1 Western Committee on Crop Pests 54 Annual meeting Wednesday October 30, 2013 Coast Canmore Hotel and Conference Centre
1.0 Welcome and Introductions Chair: Scott Meers, ARD Secretary: Shelley Barkley, ARD The meeting was called to order at 8:05 with 31 members present
Brian de Kock, [email protected] Lars Andreassen [email protected] Sydney Vos [email protected] Jocelyn Kratchmer [email protected] Jennifer Otani [email protected] Lisa Malo [email protected] Heather Krahn heather.krahnwrichardson.ca Pat Flaten [email protected] Liz Simpson [email protected] Katja Rochacewich [email protected] Arvel Lawson [email protected] Ed Vandenberg [email protected] Ted Labun [email protected] Justine Cornelsen [email protected] Andrew Reid [email protected] John Gavloski [email protected] Shawn Senko [email protected] Jim Broatch [email protected] Keith Gabert [email protected] Nasir Shaikh [email protected] Dave Holden [email protected] Elsie Dubourg [email protected] Al Kohlman [email protected] Julie Soroka [email protected] Scott Hartley [email protected] Andrea Swatzky [email protected] Jim Bessel [email protected] Gary Byrtus [email protected] Tyler Wist [email protected] Owen Olfert [email protected]
2.0 Additions to Agenda
3.0 Review and Approval of Minutes of 2013 WCCP Meeting (Winnipeg MB) (Appendix A Resolution followup: John Gavloski read the letter he wrote in regards to last year’s resolution regarding succession planning for the retiring field crop entomology scientists from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada . He read the reply from Dr Mithani AAFC. The letter from the Honourable Gerry Ritz was not replied to
John Gavloski Questions are we happy with the reply? Do we need to go forward? Perhaps we need to have the commodity groups start to exert pressure.
Pat Flaten: Western Grains and other commissions have contracted a contractor to pull together gaps expertise in western Canada. Entomology is definitely a gap. It will be coming forward and will be discussed in commodity group winter meetings. It is not a bad idea to have many approaches. Crop life might be another group to approach.
Jim Bessel: Also letter from Sask institute agronomists will add support, he will approach this group in November.
Sydney Vos: Pulse Group is also contributing to the letter campaign. John Gavloski: Remind the Government of Canada the successes ie Economic thresholds have come from AAFC which industry uses
2 Second resolution enourage US to protect the wheat resistant varieties. Letter never had to go as Montana is handling the wheat midge resistance similar to Canada and will have a no save seed agreement this from Bill Gray.
MOTION: Scott Hartley motioned that the minutes be accepted as presented. Tyler Wist seconded. CARRIED
4.0 Business Arising from 2013 Meeting Nothing
5.0 Appointment of WCCP Resoultions Committee John Gavloski and Keith Gabert Provincial Insect Pest Summaries for 2014 (Appendix B) 5.1 Manitoba – John Gavloski 5.2 Alberta – Scott Meers 5.3 Saskatchewan – Scott Hartley 5.4 British Columbia – Susanna Acheampong (absentee report) Presented by Jim Broatch 5.5 Appoint summarizers for 2015 The same presenters of 2014 provincial reports will prepare the reports for 2015
6.0 Provincial Entomology Research Summaries for 2014 (Appendix C) 6.1 British Columbia – Bob Vernon (absentee report) Presented by Scott Meers 6.2 Saskatchewan – Tyler Wist 6.3 Manitoba – John Gavloski 6.4 Alberta – Jennifer Otani 6.5 Appoint summarizers for 2015 Bob Vernon for BC; Tyler for SK; John Gavloski for MB; Jennifer Otani/Hector Carcamo for AB
7.0 Agency Reports for 2014 (Appendix D) 7.1 Prairie Wide Pest Monitoring Network Report – Jennifer Otani 7.2 Pesticide Risk Reduction Program 7.3 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Insect Pest Report Dave Holden, Canadian Food Inspection Agency Pest Report
8.0 Industry Reports 8.1 Brian de Kock - DOW Delegate (Colorado potato beetle) and Closer (aphids – fruit & root tuberous and corm vegetable)
9.0 Special Reports 9.1 Update on Wheat Midge in Montana – Dan Picard 9.2 Swede Midge – Lars Andreassen 9.3 Lygus Thresholds in canola – Murray Hartman 9.4 Update on Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada – Tyler Wist
10.0 WCCP Guide Update: John Gavloski 3 Want to take over a chapter? Let one of the Provincial extension people know. The guideline chapters are on line. You can update the document and the changes on web can be made within a week.
11.0 John Gavloski had the changes to the Terms of Reference from the 2013 meeting posted on the webpage. There was some feedback on those changes, so John revised the Terms of Reference. MOTION: Acceptance of Terms of Reference moved by John Gavloski. Seconded by Owen Olfert CARRIED
12.0 New Business: none
13.0 Selection of 2015 WCCP Excutive Scott will talk to Suzanna Acheampong about hosting the 2015 meeting in British Columbia
14.0 Resolutions 1. Whereas the WCCP/WF benefits from the continued participation of Agriculture Agri-Food Canada researchers. And whereas the success of a western Canadian pest synopsis requires the participation of researcher active in field pest research. And whereas travel restriction have begun to make meeting attendance difficult and can also impact travel within a field research program Therefore be it resolved that WCCP/WF write a letter to the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Assistant Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Branch of Agriculture of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada requesting encouragement for travel to the Western Forum meetings to continue our 50 years of success. Additionally draw their attention the necessity of travel to run a field research program and accurate pest surveys.
Move by John Gavloski Seconded by Keith Gabert CARRIED. Resolution is past
Resolution 2. Whereas crop entomology capacities in Western Canada have been reduced because of Federal Government cuts. And whereas field crop entomology research capacity in Western Canada could further diminish with impending retirements within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Alberta and Saskatchewan And whereas insect problems continue to accrue, increasing economic, environmental and health risks. Therefore be it resolved that WCCP/WF distribute our letter from 2013 encouraging commodity groups and the prairie professional agrologist associations encouraging them to identify the future research requirement and past contributions of AAFC entomologist in a similar letter to the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Deputy Minister for the Science and Technology Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada requesting implementation of a succession plan for crop entomologists within Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada 4
Moved by: Keith Gabert Seconded by John Gavloski CARRIED. Resolution is past
Scott Meers thanked the presenters for their concise reports as well as the meeting attendees.
15.0 Tyler Wist moved to close the 2014 Western Committee on Crop Pest 54th Annual Meeting.
Appendix A.
5 2013 Western Committee on Crop Pests Winnipeg, MB
May 7, 2014
Dr. Siddika Mithani Assistant Deputy Minister Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Science and Technology Branch 1341 Baseline Road Tower 5, Floor 6, Room 330 Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C5
Dear Dr. Mithani
Research by entomologists from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has contributed greatly to the profitability and competitiveness of farmers in Canada. However, crop entomology capabilities in Manitoba have been reduced because of federal government cuts, and crop entomology research capacity in western Canada could further diminish with impending retirements within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Insect problems continue to accrue, resulting in economic, environmental and health risks.
The Western Committee on Crop Pests (WCCP) is concerned about these trends and the potential for not having the capabilities to adequately respond to future insect outbreaks and invasive insects establishing in crops in Canada. The WCCP thus requests the implementation of a succession plan for entomologists within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. With the increased movement of commodities and increased abundance of invasive insects that pose a threat to crop production, this is of paramount importance in assuring Canada remains competitive in crop production. Please consider the importance of entomologists in providing a safe and abundant food supply and consider implementing a succession plan for entomologists within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Please visit the website WWW.westernforum.org for more information on the Western Forum on Pest Management and the Western Committee on Crop Pests.
Respectfully,
John Gavloski, Ph.D. Chair, Western Committee on Crop Pests C/o: Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Box 1149, 65 3rd Ave NE Carman, MB R0G 0J0 [email protected] cc: The Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
6
Appendix B. Provincial Insect Reports 2014
7 Manitoba Insect Pest Report - 2014
Presented to: The Western Committee on Crop Pests October 30, 2014 Canmore, Alberta
Compiled by: John Gavloski; Entomologist; Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Box 1149, Carman, MB, ROG OJO Phone: (204) 745-5668 Fax: (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.
Estimated acres: Estimated acres grown in Manitoba in 2014 (shown in brackets under each commodity title) are from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) 2014 Variety Market Share Report. The symbol ↑ indicates an increase in acres from 2013, whereas ↓ indicates a decrease in acres from 2013.
Summary: Flea beetles in canola, cutworms, and grasshoppers were the insects of greatest concern in Manitoba crops in 2014. Lygus bugs were at economic levels in some canola fields in late-July and August. Some insects that blow or migrate into Manitoba, such as diamondback moth, armyworms, and soybean aphids, were present and concerns in localized areas, but not widespread problems across Manitoba.
Small Grain Cereals (Wheat (spring)-2,522,819 acres↓ + 1,850 acres organic↓; Wheat (Winter)-408,796↓; Barley-329,036 acres↓; Oats-350,059 acres↓ + 2,749 acres organic↓; Fall Rye-58,390 acres↓; Triticale-5,214 acres↑)
Wireworms: There were reports of wireworm damage to winter wheat, spring wheat, barley and corn. Most reports of wireworm damage in cereals were from eastern or Central Manitoba.
Cutworms: Some high populations of cutworms in Central Manitoba were reported. Patches of a winter wheat field with high levels of dingy cutworm were reseeded. In many fields, dingy and redbacked cutworms were generally the dominant species, although some darksided cutworms 8 were found as well. Some high levels of variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia) were found in wheat in Eastern Manitoba in mid-June.
Wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana): Wheat midge was not a major concern in 2014. In some regions, a lot of wheat was already flowering by the time of wheat midge emergence. Midge Tolerant varieties: There was a decrease in acres seeded to midge tolerant varieties in Manitoba in 2014, compared to 2013. The wheat midge resistant variety blends CDC Utmost VB, Vesper VB, Unity VB, and Goodeve VB were seeded on about 74,128 acres, about 3.3% of the red spring wheat acres in Manitoba in 2014 (based on MASC estimates). Smaller amounts of Fieldstar VB and Shaw VB were also grown. About 236 acres of the prairie spring wheat Glencross VB were seeded.
Sap Feeders
Aphids: There were no reports of aphids reaching economic levels in small grains.
Defoliators
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers were a concern in or around many fields of small grains. Some field edges were treated where there were higher levels.
Armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta): Armyworms were a concern in some small grain fields in Eastern Manitoba, with reports of higher populations around Steinbach and Stead. Some winter wheat in the Steinbach area was sprayed for armyworms in July.
Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus): No economic populations of cereal leaf beetle were reported, however, the known range of cereal leaf beetles in Manitoba has expanded south and further east through the Central region of Manitoba. In 2014, cereal leaf beetle larvae were found in fields near Pilot Mound (C), LaRiviere (C), and Roseisle (C). From a field west of Roseisle, 73 larvae were sent to Lethbridge, Alberta to determine if the parasitoid Tetrastichus julis (Eulophidae) was present in any of the larvae. None of the 73 larvae were parasitized. T. julis were, however, successfully recovered from cereal leaf beetle larvae caught near Treherne (C), where releases of T.julis were done in 2013.
A shipment of about 260 adult wasps of the parasitoid Tetrastichus julis (Eulophidae) was sent from Lethbridge, Alberta to Carman and released in the field west of Roseisle on July 11th. A second release of about 200 cocoons of cereal leaf beetle that contained T. julis (about 5 T. julis per cereal leaf beetle cocoon) was done on September 24th near the location of the release on July 11th. Cocoons were buried by placing about 5 cocoons in a hole 1 to 2 cm deep just outside the field. Clusters of about 5 cocoons each were spaced about 10 meters apart.
Corn (250,401 acres grain corn↓; 73,673 acres silage corn↓)
Cutworms: Cutworm damage to corn was reported from the Eastern and Central regions in June. Some fields were sprayed for cutworms and a corn crop in the Morris area was reseeded to canola because of damage from cutworms.
9 Wireworms: Damage from wireworms was reported from some corn fields in the Eastern Region and from corn fields near Shilo (SW).
Seedcorn maggot (Delia platura): No damage to corn from seedcorn maggot was reported in 2014.
European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis): Higher populations of European corn borer were noted in some fields of corn in the Central region, with some insecticide applications occurring.
In 2014, acres of grain corn seeded to Bt varieties increased to about 42.9 %, and acres of silage corn seeded to Bt varieties was about 15.1%.
Percentage of acres of grain corn and silage corn seeded to Bt varieties in Manitoba. Year Grain Corn Silage Corn 2014 42.9 15.1 2013 26.8 13.1 2012 31.2 12.8 2011 40.8 21.2 2010 54.9 17.7 2009 56.3 17.6 2008 58.7 19.0 2007 63.9 10.8 This data is from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Annual Variety Market Share Reports.
Canola and Mustard (Argentine canola-3,040,491 acres↓; Rapeseed-8,647 acres↑; Mustard-4,746 acres↑)
Cutworms: Cutworms were a concern in some canola fields in 2014, resulting in some insecticide applications.
Root Maggots (Delia spp.): There were no reports of root maggot damage in canola in 2014.
Sap Feeders
Lygus bugs (Lygus spp.): There were reports of some canola fields with economical levels of Lygus bugs in late-July and August. Some high levels of Lygus bug in canola were reported from the Swan River valley (NW), and there were high levels in some areas of the Central and Eastern regions of Manitoba.
Aster Leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus): Levels of aster leafhoppers were low and not of concern in canola in 2014.
Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii): Fourteen pheromone-baited traps were set up to trap and determine levels of swede midge in Manitoba in 2014. A total of 4 adult swede midge were collected from the traps. The following table shows where positive trap captures for swede midge occurred: 1
Positive trap locations and numbers for swede midge in Manitoba in 2014. Location Total midge count Date(s) of trap collection Sanford 2 1 on June 25; 1 on July 23 Winkler 1 1 on July 9 Dauphin 1 1 on July 21 In addition to those midge caught in the traps, there was also a positive finding of larvae collected from a canola field northeast of Bowsman on August 19.
High or potentially economical levels of swede midge have never been documented in Manitoba.
Defoliators
Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.): Use of seed treatments containing neonicotinoid insecticides to manage early-season flea beetle populations continues to be common. Feeding damage to young plants at or above threshold levels, and additional use of foliar insecticides, was still reported from all agricultural regions of Manitoba. There are reports of some fields being sprayed with insecticides 2 or 3 times early in the season. Some canola fields in Eastern Manitoba were reseeded because of high levels of damage from flea beetles, and several fields in Central Manitoba were reseeded due to heavy damage from flea beetles or a combination of flea beetle and cutworm damage.
Bertha Armyworm (Mamestra configurata): Levels of bertha armyworm were generally low and uneconomical in 2014. The only report of control of bertha armyworm was of about 1 acre of canola that was sprayed for bertha armyworm near The Pas (NW).
Pheromone-baited traps to monitor adult moths of bertha armyworm were set up at 72 locations in Manitoba in 2014. The monitoring period was June 2nd to August 3rd. Cumulative moth counts generally suggested low risk, with only 2 traps catching more than 300 moths and getting to the uncertain risk category. Counts were generally lower than those from 2013, possibly suggesting a decline in the population of bertha armyworm. Table 1 shows the highest trap counts for 2014.
Table 1. Highest cumulative counts of bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) moths in pheromone-baited traps in Manitoba in 2014. Nearest town Region Trap Count Risk Category Altamont Pembina 587 Uncertain Tourond Eastman 310 Uncertain Roseland Southwest 267 Low Ridgeville Eastman 237 Low Fannystelle Red River 219 Low Darlingford Pembina 217 Low Peak trap catches occurred in most traps during early or mid-July. The highest trap catch in a single week was 260 at a trap near Altamont on the week of July 7-13th.
Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella): Levels of diamondback moth were generally not economical, although there were some insecticide applications for diamondback moth in Eastern Manitoba in mid-June. Levels close to the nominal threshold that is used were also reported from near Altona (C) in late- July, and Southwest Manitoba in early-August. 1
Pheromone-baited traps for adult moths were set up at 79 locations in Manitoba in 2014. The monitoring period was generally from April 27th to early-June. Highest trap catches were in the eastern part of Manitoba.
Grasshoppers: Grasshopper populations were high in many areas, resulting in some insecticide applications to canola and field edges.
Flax (Flax-82,416 acres↑ + 821 acres organic flax↓)
Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae): Aphids were generally not an economical issue in flax in 2014, however a population above the economic threshold was controlled in a flax field in the Southern Interlake.
Sunflowers (60,104 acres non-oil↑; 26,617 acres oil↓)
Cutworms: Cutworms damage was evident in many fields of sunflowers, and there were reports of control being applied for cutworms in some fields in the Eastern, Central and Southwest region in June. Cutworm damage to sunflowers was also reported form the Southern Interlake. About 80 acres of sunflowers near Sanford (C) were reseeded because of damage from cutworms.
Sunflower beetle (Zygogramma exclamationis): No high populations or spraying for sunflower beetles were reported in 2014. The last year that economic populations of sunflower beetle have been reported in Manitoba is 2009.
Seedhead Insects
Some fields of confection sunflowers were treated with insecticides during early flowering to control seedhead insects such as Lygus bugs (Lygus spp.) and banded sunflower moth (Cochylis hospes). In most instances Lygus bugs were the most common of the seedhead insects of concern. Populations of Red sunflower seed weevil (Smicronyx fulvus) were low again in most areas this year.
Beans (Dry Edible) (142,811 acres↑: White pea (navy)-50,273 acres↑, pinto-41,620 acres↑, kidney-17,210 acres↑, black-14,921 acres↑, cranberry-4,242 acres↑, other dry ebible-14,545 acres)
Grasshoppers: The headlands of some bean fields were sprayed to control grasshoppers.
Peas (Field) (55,650 acres↑)
Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum): Aphid levels in peas were generally low, with the exception of a couple of fields.
1 Soybeans (1,298,688 acres↑)
Cutworms: Some cutworm control in soybeans was reported in the Central region in fields near Sanford, Roseisle and Cartwright.
Soybean Aphid (Aphis glycines): Soybean aphids started to be noted in very low levels in soybean fields the last week in July. Populations generally remained low with the exception of a few fields near Morden (C) and St. Pierre (E).
Spider mites: Spider mites started to be noticed in some fields in August. In most instances populations were not economical, however there was some field border spraying for spider mites in the Central and Eastern regions.
Green Cloverworm (Hypena scabra): Green cloverworms was noted in soybeans in the Eastern Region in August, however no economic populations of green cloverworm were reported.
Grasshoppers: Grasshopper populations were high in many areas, resulting in some insecticide applications to soybeans and field edges.
Hemp (17,453 acres for grain↑)
No insect concerns were reported for hemp in 2014.
Forages and Forage Seed
Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica): Feeding from larvae of alfalfa weevil was noted in some alfalfa fields in the Interlake and Eastern Regions of Manitoba from mid-June through the first 2 weeks of July. Some alfalfa for hay was cut early because of the presence of alfalfa weevil. An alfalfa seed field near Riverton (I) was sprayed to control alfalfa weevil.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers were reported to be an issue in some forage fields in the Interlake, and some continuously grazed pastures in the Interlake were reported to be declining in productivity in mid-August because of a lack of rainfall and grasshoppers.
Aphids: A field of seed alfalfa in the Interlake was sprayed twice to control aphids, with poor results. Overuse of the same insecticide grouping may have been a contributing factor.
European skipper (Thymelicus lineola): High populations of European skipper were reported in some timothy fields in the Interlake.
Potatoes
Report from: Vikram Bisht, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata): A few samples of Colorado potato beetles were found in the later part of the potato season; some may have escaped the neonicotinoid 1 insecticides or developed some tolerance. This class of chemistry does not appear to be performing as well as it used to in a few locations.
Potato psyllid (Paratrioza cockerelli): Dr. Vikram Bisht is coordinating potato psyllid monitoring in Manitoba as part of a national program being led by Dr. Dan Johnson at the University of Lethbridge. No potato psyllids were found in Manitoba in 2013 and in 2014 (as per preliminary assessment). Vegetable Crops
Report from: Vikram Bisht, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis): Some tomato seedlings were damaged by European Corn borers early in the season. European corn borer also caused significant damage to commercial bell peppers late in the season.
Crucifer vegetables: Spring flea beetle (Phyllotreta spp.) pressure on Brassica vegetable crops was high.
Carrots and Onions: In 2014, as in 2013 aster leafhopper numbers were significantly lower, resulting in very low level of aster yellows on carrots, as compared to 2012.
Fruit Crops
Report from: Anthony Mintenko, Fruit Specialist, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
Spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila Suzukii): A province wide monitoring program for spotted wing Drosophila occurred from June until the end of October in 2014. Drosophila were identified in traps in raspberry and day-neutral strawberry fields starting the second week of August. Drosophila larva were also identified in raspberry fruit as well. This insect was found approximately two weeks later than in 2013.
Strawberries: Several producers had to control thrips in strawberries in mid-June. This was not an issue for many producers but required regular scouting. Producers of day-neutral strawberries had to provide control of Lygus bugs and spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) late summer and early fall.
