Western Forum on Pest Management 2017

Western Committee on Crop Pests Meeting Date: Thursday October 26, 2017 Location: Fairmont Hotel West Ballroom, Winnipeg MB

Sponsors Include: Alberta Canola, Manitoba Wheat and Barley, SaskPulse, Manitoba Canola Growers, Western Grains, BASF, Manitoba Corn Growers, 20/20 Seed Labs Inc., Canola Council of Canada, DOW AgroSciences, and Syngenta

Chair: John Gavloski Secretary: Meghan Vankosky

1. Meeting called to order by the Chair at 8:13 am followed by introduction of the Chair and Secretary. Attendees welcomed to the meeting, Secretary counted 25 attendees at the start of the meeting, all attendees present introduced themselves before the coffee break (9:50 am).

2. Chair outlined the agenda for the meeting and noted two additions: a. Lindsey Goudis, BASF to give insecticide update (Section 8.3) b. Ana Dal Molin to give update on development of app for insect, weed, and disease identification (Section 9.4, Special Reports) -No other additions to the agenda Scott Hartley motioned for the agenda to be accepted as revised. Motion seconded by Keith Gabert. Motion passed.

3. Minutes from 2016 meeting in Saskatoon SK briefly summarized. No comments/concerns were raised concerning the minutes. Tyler Wist motioned to accept the 2016 minutes. Motion seconded by Jennifer Otani. Motion passed.

4. No new business arose from the 2016 meeting.

5. Resolutions: One outstanding resolution from 2016 was noted: The need to write to the provinces regarding attendance of provincial scientists at WFPM. This resolution has been passed to the Resolutions Committee of WFPM. Scott Hartley and Glenda Clezy volunteered to serve on the 2017 Resolutions Committee.

6. Provincial Insect Pest Summaries 2017 (8:30 am)

6.1. British Columbia report presented by Wim van Herk on behalf of Susanna Acheampong and Tracy Hueppelsheuser; report appended Questions: John Gavloski: Is true armyworm novel in BC? Answer: Yes. Tyler Wist: Are there records of wind trajectories that would have blown in armyworm? Answer: Not sure, but the infestation was consistent all along the western coast, suggesting a continuous infestation and spread without wind; Jennifer Otani noted that armyworm was a serious outbreak pest in Oregon in 2017 and probably expanded northward due to high populations and favourable conditions.

6.2. Alberta report prepared by Scott Meers and presented by the Chair as Scott Meers was unable to attend the meeting; report appended. Questions: Keith Gabert: Cabbage seedpod weevil populations were lower in 2016, but with the continued range expansion, are there weevils now moving into MB? Answer: not formally surveyed in 2017 (but note that specimens were found within a few km of the MB/SK border in 2017); Hector Carcamo spoke about his work for cabbage seedpod weevil scouting and validation of economic thresholds: results suggest sweep samples should be taken at the edge and interior (50 m) of the field, and that samples taken at opposite corners of the field give a good estimate for weevils; 25-40 weevils/sweep suggested as economic threshold based on sweeps; if only sampling the edges, use 40 weevils/sweep as the threshold Hector Carcamo: With potential evidence of pea leaf weevil in the Peace region, was there any damage noted? Answer: Some damage characteristic to Sitona weevils has been observed on perennial legumes (Jennifer Otani, Meghan Vankosky)

