C. There were fewer hours of sunshine than in the previous year. Southeastern, east central, and parkland areas of the province experienced above average precipitation in 2004. These conditions slowed mosquito larval development and limited egg laying and biting activity of adult mosquitoes. In Saskatoon, for example, there were only 8 days in 2004 where the night-time temperature exceeded 15ΕC; in 2003
72 there were 28 days where the nightly temperature exceeded 15ΕC. The lower temperatures also caused more people to cover up when outside, and reduced the time people spent outdoors. Sixteen degrees C is the temperature at which Culex tarsalis development, activity and disease transmission is optimal. This temperature was used as the base for determining degree days across the province in 2003 and 2004. There were many more degree days accumulated in 2003 than in 2004. The final element necessary for an arbovirus outbreak is susceptible populations. Since WNV is new to North America we have very susceptible bird, mammal, and human populations. Functional immunity in hosts will take a number of years to develop. What will happen next year? We should consider 2004 as an anomaly in terms of weather. Climate trends indicate warmer temperatures, especially night-time temperatures, longer frost-free periods, more extreme weather, including droughts, and warmer winters. It is likely that Saskatchewan will be the most affected province in Canada. These climatic changes will expand the range of new and old arboviruses and their vector mosquitoes. Warm winters with heavy snow cover will encourage the successful overwintering of vector mosquitoes. Warm, wet conditions could see an explosion of Culex and other mosquitoes, resulting in outbreaks as severe as in 2003. In the long term, WNV is here to stay. We need to continue our development of mosquito control programs and expand it to rural areas. It will take three to five years to figure out what the normal “pattern” of the disease is. However, it is likely that in 10 years we will look on West Nile virus as a background risk like influenza, a risk that varies from year to year, and that we can combat with practices to decrease the risk such as use of personal protective measures and mosquito control.
73 Appendix VIII - 2004 Resolutions None were brought forward. However, no response was received regarding our 2003 resolution (see below). Therefore, the Committee decided on a motion by Gavloski/L.Harris to forward the letter written in 2003 to the federal Agriculture Minister, with copies to Minister Goodale, Deputy Minister Edwards, Assistant Deputy Minister Archibald, and Environment Theme Leader Whitfield.
Letter sent in 2003:
Dr. B. A. Archibald Assistant Deputy Minister AAFC - Research Branch Sir John Carling Building Floor 7, Room 785 930 Carling Avenue Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5
November____, 2003
Dear Dr. Archibald, Re: Retaining Grasshopper Research Expertise
On behalf of the Western Committee on Crop Pests (WCCP), I am forwarding the attached resolution for your consideration and hopefully positive response. With the recent appointment of Dr. Dan Johnson to the University of Lethbridge, members of the WCCP are concerned about the future of grasshopper pest management research in Western Canada.
The research efforts of Dr. Johnson have contributed significantly to the understanding and management of grasshoppers in Western Canada, however this group of crop pests continues to challenge our attempts to minimize its adverse impacts on crop and range productivity. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Hugh Philip, PAg Chair WCCP
74 cc. Dr. Gary Whitfield
Background to the Resolution from the Western Committee on Crop Pests Grasshopper IPM Expertise
Background Whereas grasshopper infestations have been at prolonged economic levels on the Prairies; and Whereas crop losses and costs of control continue to cause a major financial burden on farmers and ranchers; and Whereas grasshoppers are generally associated with dry warm conditions which climate modellers predict will escalate; and Whereas the only dedicated grasshopper research scientist in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is leaving the Lethbridge Research Centre. Recommendation Therefore be it resolved the Western Committee on Crop Pests (WCCP) recommends, as part of the succession planning for the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) theme, that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada retain a dedicated grasshopper scientist to develop improved monitoring and control strategies to support provincial programs aimed at reducing the impact of this ongoing major pest.Regina, Saskatchewan S4X 0X0
75 Letter sent in 2005:
The Honourable Andrew Mitchell Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
January 6, 2005
Dear Minister Mitchell,
Re: Retaining Grasshopper Research Expertise
On behalf of the Western Committee on Crop Pests (WCCP), I am forwarding the attached resolution for your consideration and positive action. This resolution was passed at our 2003 annual meeting and sent to Dr. Bruce Archibald, from whom we received no reply. With the recent appointment of Dr. Dan Johnson of AAFC to the University of Lethbridge and the acompanying shift in his research, members of the WCCP are concerned about the future of grasshopper pest management research in Western Canada.
The research efforts of Dr. Johnson have contributed significantly to the understanding and management of grasshoppers in Western Canada. However, this group of crop pests continues to challenge our attempts to minimize its adverse impacts on crop and range productivity. Continued research on grasshopper management is necessary in order for prairie farmers to cope with the pest.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Scott Hartley, Chair, WCCP cc. Mr. Ralph Goodale Dr. Bruce Archibald Mr. Leonard Edwards Dr. Gary Whitfield
76