Raspberries: Raspberry (summer bearing) berries were infested by spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila Suzukii), Lygus bugs and also fourspotted sap beetles (Glischrochilus quadrisignatus) very late in the season (early August). They did not caused major economic loss as harvesting was wrapping up by that time.
Stored Grains
Report from: Brent Elliott, Program Officer, Canadian Grain Commission
Rusty Grain Beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus) remains the most common insect found in stored grain. The number of reported infestations (on farm; terminal elevator surveys) in 2014 is 1 approximately double what was seen in 2013. Much of the increase is thought to be related to the record harvest of 2013 combined with difficulty in moving the crop off farm resulting in grain sitting in bins for longer than normal.
Foreign Grain Beetle (Ahasverus advena), like the rusty grain beetle, saw the numbers increase in 2014 relative to 2013. This is due to similar concerns as with the rusty grain beetle (record harvest, more on farm storage). And with grain being stored over the summer, fungal development in storage bins was higher than usual leading to an increase in foreign grain beetle. There were many cases of misidentification of foreign grain beetle as rusty grain beetle as they are quite similar in appearance.
Lesser Grain Borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) is known to occur across Canada though it is rarely encountered in significant numbers. As part of a project with Kansas State University a survey for the lesser grain borer was carried out in several locations across Canada. From a Manitoba perspective it was collected in southeastern Manitoba in limited numbers. It was also collected at other prairie locations confirming that the lesser grain borer does establish populations in the southern parts of the prairies during the summer months. It is not detected during winter survey activities by the Canadian Grain Commission. These results are consistent with the survey results of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada some years ago. At this point we cannot state that numbers are increasing, only that this serves as a reminder that this serious pest may be encountered in the Canadian prairies.
The general trend for 2014 is an increase in findings of damaging stored grain insect pests. This is consistent with record high harvest and long term storage situations. Producers are urged to monitor their grain regularly while in storage throughout the year.
Issues:
The overuse of neonicotinoid-based seed treatments is a concern, particularly when used in situations where the threat of insect damage to seedlings is not high.
Future Plans:
Populations and the potential spread of cereal leaf beetle will continue to be monitored in Manitoba. Larvae will be sent to Lethbridge, Alberta to be tested for existing rates of parasitism. Areas where cereal leaf beetle is present, but the parasitoid Tetrastichus julis is not, will be targeted for releases of the parasitoid.
1 Alberta Crop Insect Update 2014
SUMMARY
Overall it was a relatively quiet year in the crop insect world. Wheat midge was a major concern in the Peace region based on 2013 damage and forecasts from the fall soil survey. Bertha armyworm seems to have run its course on the current outbreak but there are elevated trap catches on the edges of the outbreak area. Pea leaf weevil and cabbage seedpod weevil generally affected the same areas as normal although in lower numbers. Insects in fababeans resulted in difficult to answer threshold and control questions.
OILSEED INSECTS
The cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) occurred above economic threshold throughout its “traditional” range in southern Alberta but generally the numbers where lower and reached economic threshold levels in a much lower proportion of fields in 2014. Numbers were lower in Lethbridge, Taber, Vulcan and Willow Creek counties with fewer than 50% of fields reported in our annual survey above threshold levels. Scouting and spraying are routine management practices for canola producers south of the Trans-Canada Highway. Initial data from the 2014 survey suggests that CSPW was not found in Paintearth and Stettler counties in Alberta this year. Samples are yet to be processed for the northern portions of central Alberta.
Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) moth catches once again had high locations central Alberta. A total of 315 monitoring sites were set up thanks to excellent cooperation with the agricultural industry. Of the 315 locations, 25 showed an elevated level of risk above low level. The major outbreak that was centered in Minburn and Two Hills counties appears to have run its course. There was some spraying in isolated fields over a wide range in the province. There were 14 trap locations with medium bertha armyworm risk and these often (but not always) had some spraying associated with them. Areas showing medium risk included Barrhead, Camrose, Forty Mile, Kneehill, Lac St. Anne, Lacombe, Leduc Foothills, Ponoka, Stettler, Two Hills, Vulcan, Westlock, Wheatland and Yellowhead counties. There were fields above larval threshold in Forty Mile, Leduc and Stettler (counties that were predicted through the pheromone trap system). There was one severe risk site in Lacombe county but no spraying was required in that area. Overall the system is working reasonably well and usually catches smaller outbreaks. There was one area in Leduc county that didn’t match up well with the local trap catch and needed spraying. More often the error is when populations are expected and do not materialize. There are many factors that affect the populations and diseases could be taking out the worms before they get to damaging stages. Certainly when checking fields we often see evidence of feeding but very few worms are found. Next year will be interesting as the moth catches increased in several new areas, this could be the start of a build-up or just a one year blip in numbers 1 Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella). There were 30 trap locations established across Alberta in 2014. Very few moths were caught during the 6 week monitoring period April 27 to June 1, including the traps at Foremost. Despite this there was a very substantial outbreak and many fields needed treatment in the county of Forty Mile around Foremost. It is not clear why the traps didn’t work there but perhaps the moths arrived after the traps had been taken down.
There was some spraying for flea beetles, mostly due to slow crop development during May and early June. Not much more spraying than in a normal year, but there were some pockets across the province. The theme is still an increase in striped flea beetle (Phyllotreta striolata), sometimes difficult to find those without stripes (P. cruciferae). Flea beetle feeding in the Peace was sporadic, but more severe than in the previous three years. Predominantly striped beetles, and there was an increased amount of foliar insecticide applied for them.
Lygus bugs were once again a problem in canola. There was elevated numbers in many of the counties along the foothills and also into the northeastern portion of central Alberta. Around St Paul very severe feeding damage was reported and spraying was required over a large area. The outbreak in the St Paul area was much higher than previously experienced in that area. The traditional sweep net technique didn’t really work for assessing spray decisions. The damage and ‘leaking sap’ was evident without sweep net numbers showing high numbers (during certain times of the day, and there was huge swings in sweep numbers depending on time of day). In southern Alberta, 2014 appeared to be a record year for the number of queries from producers regarding lygus thresholds at the mid pod stage when canola is still more than 10 days away from swathing. Many producers reported very high numbers of small nymphs at the end of flowering. Much of the central peace saw elevated numbers of Lygus bug (>100/10 sweeps in many instances). A great deal of spraying was done from Spirit River to Peace River.
Root maggots (Delia spp.) were common throughout central Alberta again this year. Many reports from growers and agronomist stating this year was the worst they’ve seen. The insects were worse on short rotation canola fields and doing damage at early stages (4-6leaf).
Wooly Bears (Arctiidae) were commonly reported in canola this year. The species are not yet determined but we do have several that have pupated in our rearing room and we will be able to get species names once they emerge as adults in the spring.
Red turnip beetle (Entomoscelis americana ) was common again in 2014. There were a couple reports out of central Alberta of larval damage to young canola.
CEREAL INSECTS
Wireworm (Elateridae). There was a lot of talk about wireworm again this season. The larvae are now being found easily in most fields if you look hard enough. Generally producers were reasonably happy with the control provided by current options this year 1 but most are looking forward to options that will reduce populations rather than just control damage. Generally wireworms appear to be more widespread, although not always causing significant crop emergence issues.
Wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus) is now at very low levels throughout its traditional range. There are still some problem fields and very restricted areas but certainly not severe damage.
Wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana) was a major concern in the eastern Peace River region coming into the 2014 drop year. Serious damage and yield losses in 2013 combined with the extremely high midge numbers from the fall soil survey combined to give a very high risk forecast. The center of the affected area was at Falher. Scouting continued to be a concern for producers and agrologists so an early warning system was devised using pheromone baited sticky card traps. The wheat midge traps started to catch male midge much earlier than was anticipated (almost two weeks ahead of emergence models) and many producers used this and field scouting to decide to treat affected fields. There was a substantial area treated for wheat midge. There was, however, a second major peak of wheat midge emergence that corresponded to the forecast emergence. By that time the wheat had developed past the susceptible stage. There is major work required before the wheat midge pheromone traps can be used properly in decision making and scouting.
The parasitoid (Macroglens penetrans) was easily found and sometimes in very high numbers. During the early stages of wheat midge emergence the parasitoid was being found primarily in flowering canola (2013 wheat) but moved into the wheat later on. This indicates that spraying insecticide in canola at this stage could negatively impact the effectiveness of this parasitoid in wheat midge. We perform soil core surveying over the entire province and will process over 300 samples again this year. Initial results from our fall survey are showing drastically lower populations of wheat midge in the Peace River region. There will be some hot fields to watch in the rest of the province but generally wheat midge numbers are very low.
There were no reports of serious cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus) in 2014 as populations are below threshold. Damage typical of cereal leaf beetle was reported from a wide range in central and southern Alberta although at very low to low levels. The beetle was reported for the first time from the Lacombe area but it had been reported already east of Red Deer in 2013 and around Olds that same year. At least a handful of fields were still sprayed despite low levels of damage in southern Alberta north of Coaldale and near Taber.
Cutworm numbers were general very low this year but some notable populations were discovered on wheat stubble in Kneehill county and Wheatland county. First guess looks like darksided cutworm (Euxoa messoria). There were also reports of red backed (Euxoa ochrogaster)and pale western (Agrotis orthogonia) cutworms.
Wheat head armyworm (Dargida diffusa) previously known as Faronta diffusa) was commonly reported from southern and central Alberta. We have reared many specimens 1 and have found several species of parasitoids. Roughly half of the specimens were parasitized. Samples of the hymenoptera parasitoids were sent to Ottawa for identification and returned with an identification of Cotesia laeviceps.
A report of tiny wireworms prompted a visit to a field in Kneehill county. The crop emergence was very poor and each seed was covered with a large number of Collembola. Samples have been submitted to Ottawa for identification. Various entomologists indicated that Collembola were not a likely cause of seedling damage but they appeared to be attacking the coleoptile as it emerged from the seed. Reseeding with an insecticide treated seed resulted in a very satisfactory stand. The soil was wet, high clay and organic matter and was in a long term reduced tillage system. Plans are in place to do a bioassay with the soil next spring.
PULSE CROP INSECTS
Pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) damage was much more widespread in our annual survey in 2014. We found in it most of the counties we surveyed in central Alberta although at low levels. In the traditional pea leaf weevil range leaf feeding was highly variable from field to field. Kneehill and Starland counties had much higher leaf feeding levels than had previously been experienced. Fababeans were showing high levels of pea leaf weevil feeding even in areas where this insect is traditionally not abundant. The expansion of fababean acres may be an important factor in the expansion of this insect. Also there is no established threshold level for this insect in Alberta conditions.
Three surveillance sites were set up for Western Bean Cutworm (Striacosta albicosta) and none were found.
Lygus damage to fababeans was very common again this year. Downgrading due to frost and lygus feeding has resulted in many producers having only feed quality product which has been difficult to market. Lygus appears to be a major concern and may affect future expansion of this crop. Necrotic spots on the beans can also result from chocolate spot fungus and can be confounded or increased with lygus presence; the two symptoms cannot be distinguished visually and will require assays by a pathologist in order to determine the cause and more research.
Bertha armyworm feeding was reported on fababeans in several locations again this year. It is now clear that fababeans need to be monitored if trap catches are elevated.
GRASS CROPS, PASTURES AND GENERAL INSECTS
In alfalfa there was a concern with alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica). Their populations are causing concern in hay (if left late) and alfalfa seed crops through either poor control with existing registrations or low rates of insecticides. Alfalfa weevil occurred early and in high numbers again in 2014. A provincial survey was carried out to delineate the spread and severity of alfalfa weevil in Alberta, sample processing is underway. 1 European skipper (Thymelicus lineola) was common in central and southern Alberta again this past summer. This insect has not been reported as a problem in timothy production fields but it is something that will need to be watched closely because timothy is reported as a favored food source. A report of a leaf tying caterpillar in winter wheat from the Mayerthorp area turned out to be European Skipper. Several of the larvae that were reared out turned out to be parasitized by a tachinid fly. Insects have been sent to Ottawa for identification
From Jim Broatch : We surveyed 12 production sites across Alberta for SWD and BMSB. Traps were established in June and removed in September. Alberta participated in the five (5) SWD Emergency Use Registrations in 2014 in case producers required control options. Spotted wing drosphilla: • Both Contech (apple cider vinegar bait) and Solida (Rosso Dome with Trece dual lure) traps were utilized for SWD primarily in plantings of raspberry, strawberry, saskatoon, and also included haskap, currant, cherry. The Solida traps reduced the wood gnat numbers and made trap processing easier, but in the south were heavily populated with blow flies (Calliphoridae). The same traps in Central and Northern Alberta were not thus affected. • Captures have been subsampled and no SWD were identified yet in 2014. Remainder of the traps captures will be sorted, identified and catalogued over the new few months. A final analysis/report of trap captures will be developed. • Fruit sampling from most production sites did not yield any SWD adults. Fruit was sampled in August. Brown marmorated stinkbug: • Trap captures using the BMSB Dead-Inn black pyramid trap (with H. halys standard lure and Harlequin Bug lure). • Trap locations were primarily associated with fruit production sites and a combination of RV camping sites near fruit production. • No BMSB were captured in these traps 2014. Very few insects in general were captured in these traps. • Several reports (telephone, email pictures, producer calls) of BMSB were received but no positive confirmations were obtained.
Notes regarding fruit and vegetable pests in 2014: • Root maggot damage on vegetables like cabbage were severe in several production sites, often requiring replanting • DBM and cabbage butterfly were the most common foliar pest encountered and most common control programs in cole crops • Possible carrot rust fly in carrot production needs to be confirmed and evaluated for control options • Over 100 production locations were sampled for nematodes, and sent to AAFC Summerland for processing. Initial indications are there are some plant parasitic populations but more evaluation is needed 2 • Leafhoppers, lygus and aphids were commonly found in sweeps at most vegetable production locations, often in very high numbers • Most vegetable sweeps included many parasitoids that need to be identified (future project) • A project involving the PMC and aphids in rhodiola was initiated in an attempt to develop a control strategy • Apple curculio was the most common pest emerging from fruit sampling
Potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) was not found in Alberta. Dan Johnson is leading a national surveillance program which is in its second year of operation and no potato psyllid has been found anywhere in Canada during those two years.
There were several reports of slug damage in various crops. The most serious concerns were once again in canola. This is most likely the common grey garden slug (Derocerus reticulates).
Lygus are a perennial concern in strawberries.
Grasshopper numbers grew in some areas of the province and fell in others. We are still in the process of compiling the results of the 2014 survey. Reports of high numbers of two strip grasshoppers (Melanoplus bivittatus) were coming out of Special Areas 3 later in the summer and into the fall. Dan Johnson noted that Packards (Melanoplus packardii) and Lesser Migratory (Melanoplus sanguinipes) grasshopper were also showing increases in southern Alberta while Clear Winged grasshopper (Camnula pellucida) appeared to be lower in number.
Thanks to those that contributed to the compilation of this report: Shelley Barkley, Jim Broatch, Robert Spencer, Ken Fry, Dan Orchard, Hector Carcamo, Harry Brook, Carrie Butterwick, Katie Cowie, Brett Jans, Scott Keller, Keith Gabert, Greg Sekulic and Dan Johnson.
Report Compiled by Scott Meers [email protected] Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Crop Diversification Centre South 301 Horticultural Station Road East Brooks, AB T1R 1E6 2
Table 1: Alberta Crop Production ('000 tonnes)
10-year % change 14 vs 14 vs 13 Crops 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013r 2014p Average Avg Winter Wheat 266.7 264.0 261.3 206.8 261.3 244.9 237.6 -6.3% 3.1% Spring Wheat 6,180.6 7,515.5 7,957.8 7,429.9 10,169.6 7,668.2 7,198.8 -24.6% 6.5% Durum Wheat 993.4 421.8 620.5 732.1 870.9 673.6 804.7 -22.7% -16.3% All Wheat 7,440.7 8,201.3 8,839.6 8,368.8 11,301.8 8,586.7 8,241.1 -24.0% 4.2% Oats 308.4 647.7 738.7 518.2 601.5 533.6 634.7 -11.3% -15.9% Barley 3,840.7 4,528.7 4,668.0 4,463.3 5,545.4 4,134.6 4,887.3 -25.4% -15.4% Fall Rye 38.1 50.8 54.0 34.3 36.3 26.7 51.2 -26.4% -47.9% Flaxseed 28.4 30.5 54.7 41.9 73.7 109.2 39.7 48.2% 174.9% Canola 3,628.7 4,740.0 5,347.9 5,097.2 5,998.8 4,932.8 4,253.9 -17.8% 16.0% Corn for Grain 43.2 - 35.6 35.6 66.0 50.2 30.0 -23.9% 67.1% Dry Beans 55.1 31.5 44.0 44.7 48.1 54.2 46.1 12.7% 17.7% Dry Peas 666.7 982.5 805.6 1,208.4 1,321.3 1,428.8 805.6 8.1% 77.4% Lentils 33.4 82.0 76.0 68.1 104.4 85.6 48.7 -18.0% 75.9% Mustard Seed 47.7 47.7 26.8 35.9 37.2 58.5 37.0 57.3% 58.2% Triticale 12.7 38.1 21.6 19.1 16.9 22.9 22.0 35.5% 4.0% Fodder Corn 1,102.2 680.4 1,388.0 784.7 1,179.3 907.2 845.9 -23.1% 7.2% Sugar Beets 657.7 508.0 703.1 598.7 598.7 521.6 639.6 -12.9% -18.4% Total 17,903.7 20,569.2 22,803.6 21,318.9 26,929.4 21,452.6 20,582.7 -20.3% 4.2%
Table 2: Alberta Crop Area and Yield 2013r 2013r 2013r 2014p 2014p 2014p 10-year Yield % change 14 vs 14 vs 13 Crops Seeded Harvested Yield Seeded Harvested Yield Avg Yld Avg ('000 acres) (bu/acre) ('000 acres) (bu/acre) Winter Wheat 155.0 140.0 68.6 165.0 160.0 56.3 52.8 -17.9% 6.6% Spring Wheat 6,415.0 6,365.0 58.7 6,045.0 5,870.0 48.0 46.9 -18.2% 2.3% Durum Wheat 600.0 595.0 53.8 575.0 550.0 45.0 43.2 -16.4% 4.2% All Wheat 7,180.0 7,100.0 58.5 6,815.0 6,580.0 47.9 46.6 -18.1% 2.8% Oats 580.0 410.0 95.1 670.0 450.0 76.9 76.0 -19.1% 1.2% Barley 3,650.0 3,330.0 76.5 3,300.0 2,915.0 65.1 64.2 -14.9% 1.4% Fall Rye 30.0 30.0 47.7 30.0 30.0 35.0 42.5 -26.6% -17.6% Flaxseed 90.0 90.0 32.2 130.0 130.0 33.1 28.6 2.8% 15.7% Canola 6,080.0 6,050.0 43.7 6,275.0 6,170.0 35.3 36.1 -19.2% -2.2% Corn for Grain 25.0 20.0 130.0 40.0 20.0 98.8 105.6 -24.0% -6.4% Dry Beans 40.0 40.0 44.2 50.0 50.0 39.8 36.8 -9.8% 8.1% Dry Peas 1,000.0 995.0 48.8 1,300.0 1,260.0 41.7 39.4 -14.5% 5.8% Lentils 95.0 90.0 42.6 120.0 100.0 31.4 29.2 -26.3% 7.6% Mustard Seed 95.0 92.0 17.8 135.0 125.0 20.6 17.9 15.5% 15.3% Triticale 25.0 13.0 51.2 25.0 15.0 60.0 47.2 17.2% 27.1%
(tons/acre) (tons/acre) Fodder Corn 80.0 65.0 20.0 75.0 60.0 16.7 17.4 -16.5% -4.0% Sugar Beets 22.0 22.0 30.0 20.0 20.0 28.8 24.6 -4.0% 17.1% Total 18,992.0 18,347.0 --- 18,985.0 17,925.0 ------
Note: Totals may not add up due to rounding. 10-year average refers to 2004 to 2013.
Source: Statistics Canada p - Preliminary r - Revised - Not available --- Not applicable bu - Bushels Avg - Average Yld - Yield Prepared by: Alberta Agric. & Rural Development, Economics and Competitiveness Division, Statistics and Data Development Branch Email: [email protected] Telephone: 780-422-2887
2014 Saskatchewan Insect Report Western Committee on Crop Pests October 30, 2014 Coast Hotel, Canmore, Alberta Scott Hartley
Summary
Climatic conditions were not favourable to crop growth or insect activity, particularly in in April and May of 2014 when many areas of Saskatchewan experienced below normal temperatures and higher than normal precipitation. Various insect infestations were reported across Saskatchewan during the growing season some at economic levels but overall insect pressure was generally lower than most years.
Cereal Insects: Estimated 2014 seeded area: spring wheat 8.52 (9.59 (2013)) million acres; durum 4.2 (4.35 (2013)) million acres; barley 1.95 (2.6 (2013)) million acres; oats 1.25 (1.63(2013)) million acres
Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – (Oulema melanopus L.) - cereal leaf beetle – Similar to 2013, surveys for cereal leaf beetle are conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Surveys have been primarily concentrated in the Southwest Region of Saskatchewan. Monitoring has continued in the northeast (AAFC) and east central (Moosomin / Langenberg) area by a private agrologist. No significant populations were observed in 2014. AAFC (Lethbridge) has provided parasites for release.