6.3. Saskatchewan report prepared and delivered by Scott Hartley; report appended. This will likely be Scott’s final WCCP meeting as he is now managing the pest diagnostic lab. The job search for a new provincial entomologist was initiated on October 26, 2017. Questions: Chris Dufault: Was damage caused by the mystery ‘red bug’ economic? Answer: Yes, there was a lot of spraying associated with this pest, even though there was no ID and no registered products; concern was high because the damage caused by the bug was exacerbated by the drought conditions in most areas where it was recorded. All: What is the ID of the mystery bug? Answer: Peritrechus convivus is most likely. Adult specimens have been sent to Ottawa for confirmation. Meghan Vankosky: commented that she observed many red turnip bugs in canola field margins on weeds, especially cleavers. Scott Hartley: commented that he spent a lot of time in 2017 on boards to reassess neonicotinoid chemistries. A key concern is effect of these products in bodies of water; more research has been requested on this topic and this year with the drought made this work difficult in SK. Chris Dufault: What is happening with the registration for Matador? Answer: the proposed deregistration of Matador and similar chemistries caught us off guard in 2017; this product is widely registered, will set back work done by PMRA, and is not currently an issue in US or Europe (like other products); want to revoke all MRLs (due to effects on the product for plant use as fodder for animals). Hector Carcamo: What promoted the Matador review? Answer from Ted Labun: all products are due for reevaluation on a 15 year cycle; the product was up for review on that schedule, but there was no indication before the review started that there were significant concerns surrounding the product. Nevin Rosaasen: have people from other ministries been asked for reevaluation inputs? Answer from John Gavloski: yes, people from MB have been involved heavily; Jennifer Otani commented that someone will likely speak on the reevaluation at Agronomy Update in Red Deer January 2018; Marcie Schultz (PMRA rep) stated that industry needs to provide input into reevaluation.

6.4. Manitoba report prepared and presented by John Gavloski; report appended. -John Gavloski included an “issues” section in his report -John also noted that there are plans in place to do more monitoring for potentially emerging pests in 2018 (PLW, CSPW etc.), based on survey results in SK. Questions: Scott Hartley: What is going on with diamondback moths? Answer/Discussion: -Lori-Ann Kaminski suggested that that we might see more generations in dry years; in dry years there would be less abiotic mortality associated with rain events (that wash larvae off of plants) and low insect pathogens populations -John Gavloski: populations of diamondback moth really didn’t agree with information provided by DBM traps, is there an issue with the pheromone lures? Answer: Population densities were low in fields in 2016 despite high trap catches, suggesting some disconnect and that regional vs. field forecasting is an issue that probably contributes to inconsistent observations. Look for larvae in all fields. -Angela Brackenreed: are populations blowing in later than the traps were out? Answer: (John Gavloski) counts were variable in the traps during the trapping period, suggested that maybe a second generation blew into Canada this year. -Keith Gabert commented that low population levels in mid-May weren’t a red flag, so there wasn’t any suggestion to scout early on which may have contributed to issues. -Scott Hartley: seemed that parasitism lagged behind a bit this year, because often the second and third generations crash. Chris Dufault: Potassium deficiency has been associated with faster population growth of soybean aphids; has there been any assessment of the potassium in the foliage? Answer: this year soybean aphids were so widespread that any effects could not be teased out. Lori-Ann Kaminski: thanks to John for providing acreage values in the report, this is help put some information into perspective. Glenda Clezy: were spider mites in soybean a problem in 2017? Answer: Yes. Spider mites like dry conditions, so there was some spraying for spider mites in 2017. Spider mite populations were greatest on field edges (with targeted spraying with dimethoate).

6.5. Reporters for 2018 will be as follows: British Columbia: Susanna Acheampong Saskatchewan: to be announced Manitoba: John Gavloski Alberta: Scott Meers Thank you to these volunteers.

7. Provincial Research Reports 7.1. British Columbia report prepared and delivered by Wim van Herk. Three research projects were described, including two projects concerning wireworms and one project regarding pesticide residue trials. Wim noted that there is more research happening in BC, but there were few responses from agricultural researchers to his update request. Questions: John Gavloski: Are there concerns with by-catch in terms of carabid beetles using pitfall traps for adult Elateridae? Answer: Christine Norohona tries to exclude larger carabid beetles using mesh; some difference in phenology between Elateridae and Carabidae; less trap depletion if traps are further apart. John Gavloski: What insect pests in hops are the pesticide trials being done for? Answer: likely mites (John Gavloski noted that aphids and leafhoppers are also hops pests).