Diptera: Cecidomyiidae - Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin) - wheat midge - Wheat midge emergence was also delayed due to cool ambient conditions and further affected by cool, wet soils. In many situations crop staging was not ideal for midge egg-laying. If the wheat crop was not susceptible control was not required. Wheat midge tolerant wheat has been grown on increasing acres over the past few years and if a midge tolerant varietal blend is grown it is not considered economical to spray for the midge. A soil survey is underway to estimate levels of wheat midge cocoons present to produce a risk map for 2015.
- Mayetiola destructor (Say) - Hessian flies were reported near Tisdale in the NE in August.
Lepidoptera: Noctuidae – cutworms various species (most common species – Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenee) - redbacked cutworm in eastern regions, Agrotis orthogonia Morrison / pale western cutworm in western regions, Feltia jaculifera (Gn.) dingy cutworm) - After a three year decline in numbers there was an apparent resurgence in cutworm populations across the province. Though not as severe as in recent years insecticide application was required in many cases and there were reported estimates in excess of 30 acres in some fields. Currently there are no reliable predictive methods to estimate risk from cutworms for 2015. Although cutworms often tend to do better in warm dry conditions, this generalization is not relative to all species. Several Saskatchewan samples of cutworms were submitted as part of the ongoing research on this insect. The intentions of the projects are to provide better understanding of species (including identification, differences in biology and naturally occurring parasites) for future management considerations.
Oilseed Insects: Estimated 2014 seeded area: canola 10.55 (10.32 (2013)) million acres; mustard 330,000 (235,000 (2013) acres; flax 1.35 million (775,000 (2013)) acres
Phylum Mollusca: Class Gastropoda – Subclass Pulmonata – terrestrial slugs – Slugs have been reported for the past several years in cereal and oilseed crops due to excessive moisture in the province. In 2014 there was one report of a slug infestation near Weirdale (Prince Albert area).
Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae – Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) – crucifer flea beetle, striped flea beetle, hop flea beetle – Reports of flea beetles were sparse in 2014.
Curculionidae: Ceutorhynchinae – Ceutorhyncus obstrictus (Marsham) – cabbage seedpod weevil - The cabbage seedpod weevil was at economic levels from the Alberta border to near Indian Head in southern Saskatchewan. Significant infestations were also noted north to Kindersley in the West Central Region east to Outlook. This pest continues to be of concern as its range expands into eastern regions of the province toward Manitoba.
Lepidoptera: Plutellidae - Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) - diamondback moth - Diamondback moth and bertha armyworm moths were monitored with pheromone traps during the growing season. Data from Environment Canada did not indicate any early wind trajectories favourable to bringing in diamondback moths from southern locales. Pheromone traps picked up moths throughout the monitoring period in southern Saskatchewan into mid-July but no significant populations were reported in the province.
Noctuidae – Hadeninae – Mamestra configurata Walker - bertha armyworm – Bertha armyworm populations continued to decline in 2014. Insecticide application was reported in very few areas. This insect is thought to be in the downward trend in its cycle and of lesser risk in 2015.
Thysanoptera: Thrips were reported in a few locations in 2014, primarily in northern regions of the grain growing region. In the NW thrips and swede midge were reported in the same canola field.
Diptera: Cecidomyiidae - Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer) - Swede midge - A swede midge survey was conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as part of ongoing research into this new pest of canola. In 2012-13 the swede midge was identified in fields in Nipawin and Carrot River areas where infestations were most intense, west to near Humboldt. In 2014 there were reports of typical swede midge infested, fused florets outside of the northeast region but results from the survey are not yet available.
Insects in Other Crops: Estimated 2014 seeded area: canaryseed 300,000 (210,000 (2013)) acres; chickpea 170,000 (205,000 (2013)) acres; lentil 3.01 (2.29 (2013)) million acres; dry pea 2.55 (2.21 (2013)) million acres; soybean 280,000 acres
Dry Pea - Coleoptera: Curculionidae -Sitona lineatus (L.) – pea leaf weevil The 2014 pea leaf weevil survey suggested lower levels of this pest compared to 2013. Damage is still noted primarily in the southwest part of Saskatchewan although some feeding was noted on pea in a few fields near Kyle, north of the South Saskatchewan River in 2013.
Lentil - Orthoptera: grasshoppers (various species) - two-striped (Melanoplus bivitattus) (has tended to be the most dominant species in recent years for most of the Province.) Grasshoppers tend to be of greatest risk in dry, hot years and were not expected to be a high risk for infestations in 2014. In addition the spring conditions were not favourable for grasshopper development but in June there were several reports of high numbers of grasshoppers and spraying for the pest in the southwest north of Maple Creek. Control was required in lentil crops where the recommended economic threshold is only 2 grasshoppers per square metre. A few economic infestations were also reported in the southeast. The higher temperatures in the latter part of September were also favourable for grasshopper egg-laying. A fall adult grasshopper survey is being conducted by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance field personnel. The data will be used to produce a risk map for 2015.
Driftwatch In 2014 Saskatchewan joined Driftwatch, a web-based tool originally developed at Purdue University in the U.S. to promote communication between pesticide applicators and producers. Commercial beekeepers and producers with sensitive crop areas (e.g. organic production, fruit orchards) are encouraged to register locations on Driftwatch (https://sk.driftwatch.org/map ). This tool is intended to aid identifying areas especially sensitive to pesticide drift for reference by commercial pesticide applicators.
BRITISH COLUMBIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
2014 INSECT PEST REPORT
WESTERN COMMITTEE ON CROP PESTS October 29-31, 2014, Canmore, Alberta
SUMMARY
Grasshoppers were a serious issue in dry and hot interior regions of B.C. and there were several reports from both producers and homeowners this year. Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii continues to be a challenging pest for tree fruit and berry growers. Adults were monitored with different trap types and baits in 2014. Population levels were lower earlier in the season compared to 2013 and there was limited damage to stone fruit and berries. There were reports of an increase in the incidence of apple leaf curling midge in apple orchards. There were outbreaks of tent caterpillars in Coastal BC. Based on limited surveys in 2014, B.C. remains free from Swede midge and Brown marmorated stink bugs.
FORAGE CROPS
Grasshoppers were a serious issue in dry and hot interior regions; Grandforks, Rock Creek, Spences Bridge, Cranbrook, Kamloops, Kelowna etc. There were several reports from both producers and homeowners and damage was reported in forage, field crops, vegetables, and an apple orchard.
HORTICULTURAL CROPS
Apple clearwing moth, Synanthedon myopaeformis populations are expanding to different areas in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. Delegate, Success, Entrust, and Rimon are registered for the control of apple clearwing moth.
Apple leaf curling midge, Dasineura mali: there is an increase in the incidence of apple leaf curling midge in apple orchards. Surveys are underway for naturally occurring biological control agents in coastal and interior apple growing areas.
Apple Maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella: A limited survey was conducted in the Fraser Valley in 2013 and 2014 in commercial apple orchards and backyard trees to better understand pest biology and impacts on apple production in this region. Currently, apple maggot is
known to be established in coastal B.C. and commercial coastal apple growers are successfully managing this pest. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of apple maggot in the City of Prince George in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, British Columbia in November, 2013. CFIA sets up about 430 traps in the interior of B.C. for apple maggot detection and to maintain export markets for B.C. apples. Apple maggot is not present in the interior commercial apple growing regions of B.C.
Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys surveys were conducted in B.C. in 2014. To date no brown marmorated stink bugs have been detected in B.C. Members of the public phone and email every fall with stink bug questions; all inquiries have been negative thus far. BMSB look-a-likes that often get reported are Western Conifer Seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) and other common stink bugs (mostly Chlorochroa ligata, Brochymena spp.)
Fruitworms: surveys for Cranberry fruitworm (Acrobasis vacinii) and Cherry fruitworm (Grapholita packardii) were conducted from May to September (2013, 2014) in cranberry and blueberry fields in the Fraser Valley. These pests are sporadic and emerging and of concern to B.C.
Root weevils: continue to cause chronic damage to blueberry fields and other woody crops, with limited effective control tools or approaches for perennial field grown crops. There are several Otiorhynchus spp, including O. sulcatus, black vine weevil that are of major concern. Recently a new species, Green immigrant leaf weevil, Polydrusus sericeus, has been spreading in blueberry fields, which had previously only been confirmed in eastern North America
Spotted Wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii was monitored with different trap types and baits in tree fruit, berries, and grapes in B.C. Population levels were low earlier in the season compared to 2013 levels and minimal damage was reported in stone fruit and berries. Emergency registration insecticides for spotted wing drosophila control in 2014 were Delegate, Entrust, Ripcord and Malathion. Unfortunately, Ripcord was not registered again for use on highbush blueberries, and the number of applications was reduced from 2 to 1 in other crops. It is important to have rotational chemistry and loss/reduction in availability of Ripcord is of great concern in the berry industry of B.C. Exirel was registered for SWD control in 2014. For further information refer to http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/swd.htm.
Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii: A limited survey was undertaken in commercial cole crop fields in 2009-2014 in the Fraser Valley. Based on the survey results, B.C. remains free from Swede midge.
Western tent caterpillars, Malacosoma californicum were again abundant in coastal areas and Fraser Valley in 2014. Additionally, there were outbreaks of Forest tent caterpillars, Malacosoma disstria in the eastern Fraser Valley (Chilliwack area). Even some sites had
outbreaks of both species, which is not common. Hosts with damage included apples, filberts, and cherries on Vancouver Island and abundant on Rosa, Prunus, and Malus in the central Fraser Valley (Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack)
Walnut husk fly, Rhagoletis completa wiped out two nut orchard crops in the Comox area of B.C.
Wireworms were a problem again for many farm operators on Vancouver Island.
Aedes dorsalis mosquito populations were very high in the Point Holmes area of Comox due to hot conditions along the marshy coastline. A large vegetable farm had to provide insect repellent to their field crew.
EXTENSION PROGRAMS
Publications: Postcards on brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, and Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii are available from the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, and are used for outreach at events to growers and the public. Spotted wing drosophila factsheets and brochures were updated. Check the Ministry of Agriculture website for further information: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/entomology.htm
Okanagan Sterile Insect Release Program: to address grower concerns with established and emerging invasive pest species, the SIR program is seeking to expand its mandate to include other insect pests. OKSIR will resume release of sterile moths over the whole Program area after a 4-year evaluation of mating disruption in half of the area revealed it could not match the efficacy of sterile insect release (SIT). A benefit-cost analysis of the Program revealed that it was a definite benefit to the industry and valley-wide economy. A review of the Program operations by an international panel of experts concluded the Program was a model for other SIT area-wide programs, however areas for improvement were identified that would further enhance the management, delivery and sustainability of Program services.
Compiled by Susanna Acheampong, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, 200 - 1690 Powick Road, BC, V1X 7G5, Phone: (250) 861-7681, [email protected] and Tracy Hueppelsheuser, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 2M3, Phone: (604) 556-3031, [email protected], with contributions from Ken Awmack, Jim Forbes, Wayne Haddow, Jill Hatfield, Rob Kline, Darrell Smith, Carl Withler, Jim Campbell, Dave Woodske and Hugh Philip.
Grasshopper damage to an apple orchard
Grasshopper damage to garlic Grasshopper damage to a homeowner’s lawn
Apple leaf curling midge damage Forest tent caterpillars, M. Clodius, AAFC, Agassiz
Appendix C. Provincial Entomology Research Summaries for 2014
RESEARCH PROGRESS ON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA - 2014
Compiled by R. S. Vernon Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, AAFC 6947 #7 Hwy. - P.O. Box 1000 Agassiz, B.C. V0M 1A0 [email protected] ______Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, PARC Agassiz: 2014 Insect Pest Research Report
Title 1: A granulated pheromone product offering novel methods for controlling click beetles and wireworms
Author and Associates: Todd Kabaluk (AAFC, Agassiz), John Borden and JP Lafontaine (Contech Ltd.), Alida Janmaat (University of the Fraser Valley), Bob Vernon (AAFC, Agassiz)
Problem: Sex pheromones have been very effective for mass trapping adults of Elateridae (click beetles, mostly in the genus Agriotes), however they have only been formulated to create a single point source of attraction thereby restricting their utility.
Objective of research: To create a granulated pheromone formulation that can be used for the attract and kill, mating disruption, and mass trapping of click beetles.
Summary of results: Pheromone-impregnated cellulose-based granules at a w/w loading of 10 mg of pheromone per g of granules were produced (exact description not disclosed for proprietary reasons). When applied as a band at 12.7 kg/ha granules (127 g impregnated liquid pheromone)/ha, beetles present within the band compared to those outside of the band occurred at a ratio of 25:1 four days post-application. When combined with granules of the biocontrol Metarhizium brunneum strain LRC112, the greater attraction of beetles to the biocontrol resulted in a significantly greater click beetle mortality compared to M. brunneum granules alone, both at high (2 x 1014 conidia/ha) and low (2 x 1013 conidia/ha) rates of M. brunneum. All beetles were killed when pheromone granules were combined with the high rate of M. brunneum. When the same rate was applied as a broadcast treatment, beetles could not locate pheromone point sources, implying their utility for mating disruption. Pheromone granules also worked well in attracting click beetles when applied as 5 g batches contained in a small gas permeable container, implying their utility as alternative to current liquid pheromone formulations designed as point source attractants.
Continuing research: Pheromone granules will be used in the further development of click beetle attract and kill using M. brunneum LRC112 or other commercial biological and synthetic insecticides. Further development for their use in mating disruption and mass trapping will also be pursued.
Contact: Todd Kabaluk Tel: (604) 796-6083 Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000, 6947 No. & Hwy, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0 e-mail: [email protected]
Title 2: Minor Use Pesticides Program
Author and Associates: Markus Clodius, Jesse MacDonald and Bob Vernon (AAFC, Agassiz)
Problem: The Minor Use Pesticides Program exists to support growers and the general public by improving farmers’ access to new crop protection tools and technologies. The program works with growers, the provinces, manufacturers and the U.S. IR-4 Specialty Crops program to establish grower-selected crop/pest needs, and match them with potential solutions (particularly reduced- risk products such as microbial pesticides). AAFC then conducts field and greenhouse trials to collect the required efficacy and residue information, and drafts submissions to PMRA for the registration of new ‘minor’ uses for a given product.
Objective of Research: Sixteen residue trials and eight efficacy/tolerance trials were successfully conducted at Agassiz this season. Notable among the list of trials were multiple joint residue trials with IR-4 on the insecticide sulfoxaflor (on field basil, caneberries, and highbush blueberries), three residue trials of the fungicide Zampro (ametoctradin and dimethomorph) on caneberries, two insecticide residue trials on hydroponic greenhouse lettuce, a foliar residue trial of Luna Privilege (fluopyram) on greenhouse ornamentals, and tolerance trials of the pre-emergence herbicide Alion (indaziflam) on hops and highbush blueberries.
Summary of Results: Analyses of residue levels and product efficacy are still in process.
Continuing Research: Residue trials on wasabi, greenhouse vegetables and hops will be conducted at Agassiz in 2015, as will an efficacy trial of a soil-applied nematicide on caneberry. Other trials will be selected over the winter, based on the priorities identified by growers last November. In total, we hope to run another 20 to 25 trials in the coming year.
Contact: Markus Clodius Tel: (604) 796-6077 Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-6133 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 3: Evaluating various insecticides for control of wireworms in potatoes (2014).
Author and Associates: Bob Vernon, Wim van Herk and Jesse MacDonald (AAFC, Agassiz).
Problem: Wireworms of various species continue to cause increasing problems in the major potato growing provinces of Canada, and are reaching epidemic proportions in PEI. East of BC, growers rely almost exclusively on the organophosphate Thimet 15G (phorate), which will very likely be withdrawn from Canada in 2015. The main problems facing wireworm researchers (mostly AAFC) in finding replacements for Thimet, have been in finding insecticides that work consistently on all pest wireworm species (about 30) across Canada, and to compile enough efficacy data to support new registrations. Since 2000, AAFC has tested the USA-registered pyrethroid, bifenthrin (Capture 2EC) as an in-furrow spray at planting in BC, Ontario and PEI, and it has generally been found to be effective in reducing wireworm blemishes to an acceptable level relative to Thimet 15G.
It has also been found that combinations of the neonicotinoid, clothianidin (applied as a seed piece treatment) or thiamethoxam (applied as an in-furrow spray, along with an in-furrow spray of bifenthrin at potato planting, will provide wireworm damage control generally as good as Thimet 15G, and wireworm levels also were reduced (as observed in the BC trials). The data also showed that the rates of the combined treatments could be reduced. These combinations of neonicotinoids (which are systemic) and bifenthrin (which is non-systemic), appear to be suitable replacements for Thimet for management of both wireworms and above ground potato pests. As a result of these studies, bifenthrin was granted a provisional registration in Canada for wireworm control in potatoes in April/May, 2014, and was evaluated by a small number of growers on PEI (about 4000 acres). In addition, bifenthrin was evaluated in continuing efficacy studies at AAFC locations in BC and PEI.
Objective of Research: To evaluate candidate insecticides for control of wireworms in potatoes in BC and PEI. The focus of the 2014 study at Agassiz, BC, was to further determine the efficacy of various treatments, including bifenthrin in: a) protecting daughter tubers from damage; and b) reducing wireworm populations. The main objective was to further determine the efficacy of bifenthrin used either alone or in combination with other products (e.g. clothianidin seed treatment) as acceptable substitutes for Thimet 15G. A number of new insecticide candidates and attract-and-kill approaches to controlling wireworms were also tested at the Agassiz site. A study testing a subset of the BC treatments was also conducted in Charlottetown, PEI by Christine Noronha.
Summary of Results: The 2014 study was established at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Center in Agassiz, B.C., and is still underway. Potatoes will be harvested on two occasions (October 8 and 29, 2014) and graded for wireworm blemishes. Harvested plots will then be sampled with bait traps in April-May, 2015 to determine whether the various treatments tested actually reduced populations of wireworms.
Continuing Research: Potato wireworm efficacy trials will be continued over the next 3 years in BC, PEI and in other locations across Canada under a Cluster Project between AAFC and the Canadian Horticultural Council.
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 4: Evaluating insecticidal seed-treatments for control of wireworms in wheat.
Author and Associates: Bob Vernon, Wim van Herk (AAFC, Agassiz).
Problem: Various species of wireworms are known to cause serious damage to cereal crops across Canada. Problems with wireworms in general are increasing in many Canadian farming systems, especially on the prairies where cereal crops abound. This increase in damage has been attributed, at least in part, to the loss of the organochlorine insecticide lindane as a cereal and forage crop seed treatment in 2004. Studies have been underway at PARC, Agassiz to find lower risk insecticides to replace lindane.
Between 2002-2014, studies in Agassiz have focused on evaluation of a number of candidate insecticidal wheat seed treatments for wireworm management, including the neonicotinoids, clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid, the pyrethroids, tefluthrin, lambda cyhalothrin and bifenthrin, the phenyl pyrazoles fipronil and ethiprole, and other novel insecticides such as cyazypyr, renaxypyr, spinosad and halofenozide, and several numbered compounds. Efficacy is measured by observing the impacts of wireworms on the crop (i.e. crop stand establishment and yield), as well as on the effects of candidate insecticides on wireworm populations (i.e. by sampling wireworms in plots the following spring). Of the above list, only fipronil has been found to actually kill wireworms, and will do so at extremely low rates. The other insecticides, somewhat in the order they are listed, provided wheat stand protection, but without reducing wireworm populations. We have found, for example, that the neonicotinoids reversibly intoxicate wireworms and the pyrethroids are repulsive, during which time wheat stand is established, but wireworm populations are not ultimately reduced. What is needed is a registered insecticide that provides both stand protection and wireworm population reduction, which was provided in the past by Lindane.Objective of Research: Three trials were conducted at Agassiz BC in 2004 against the exotic wireworm species, Agriotes obscurus, and an additional study in PEI These trials focused on the evaluation of a number of seed treatment candidates versus existing neonicotinoid standards and/or fipronil. The main objective of these trials was to generate crop stand and wireworm mortality efficacy data for registration of one or more insecticides in the future.
Summary of Results: Several new products provided wheat stand and yield protection comparable to the currently registered neonicotinoid, thiamethoxam, and these trials will be baited in spring of 2015 to determine if any treatments were effective in reducing wireworm populations.
Continuing Research: Wheat seed treatment efficacy trials will be continued over the next 3 years in BC, PEI and in other locations across Canada under a Cluster Project established between AAFC and the Canadian Horticultural Council.
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. Methods for controlling wireworms by controlling click beetles
Author and Associates: Bob Vernon, Wim van Herk, Todd Kabaluk (AAFC, Agassiz).
Problem: Populations of wireworms have increased dramatically in recent years in Alberta (Limonius californicus, Selatosomas destructor and Hypnoidus bicolor), and PEI (the exotic species Agriotes sputator, A. obscurus and A. lineatus). In these areas, the available insecticides commonly used to control the wireworm stage of these pests in wheat (i.e. thiamethoxam and imidacloprid), and potatoes (phorate = Thimet), are not sufficient to prevent severe economic damage from occurring, and the problem is increasing annually.
Objective of Research: As an alternative strategy to controlling the wireworm stage, work has been underway at AAFC, Agassiz since 2003 to develop methods of killing adult click beetles to prevent egg laying in arable fields, or in the permanent grassy wireworm reservoirs surrounding farmed fields. Methods under development include timed spraying of fields with candidate insecticides, and mass trapping of males (Agriotes spp.) with pheromone traps in non-farmed habitats.
Summary of Results: Four field spray trials were conducted in a long-term grassy area at AAFC, Agassiz in 2014. Of 4 pyrethroid insecticides tested at various application pressures and water volumes, lambda cyhalothrin (Matador 120EC) was most effective at reducing populations of marked and wild A. obscurus males. An additional study then tested Matador 120EC in larger plots of tall pasture, which showed reductions in male and female A. obscurus and A. lineatus populations. The studies also suggest that Matador causes exposed beetles to become agitated and their movements more rapid before dying. As a result of these and other earlier studies, a Minor Use Registration is being considered to register Matador 120EC as a spray for generic click beetle control for use as early as 2015. A pilot mass trapping study for A. obscurus and A. lineatus showed that about 80% of marked and released male beetles could be re-captured within a week, with traps spaced 3 m apart in grassy, non-farmed habitats surrounding arable fields in Delta, BC in 2004. Although effective in reducing males, however, the cost would be prohibitive at that trap spacing. To address this, studies were conducted at AAFC, Agassiz in 2014, testing trap arrays spaced 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 m apart. It was found that about 78-82% of marked A. obscurus could be recaptured within a week with trap spacings of 2.5 to 7.5 m. Concurrently, a new trap was designed that is about twice as effective as the former Vernon beetle traps, suggesting that trap arrays with at least a 10 m spacing will remove 80% of males, and reduce mating and oviposition in non-farmed habitats. The cost of mass trapping with the new trap and spacing parameters now becomes reasonable and justifiable in areas with extremely high wireworm populations, and promises long term management options for areas of BC and PEI where Agriotes spp are prevalent.
Continuing Research: Work will continue in 2015 to further evaluate Matador and additional insecticides for control of click beetles in various crops. Work will be initiated in BC and PEI toward development of an IPM program aimed at pinpointing optimal times to spray fields to reduce egg laying.
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: Population dynamics, and movement of the Western Flower Thrips into potato.
Author and Associates: Wim van Herk, Bob Vernon (AAFC, Agassiz), Kiara Jack, Heather Meberg (ES CropConsult).
Problem: The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, occasionally causes significant foliar damage to potato crops in the Fraser Valley of BC, generally towards the end of the growing season when warm, dry weather conditions cause high thrips populations. Also, where potato
crops are planted in close proximity to cereal crops such as barley or wheat, harvesting of the latter appears to cause thrips populations to move en masse into the potatoes, causing (or further increasing) foliar damage. In some cases this thrips influx apparently causes a rapid takedown of the potato crop. There is also some concern this movement of thrips into potato fields may cause viruses such as the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) to be transmitted to the potatoes. There is currently no action threshold for thrips in potato in BC.
Objective of Research: The objective of this project was to assess the amount of foliar damage done by thrips, correlate thrips numbers on leaves to damage symptoms, and assess the thrips population changes in potato over the growing season. For the latter we used both thrips counts on the leaves done in the field (as done by the crop pest scouts employed by ES Cropconsult) and more formal monitoring with yellow sticky cards, in order to compare the two methods. These thrips counts also served to determine if harvesting cereal crops planted adjacent to potato fields caused an influx of thrips into the potatoes.
Summary of Results: Two fields in organic potato production were selected in 2013. These fields were bordered by barley fields, separated by an approx. 10m (ditch + roadway). Foliar damage was assessed in 4-5 transects set up in each potato field on 5 dates (late July – end August), and thrips were counted on potato leaves along these same transects for the first 3 dates. Monitoring with yellow sticky cards along two transects was done for the last 3 dates. Thrips populations and thrips damage was highest near the field edges and increased with the season. Harvesting of the barley adjacent to the potato fields, and especially subsequent disturbance of barley stubble by disking, caused a considerable influx of thrips into the potatoes, and a concomitant increase in damage. Data analysis is still ongoing. Two fields in conventional potato production, bordered with conventionally grown wheat, were selected for monitoring thrips populations in 2014, and two transects set up for sticky card monitoring in each. Monitoring was done for 5 periods (late July – end August), but these data must still be processed.
Continuing Research: It is expected that sufficient data has been collected for analyses.
Contact: Dr. Wim van Herk Tel: (604) 796-6091 Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-6133 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 7: Development of sampling methods to detect thrips in potato.
Author and Associates: Wim van Herk, Bob Vernon (AAFC, Agassiz).
Problem: The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, occasionally causes significant foliar damage to potato crops in the Fraser Valley of BC, generally towards the end of the growing season when warm, dry weather conditions cause high thrips populations. There is currently no action threshold for thrips in potato in BC, and there is no established way for assessing thrips populations. Previous work (described above) has shown that thrips population changes can be monitored accurately with yellow sticky cards. However, in order to use card-based monitoring to develop an action threshold we first need to optimize trap size and placement in the potato field.
Objective of Research: To determine an efficient size and a convenient placement of sticky cards in potato for monitoring the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis.
Summary of Results: One field grown in organic potato was selected in 2014, and yellow sticky cards (four sizes) placed at two different heights between potato plants. Monitoring was only conducted over 1 period (mid August), but the data must still be processed.
Continuing Research: It is expected that this work will continue for at least one more year, as we still need to determine other factors, such as trap orientation along the rows. Contact: Dr. Wim van Herk Tel: (604) 796-6091 Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-6133 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 8: Identification of wireworms of economic importance.
Author and Associates: Wim van Herk, Bob Vernon (AAFC, Agassiz).
Problem: A variety of different wireworm species are causing increasing problems for farmers across Canada. The resurgence of this pest is thought to be associated with both the gradual decline of organochlorine residues in the soil, the use of novel but non-lethal insecticides (e.g. neonicotinoids), and (in the Prairie Provinces) with changes to field cultivation practices.
Objective of Research: To develop a better understanding of the species of economic importance across Canada, and the soil types and crops these are associated with, collaborators across Canada are kindly asked to forward wireworms from any field where they are found (esp. if they are observed to cause damage) to our lab for identification. This information is being compiled into a national database and will be used to develop a GIS and interactive map in the near future. To enable this, collaborators are also asked to submit sample location information (lat. & long., or legal field coordinates), and any available cropping, irrigation, and cultivation history (current and past) of the field. Samples can be sent in EtOH or in a small container with field soil.
Summary of Results: Approximately 600 larvae were identified in 2014, which came from approx. 120 samples: Most (95) samples came from Ontario, and most of these had been collected by Jocelyn Smith (University of Guelph) in fields surveyed as part of a study to determine the economic benefits of neonicotinoids for protection against early season insect pests of corn. The majority of wireworms recovered in these samples were Limonius agonus (38%), Hypnoidus abbreviatus (34%), and Agriotus mancus (12%). Other pest species found in these samples included Melanotus spp. (9%), Hemicrepidius spp. (5%), and Aeolus mellillus (2%). Other Ontario samples, collected from several Ridgetown study sites, were predominately (>99%) L. agonus. A small number (approx. 50) larvae were received from the Prairie provinces, which keyed to Hypnoidus bicolor (30%), Selatosomus destructor (34%), and Limonius californicus (32%). These results, together with those presented in previous updates, show that different complexes of economic species are found in the different agricultural areas in Canada, with the species complex
in southern Ontario being similar to that found along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec. Regarding the Prairie Provinces, our survey results indicate Limonius californicus is sometimes found in very large numbers in non-irrigated land (e.g. in the foothills region of southern Alberta), probably due to higher than historical soil moisture levels resulting from minimum tillage practices. This is important in that L. californicus has typically been found in irrigated fields in previous surveys. Of importance for pest management is that different economic species are often found in the same samples, both in the Prairie Provinces and Ontario/Quebec, and that species vary widely in morphology and life history, and likely in susceptibility to certain contemporary insecticides.
Continuing Research: It is expected that this work will continue for at least one more year.
Contact: Dr. Wim van Herk Tel: (604) 796-6091 Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-6133 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 9: DNA Barcoding of Canadian Elaterids.
Author and Associates: Wim van Herk, Bob Vernon (AAFC, Agassiz), Bob Hanner, Cynthia Scott- Dupree, Andrew Frewin (University of Guelph).
Problem: A variety of different wireworm species are causing increasing problems for farmers across Canada. Identification of wireworms is difficult as the larvae of most North American elaterids have not been described and those of some (economic) species are morphologically indistinguishable.
Objective of Research: To confirm the larval identifications done by the Vernon lab since 2004, and to determine the identity of larvae that cannot be identified to species, samples of larvae of all species will be barcoded by Bob Hanner’s lab at Guelph. The CO1 (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) sequences obtained will be compared with those publically available in BOLD (barcode of life database), and with those generated by concurrent CO1 sequencing of adult elaterids. To develop a reliable database of elaterid barcodes for these comparisons, we will locate adult specimens identified by family experts such as EC Becker, MC Lane, and WJ Brown, and submit these for barcoding. The barcoding of click beetles will begin with the known or suspected economic species, but will attempt to include as many Canadian species as possible.
Summary of Results: We currently have larvae of approx. 30 different species available for barcoding, subsamples of which will be submitted to the Hanner lab for photography and sequencing this winter. Specimens of approx. 250 of the approx. 400 species known to occur in Canada have been borrowed from the various insect collections visited so far, and some of these have been submitted for sequencing to fine tune the DNA extraction and PCR methods for old specimens.
Continuing Research: It is expected that this work will continue for at least one more year.
Contact: Dr. Wim van Herk Tel: (604) 796-6091
Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-6133 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
______Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, PARC, Summerland: 2014 Insect Pest Research Report
Title 10: Seasonal timing of infestation of sweet cherries and non-crop plants by Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in and around fruit orchards of British Columbia, 2010-2013
Author and Associates: Howard Thistlewood1, Brigitte Rozema1, and Susanna Acheampong2 1Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland, BC, Canada V0H 1Z0; 2British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, 200-1690 Powick Rd, Kelowna, BC, Canada V1X 7G5
Problem: A vinegar fly, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae: Drosophilini) (Spotted wing Drosophila) was first detected in the interior of British Columbia in September 2009. Damage to soft fruit and berries from D. suzukii was recorded in 3 of the past 5 years, and its presence has led to increased use of insecticides on many crops, over lengthy periods.
Objective of research: We report on the timing of detection of D. suzukii in and around fruit orchards, as shown by its presence: (1) in regular collections of four cultivars of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) ripening successively over a 5-6 week period, in research orchards treated without insecticides or using materials with little effect on D. suzukii; (2) in extensive fruit collections from non-commercial plants near infested orchards over four years.
Summary of results: (1) Blocks of four cultivars were monitored using apple cider vinegar (ACV) traps. Twice weekly from mid-June to early August over three years, i.e. from unripe green fruit to mature over-ripe fruit, 512 cherries per cultivar (cv.) were picked from each of ‘Santina’, ‘Sonata’, ‘Lapins’ and ‘Staccato’ cvs. Cherries were examined for insect presence under a microscope as well as destructively (brown sugar test), and their colour, firmness, soluble sugars, and titratable acids were assayed using standard techniques. In general, ‘Santina’ was harvested without damage and before fly attack, the two cvs. with intermediate harvest dates were attacked to varying degrees, and ‘Staccato’ was always attacked pre-harvest. The flies were not detected in ACV traps prior to entering the fruit (2011), were trapped occasionally in some blocks intermittently (2012) or trapped regularly (2013), before entering the fruit cultivars in sequence with their market harvest dates, and were not a risk to all fruit cvs. at the same time. Fruit trait results are under analysis with respect to signalling the time of entry of SWD into fruit across the 12 cv. X year combinations. (2) ACV traps were hung in up to 360 locations within orchards, near fruit markets, in parks, and in private garden trees in urban and rural areas. Where D. suzukii was trapped, fruiting plant hosts were selected at <100m from the trap, and samples were collected from June to November, reared in controlled environment chambers for 21 days, and examined regularly for insects. A minimum of 3 collections per site were made at a week before ripening, ripe fruit stage, and a week after the ripe stage, to accommodate all ripening stages. D. suzukii was reared from 290 samples collected from eight species of common non-crop plants in the BC interior (Lonicera tatarica, Mahonia spp., Prunus mahaleb, P. virginiana, Ribes hudsonianum, Ribes aureum, Sambucus spp., Sambucus cerulea), and 37 samples collected as positive controls from commonly infested crop plants. In addition, 585 samples were collected without evidence of D. suzukii
infestation from 15 non-crop plants with small fruit that are common in the BC interior, and 20 other possible host plants. The seasonal timing of infestation of the various plants by D. suzukii shows a succession of host plant use and is clearly related to its observed population dynamics. The results provide important context for understanding the ecology and damage of this invasive insect in mixed landscapes of crop and non-crop plants, and have profound implications for strategies of pest management.
Continuing research: D. suzukii is being followed in a variety of studies in our laboratories and with a graduate student from UBC Okanagan, co-supervised with Bob Lalonde.
Contact: Howard Thistlewood Research Scientist, Science & Technology Branch Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada / Government of Canada [email protected] / Tel: 250-494-6419
______Ad ditional 2014 Insect Pest Research Reports:
Title 11: Title: Biological control of blueberry aphid (Ericaphis fimbriata) via augmentative releases of the predatory insects, Micromus variegatus and Aphidoletes aphidimyza
Author and Associates: Rob McGregor (Institute of Urban Ecology, Douglas College)
Problem: Blueberry aphid (BA, Ericaphis fimbriata) is the primary aphid species infesting blueberries in British Columbia (BC). Pest damage associated with E. fimbriata is caused by non- persistent vectoring of Blueberry Scorch Virus (BlScV). BlScV causes blossom and leaf blighting and substantial yield reductions, and is distributed throughout all blueberry production areas of BC. Currently, aphid control via chemical insecticides is recommended to reduce transmission of the virus within and between blueberry fields. At present, no alternatives to chemical insecticides are available for management of BA which presents a problem for organic blueberry producers.
Objective of research: Laboratory bioassays were conducted in the winter of 2013-2014 to determine predation rates by Micromus variegatus on BA at temperatures from 10-15oC. Augmentative releases of both M.variegatus and Aphidoletes aphidimyza were conducted on three organic blueberry farms in the summer of 2014.
Summary of results: Laboratory work in 2013-2014 concentrated on evaluation of the brown lacewing, Micromus variegatus (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) for BA management. This predator is a relatively new product for aphid management and no previous information was available regarding predation by M. variegatus on BA. Both larvae and adults of M. variegatus fed readily on BA at 10, 15, 20 and 25 oC. These results indicate a strong potential for the use of M. variegatus for early season control of BA given their activity even at the lowest temperature tested. Three releases each were made of both M. variegatus and A. aphidimyza at three small, mixed-variety blueberry farms in June and July 2014. At all three sites, aphid populations declined dramatically after the first two releases. Although both predator species were observed in leaf terminal samples after releases, no usable data on predator activity in the crop was derived. Late in the season, after the third release, an increase in eggs of A. aphidimyza was observed, indicating establishment by this predator. BA populations at all three farms declined after releases substantially before typical seasonal declines of aphid populations were expected. This indicates that augmentative releases of predators have a strong potential for management of BA, particularly in small organic plantings. More intensive sampling for predators should be conducted in future releases in order to more adequately quantify predator activity after releases.
Continuing research: Further augmentative releases of biological control products for BA will continue in the 2015 growing season to optimize release rates and more accurately measure predator impact on BA populations.
Contact: Dr. Rob McGregor Tel: (604) 527-5237 Institute of Urban Ecology Fax: (604) 527-5095 Douglas College, P.O. Box 2503, New Westminster, BC V3L 5B2 e-mail: [email protected]
2014 Western Committee on Crop Pests Saskatchewan Entomology Research Summary Canmore, October 29-31, 2014
Striped flea beetle Photo: AAFC-Saskatoon
Leafcutting bee Photo: W. Goerzen
Swede midge larvae Photo: J. Soroka
Aster leafhopper nymph Photo: C. Olivier
English grain aphids T.Wist 1 mm scale
SASKATCHEWAN ALFALFA LEAFCUTTING BEE
Contact: D.W Goerzen, SASPDC - LCB Research Project, 127 E - 116 Research Dr., Saskatoon, SK S7N 3R3. [email protected]
Title: Research on parasitoids and disease in Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations.
Author and Associates: D.W. Goerzen (SASPDC) and M.A. Erlandson (AAFC - Saskatoon)
Problem: The alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata, is an important pollinator of alfalfa and hybrid canola grown for seed production in western Canada. Infestations of the parasitoid Pteromalus venustus are currently a problem in alfalfa leafcutting bee populations. Other factors which may limit alfalfa leafcutting bee reproduction are occurrence of fungal disease species including Ascosphaera aggregata and Ascosphaera larvis.
Objective of Research: This research project involves monitoring parasitoid and disease levels in Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, and developing strategies for parasitoid and disease control which will assist alfalfa seed producers in maintaining high quality alfalfa leafcutting bee populations.
Summary of Results: Occurrence of P. venustus, was evaluated in a 2013 - 2014 winter survey of Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations. The parasitoid was detected in 0.82% (range 0.00 - 6.74% / sd 1.45) of bee cells analysed from samples submitted by producers (n = 63). P. venustus was present in 55.6% of populations surveyed. This parasitoid has traditionally been controlled during alfalfa leafcutting bee incubation with dichlorvos resin strips; dichlorvos has been implicated in bee mortality and is among insecticides under PMRA / EPA review. Research currently underway involves work on identification of alternative compounds (including essential oils) which might be incorporated into new strategies for the control of P. venustus in M. rotundata populations, along with work to evaluate the potential for utilization of a male-killing symbiont for control of P. venustus.
Occurrence of chalkbrood disease (A. aggregata) was also evaluated in a 2013 - 2014 winter survey of Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations. No occurrence of the sporulating form of the disease was detected, while the non-sporulating form was present in 0.005% (range 0.00 - 0.33% / sd 0.042) of bee cells analysed. Occurrence of A. aggregata is a major problem in U.S. alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, with bee mortality exceeding 30% in some areas; the disease is present at varying levels in Canadian alfalfa leafcutting bee populations. Paraformaldehyde fumigation and bleach dipping are traditionally utilized to treat bee cells / nest material for control of a broad range of microflora, including Ascosphaera species. Research currently underway to identify alternative disease control strategies involves evaluation of anti-microbial compounds, along with evaluation of antagonistic fungal species. which might be efficacious for control of A. aggregata and A. larvis in alfalfa leafcutting bee populations.
Continuing Research: Research to monitor parasitoid and disease levels in Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, and to develop strategies which will assist producers in controlling these problems, is ongoing.
AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA SASKATOON RESEARCH CENTER
Contact: Owen Olfert, AAFC-Saskatoon. 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2. [email protected]
Title: Implementation and Adoption of Integrated Pest Management in Canada: Insects
Author and Associates: P. Dixon, L. Cass, C. Vincent, O. Olfert.
Abstract. Canada is one of the largest agricultural producers and exporters in the world, and agricultural production systems are as varied as might be expected in such a vast country with many different regions, soil types and climates. In this Chapter we present general background information on Canada and its agricultural insect pests followed by a discussion of pesticide use and the current situation regarding integrated pest management (IPM). Regulations, and roles and responsibilities of the various levels of government, universities, commodity organizations and private companies in research, development and extension, are discussed. Finally, four case studies are presented to illustrate the status of IPM for the cabbage maggot, Delia radicum, in vegetable brassicas, the wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana, in wheat, and various insect pests in apples and grapes. These studies of IPM in very different production systems provide insight into the challenges of establishing robust integrated insect management approaches and the parameters required for successful IPM. The wheat midge IPM program for example, has been adopted widely, largely because the insect can be identified with confidence, and most key components for successful IPM are in place. These include cultural practices, an early-warning system, degree-day models and economic thresholds. In contrast, management of the cabbage maggot is challenging and IPM systems remain rudimentary. Despite a strong theoretical understanding of its ecology, species identification is difficult and unreliable, there are few economic thresholds and limited control options. In summary, it is clear that the development and extension of IPM programs for insect pests in agriculture is a priority in Canada. Citation: Dixon P, Cass L, Vincent C and Olfert O. 2014. Implementation and Adoption of Integrated Pest Management in Canada: Insects. Pp. 221-252. IN: Peshin R and Pimental D. (eds) Integrated Pest Management - Experiences with Implementation, Global Overview Springer Dordrecht Heidelberg New York London. ISBN 978-94-007-7801-6
Contact: Martin Erlandson, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X. [email protected]
1. Title: Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata): Genomics, population dynamics and biodiversity of pest and pathogens.