7.2. Alberta research report compiled and delivered by Hector Carcamo. Seventeen research projects were summarized by Hector, with help from Jennifer Otani, Amanda Jorgensen and Shelby Dufton. Questions: none

7.3. Saskatchewan research report compiled by Tyler Wist. Tyler and Meghan Vankosky delivered the report with some PowerPoint slides to provide visuals. The research report summarized 13 projects. Questions: Keith Gabert: Aster yellows affecting wheat? Answer: Doesn’t seem to have a large impact recently, haven’t seen a peak outbreak year since 2012. Jennifer Otani: If wheat is infested with aster yellows, does the wheat still flower? Answer: Yes.

7.4. Manitoba research report compiled and delivered by John Gavloski (after lunch). Ten report submissions were received from the University of Manitoba, and focused on flea beetles (report given by Tharshi Nagalingam), wheat midge, aphids, and pests of livestock. There were no questions.

7.5. Reporters for 2018 will be as follows: British Columbia: Wim van Herk Saskatchewan: Tyler Wist Manitoba: Alejandro Costamagna Alberta: Haley Catton Thank you to these volunteers.

8. Agency Reports (questions were asked but are not noted in the minutes) 8.1. CFIA insect update provided by Dave Holden at 1:30 pm. -Dave brought some outreach material regarding invasive pests and left it at the registration desk for attendees to take -CFIA continues to monitor populations/incidences of gypsy moth, apple maggot, blueberry maggot, European cherry fruit fly, and others -In 2017, the Japanese beetle was found in BC. Dave presented a full length PowerPoint on the Japanese beetle in BC in 2017. Follow-up responses to this incursion are under evaluation at this time

8.2. Insecticide Update presented by Pratisara Bajracharya (Manitoba Agriculture) Pratisara discussed minor use registrations, the list of URMULE applications made in 2017 (appended), and the insecticide reevaluation process.

8.3. Insecticide Update presented by Lindsey Goudis (BASF). Lindsey provided more details about a new insecticide chemistry, Afidopyropen, that is under review (initiated March 2016) using the trade name Inscalis -new chemistry, in a new insecticide subgroup: 9D -insect targets will include several aphid species in a variety of crops. The product is also effective against whitefly and was found to have minimal impacts on beneficial species -the product is not yet registered in Canada

9. Special Reports (questions were asked but are not noted in the minutes) 9.1. Update from the Pest Management Centre was presented by Leslie Farmer (AAFC). Leslie outlined: -the strategies and responsibilities of the PMC; ongoing and completed projects based on PMC priorities, including product efficacy studies for pests of quinoa and residue studies for products targeting pests of timothy (grass) -new biopesticide products being considered for registration and the role of the PMC in biopesticide development and registration -the alien invasive species coordination group, which gave a series of web-based seminars on spotted wing drosophila in 2016/17

9.2. Melanie Dubois presented her work in a presentation titled “Habitat enhancement and wild pollinators” remotely from Brandon MB (due to the snowstorm on Thursday)

9.3. Tyler Wist presented work being done at AAFC-Saskatoon titled “What’s eating your quinoa: insect barriers to quinoa adoption on the Western Canadian Prairies.”

9.4 Ana Dal Molin presented a brief overview of an app being developed for pest identification and scouting, titled "MOBILE-IPM: Pest identification, monitoring, and forecasting app: October 2017 update" -Mobile IPM app development by University of Manitoba research group -Ana requested volunteers to help test the app so that improvements can be made and errors in identification identified -interested parties can contact Ana ([email protected]) -for access to the keys, use: http://is.gd/mobileIPM -to register for the app, visit: http://www.mobile-ipm.com

10. WCCP guide The WCCP guide provides information on pest management for different crops. Chapters recently updated: Oilseed crops (2017), Cereal grains (2017), Turf (2017), Seasoned Wood (2016), Pulse crops (2015), and Recommendations for the Control of Arthropod Pests of Livestock, Poultry, and Farm Buildings in Western Canada (2017). Chapters that should be updated include: Forage crops (2013), Bee poisoning (2013), and Tree Fruits (2012). Jennifer Otani is looking for a co-editor for the Bee poisoning chapter; interested volunteers can contact her. Haley Catton suggested Danica Baines (AAFC-Lethbridge) as a potential co-editor for that chapter. There are currently 5 archived chapters (not updated in last 5 years). Shelley Barkley is working on Home Vegetable Crops. Volunteers for the other topics are requested.