Author and Associates: M.A. Erlandson, D.D. Hegedus, O. Olfert, T. Gariepy, C. Donly and D.A. Theilmann
Problem: The bertha armyworm (BAW), Mamestra configurata, is one of the major insect pests of canola in western Canada. Despite the importance of this pest insect, little is known about BAW biodiversity, either in terms of genetic variation in populations from across its vast geographic range or whether differential susceptibilities or responses to insecticides or pathogens occur in different populations. However, there is evidence of differential responses to pheromone lures in some populations leading to potential problems with the predictive value of trap counts. As well, there has been no attempt to determine whether the genetic makeup of outbreak populations differ from that of populations at lower endemic levels. A better understanding of the genome and genetic variation of this pest species will be critical to the implementation of biologically-based control strategies, including the use of biopesticides or transgenic crops.
Objective of Research: In collaboration with the Prairie Insect Pest Monitoring Network, we are sampling BAW from across its geographic range and these samples will be used to examine BAW genetic diversity. This will be done using existing DNA marker technology, but also via genomics approaches to develop more comprehensive DNA markers of genetic diversity studies. As part of this process, we will use high throughput DNA sequencing technology to generate sequence data that can also be used to produce genetic maps of BAW and contribute toward the eventual completion of a whole BAW genome sequence. As well isolates of the baculovirus, Mametra configurata nucleopolyhedrovirus (MacoNPV) are being sampled from geographic BAW populations and high throughput DNA sequencing will be undertaken to generate complete genome sequences for comparative studies and to identify novel genes that may be exploited in novel insect control methods.
Summary of Results: During the three field seasons of this study we sampled and cataloged approximately 8000 adult male specimens from BAW pheromone and light traps from widely dispersed geographic regions in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. DNA has been extracted from approximately 1000 male moths. Approximately 800 samples were analyzed using cytochrome oxidase “bar coding” markers to determine if geographic isotypes occur; however, this technique proved not to be useful for genetic diversity studies. We have established a protocol for “genotyping by sequencing” to examine genetic diversity and ~ 200 individuals from 10 different geographic populations including areas where BAW is bivoltine have been sequenced. Data is being analyzed to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) markers which will be useful in genetic diversity studies. DNA samples from an inbred BAW colony were processed via high throughput DNA sequencing and the resulting DNA sequence libraries were used to assemble a draft BAW genome. Although a work in progress, this draft genome has been very useful for identifying and characterizing genes of interest in various related studies on BAW physiology and reproductive biology. During the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons were able to start lab reared colonies from 4 geographic BAW populations from across Saskatchewan and Alberta. These populations are
currently being used in a study characterizing potential differences in pheromone communication among BAW populations.
Continuing Research: The original project was funded through March 31, 2014 and we have received additional AAFC Peer Review Project funding to conduct research on BAW genetic variation and its implication for potential impact on geographic differences in BAW populations with respect to pest status and response to pheromone trapping efficiency.
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2. Title: Development of a mulitplex PCR assay for the identification of common species in the cutworm complex infesting canola in western Canada.
Author and Associates: M.A. Erlandson, J.K. Otani and K.D. Floate. Research Project Supported by Canola Council CARP Grant # 2012.1.
Problem: In recent years the population levels and damage linked to cutworm species in canola crops have appeared to increase substantially and peak across western Canada. However cutworms can be very difficult to identify to species, particularly in the larval stage, resulting in uncertainties with respect to the development and application of pest control strategies for producers.
Objective of Research: Development and application of a robust molecular marker tool could expedite agronomic studies of the cutworm pest complex associated with canola production in various geographic regions across the Prairie Provinces. We set out to develop a multiplex-PCR assay which would produce unique sized PCR products (amplicons) for each of 5 key species using a universal forward primer and at least 5 species-specific reverse primers targeting the ITS2 region of the rRNA transcriptional unit. Ideally this tool could be used as a single step PCR assay for identifying larval cutworms to species level.
Summary of Results: Based on DNA sequencing of nuclear DNA from the 5 target species: dingy cutworm (Feltia jaculifera); bristly cutworm (Lacinipolia renigera); pale western cutworm (Agrotis orthogonia); red-backed cutworm (Euxoa orchrogaster); and army cutworm (Euxoa auxiliaris) we were able to design species specific primers for inclusion in a multiplex PCR assay that identified and distinguished the 5 target cutworm species. The multiplex PCR assay was optimized and extensively verified using DNA extracted from voucher and field collected specimens. Subsequently, the multiplex PCR assay was used to identify to species adult and larval collections of cutworms from Alberta. At least in the case of collections from the Peace River region of Alberta the results indicated that the range of cutworm species collected from canola was much narrower that the more diverse species complex found in red clover.
Continuing Research: The multiplex PCR assays will be used to assess the species composition of a range of cutworm population collections from Alberta and Saskatchewan. The aim is to determine the predominant species in the cutworm complex in specific geographic regions and cropping systems.
Contact: Chrystel Olivier, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada. [email protected]
1. Title: Evaluation of seed treatments for control of aster leafhoppers and suppression of aster yellows.
Author and associates: C. Olivier and B. Elliott (AAFC-Saskatoon).
Problem: No methods are available to control Aster Yellow in canola crops.
Objective of research: Evaluate seed treatments for control of aster leafhoppers and suppression of aster yellows in canola
Summary of results: A three-year laboratory and field study was initiated to evaluate seed treatments for control of aster leafhoppers and suppression of aster yellows (AY). The laboratory bioassays will focus on identifying seed treatments that provide the best control of leafhoppers and greatest reduction in the transmission of AY. In the experiments we will also assess the influence of temperature and soil moisture on efficacy and determine how long the seed treatments provide effective control and suppression. Field tests will be conducted annually on canola mustard, Clearfield canola and RR canola. Assessments will focus on the effects of the seed treatments on incidence of AY and agronomic performance including stand establishment, seedling growth, biomass accumulation and seed yield.
Continuing research: Project funded by SaskCanola and industry, and ends in March 2016.
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2. Title: Phytoplasma genomics.
Author and associates: C. Olivier and T. Dumonceaux (AAFC-Saskatoon).
Problem: PCR tests using 16Sr genes are routinely used to detect and identify phytoplasma strains. However, fine differentiations between strains are difficult with the highly conserved 16Sr gene. The use of other genes, such as the chaperonine is being investigated.
Objective of research: Develop PCR tests that can detect and identify all strains of phytoplasma. The use of genes other than 16Sr is being investigated.
Summary of results: A new cpn60-based PCR was developed that compared very favorably to 16S- based methods. A new technique using oligonucleotide-coupled fluorescent beads for typing Phytoplasma samples is being studied. This 5-plex method enables the simultaneous detection and typing of samples potentially infected with Phytoplasma, and preliminary results have shown that it can discern Phytoplasma types that are indistinguishable by 16S-based typing. Finally, a very rapid cpn60-based molecular screening tool for Phytoplasma using loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP) has been developed and successfully used in the field.
Continuing research: Project funded by the Genomic Research and Development Initiative, and ends in March 2016.
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3. Title: Potential seed transmission and epigenetic effect of phytoplasma diseases in canola.
Author and associates: C. Olivier, T. Dumonceaux and S. Robinson (AAFC-Saskatoon)
Problem: AY DNA has been detected in seeds sampled from AY-infected canola plants, as well as in the seedlings from these original seeds, suggesting potential seed transmission. The seedlings developed into malformed plants, suggesting the presence of epigenetic effects triggered by phytoplasma infection.
Objective of research: The objectives of this project are to develop immunolabeling techniques using Cpn60 antibodies to visualize phytoplasma in canola seeds and seedlings, to investigate the epigenetic effect of phytoplasma infection and to establish a quantitative profile of phytohormones in AY-infected canola.
Summary of results: The hormonal profiles of healthy and AY-infected double haploid Brassica napus plants are being analyzed. Seeds of AY-infected double haploid B. napus plants were obtained and germinated. Seedlings are being analysed for phytoplasma DNA integration and genetic re-arrangements.
Continuing research: Project funded by A-base, and ends in March 2016.
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4. Title: Phytoplasma diseases epidemiology and management in canola and camelina crops.
Author and associates: C. Olivier, J. Soroka, C. Eynck (AAFC-Saskatoon)
Problem: Aster yellows epidemics in canola crops in western Canada have increased over the past decade. Significant yield loss was observed in 2012 in canola and in Camelina crops, with aster yellows incidence as high as 80% in some fields.
Objective of research: Identification of parameters involved in aster yellows symptom expression in plants, identification of cultivars and/or lines of canola, Brassica napus, and Camelina, Camelina sativa, (Brassicaceae) that are resistant or tolerant to AY and identification of the causes of the resistance/tolerance.
Summary of results: An aster yellows five-point rating scale, based on symptom expression, was developed to assess the incidence and severity of aster yellows symptoms during bolting, flowering and pod formation in 2014, (Olivier C.Y., R.H. Elliott, L. Mann and D. Nordin. 2014. Development of a rating scale for aster yellows in canola. Canadian plant disease survey. 94:162-175). Parameters that are directly correlated to the severity of aster yellows symptoms were identified and include soil moisture at the time of the inoculation, leafhopper density, inoculation sites and canola growth stage. In 2014, leafhopper population and oilseed crops were monitored. Less than 1% of the plant and insect samples tested positive for the presence of phytoplasma DNA. Several lines of canola and Camelina showing lower disease incidence were selected. Tolerant Camelina lines were included in the Camelina breeding program.
Continuing research: projects funded by A-base, ACIDF and CARP for canola and Soy 20/20 for Camelina. Project funds end in March 2016.
Contact: Julie Soroka, AAFC-Saskatoon Research Centre, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2. [email protected]
1. Title: Improve decision-making for monitoring and management of alfalfa weevil in alfalfa crops on the prairies.
Author and Associates: Julie Soroka, AAFC Saskatoon, Hector Carcamo, AAFC Lethbridge, Scott Meers and Shelley Barkley, Alberta Agriculture Brooks, Scott Hartley, Saskatchewan Agriculture, John Gavloski, Manitoba Agriculture, and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Forage Specialists Lorne Klein, Trevor Lennox, Nadia Mori, and Charlotte Ward.
Problem: Insects, particularly alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyll.), have been of growing concern to alfalfa hay producers of Saskatchewan. There is a need for more accurate information on timing of application of control measures for the pest and on the presence of natural biological control agents.
Objective of Research: To validate a model to forecast alfalfa weevil development in relation to alfalfa growth stages across the prairies; and b) to determine knowledge on the prevalence of biological control agents and their impact on alfalfa weevil management.
Summary of Results: Soil and air temperature probes were placed in a total of 12 alfalfa fields in AB, SK, and MB in spring. Alfalfa weevils from these fields were collected by stem sampling and/or sweeping, usually on a weekly basis, from mid-May until the end of July. The proportion of all developmental stages of the weevil was determined from the collections, and is being correlated with temperature data. This data is being used to validate growing degree day models that target the appearance of second instar alfalfa weevils, the growth stage that initiates control application. Further, single mass collections of alfalfa weevils were made at each of the sites and returned to Saskatoon, placed in field cages, and allowed to develop. Insects that emerged from these field cages were collected and are being identified. In 2013 the North Dakota and Harcourt models most closely mirrored actual weevil phenology. Examination of the parasitoids that emerged from the 2013 field cages revealed a variety of species. One specimen from Elm Creek, Manitoba was identified by Biosystematics Research Centre scientist John Huber as the Eulophid Oomyzus incertus (Ratzeburg). This species was originally introduced from Europe into North America for alfalfa weevil control. According to the distribution list of Krombein and Hurd (1979), O. incertus has not been found previously on the Canadian prairies. We collected specimens of the pteromalid species Dibrachys microgastri (Bouché), Trichomalopsis viridascens (Walsh), and Sceptrothelys? intermedia (Graham), that, according to Gary Gibson of the BRI, can be primary parasitoids of alfalfa weevil or hyperparasitoids of Bathplectes curculionis, a main alfalfa weevil parasitoid. All three of these species are generalist parasitoids, however, and may have a limited impact on controlling alfalfa weevil.
Continuing Research: This project, funded by the Pest Management Centre, Ottawa, will end in March 2015.
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2. Title: Swede midge monitoring and biology on the prairies.
Author and Associates: Julie Soroka, Lars Andreassen, AAFC Saskatoon, with funding from AAFC- CCC Canola Cluster, SaskCanola, and ACIDF, and collaboration from 45 individuals, companies, and producers.
Problem: Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a devastating new pest in Ontario canola production. Damage to canola caused by the pest was seen on the prairies for the first time in north eastern Saskatchewan in 2012.
Objective of Research: Information on the extent of the infestation and timing of adult population emergence is urgently needed if we are to make rational, accurate control decisions.
Summary of Results: Swede midge sex pheromone traps were set up in or near canola fields by co-operators at the vegetative growth stage at 114 sites across western Canada and sticky liners were changed regularly throughout the season. Along with data from swede midge surveys in which 54 sites across SK were sampled, and miscellaneous plant and insect samples or photographs sent to us, the trap data were summarized to create the 2014 swede midge distribution on the Prairies (Figure 1). To investigate host plant resistance, research was initiated to evaluate swede midge damage on 18 lines of six crucifer species, and in another trial 13 cultivars of Roundup Ready Brassica napus at Melfort. Swede midge damage was extremely low at Melfort in 2014, and although statistical differences were found in damage levels among some cultivars at some evaluations, further work is needed to determine if these differences are biologically valid. In a further trial, early and late seeded plots were established within four commercial B. napus fields in the Nipawin area of north eastern SK. Damage due to swede midge was again very low. A Pteromalid wasp, tentatively identified as a Gastrancitrus sp., was observed (by LA) stinging swede midge larvae through fused flower petals in several fields. Investigation on this and other possible biological control agents of swede midge continues.
Continuing Research: These projects will continue for up to two more years.
Figure 1. Distribution of swede midge across the Prairie Provinces (red dots) in 2014. Map courtesy of David Giffen, AAFC Saskatoon
Contact: Tyler Wist, AAFC-Saskatoon Research Centre, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada. [email protected]
Title: Develop and validate a dynamic action threshold tool for aphid management in cereal crops in the prairies
Author and Associates: Chrystel Olivier, Tyler Wist, John Gavloski and Owen Olfert
Figure 1. The English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, dominates the cereal aphid population in Saskatchewan (2012, 2013). Image courtesy of Martin Jeuland, our 2013 French exchange student.
Problem: The economic threshold (ET) of aphid infestation in cereal crops has been developed in Western Canada, but the spray-action threshold does not take into consideration the ability of natural enemies to supress the growth of aphid populations. Chemical sprays may not be warranted when the populations of natural enemies are sufficiently high to prevent the action threshold from being exceed, thus the creation of a “dynamic” action threshold is warranted.
Objectives of Research: To develop a dynamic action threshold (DAT) tool for aphid management in cereal crops in the prairies.
Summary of Results: In the first year of the study (2012), cereal fields across Saskatchewan and Manitoba were sampled at bimonthly intervals and the populations of aphids and their natural enemies were enumerated and identified. English grain aphids, Sitobion avenae, (Fig. 1) were the dominant aphid species. Several generalist predators were observed including green lacewing larvae, lady bug adults and larvae, with minute pirate bugs, and damsel bugs dominant in Manitoba. Parasitism of the aphid population was determined based upon the presence of aphid mummies (Saskatchewan 7.6% and Manitoba, 2.3% in 2012). The adults of two aphid parasitoids were identified: Aphidius avenaphis and Aphilinus varipes. English grain aphids were again the main species of cereal aphid present in the second year of this study. Three other aphid species
also attack cereal crops and two of these, the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum and the Oat- birdcherry aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, were also present in cereal crops (2013) but in lower numbers than EGA.
Insecticide applications are recommended at the action threshold (AT) when aphid populations are predicted to exceed the ET. The dynamic action threshold (DAT) developed in this project improves upon the AT by incorporating the impact of aphid natural enemies into the predictive model of aphid population growth. The ET is also translated from aphids per tiller to aphids per 20 sweeps to make aphid surveys in the future less time consuming with sweep net sampling for aphids and their natural enemies proving superior to sampling individual plants.
The voracity (number of aphids killed in 24 h) of the aphid predators and parasitoids were found in the literature and incorporated into the DAT equation with the total number of natural enemies in individual fields incorporated as Natural Enemy Units (NEUs). The most numerous aphid predators recorded were ladybugs (Coccinella septempunctata and Hippodamia tredecimpunctata) and green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla carnea and Chrysopa occulata) with minute pirate bugs, Orius tristicolor, and damsel bugs, Nabis americoferus, (mostly in Manitoba) also present. Aphid parasitism rates were low across the surveyed sites with adults of Aphidius avenaphis, A. colemanni, (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae), Aphelinus varipes, A. asychis and A. alpibodus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) either collected via sweeping or reared from aphid mummies (2013). A large number of hyperparasitoids were also found in sweeps and emerging from aphid mummies (58% hyperparasitism in the mummy subsample). The DAT equation predicts that 2687 aphids per 20 sweeps, if uncontrolled by predators or parasitoids, will exceed the ET in seven days. This prediction uses the conversion of the ET from counts of the number of aphids per tiller (12/tiller) to counts of the number of aphids per 20 sweeps. The DAT equation was validated in three fields where aphids and natural enemies established and was similar to the actual growth of the aphid population over the entire growth season but as it stands the equation seems to overestimate the pressure on the aphid population in the initial stages of aphid colonization with several of the natural enemies, and predicts a collapse of aphid populations before they actually occur.
Continuing Research: This project was funded by Pesticide Risk Reduction program of the Pest Management Centre, and ended in March 2014. There is funding potential for a continuation of this project under the title “Refining and making accessible to growers a validated dynamic action threshold for cereal aphid control in cereal crops”. This project continuation would address the knowledge gaps discovered in the original project, refine the DAT equation with additional biological variables and create a smartphone application for producers and agronomists that utilises the DAT equation. UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Contact: Doug Waterer, [email protected] University of Saskatchewan, College of Agriculture Department of Horticulture.
Title: Assessment of Root Maggot Resistant Lines of “Rutabaga”
Authour and associates: Doug Waterer, in collaboration with AAFC and L. Kott, University of Guelph.
Problem: High levels of root maggot, Delia spp. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) are continuously present on the Western Canadian Prairies. Rutabaga is highly susceptible to feeding damage by root maggot larvae which poses a challenge for the agronomic potential of this root crop.
Objectives of Research: Development of new lines of rutabaga that possess a high level of genetic resistance to root maggot damage would represent the most sustainable and ecologically sound method for managing this pest. Close relatives of rutabaga in the mustard family appear to be resistant to root maggot damage. The basis of this resistance is not specifically known – it may reflect non-preference for egg laying and/or feeding or the plants may actually be toxic to the root maggots.
Researchers at University of Guelph (L. Kott) have attempted to enhance the root maggot resistance of rutabaga by crossing rutabaga (cv. Laurentian) with root maggot resistant Sinapis alba (white mustard) The resulting hybrids were then backcrossed with standard rutabaga (cv. Laurentian) for two generations in an effort to produce plants that more closely resembled the rutabaga parent in terms of appearance and agronomic performance – while still retaining the introgressed root maggot resistance characteristic. In 2012 sufficient seed of these putative “root maggot resistant rutabaga” lines was available to allow for field tests to be conducted at sites across Canada. A test site in Saskatchewan was managed as a component of this study.
Results: Several of the new putative root maggot resistant lines had acceptable agronomic characteristics (seedling vigor, root yield and appearance). However, extensive rotting of the roots prevented any real assessment of root maggot resistance of the new lines. Some of the rot was clearly linked to root cracking (radial and longitudinal) where erratic temperatures and soil moisture may have led to excessively rapid growth. Cracking is common in highly fertile soils and can be especially problematic in in situations where the plants are widely spaced because plant to plant competition for moisture, light and fertility is minimized resulting in extremely rapid growth under favorable conditions. Some of the rot damage was also due to wounds caused by maggot feeding. In summary, progress thus far has been limited with plant material often not resembling rutabaga or still very susceptible to root maggot damage. The data from 2012 and 2014 suggest that the extreme root maggot pressure commonly experienced in Saskatchewan will represent a real challenge to breeding programs looking to develop damage resistant rutabaga.
Manitoba Entomology Research Summary – 2014
Presented to: The Western Committee on Crop Pests October 30, 2014 Canmore, Alberta
Compiled by: John Gavloski; Entomologist; Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Box 1149, Carman, MB, ROG OJO [email protected]
Cereal Crops
1. Title: Genetic characterization of the wheat midge resistance gene Sm1
Author and Associates: S. Cloutier, G. Humphreys, Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre.
Problem: To deter the development of virulence to wheat varieties with Sm1, varieties are released as varietal blends which require the varietal blend to maintain its R:S proportion through years of cultivation. Genetic maps incorporating mostly microsatellite markers have been developed using populations that segregate for Sm1. The cloning of Sm1 from heterozygous seed would provide perfect markers and would also allow the understanding of the mode of action of the gene in preventing larval growth.
Summary of Results: More than 5000 F2 lines were screened for recombination on the 2BS chromosome where the midge resistance gene Sm1 is located. A little more than 500 lines were identified to have a recombination in the neighborhood of the gene. These F3 lines were grown in the field in Winnipeg in 2013 and 12 heads per lines were harvested for determination of resistance to midge during fall 2013. The 500 F4 lines were grown indoor during the 2013-14 winter which were genotyped using Sm1 flanking markers. F5 recombinants were planted in the field in Ottawa in the summer 2014. Phenotyping of the F5 will be performed during the 2014-15 winter. The additional molecular markers developed around Sm1 will be correlated to the phenotypic data from multiple years to identify the best markers. ------
2. Title: Effects of landscape structure on abundance of Cereal Leaf Beetle Oulema melanopus (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its natural enemies, including the parasitoid Tetrastichus julis (Walker)(Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).
Authors and Associates: Arash Kheirodin ([email protected]), Alejandro C. Costamagna ([email protected]), Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba; and Héctor Cárcamo ([email protected]), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre.
Problem: The cereal leaf beetle (CLB), Oulema melanopus (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an alien invasive pest found recently in western Canada. The species is native of Europe and feeds on variety of important cereal crops including wheat, oats and barley. Tetrastichus julis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), has been shown to be the most efficient introduced parasitoid species. However, there is no knowledge on how landscape structure will affect the establishment and success of this parasitoid and other natural enemies already present to control CLB in Canada.
Objective of Research: To determine the effects of landscape structure on the abundance of CLB and its natural enemies, in particular T. julis.
Summary of the result: During 2014, 30 commercial fields were sampled to determine CLB populations, natural enemy abundance and percentage parasitism by T. julis, in areas representing a gradient of agricultural landscape complexity in AB. All habitats around each field within a 2 km radius were mapped to quantify landscape composition and structure. The information from field samples and digital maps are still being processed. In addition, laboratory and complementary experiments in 10 fields in Lethbridge, Alberta, were conducted to determine the potential predators of the eggs and larvae of CLB. In general, several ladybeetle species were the most important predators of eggs and larvae in the lab, particularly Hippodamia sinuata. In addition, Carabidae and Staphylinidae also caused significant rates of egg and larval predation. Nabid bugs and several common spider species did not consume any eggs, but caused significant larval mortality. In the field, sentinel eggs had 20 % mortality rates and differed statistically from controls protected from predation. Our results suggest that cereal fields in Alberta host several species of predators that can provide biological control for CLB and deserve further study.
Pulse Crops
3. Title: Economic significance of populations of mirid bugs in beans.
Authors and Associates: N.J. Holliday ([email protected]), Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba.
Problem: In Manitoba, insecticides are sometimes applied to control of lygus bugs and alfalfa plant bugs in dry edible beans. No thresholds are available for assisting bean producers to make economically sound decisions about the need for control of plant bugs in dry beans or soybeans in Manitoba.
Objective of Research: To develop economic injury levels for lygus bugs (and if necessary alfalfa plant bugs) on dry edible beans and to document seasonal patterns of occurrence of plant bugs on dry edible beans and soybeans.
Summary of Results: Field surveys of dry beans and soybeans from 2008–2011 showed that three species of lygus bugs and some alfalfa plant bugs were present but that at least 83% of all mirids in the crops were Lygus lineolaris and about 5% were Adelphocoris lineolatus. Both L. lineolaris and A. lineolatus can reproduce and develop to adulthood in both crops. In each year, samples of beans were harvested for yield quantity and quality estimates, but there was no evidence of yield reductions attributable to plant bugs during the three years of surveys. Laboratory and field cage studies have been performed to characterize the injury inflicted on dry edible beans by Lygus
lineolaris, and the consequences for yield. The main effects of lygus feeding before pod formation are abortion of developing reproductive structures. During seed-filling, feeding appears to be concentrated at the funiculus, through which nutrients flow to the seed, and seed shriveling results. As seeds near maturity, the main injury is pitting of the seed coat. In our field cage studies, we have been able to demonstrate strong relationships between lygus bug densities and yield quantity in some trials, but not in others. ------
4. Title: Soybean aphid predation across different agricultural landscapes in Manitoba.
Authors and Associates: Samaranayake, K. G. L. I. ([email protected]), and Costamagna, A. C. ([email protected]), Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba.
Objective of Research: We conducted a second year of sampling and testing predation on soybean aphid in Manitoba agricultural landscapes. Field experiment were conducted in fifteen soybean fields in Altona, Emerson, Carman, La Broquerie, Rosewood, Glenlea, Arnes, Warren and Gimli to test suppression of sentinel populations of soybean aphids by natural enemies. Landscapes were selected to represent a range from high to low agricultural landscape complexity. For the field manipulations, aphids on potted soybean plants were used for predator exclusion and predator open treatments. In addition, in each field we established bidirectional malaise traps in at least one border to monitor natural enemy movement between soybean fields and adjacent habitats. In addition, we mapped the habitats around each field within a 2 km radius to determine their influence on soybean aphid control by natural enemies due to landscape composition and structure. Finally, we conducted the mark-release recapture experiment by using sevenspotted lady beetles to know about their movement directions, distance and speed between soybean and alfalfa fields.
Summary of Results: We found significant soybean aphid suppression in all fields studied, with levels of controls ranging from 2- to 22-fold reductions of aphid populations in both 2013 and 2014, depending on the different field sites. Preliminary results from bidirectional malaise trap data in 2013 revealed significant movement of natural enemies from natural vegetation to soybean fields. Malaise trap samples in 2014 are still been processing to assess natural enemy movement between neighbouring fields. Mark-release recapture experiment shows that there was a trend of moving more lady beetles from soybean to alfalfa, as aphids were present only in alfalfa fields, but also there were minor movement in the opposite direction. Records of all habitats in a 2 km radius from the field studied have been taken in 2013 and 2014 and are being entered to digital maps in GIS to quantify landscape structure variables. ------
5. Title: Contribution of soybean aphid alates to colony fitness under predation.
Authors and Associates: Rios-Martinez, A. ([email protected]), Costamagna, A.C. ([email protected]), Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba.
Problem: The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) is an Asian pest that was accidentally introduced into the United States, Canada and Australia and can be responsible for important yield losses. Wing polyphenism is a determining element in the performance of an aphid colony because different morphs are specialized in different life-cycle roles. The ability of winged individuals to
disperse is often penalized by a reduced reproductive output. This trade-off raises questions about the role of the alate morph in the overall fitness (numerical contribution) of a parthenogenetic colony under predation. Understanding the contribution of alates to colony fitness is necessary to improve our forecasting of outbreak populations and to estimate natural enemy efficacy suppressing aphids.
Objective of Research: To determine the effect of predator free space colonization by soybean aphid alate individuals on the overall fitness of a colony subject to predation.
Summary of results: Cage experiments revealed low migrational behaviour of soybean aphid alates towards non-colonized host plants, as well as a low resulting numerical contribution over time. There was no apparent benefit of predator free space colonization on the overall numerical contribution of a colony exposed to predation. Colonies of only apterous individuals developed larger populations than colonies with a proportion of alates that were offered predator free space. Additionally, separate controls with only one founding morph showed that colonies of apterous individuals can achieve more than double the population growth than colonies of alates in the absence of predation. Our results suggest that in soybean aphid, alates can be important colonizing new fields but not to overcome suppression by natural enemies.
Multiple Crops
6. Title: Habitat management strategies for control of cutworms in field crops in Manitoba.
Authors and Associates: R.W.M.U.M Wanigasekara1, Dr. Y. Lawley2, and Dr. B. Sharanowski1 1Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, 2Department of Plant Sciences, University of Manitoba.
Problem: Cutworms are difficult to control in agricultural crops as they are subterranean and nocturnal and are usually sporadically distributed within fields. Parasitoid wasps provide a natural means of control of cutworms. Unfortunately, we have a very limited understanding of which parasitoid species use cutworms as hosts in Manitoba, and how effective they are at controlling cutworm populations. Providing additional resources for parasitoids, such as cover crops, can help increase parasitism rates and bring control of pests to below economic thresholds.
Objective of Research: To examine the parasitoid species attacking cutworms in Manitoba and investigated their effectiveness to control cutworms. To investigate habitat management strategies for increasing the effectiveness of parasitoids as control agents of cutworms.
Summary of Results: We identified and characterized the plant resources (cover crops) that can attract and provide nutrition for Copidosoma cuproviridis. We observed that food inexperienced parasitoids are more attracted to yellow compared to the white and green. These wasps also prefer the flower odour of canola and mustard over camelina and buckwheat. Further, canola, camelina, buckwheat and mustard significantly enhanced the longevity of C. cuproviridis compared to water. Canola and mustard are common crops, and farmers can use camelina as a cover crop to enhance parasitism rates. Therefore, cover crops offer the potential to increase parasitism rates of cutworms by C. cuproviridis, leading to enhanced biocontrol through sustainable means. ------
7. Title: Molecular approaches for understanding the Peristenus pallipes complex (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) to facilitate classical biocontrol against Lygus bugs.
Authors and Associates: Y.M Zhang1 and Dr. B. Sharanowski1 1Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2.
Problem: Species of Peristenus are important biological control agents of plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae), in particular the large genus Lygus. Peristenus attacks early nymphal instars of mirids and kill their hosts in the late nymphal or adult stage. The European species Peristenus digoneutis and Peristenus relictus were successfully introduced to eastern North America to control Lygus populations in alfalfa and other crops, and the introduction to central North America is being considered. The central problem associated with Peristenus taxonomy is the Peristenus pallipes species complex. Members of the P. pallipes complex are Holarctic in distribution, ranging from temperate to boreal regions. To date there are nine Nearctic species; however, they are often unidentifiable without detailed biological data. Therefore, studies on the number of native Peristenus species and their biology are crucial to ensure the successful introduction the European Peristenus species to central North America as a potential biological control of Lygus.
Objectives of Research: This will include a taxonomic revision of the Holarctic species with a particular focus on the P. pallipes species complex. By combining traditional alpha taxonomy with state-of-the-art molecular techniques, this research on Peristenus will provide insight into their evolutionary relationships. Furthermore, updating the host records will help in assessing the host specificity of different Peristenus species, leading to the development of accurate identification tools as potential biocontrol agents against invasive pests and help determine impacts on native parasitoids prior to introducing foreign biological control agent.
Summary of Results: During the summers of 2013 and 2014, adult Peristenus and parasitized Lygus nymphs were collected from various sites in Manitoba, Alberta, and Ontario. Genomic DNA was extracted from these specimens, and 2 genes were sequenced (COI and Cyt B), while primers for intronic genes are currently being developed. Additional sequences have been supplemented by the Barcode of Life Database and GenBank, and the Bayesian phylogenetic analysis has shown that Peristenus pallipes complex, as well as the two species groups are monophyletic. These voucher specimens have been compared morphologically with museum specimens from the Canadian National Collection and Swedish Museum of Natural History, supporting the validity of Peristenus dayi and Peristenus braunae, both of which belong to the dayi group. The members with the mellipes group were recovered as one clade, suggesting synonymy is needed. Multivariate ratio analysis will be performed to further assess the validity of this species complex.
Stored Grains
8. Title: How many kilograms of grain per sample unit is big enough? Comparison of insect detection and density estimation between manual probe sampling and Insector® system
Author and Associates: F. Jiana, D.S. Jayasa, N.D.G. Whiteb a Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB b Cereal Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 96 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB
Problem: Effective size of samples from wheat bulks to detect pest insects.
Summary of Results: Sampling and trapping are important methods to detect insect infestation and estimate the abundance of species (species richness) within stored grain. Sampling and trapping were conducted inside a hopper-bottom bin holding 50-t wheat with 10.5% moisture content at 25 ± 5 °C. Adult rusty grain beetles, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), were introduced into the bin to create overall insect densities of 0.1, 1.0, or 5.0 adults per kilogram of wheat (A/kg). Twenty Insector® traps (OPI Systems Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada) were installed at four layers within the grain mass. Every week, 0.5- and 15-kg grain samples were manually extracted near five Insector® locations within the top layer of the grain mass. The success of insect detection, accuracy of insect density estimation, and characterized insect distribution pattern were evaluated using data collected by the Insector® system and the manual samples. It was found the Insector® system could detect adults within 6 h after adults were introduced. The 0.5-kg samples could not detect the existence of insects or estimate insect densities when insect density was 0.1 A/kg. Depending on the insect density, up to ten 15-kg samples (sampled at the top layer) were required to detect the existence of adults. The estimated insect densities by the Insector® system were closer to the introduced insect densities than the manual sampling methods when the introduced insect densities were 0.1 or 1.0 A/kg. There was no significant difference in estimated insect densities between the Insector® system and the 15-kg sampling method when introduced insect density was 0.1 or 1.0 A/kg. The characterized adult distribution pattern was the same using either the data collected by the Insector® system or 15-kg samples, while 0.5-kg samples characterized different insect distribution patterns. ------
9. Title: Detection of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) infestation in soybean using soft X-ray and NIR hyperspectral imaging techniques
Authors and Associates: V. Chelladuraia, K. Karuppiaha, D.S. Jayasa, P.G. Fieldsb, N.D.G. Whiteb a Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB b Cereal Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 96 Dafoe Road, Winnipeg, MB
Problem: Detection of cowpea weevil developing inside soybeans.
Summary of Results: Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a major oilseed crop grown throughout the world and, total post-harvest losses of soybean are approximately 10%, and 3% of produced soybean is lost during storage. Cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus (F.)) is the major storage pest which causes extensive storage losses of legumes. Detection of early stages of cowpea weevil infestation could assist farmers and storage facility managers in implementing suitable control practices for insect disinfestations. Soft X-ray and near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging techniques were used to acquire images of soybeans infested by egg, larval, and pupal stages of C. maculatus along with uninfested and completely damaged (hollowed-out after emergence of adults) soybeans. From soft X-ray images, totally, 33 features (12 histogram and 21 textural features) were extracted and from hyperspectral data 48 features were extracted (30 histogram and 18 spectral features) for analysis. Linear and quadratic discriminant analysis (LDA and QDA) models were developed using these extracted features to classify different stages of infestation. The LDA classifier for soft X-ray images correctly identified more than 86% of uninfested soybeans and 83% of soybeans infested with all developmental stages of C. maculatus except the egg stage. Pair-wise LDA classification models developed from NIR hyperspectral data yielded more than 86 and 87% classification accuracy for uninfested and infested seeds, respectively. The QDA pair-wise classifiers positively differentiated more than 79% uninfested seeds from infested seeds. The principal component analysis of NIR hyperspectral data identified the wavelengths of 960 nm, 1030 nm and 1440 nm being responsible for more than 99% of spectral variability. Combining soft X-ray features with hyperspectral features increased the classification accuracies for egg and larvae compared to either imaging system used alone.
2014 Alberta Research Report
Compiled by Hector Carcamo For the Western Committee of Crop Pests Canmore, 30 October 2014
University of Alberta Department of Biological Sciences
1. Title: Effects of host species on larval development and fitness of the redbacked cutworm (Euxoa ochrogaster) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Author and Associates: Ronald Batallas, Maya L. Evenden
Problem: The redbacked cutworm, Euxoa ochrogaster (Lepidoptera: Noctuide), is an agricultural pest regarded as the most widely distributed species in Canada. Late instar larvae chew into the stems and sever seedlings early in the season. Outbreak infestations can cause complete destruction of extensive crops grown in the Prairie Provinces. Despite the generalist feeding behaviour of E. ochrogaster larvae, there are indications that it may prefer canola to wheat crops. Detailed information on host preference and larval development is largely lacking.
Objective: The main goal of this research is to describe host preference of E. ochrogaster and its effect on larval development and adult fitness. This research is designed to establish a hierarchical list of crops affected by E. ochrogaster, and provide information for crop rotation and cultivar selection.
Summary results (of work completed):
This experiment evaluated the larval performance of redbacked cutworm on three host species (canola, peas and spring wheat) and an artificial diet. Seedlings were grown for three weeks, watered every other day without fertilizer. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber under controlled conditions. Newly hatched larvae were reared on artificial diet until the third instar. Individual third instar larvae were placed in a deep petri dish (140 mm diam. × 25 mm height) with randomly assigned seedlings or artificial diet, for a total of 16 larvae per treatment. Seedlings and artificial diet were replaced upon depletion or desiccation. We monitored larval development from third instar to pupation. To assess larval performance, we measured head capsule width and weight per instar, developmental time per instar and total, and pupal weight. Host species had no effect on head capsule width across all instars. Larval weight was influenced by host plant species. Larvae reared on artificial diet had a higher weight gain, followed by canola and peas; larvae reared on wheat had the lowest larval weight. Host species had a significant effect on developmental time per instar; fifth and sixth instar larvae reared on canola had a longer developmental interval when compared to peas, wheat and artificial diet. The total number of instars reached before pupation was dependent on the food type. Almost all larvae reared on artificial diet and canola underwent only six instars before pupation. Whereas most larvae reared on peas and wheat underwent seven instars before pupation. However, there was no difference in
total developmental time for all host species (canola 37.13 ± 1.11 days; peas 33.31 ± 1.57 days; wheat 37.00 ± 1.04 days). Larvae reared on artificial diet had the shortest total developmental time (27.88 ± 1.26 days) compared to all host species. Food type had a significant effect on pupal weight. Larvae reared on artificial diet had the heaviest pupal weight (305.33 ± 6.95 mg), followed by canola (182.51 ± 8.88 mg) and peas (195.04 ± 7.2 mg). Larvae reared on wheat had the lowest pupal weight (154.75 ± 8.37 mg). Overall, larvae reared on canola and peas had a higher larval performance (larval and pupal weight) compared to larvae reared on wheat.
Continuing research:
• Analysis of plant nutrients in different host plants. • Influence of multiple fertilization regimes on the larval performance and adult fitness of E. ochrogaster. • Multiple choice feeding experiment: E. ochrogaster will be offered three hosts (canola, wheat, barley) in controlled conditions to assess any level of host preference.
Contact: Maya Evenden
2. Title: Effect of crop cultivar, soil fertility on larval feeding and oviposition behavior of bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata
Author and Associates: Chaminda De Silva Weeraddana (Graduate student), Dr. Maya Evenden
Problem: Bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata, is a major pest found throughout canola fields across the Prairie Provinces. Bertha armyworm outbreaks can cost tens of millions of dollars due to insecticide spraying and yield losses. Fertilizing crop plants can affect crop morphology and physiology of plants and these changes may affect the larval feeding and also oviposition behaviour. There is no scientific evidence on how crop fertilization and use of canola varieties effect bertha armyworm oviposition and larval feeeding. Therefore this study tests how crop fertilizer and different canola varieties effect bertha armyworm larval feeding and oviposition behavior.
Objectives: • 1. To examine the effect of canola varieties and different fertilizer treatments on canola plant growth parameters • 2. To examine the effect of canola varieties and different fertilizer treatments on plant nutrients • 3. To examine the effect of canola varieties and different fertilizer treatments on bertha armyworm oviposition • 4. To examine the effect of canola varieties and different fertilizer treatments on bertha armyworm larval feeding • 5. To examine the effect of different fertilizer treatments on the release of canola plant volatiles
Summary of Methodology and Results (of work completed): Methodology: Objective 1, 2 and 3.
A two-factor factorial experiment in a completely randomized block design with 9 replicates was conducted. Time was considered as the blocking factor. The two factors were canola varieties and fertilizer treatments. There were three levels of canola variety (Clearfield hybrid 5535 CL, Roundup Ready hybrid 6060RR and Q2) and four levels of fertilizer (20-20-20) treatments (0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 g/L). Three pairs of adults were introduced into each cage of six cages for oviposition in each of three trials (N=18). After completing each trial, plant growth parameters (plant fresh weight, number of leaves and stem diameter), and total egg numbers were counted. Plant nutrient analysis (total N, P, K, S) was conducted.
Objective 4. A two-factor, factorial experiment in a completely randomized block design with 10 replicates was conducted. The two factors were canola varieties and fertilizer treatments. There were three levels of canola variety (Clearfield hybrid 5535 CL, Roundup Ready hybrid 6060RR and Q2) and three levels of fertilizer (20-20-20) treatments (1.0, 3.0, 5.0 g). Two second instar larvae were introduced into each cage and left until pupation. Larval weight, instars, pupa weight, adult longevity and adult forewing area were measured.
Objective 5. A higher number of eggs were laid on well fertilized plants for all canola varieties. We therefore are conducting an experiment with four different fertilizer treatments. Plant volatiles will be collected for 36 h and will be analysed using GC-MS spectroscopy. We have completed several pilot studies to optimise the volatile collection and analysis methods.
Results Objective 1, 2 and 3: Fertilizer treatment significantly increased plant fresh weight (P=0.0001), number of leaves (P=0.0001) and plant stem diameter (P=0.0001). There was a significant effect of canola varieties on number of leaves (P=0.02). A higher number of leaves was found in Q2 variety as compared to CL and RR variety.
Fertilizer treatment significantly increased total plant Nitrogen (P=0.0001), Phosphorous (P=0.0001), and Potassium (P=0.0001). There was a significant effect of canola varieties on Pottasium (P=0.0001). Higher Potassium content was found in Q2 variety as compared to CL and RR variety. There was an interaction effect of fertilizer and crop varieties on sulphur content in canola plants (P=0.01). The highest sulphur content was observed in (1 g) fertilizer treatment as compared to other fertilizer treatments (0, 3, 5 g).