11. New Business a. Sherrilyn Phelps and Glenda Clezy submitted an update on pests and diseases of pulses in 2017. Their report is appended to the minutes. b. No additional new business.

12. Election of 2018 WCCP Executive At the time of the WCCP meeting, the location and date for the 2018 meeting was not yet decided (confirmed as Lloydminster at WPFM meeting on Friday morning). In anticipation of the 2018 meeting being held in Lloydminster (ease of travel for provincial staff from Alberta and Saskatchewan in potential election years), Scott Meers was nominated in absentia as the Chair of the 2018 meeting. Secretary TBA.

13. Resolutions 13.1. Whereas the spread of the Japanese beetle into Western Canada is a significant concern, it is important to support the efforts of the CFIA to monitor and prevent movement of this pest into the Prairie Provinces and the Interior of British Columbia. Therefore, be it resolved that the WCCP will write a letter to Darlene Blair (CFIA Director) and Paul Glover (CFIA President) to state that it is the wish of the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia that the CFIA take all necessary action to prevent further movement/invasion of the Japanese beetle in Western Canada, including to monitor, control, or eradicate this insect to maintain the current pest free status of Western Canada. Scott Hartley moved that WCCP accept the above resolution, with wording to be fine- tuned by the Resolution Committee when writing the letter. Motion seconded by Wim van Herk, motion passed.

Contact information: Darlene Blair, Director of CFIA, 59 Camelot Drive, Camelot Court Floor 2E, Room 137, Ottawa ON, K1A 0Y9; [email protected]; 613-773-7116

Paul Glover, President of CFIA, 1400 Merivale Road Tower 1, Floor 6, Ottawa ON, K1A 0Y9; [email protected]; 613-773-6000

13.2. Whereas the 2017 WCCP meeting has seen a successful turnout and enjoyed comfortable accommodations, be it resolved that the WCCP commend John Gavloski and the organizing committee for the Winnipeg 2017 WFPM meeting for hosting an excellent meeting and the staff at the Fairmont Hotel be thanked for their hospitality and service.

14. Tyler Wist motioned to adjourn the 2017 WCCP meeting at 5:40 pm.

Provincial insect and research reports are appended below.

Appendix 1: Provincial Insect Reports

BRITISH COLUMBIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

2017 INSECT PEST REPORT

WESTERN COMMITTEE ON CROP PESTS October 25-27, 2017, Winnipeg, Manitoba

SUMMARY

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii continues to be a major pest of concern for tree fruit and berry growers. The lowest numbers of SWD were trapped in 2017 compared to previous years probably due to less than ideal moisture and temperature: a cold winter, cool rainy spring, high summer temperatures and drought. High levels of grasshoppers caused damage to crops in the Vanderhoof area again in 2017. True armyworm, Mythimna unipuncta outbreaks caused devastating damage to forage in Coastal BC (Vancouver Island and Fraser). Traps were set up to monitor apple maggot in Interior B.C. by CFIA, BCFGA, SIR and BC Ministry of Agriculture. Brown marmorated stink bug is spreading in Interior and Coastal BC with high population levels in Chilliwack and downtown Kelowna. Ornamental hosts recorded to date in Interior BC are chokecherry, tree of heaven, maple, honey locust, catalpa, mountain ash, lilac, magnolia, cotoneaster and snowberry. Western corn rootworm area-wide survey revealed that the pest was widespread across most of the Fraser Valley corn growing areas in 2017. There were more reports of elm seed bug, Arocatus melanocephalus infestations in homes in Kelowna. SIR is leading a collaborative project with industry, federal and provincial partners to adapt the Washington State Decision Aid System for the BC Tree fruit industry and also exploring the use of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) or “drone” to release sterile codling moths.

FORAGE CROPS

Grasshoppers, there were multiple reports of high levels of grasshoppers in the Vanderhoof area with significant damage to newly seeded stands of alfalfa and grasses.