There was an interaction effect of fertilizer treatments and canola varieties on total number of eggs laid by bertha armyworm females (P=0.01). Q2 variety had the highest number of eggs as compared to CL and RR variety. Total number of eggs increased with increasing fertilizer treatments up to 3 g. However after 3g fertilizer treatments, the total number of eggs did not leveled off.
Objective 4. Data analysis still needs to be completed. Results were analysed only for pupal weights and adult longevity. Fertilizer treatment significantly affected the weight of pupae (P=0.04). Larvae fed the 3 g fertilizer treatment had a higher pupal weight as compared to those fed plants treated with 1 g fertilizer. However there was no difference between 3 g and 5 g fertilizer treatments on pupal weight. Female pupae were much heavier as compared to males. There was a significant effect of
canola variety on the adult longevity (P=0.01). The Q2 variety supported the highest adult longevity as compared to RR variety. However there was no difference in the longevity of the adults that were fed either Q2 and CL variety as larvae. Females had longer adult longevity compared to males.
Objective 5: The plant volatile collection method has been optimised and GC-MS analysis is on-going.
Continuing Research: Experiment on the effect of fertilizer on plant volatiles is ongoing. One more trial will be conducted for the fertilizer experiment with the oviposition.
Contact: Maya Evenden
3. Title: Development of a semiochemical-based monitoring system to monitor the invasion of pea leaf weevil in the Prairie Provinces.
Author and Associates: Amanda St.Onge (Graduate student), Maya Evenden, Hector Carcamo, Carolyn Herle, Scott Meers, and Shelley Barkley.
Problem: The pea leaf weevil, Sitona lineatus (Coleoptera: Cucurlionidae), is an invasive pest of field pea Pisum sativum and faba beans Vicia faba (Fabales: Fabaceae) in the Prairie Provinces. A semiochemical-based monitoring system will enable widespread, producer-based monitoring of this pest’s invasion. Initial studies found S. lineatus to be attracted to pitfall traps baited with aggregation pheromone in both the spring and fall and suggested that the addition of bean volatiles may enhance attraction to the aggregation pheromone.
Objective: The objective of this research is to develop a semiochemical-based monitoring system for S. lineatus in the prairie provinces, including an optimized lure and producer-friendly trap design.
Summary of results (of work completed):
In 2013, we conducted a field experiment to comparing four release rates of aggregation pheromone (4-methyl-3,5-heptanedione) with or without host plant volatiles (linalool, Z-3- hexenol, and Z-3-hexenyl acetate) for their attractiveness to S. lineatus. Traps baited with host plant volatiles captured significantly more S. lineatus than traps baited with aggregation pheromone alone. To continue to optimize the lure for S. lineatus, we decided to test different release rates of host plant volatiles in combination with the two most attractive aggregation pheromones lures identified in 2013.
In 2014, three release rates of aggregation pheromone (zero, low, and high) and three release rates of host plant volatiles (zero, low and high) were tested together in all nine possible combinations. A linear transect of pitfall traps containing all nine lure combinations was set up at the edge of ten pea fields in southern Alberta. Traps containing aggregation pheromone were attractive to both male and female weevils in the spring and fall flight periods. We observed that overwintered, 1-year old S. lineatus adults in August – September have a distinctive appearance
from the newly eclosed adults that are present at this time. Females will be dissected to determine reproductive status.
A second experiment in 2014 tested trap type to capture and retain adult S. lineatus. At five pea fields in southern Alberta, two linear transects were placed: one at the field edge and another 25 m within the field. The following traps were similarly baited with aggregation pheromone and placed 25 m apart: antifreeze-based pitfall traps, antifreeze-based pitfall traps with 7 mm mesh to exclude large bycatch, pitfall trap constructed from 3” PVC piping and caps with 4 mm holes to permit S. lineatus entry, 3D printed pitfall trap with large (25 mm x 10 mm) holes to exclude large bycatch, yellow pan trap, yellow sticky card wrapped in a cylindrical shape and placed on the ground, unmodified cotton boll weevil trap, cotton boll weevil trap modified with hot glue to seal holes larger than 2 mm. Weevils from this experiment will be counted in winter 2014. When evaluating trap type, capture of S. lineatus, bycatch, and user-friendliness will all be considered.
Continuing research:
In 2015, we will relate the capture of S. lineatus in semiochemical-baited traps to the local abundance of S. lineatus. We will also conduct laboratory bioassays to examine plasticity in the response of S. lineatus to aggregation pheromone and host volatiles.
Contact: Maya Evenden
4. Title: Investigation of larval and adult preferences of the true armyworm on varieties of wheat and barley receiving different levels of fertilization.
Author and Associates: Maya Evenden, Jessica Kwon (Technician), José Rossato (PDF), Boyd Mori (Graduate Student)
Problem: The true armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous pest of cereal crops and grasses and one of the most important pests of agricultural crops in North America. Heavy leaf defoliation occurs when the damaging larval populations are high. Since the true armyworm overwinters in the tropical and subtropical regions of North America and migrates north in the spring, it is difficult to predict the larval population densities that will reach Alberta.
Objective: The overall objective of this research is to determine the crop preferences of the true armyworm in Alberta. This research is designed to establish the varieties and plant quality of wheat and barley that promote larval development and influence larval-feeding and adult oviposition preferences.
Summary of Work: A larval development experiment was conducted using four varieties of wheat and barley: spring wheat, winter wheat, feed barley and malt barley, grown under identical conditions. Five 2nd instar larvae were introduced to 20 plants of each variety and monitored each week for four weeks. Head capsule width and pupal weight were measured each week to determine the developmental time of 2nd instar larvae to pupae. A second experiment tested the female’s oviposition preference on the same crop varieties. Two mating pairs were introduced to each of
15 cages containing one plant of each wheat and barley variety. Mating pairs were established 48 hours before introduction to cages. Adult moths were left for one week with access to sugar water. The number of eggs laid on each plant was counted. There was a significant effect of plant host on pupal weight. Larvae reared on the barley varieties developed into heavier pupae than those reared on the wheat varieties. One of the barley varieties (Xena) had significantly more nitrogen in the plant tissue that may have supported better larval development than the other hosts. Female moths did not show a preference for oviposition amongst the four crop varieties tested.
Similar larval development and oviposition experiments were conducted on two crop varieties (Xena, CDC-Go) in which the level of water or fertilizer provided to the plants was manipulated. Plant fertilization influenced larval development. Regardless of fertilizer dose, larvae developed faster and were heavier on plants that received fertilizer. The resulting pupae were heavier if they were reared on crop plants that received fertilization. Analysis of an oviposition experiment on differently fertilized plants is on-going. The larval development and oviposition experiments in which water level provided to the plants was manipulated is on-going.
Continuing research: We also plan to conduct an experiment on larval-feeding preference. Fifth instar larvae will be introduced to an arena with each wheat and barley variety and monitored for up to 48 hours. The amount of defoliation will be assessed to determine if late instar larvae prefer a certain wheat or barley host and if this preference correlates with their developmental time on these crops.
Contact: Maya Evenden
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lethbridge Research Centre
5. Title: Biological control of lygus with Peristenus wasps.
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Catalina Fernandez, Sheree Daniels, Peter Mason, Jennifer Otani, Simon Lachance, Tim Haye, Rob Laird
Problem: Lygus bugs are generalist pests attacking several valuable crops such as canola, alfalfa, faba beans, sunflowers and others. Native Peristenus parasitoid wasps in the Prairies attack lygus nymphs in alfalfa fields, but not in canola.
Objective of Research: To quantify Peristenus parasitism of lygus in alfalfa and canola using field surveys in the Prairies (native spp) and southern Ontario (exotic and native spp). To assess host-plant-parasitoid interactions and competition among native and exotic Peristenus species in controlled conditions.
Summary of Results: In 2014, rates of parasitism of lygus by Peristenus in alfalfa fields were only 3% based on rearing data, but 18% based on dissections. It is not clear if mortality increases for parasitized nymphs or results from rearing conditions. Preliminary analysis of a long term phenology data set suggests that native Peristenus may appear ahead of Peristenus digoneutis – a potentially more effective biocontrol agent of lygus that occurs in eastern Canada. Scarcity of native Peristenus specimens prevented completion of sufficient replicates to assess potential competition between native and exotic parasitoids.
Continuing Research: This phase of this project continues in 2015. Laboratory assays are planned in 2015 to attempt to complete the competition study.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo
6. Title: Updating economic thresholds for lygus and seedpod weevils for current hybrid canola
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Jennifer Otani, Patty Reid, Jim Broatch, Sheree Daniels, Neil Harker.
Problem: Lygus bugs thresholds for canola were developed for open pollinated cultivars on Westar and Excel in the early 1990’s and validated using Q2 in Alberta in the early 2000’s. Since then, higher yielding more vigorous cultivars, which may tolerate insect feeding better than older cultivars, have been adopted by the industry.
Objective of Research: To update lygus thresholds (and seedpod weevils at Lethbridge) in canola using a current hybrid invigour cultivar. To compare yield responses of the invigour cultivar and Westar (conventional) to lygus feeding in Lacombe.
Summary of Results: In 2012 (dry and hot year) lygus bugs reached very high populations in cages and yields were reduced by 40-60 g per cage (m2), but in 2013 (wet and cool year) lygus
populations at Lethbridge were less numerous and yields were not affected significantly. In 2013 in Lacombe, all treatments with lygus had lower yield, particulary in the cage treatment with L. lineolaris. This suggested a lygus species effect that was pursued further in 2014, but the data is being processed for both sites. For related cages studies in Beaverlodge, refer to the report by J. Otani.
Continuing Research: The study will be repeated in 2015.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo
7. Title: Damage of lygus bugs and pea leaf weevil to faba beans.
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Patty Reid, Jim Broatch, Sheree Daniels, Cheryl Chelle, Jim Sukeroff, Neil Harker.
Problem: Faba bean acreage is increasing in central and southern Alberta. Lygus bugs appear to damage the seeds and reduce their marketability; damage could be confounded with chocolate spot and needs further study. In the south, pea leaf weevils also feed heavily on faba beans foliage and nodules.
Objective of Research: To determine lygus abundance and species composition in faba beans in central and southern Alberta and relate it to seed quality. To assess effects of insecticide to manage lygus and pea leaf weevil on bean quality and yield.
Summary of Results: Fields of tannin and zero-tannin faba beans were surveyed around Lacombe in 2013 and 2014. Preliminary results from 21013 suggested a higher proportion of L. lineolaris in no tannin faba beans compared to tannin cultivars and the opposite pattern for other lygus bugs (L. keltoni and L. borealis). Near Vauxhall, plots of these two types were sprayed at the late pod stage with an insecticide in 2013 and 2014. Seed damage presumably by lygus was observed in most faba bean fields and plots in 2013 but not in 2014 in southern Alberta. Pea leaf weevil feeding on faba beans was high and constant throughout the entire summer in 2013 but the insecticide trial showed no differences in yield with respect to seed or foliar insecticide treatment. Results from 2014 have not been processed.
Continuing Research: This work will be repeated in 2015.
Contact: Héctor Cárcamo
8. Title: A temperature model to predict phenology of lygus bugs that attack crops in southern Alberta.
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Cheryl Chelle, Carolyn Herle, Briana Smith.
Problem: In southern Alberta lygus bugs are present at low densities in canola during the bud and flower stages, but often, small nymphs become abundant towards the end of flower and early pod stages. To improve forecasting the occurrence of the damaging larger stages, the relationship between temperature and growth rate needs to be determined.
Objective of Research: To develop a temperature model for development of lygus pest nymphs that attack canola in Alberta.
Summary of Results: In 2013 and 2014, 24 day old lygus (L. keltoni, L. borealis) 1st instar nymphs were reared using a temperature table that allowed simultaneous replication at 10, 15, 20, 25 and 35 degree C. Developmental times to reach the adult stage ranged from 11 days at 35° up to 59 days at 10°, but at these temperatures lygus nymphs suffered high mortality (85 and 33%, respectively). At 20°C and 25°C, lygus nymphs took 25 and 16 days to reach the adult stage, respectively. Of perhaps greater interest
Continuing Research: This work will be repeated in 2015.
Contact: Héctor Cárcamo
9. Title: Relocation of T. julis for biocontrol of cereal leaf beetle in the Prairies, landscape ecology and predation studies in southern Alberta.
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Cheryl Chelle, Lloyd Dosdall, Swaroop Kher, Wendy Leeds, John Gavloski, Nancy Melnychuk, Owen Olfert, Alejandro Costamagna.
Problem: The cereal leaf beetle has increased in local abundance in southern Alberta and has further expanded its range in the Prairies in 2013.
Objective of Research: To relocate Tetrastichus julis as needed to control cereal leaf beetle in the Prairies. To quantify attributes of agricultural landscapes conducive to biocontrol of CLB by T. julis and further study the role of generalist predators in the reduction of CLB eggs and larvae.
Summary of Results: In 2014, shipments of 100 to 500 T. julis (adults and/or overwintering larva in CLB cocoons) were made to Olds, Edmonton, Lacombe, Moosemin (SK) and Roseisle (southern MB). A graduate student (U of MB, see Manitoba report) collected field data to assess the role of landscape features on CLB and T. julis populations. Also, the student initiated field and laboratory studies to identify potential predators that feed on T. julis.
Continuing Research: This work will be repeated in 2015.
Contact: Héctor Cárcamo
10. Title: Host range and effect of host diet on the parasitoid wasp, Cotesia vanessae
Author and associates: Vincent Hervet, Kevin Floate, Robert Laird.
Problem: Cutworms (Noctuidae) are a complex of pest species that affect cereal, oilseed and legume crops. Cutworm outbreaks on the prairies are primarily associated with redbacked cutworm, pale western cutworm, army cutworm and dingy cutworm and occasionally other species. Chemical controls are the main method of control, but cannot always be applied effectively.
Objective of research: Cotesia vanessae (Braconidae) is a wasp parasitic on Noctuidae and Nymphalidae in Europe. Newly recorded in North America (Hervet et al. 2014), it has the potential to become widely distributed in Canada and provide a natural means to suppress cutworm outbreaks. The objective of this research is two-fold. (1) To continue previous research to establish the potential host range of C. vanessae. If C. vanessae has a broad host range that includes key pest species of cutworms, its value as a biocontrol agent will be enhanced. However, if its host range includes a large number of non-pest species, its value as a biocontrol agent may be diminished. (2) To determine how the diet of the cutworm affects its subsequent suitability as a host for C. vanessae. If the fitness of the wasp is greatly affected by the diet of the cutworm, the value of C. vanessae as a biocontrol agent may vary with the crop in which the cutworm outbreak occurs.
Summary of results: 1) Host range assessment: Results show the parasitoid to develop from egg to adult on a number of pest species. Percentage parasitism (n = ca. 30 caterpillars per species) was as follows: army cutworm (83 %), redbacked cutworm (97%), darksided cutworm (84 %), early cutworm (59 %), dingy cutworm (89 %), glassy cutworm (75 %), clover cutworm (94 %), winter cutworm (90 %), bertha armyworm (7 %), true armyworm (20 %), wheat head armyworm (18 %), master’s dart (17 %), Barnes’ climbing cutworm (77 %), Abagrotis reedi (60 %), Abagrotis sp. (90 %), clandestine dart (63 %), great brocade (27 %), wood-colored Apamea (≥6 %, still in progress), cabbage looper (87 %), alfalfa looper (81 %) and celery looper (87 %). Pest species tested on which the parasitoid did not develop were corn earworm, beet armyworm, southern armyworm, fall armyworm, bristly cutworm, Lacinipolia vicina , spotted cutworm and introduced cabbage white. Non-pest species on which the parasitoid developed were Catocaline dart (65 %), Vancouver dart (40 %), green arches (3 %) and Milbert’s tortoiseshell (39 %). Non-pest species on which the parasitoid did not develop were rosewing, scribe moth, spurge hawk-moth and yellow woolly bear.
For each host species, data were recorded for percentage parasitism, parasitoid development time, and the weight and number of F1 progeny. Host species affected each of these measures.
2) Influence of the caterpillar diet on parasitoid fitness: Cabbage looper caterpillars (n = 70) were reared on 6 artificial diets varying in protein content. Half of these caterpillars were exposed to parasitism. Preliminary analyses show that protein content affected the developmental time and survival of non-parasitized caterpillars, and the fitness of parasitoids developing in caterpillars.*
* Research funded by the Canola Council of Canada and by the Alberta Conservation Association.
Continuing research: This research is nearly complete.
Contacts: Vincent Hervet, Kevin Floate.
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Crop Diversification Centre
11. Title: Improving crop risk assessment tools for bertha armyworm
Author and Associates: S. Meers, O. Olfert, S. Barkley, D. Brennan, J. Otani
Problem: It is important to re-examine the relationship between pheromone trap counts and larval numbers since the canola industry has changed dramatically since the original research that was carried out in the 1970’s and early 1980’s.
Objective of Research: 1) Trapping Density and Larval Counts a. Determine the optimum density of traps to maximize accuracy and minimize overlap through an intensive set of bertha armyworm traps. b. Determine the association of larvae numbers and trap counts to improve the forecasting model through larval sampling associated with the trapping intensity study. 2) Trap height and location a. Fine tuning of trap location and set up to best reflect bertha armyworm populations. 3) Bumblebee reduction modifications a. Develop and test a system that would reduce bumblebee catch in bertha armyworm pheromone traps without affecting the moth catch for forecasting.
Summary of Results: In 2012 through 2014 a grid sampling of bertha armyworm pheromone traps was laid out over a 35 township area with at least one set of traps per township. Canola stubble from the previous crop year was identified for all three years. Moth catches were counted and larval sampling carried out around traps representing a range of risk levels. Larval sampling was also carried out in Saskatchewan as an addition to this project. Closing trap designs were finally placed in the field for the 2014 moth flight.
Continuing Research: This is the final year in a three year study (2012 to 2014).
Funding: Canola Agronomic Research Program
Contact: Scott Meers
12. Title: Alfalfa insect survey
Author and Associates: S. Meers and S. Barkley
Problem: No comprehensive insect survey has been carried out in Alberta for over 30 years. A real need to delineate the range and populations of pest species exists.
Objective of Research: 1) Delineate the range and population of three major pest species: alfalfa weevil, alfalfa blotch leaf miner and alfalfa plant bug. 2) Characterize the type and populations of non pest and beneficial insects found in alfalfa.
Summary of Results: In 2014 160 fields were sampled using sweep net and plant sample collections. Samples are being processed.
Continuing Research: This is the first year in a three year study (2014 to 2016).
Funding: ACIDF
Contact: Scott Meers
13. Title: Insects and weather
Author and Associates: S Meers, D. Itenfisu and S. Barkley
Problem: Developing real time insect pest predictions for Alberta
Objective of Research: 1) Use existing insect development models and the ground truth them to fine tune insect activity predictions.
Summary of Results: Samples for the target insects were collected and development recorded. Samples were collected using pheromone traps, sweep nets and hand sampling. Insects being worked with are alfalfa weevil, bertha armyworm and wheat midge.
Continuing Research: This is the first year in a three year study (2014 to 2016).
Funding: ACIDF
Contact: Scott Meers
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Beaverlodge Research Farm
14. Title: Prairie Pest Monitoring Network – Peace River region monitoring.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani, Julie Soroka, Chrystel Olivier, Owen Olfert
Problem: The Peace River region includes ~3.7 million hectares of farmland and ~1.7 million hectares is in crops. Crop protection, based on in-field monitoring, is vital both for annual and long-term data which helps producers and the agricultural industry deal with in-season pest issues. The data also supports entomological researchers with biodiversity and spatial distribution data over time for our economically significant insect pests and some of their natural enemies. Since 2005, commercial fields near Beaverlodge AB have been monitored during the growing season to generate data used annually for prairie-wide spatial distribution maps and for use in a long-term database supporting federal entomological research in field crop protection. In 2014, the hiring of a BC Pest Monitoring Contractor also resulted in additional sites monitored.
Objective of Research: To perform weekly in-field monitoring for flea beetles, diamondback moth, Bertha armyworm, leafhoppers, Lygus, swede midge and wheat midge within the Peace River region.
Summary of Results: Sticky traps, pheromone traps, sweep-net and hand-collection of the above insect pests commenced in May and continued weekly until mid-August. In 2014, seven commercial fields were monitored within a 25km north-south transect in the AB Peace (i.e., Elmworth-Beaverlodge-Valhalla) plus five additional sites in the BC Peace were monitored. The latter sites were located near Dawson Creek, Baldonnel and Fort St. John BC. At time of reporting, sticky trap and pheromone trap samples were processed but not entered sufficiently to generate summaries. Sweep-net samples are scheduled for processing in December 2014.
Continuing Research: Monitoring is currently supported by A-Base funds until March 2015 and a new AgriScience Project with WGRF which ends in March 2018.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
15. Title: Damage and yield comparisons estimating Lygus feeding damage during bolting in canola varieties.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani, Héctor Cárcamo, Jim Broatch
Problem: The rapid development and registration of canola varieties has outpaced detailed insect- plant studies characterizing yield and quality relationships for many economically significant canola pests in Canada. The economic threshold for Lygus in canola was based on data generated using the varieties Westar and Tobin (Wise and Lamb 1998) and validated using Q2 (Otani and Carcamo 2011), however, fields surveyed in the Peace River region suggest upwards of 80% of commercially grown fields are hybrid, herbicide-tolerant varieties.
Objective of Research: To compare feeding damage and yield losses in canola varieties (Westar, L150, RR7345) grown in field plot cages containing “high” Lygus densities introduced at bolting and caged on plants until to harvest.
Summary of Results: Field plots were seeded on May 18, 2014, into oat stubble on 9” row spacing using a Conserva-Pak seeder also on 9” row spacing. Plots (each 4m x 10m) were organized using a RCBD with four replicates and three treatments (Westar, L150, RR7345). At late rosette stage (June 26, 2014), pairs of screen cages (each 1m x 1m x 1.5 m tall) were erected in each plot. Lygus adults were mass-collected from volunteer canola near Beaverlodge then sorted by species and sex in order to add a 1:1 male:female ratio of the same species of Lygus into each “treated” cage (i.e., to provide a total of 20 adults per cage) while “untreated” cages received no Lygus. At late pod stage (August 19, 2014), all arthropods were vacuumed out of cages. Plants were hand- harvested in all plots on September 3, 2014. Above-ground biomass and yield data will be recorded in late November of 2014. Insect samples will be processed in December 2014.
Continuing Research: This study was supported by AAFC-PMC funding in 2011-2012 with additional funding received from ACIDF to extend the study until 2015.
Contact: Jennifer Otani, Héctor A. Cárcamo, Jim Broatch
16. Title: Canola insect surveying - On the lookout for cabbage seedpod weevil and monitoring Lygus in the Peace River region.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani, Owen Olfert, Ross Weiss, David Giffen
Problem: The survey has been performed since 2003 with the main objectives of collecting canola insect pest data throughout the region and to detect introduction of the Cabbage seedpod weevil into the Peace River region. Sweep-net monitoring has been randomly performed at flower stages in the Peace River region in order to detect movement of the weevil north plus 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 detect economically significant pests occurring in canola (e.g., grasshoppers, clover cutworms, leafhoppers).
Summary of Results: A total of 206 canola fields were randomly selected at ~10km distances while surveying through the main canola producing areas within the BC and Alberta Peace during early- to mid-flower stages. Sweep-net sampling was conducted by performing 50 - 180° sweeps per canola field (N=1 B. rapa + 205 B. napus) on the following dates in these areas. In 2014, intermittent showers during surveying delayed sweep-net collections by 3-4 days. A full summary including 2014 surveying maps and text was kindly posted by the Alberta Canola Producers’ Commission (http://canola.ab.ca/2014_peace_river_region_canola_survey.aspx ) just as fields in the region entered early pod stages.
Sweep-net samples were frozen then processed to generate data for 16 species of arthropods. The 2014 summary included seven economically important pests of canola from 206 surveyed canola fields included (from most prominent to least):
1) Lygus (Miridae: Lygus spp.) were the most common insect pest observed in sweep-net samples collected in our 2014 surveying. Lygus populations of ≥5 adults plus nymphs per 10 sweeps were observed in 32.5% of fields surveyed (Figures 1 and 2; N=206 fields). Densities of ≥15 adults plus nymphs per 10 sweeps were recorded in 6.3% of fields surveyed (Figures 1 and 2). There were zero Lygus present in only 2.4% of surveyed fields whereas 28.2% of the surveyed fields contained only adult Lygus but 67.5% of the fields were populated by both adults and nymphs (N=206 fields). 2) Root maggot (Delia sp.) adults were present at 98 of the 206 sites surveyed throughout the Peace River region in 2014. Numbers collected by sweep-net surveying ranged from 0.2-10 Delia sp. flies per 10 sweeps but growers should note – root assessments rather than sweep-net monitoring is recommended to accurately assess densities of root maggots. Densities of 3-5 root maggots per root were observed at mid-rosette stages near Beaverlodge and Valhalla earlier this season so growers will likely see canola tipping over, increased heat stress and potentially increased root disease pressure which is all associated with these early season, high densities of root maggot for the 2014 growing season. 3) Diamondback moth (Plutellidae: Plutella xylostella) were generally present in low numbers in the sweep-net samples (N=206 fields) in 2014. Sweep-net monitoring is NOT recommended for this insect pest yet we collected a total of 230 specimens in the 206 fields surveyed (i.e., 96% of DBM were larvae compared to 4% adults). Sites with higher numbers of DBM included Fort Vermilion, Hawk Hills, Hotchkiss, Rose Prairie, Montney, St. Isidore, Fairview, Marie-Reine, Girouxville, McLennan, Guy, High Prairie, Debolt and Valleyview. Parasitoid wasps (e.g., Diadegma sp. and Microplitis sp.) were observed throughout the region. 4) Normally, the annual canola survey is conducted during the initial weeks of Bertha armyworm adult flight period so larval stages, if present, are typically very small and difficult to accurately detect and identify within the sweep-net samples. Even so, we have tentatively identified very early instar stages of Bertha armyworm larvae in samples collected near Hawk Hills, LaCrete, Manning, Fort Vermilion, High Level, Donnelly, Valleyview, Peace River, Buffalo Head, and Baldonnel. 5) Grasshoppers were present in only 16 canola fields surveyed. Low numbers of late-instar to adult stages of two-striped, lesser migratory, and red legged grasshoppers were present in the sweep-net samples (listed from most numerous to least) in canola growing near Montney, Westmark, Bonanza, Dawson Creek, Fort Vermilion, Buffalo Head, High Level, Grimshaw, Bluesky, Dawson Creek, Farmington, Baldonnel, and Fort St. John . 6) Low densities of leafhoppers were observed in our canola sweep-net samples in 2014, however, they were prevalent across the region. Of the 69 canola fields where leafhoppers were present, the highest density was six per 50 sweeps in a canola field near Fort Vermilion and near Bezanson.
7) We are again happy to report that zero cabbage seedpod weevil (Curculionidae: Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) were observed in the 206 fields sampled in the Peace River region in 2014. Approximately nine small weevils measuring <4mm in length and <20 beetles measuring <5mm in length were retained from the survey samples for forwarding to the National Identification System (AAFC-Ottawa) for species confirmation. 8) Previous cropping data was recorded by visually inspecting the soil surface in 204 surveyed canola fields. Surface field trash was categorized. The most frequently observed stubble encountered in canola during our 2014 surveying was wheat stubble, followed by canola, barley, cereal-type straw, tillage, then pea stubble (N=204 fields).
THANK YOU to the following hard working AAFC staff who surveyed†, processed‡, and mapped∞ this data: Owen Olfert2†∞, Holly Spence1†‡, Kevin Floate3†, Kayleigh Loberg1†‡, Amanda Jorgensen1†‡, Sara Stagg1†‡, Shelby Dufton1†‡, Jadin Chahade1†‡, Graham Fonseca1†‡, Kaitlin Freeman1†‡, Ross Weiss2∞, Trina Drummund1‡, and Hannah Senft 1‡. Thank you also to the BC Pest Monitoring Contractor, Arlan Benn4†‡, for collecting and processing samples collected in the BC Peace and to SARDA’s Sam White4† and Gary Braithwaite4† for collecting samples near Falher.
Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, Thank you to our canola producers for allowing us to sample in their fields! Good luck with the rest of your field season!
Continuing Research: Insect surveying in canola will continue annually in the Peace River region. This research is funded by A-Base funding 2011-2014 and an AgriScience Project with WGRF into 2018.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
17. Title: Investigating pest management strategies for the red clover casebearer (Coleophora deauratella) in seed production.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani
Problem: Insect monitoring in red clover seed production fields in the Peace River region between 2006-2007 revealed that Coleophora deauratella Lienig & Zeller (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) is now established throughout the region. The red clover casebearer is the dominant insect pest causing significant yield losses in both first- and second-year seed stands of red clover. The objectives of the described project are to continue studies examining the biology of this new insect pest and to further characterize the nature of the insect-plant association between C. deauratella in both red and alsike clovers grown for seed production.
Objectives of Research: 1) To examine the phenology of C. deauratella in relation to red and alsike clover seed production.
2) To investigate yield and seed quality losses in red clover due to natural infestations of C. deauratella. 3) To investigate natural enemies of C. deauratella.
Summary of Results: In 2011, the IPM lab focused on parasitoid rearing following the first successful rearing of multiple hymenopteran parasitoids from 2010 fall collections. Fall field trash collected in October of 2011 yielded a small number of C. deauratella cases and ~8 parasitoid wasps were reared from these overwintering C. deauratella. Fall collections of overwintering larvae from 2012 and 2013 have yielded singly-reared specimens that confirm parasitoids are now established and exerting pressure on C. deauratella within the Peace River region.
Continuing Research: This project is funded by an AgriScience Project and A-Base Biological Control Project. Parasitoid surveying will be performed in 2014-2015 across the Peace River region in order to identify beneficial parasitoid distributions and parasitism rates for three introduced casebearer species including C. deauratella, C. mayrella and C. trifolii. Surveying efforts are intended to estimate the distribution of these beneficials using (i) traditional taxonomic (morphological characteristics) and (ii) molecular techniques.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
18. Title: CARP Cutworm Research Project – Cutworms affecting canola production within the Peace River region.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani, Arlan Benn, Kayleigh Loberg, Shelby Dufton, Jeremy Hummel, Jim Broatch, Patty Reid, Martin Erlandson, Jennifer Holowachuk, Barb Sharanowski, Udari Wanaskewan, Vincent Hervet, Scott Meers, Shelley Barkley, Scott Hartley, John Gavloski, Kevin Floate
Problem: Cutworms are a complex of noctuid species which outbreak sporadically across the Canadian prairies. Historically, pale western, army, and redbacked species have caused economic damage in newly seeded field crops. However, recent cutworm outbreaks have been associated with lesser-known cutworm species. The present research is part of a larger CARP Cutworm project which spans the Canadian prairies and is funded until 2015.
Objectives of Research: 1) Identify cutworm larvae occurring in agricultural field crops and with an emphasis on canola production systems. 2) Characterize the distribution and densities of cutworms across the Canadian prairies. 3) Identify and quantify natural enemies attacking cutworms within the canola production system.
Summary of Results: Cutworm densities were again relatively low throughout the AB and BC areas of the Peace River region in 2014. Few outbreak situations were reported and, when cutworms were observed, densities ranged from 0.5-2 per 2m2. The dominant species of cutworms retrieved from fields in the Peace River region in 2014 were Dingy (Feltia jaculifera) followed by redbacked (Euxoa ochragaster), bristly (Lacinipolia renigera), glassy (Apamea devastator), and pale western (Agrotis orthogonia). Parasitism rates, based on laboratory rearing of individual
cutworms, ranged from 7-23% (N=284) yet numerous cutworms died as a result of “rearing mortality” (e.g., up to 80% of the 195 collected in red clover) which is likely associated with viral or bacterial diseases. Once again in 2014, rearing mortality was linearly related to “distance to site” with far greater numbers of larvae from more distant sites dying. All specimens that died during rearing were immediately forwarded to M. Erlandson (AAFC-Sask) for disease screening. Specimen preservation and identification will continue during the winter.
Continuing Research: This is part of the larger, prairie-wide CARP Cutworm Research Project funded from 2012-2015.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
19. Title: Identification of contaminant bee species occurring in bertha armyworm pheromone traps in the Peace River region.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani
Problem: Each year, pheromone traps designed to monitor Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) are deployed across the prairies. Although developers of the current pheromone lure and trap strove to reduce contaminant species and protect beneficial insects, native bees are routinely caught in Bertha armyworm pheromone traps deployed in the Peace River region. Contaminant bee species were identified and counted in an effort to (i) optimize samples already being collected, and (ii) document the species diversity of native bees occurring in commercial fields of canola.
Objectives of Research: 1) To determine what species of bumble bees can occur in commercial fields of canola grown in the Peace River region. 2) Compare the seasonal phenology of bee species in canola.
Summary of Results: Single pheromone traps were deployed in seven commercial canola fields located within a 25 km radius of Beaverlodge AB. Traps were monitored weekly from June 17 – August 20, 2014. At time of reporting, bee counts and species identifications were not completed. Preliminary observations indicate the majority of bees collected were again Bombus rufocinctus queens in 2014 which is consistent with the previous 2 years of monitoring.
Continuing Research: This study runs from 2010-2015 and is supported by A-Base and an AgriScience Project with WGRF. A complimentary CARP project is investigating the development and testing of a bee-deterring unitrap prototype (Meers and Barkley, AAFD) at these same sites.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
Contributor’s Contact Information
CÁRCAMO, Héctor, PhD Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, 5403-1 Avenue South, P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1. Tel. 403-317- 2247, e-mail: [email protected]
BATALLAS, Ronald, MSc Candidate University of Alberta, ES 214A, Biological Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Tel.780-492-1873, e-mail: [email protected]
DE SILVA WEERADDANA, Chaminda, PhD Candidate University of Alberta, ES 214A, Biological Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Tel.780-492-1873, e-mail: [email protected]
EVENDEN, Maya, PhD University of Alberta, ES 214A, Biological Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Tel.780-492-1873, e-mail: [email protected]
FERNANDEZ, Catalina, MSc Candidate Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, 5403-1 Avenue South, P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1. Tel. 403-317-2247, e-mail: [email protected]
HERVET, Vincent, PhD Candidate University of Lethbridge, Department of Biological Sciences, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, tel. 403-327- 4561 ext. 4244, e-mail: [email protected]
MEERS, Scott, MSc Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Crop Diversification Centre, S 301 Horticultural Station Road East, Brooks, Alberta, T1R 1E6, e-mail: [email protected]
OTANI, Jennifer, MSc Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge, Alberta, T0H 0C0, tel. 780-354-5132, e-mail: [email protected]
ST. ONGE, Amanda, MSc Candidate University of Alberta, ES 214A, Biological Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Tel.780-492-1873, e-mail: [email protected]
Appendix D. Agency Reports 2014
Pest Management Centre – Update for Western Forum on Pest Management October 29 to 31, 2014, Canmore, AB
Full information on the items listed below can be found on PMC’s webpage: www.agr.gc.ca/pmc
Minor Use Pesticides program
The Minor Use Pesticides Program (MUPP) continues to be busy and productive. In fact, as of October 15, 2014, we have completed and submitted 555 projects to either Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency or directly to the registrants to be used in future submissions. This work covers pest issues in all three disciplines (insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides) in 200 different crops. For a complete list of Submissions and Registrations by year, see the Program's Submissions web page.
Since being established in 2003, MUPP has initiated 1040 projects and made 555 submissions, resulting in 408 registrations and over 1500 new labelled uses for growers, including 250 joint projects resulting in more than 200 new uses for growers in both countries.
MUPP Priority Setting Workshop
In March 2014 over 200 representatives from growers, manufacturers, provincial and federal government departments, and the American Inter-Regional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4), participated in another successful Priority Setting Workshop and selected 42 new research pest control priorities. PMC is also working with IR-4 on the selection of 20 new joint projects for the 2015 field season.
The workshop also successfully integrated the Pesticide Risk Reduction Program (PRRP) into its daily activities by setting aside a two-hour time slot, at the beginning of every day for the PRRP biopesticide priorities.
Pesticide Risk Reduction program
- Ongoing strategies and new projects
Seven active pesticide risk reduction strategies are underway for priority pest management issues. Stakeholder consultations under these strategies result in a number of priority projects considered annually for support by PRRP to implement these strategies. For more details visit: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/?id=1288805416537
In 2014, 10 new projects were initiated, five of which focus on generating efficacy data for new biopesticide uses, while the other five aim toward the development of new, non-chemical pest management tools and practices. For more details visit: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/?id=1288896397295
Some highlights of progress with the strategy addressing foliar pests of prairie field crops and associated projects are:
• Refinement of an updated economic threshold for Lygus bug in canola is in the works • A dynamic action threshold model that takes into account natural enemies for aphid control in cereal crops has been developed and awaiting further refinements before delivery to growers • A degree day model for alfalfa weevil in alfalfa is being validated for prairie provinces • The parasitoid T. julis of cereal leaf beetle is being relocated into new areas where the pest is established but the parasitoid was not • A new bilingual field guide titled ‘Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies’ for western Canada is expected in March 2015
For 2015, PRRP put forward new priorities for proposals as part of AAFC’s Science and Technology Branch Call for Proposal currently underway at AAFC.
- Biopesticides
New process implemented for selection of biopesticide priorities
March of 2014 marked the first year for the new approach to setting biopesticide priorities. This year, rather than holding a separate workshop to select biopesticide projects, selection of biopesticides priority candidates for new registration or new use site label expansion was integrated into each of the discipline days (entomology, pathology, and weeds) before the start of the respective Minor Use Pesticides sessions. Growers identified 8 priority products during the three days.
Following several rounds of evaluation and a merit analysis of these 8 products, 4 biopesticide products were selected by a panel of provincial representatives, regulators and PRRP staff to receive regulatory support from the PRRP program: • Api-life VAR (thymol, eucalyptus oil and menthol), new registration for varroa mite control in honey bee • Botector (Aureobasidium pullulans DSM 14940 & 14941) a new use-site category for diseases including botrytis of GH ornamentals and vegetables • Oxidate (hydrogen peroxide) a new use-site category for powdery mildew, botrytis and other diseases on a number of food and non-food crops • Quassia Extract DM (extract of Quassia amara) new registration for insect pests of a number of crops including pome fruits
The PMC PRRP is currently working with registrant companies and PMRA to determine data requirements for registration of these products and uses in Canada.
A similar biopesticide priority selection process will be followed in March 2015.
New license granted for ACM941, biopesticide against Fusarium head blight in wheat
Following the Request for Proposals (Fall, 2013) by AAFC’s Office of Intellectual Property and Commercialization to develop and market the patented technology of Clonostachys rosea strain ACM941, a license was granted to Adjuvants Plus Incorporated (API), a Canadian company based in
Ontario. The PRRP is now working with the company to facilitate a submission to PMRA for registration of the biofungicide for use in management of Fusarium head blight in Canada.
Regulatory Support Work for Biopesticides
Since November, 2013, 8 packages of value data in support of 4 biopesticide product registrations were provided by the PRRP to registrant companies of Grandevo, Naturalis, Organocide and Vanish.
The biopesticide XenTari (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai strain ABTS-1857), a product for which PRRP submitted the regulatory package for the use on canola for diamond back control, has been recently proposed for full registration in Canada (decision pending upon PMRA’s public consultation held from 14 August 2014 to 28 September 2014). http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/part/consultations/_prd2014-17/prd2014-17-eng.php
The PRRP is currently overseeing 7 projects related to generation of biopesticide regulatory data. A status report for all biopesticide projects and submissions resulting from PRRP supported activities since 2005 is available on the PMC’s website at the biopesticide project status page. For more information about biopesticide work, contact Dr. Tobias Laengle ([email protected] ).
Appendix E. Terms of Reference 2014
Western Committee on Crop Pests: Committee Overview and Terms of Reference ~Est. 1962~
The Western Committee on Crop Pests (WCCP) consists of a widely-based group of pest management experts and researches who meet annually to determine best practices for integrated pest control in Western Canada. The WCCP recommends the selection of safe and effective chemical pest control agents (not necessarily products). The goal of the WCCP is to determine the integrated pest management methods that are cost-effective and do not adversely affect the health of individuals, livestock, wildlife or the environment.
History of the WCCP
The archives of the Western Committee on Crop Pests indicate that the committee was born in 1962 as The Committee on Insecticide Use for Crops In the Prairie Provinces. The founding members were from the Entomology Departments of the Lethbridge, Saskatoon and Winnipeg Research Stations; the Departments of Agriculture of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and a member from the chemical industry.
The Terms of Reference of the committee in 1962 were:
i. to determine the best insecticides, their rates of application and possible hazards; ii. to determine the basis for such decisions and the necessity for further research; iii. to plan for cooperative research on the more important current problems; iv. to encourage a regional outlook on common entomological problems; and v. to encourage provincial and federal cooperation.
In 1966, the group added representatives from British Columbia and from the Food and Drug Directorate and became the Western Committee on Crop Pesticides. This new committee name remained in place until 1975 when the committee formally became the Western Committee on Crop Pests (WCCP).
The terms of reference were revised at the 2013 meeting of the WCCP to reflect the current nature of meetings and activities of the group. The current Terms of Reference are:
1. to provide and archive annual provincial summaries of current insect concerns and of relevant entomological research in Western Canada; 2. to provide a forum for the presentation, discussion and communication of current topics and concerns relevant to insect management in Western Canada; 3. to plan for cooperative research on important current and potential insect problems; 4. to encourage a regional outlook on common entomological problems;
5. to facilitate collaboration among provincial, federal and industry agencies to resolve issues related to insect management, and; 6. to maintain and up-date best management guidelines on monitoring and biological, cultural and chemical control of insect pests of crops in Western Canada.
Today the WCCP is a dynamic group representing federal and provincial agriculture departments, federal regulatory agencies, universities, crop commodity groups and the crop protection industry. The committee rotates its annual meeting among the four western Provinces in association with the Western Forum on Pest management and the Western Committee on Plant Diseases. Attendance is open to all persons involved in the development and implementation of insect management and related activities in Western Canada.