Grey tortrix moth, Cnephasia stephensiana outbreaks and extensive damage to alfalfa was reported in the Fort Fraser area. Caterpillars were also found feeding on cow parsnip, dandelion, clover and pea vine.

True armyworm, Mythimna unipuncta outbreaks causing devastating damage were first reported in grass hay fields in the Port Alberni, Comox, Courtenay, and Cowichan valley in July 2017. Second generation larvae were then reported again on Vancouver Island in more areas, and in the Fraser valley, from Delta to Chilliwack. Grass hay was significantly defoliated. Some growers lost 80-100% of their first, second and/or third cuts, depending on when their fields were infested. In August, the larvae moved to forage corn fields, causing severe defoliation and cob damage. This pest is outbreaking along the west coast, from central California, Oregon, and Washington. The regions are working together to determine if/how this pest will overwinter in the west. Outreach to industry continues, and we are planning area-wide trapping and monitoring in 2018.

Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera is limited to the Fraser Valley, as determined by an extensive area-wide survey in corn growing areas in B.C. Damage to forage and sweet corn was significant in many fields, compounded by summer drought and late planted fields. BC growers will be using Bt-traited corn extensively for the first time in 2018, however, seed availability is expected to be limited.

HORTICULTURAL CROPS

Apple Maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella: A single apple maggot female was detected on a CFIA survey trap in hawthorn in a residential area in Kelowna in September 2016. CFIA set up 129 traps in Kelowna and 148 in West Kelowna for delimitation surveys in 2017. OKSIR was contracted by industry and other partners to monitor an additional 130 traps within the Kelowna area. Result of the 2017 survey is not yet available. Apple maggot is established in coastal (Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island) B.C. and commercial coastal apple growers are somewhat successfully managing this pest, and homeowners struggle with it. BC Ministry of Agriculture sets up traps in some orchards from Abbotsford to Surrey to help growers time spray applications and to better understand pest phenology in our region. Outreach to growers and the public (backyard gardeners and hobby apple growers) continue.

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys: More than 150 pheromone baited traps were set up in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Creston Valleys to monitor BMSB in urban and natural sites from May into Fall. Mainly Trece BMSB kits and a few pyramid and panel traps were used. Overwintered adults were collected from surveillance traps in Kelowna on May 9, 2017. Current detection sites in Interior BC are Penticton, Kelowna, West Kelowna, Glenmore, Rutland, Lake Country, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Osoyoos. With the exception of Kelowna, very low numbers of BMSB were collected from detection sites. The Kelowna downtown core is highly infested with BMSB. Ornamental hosts recorded to date include chokecherry, tree of heaven, maple, honey locust, catalpa, mountain ash, lilac, magnolia, cotoneaster and snowberry. Three native stink bug parasitoid species Trissolcus euschisti, Telenomus podisi, and Ooencyrtus sp were reared from sentinel spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris egg masses in B.C. An effective exotic egg parasitoid of BMSB, Trissolcus japonicus, was recently found in the wild in the USA, but unfortunately was not reared from sentinel eggs in the survey. A red velvet mite, Balaustium sp found feeding on spined soldier bug eggs readily attacks BMSB eggs in the laboratory (Drs Paul Abram, Joan Cossentine and Susanna Acheampong). BMSB is found widely in the Fraser Valley and Vancouver areas, however, only at low levels and in urban areas. The first detection of BMSB on Vancouver Island was in Brentwood Bay in April 2017. Having a new simple and cheap trapping system available has made area-wide surveys for this pest practical. We now use clear sticky traps with Trece dual lures. Though there have not been any BMSB detections or reports from commercial farmers/growers, we are concerned that BMSB could readily move within the next couple of years into fields and cause crop damage. Outreach to growers and the public to report any suspicious stink bugs continues.

Pear thrips Taeniothrips inconsequens was reported for the first time in two pear orchards in Kelowna in April of 2017. Damage to the pear blocks was substantial.

Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii: Adult spotted wing drosophila flies were monitored with trappit globe traps baited with Trece lures by BC Tree Fruits Co- operative and private consultants in Interior BC in 2017. Earliest confirmed SWD flies were collected in the week of May 15, 2017. SWD numbers were the lowest recorded since 2010. This could be due to the unusual cool and rainy spring with floods and the hot dry summer. In Coastal BC, area-wide surveillance in berry crops continued in commercial blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry fields. This pest continues to be a primary concern to growers. 2017 was a low SWD-pressure year, likely due to the cold winter, cool spring, and hot dry summer in the Fraser Valley.

Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii: Pheromone trap surveys have been ongoing in commercial cole crop fields from May-Sept, 2009-2017 in the Fraser Valley. Based on the survey results, and that there have been no suspicious damage, B.C. remains free from Swede midge.

ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

Balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges piceae, which damages true firs (Abies species) is being further surveyed for in BC. Range expansion of this regulated pest has occurred and government will have to update regulations and industry (forestry, nursery, and Christmas tree growers) will have to adjust their practices as a result of pest incursion.

Globular spring tails Bourletiella hortensis caused damage to leaves of nursery apple rootstock and large numbers were found on nursery rootstocks of ivory silk tree lilac (Syringa reticulata), Amur maple (Acer ginnala) and honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthus) in Kelowna. This could be due to the unusual rainy and moist spring in 2017.

Elm seed bug, Arocatus melanocephalus, there were more reports of elm seed bug infestations by homeowners in the Kelowna area in 2017.

RODENTS

Several black rats were reported in the orchard/vineyard area of Erickson area of Creston in August 2017. The rats were identified as Rattus rattus by Phil Merrill of Alberta Agriculture. This is the first report of Rattus rattus in the Creston area.

EXTENSION PROGRAMS

Publications: Factsheets, brochures and postcards on brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, and Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii are available from the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture www.gov.bc.ca/planthealth for outreach.

Okanagan Sterile Insect Release Program (SIR) continues to control codling moth (CM) populations through the sterile insect technique in ca. 8000 acres of pome fruit in the Okanagan region. Greater than 92% of this area had less than 0.2% fruit damaged by the codling moth (CM) this year, compared to 90% in 2016. Overall, the total number of wild CMs collected in pheromone baited traps decreased compared to 2016. In the handful of areas where CM populations increased, these could be traced to a small number of properties with specific problems (bins from infested orchards being moved to clean areas, population levels too high for control by SIT, etc.). The SIR program will continue to manage codling moth by maintaining low CM levels through the SIT and encouraging growers to apply supplemental controls in areas where required. To better help growers cope with the challenges of a changing climate, the program has been leading a collaborative effort to adapt Washington State University's Decision Aid System to the region's tree fruit industry. This online, grower friendly tool uses real time weather data and historical trends to model and forecast pest phonologies and provide management recommendations to the tree fruit industry. The system will be available to pome fruit growers in the region in 2018 at no additional cost to the growers. SIR is exploring the use of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) or “drone” to release sterile codling moths. Advances in UAS technology are creating new opportunities to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of its program. Results after two seasons of pilot projects are very promising.

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 Geneve Jasper, Jim Forbes, Lavona Liggins, Jill Hatfield, Nicole Pressley, Chad Fofonoff, Laura Code, Kevin Murphy, Dave Woodske, Carl Withler, Evan Esch, and Karina Sakalauskas

Armyworm damage to corn

Armyworm and corn rootworm damage to corn Armyworm damage to a hayfield

Pear thrips damage. Photo credit, Diane Thomas, Oyama BC Brown marmorated stinkbug eggs

Brown marmorated stink bug nymphs Brown marmorated stink bug adults

Bourletiella hortensis on honey locust rootstock Bourletiella hortensis damage to nursery apple leaves

Alberta Crop Insect Update 2017

SUMMARY

Insect concerns were at a very low level in southern Alberta until July when a very large outbreak of diamondback moth occurred. Wheat midge was a concern in central Alberta east of Edmonton. Populations of pea leaf weevil, cabbage seedpod weevil and lygus were generally lower than previous years. Grasshoppers and wheat stem sawfly are both on the increase. Potato psyllids were present for most of the growing season with a peak in August.

OILSEED INSECTS Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella). There were 37 trap locations established across Alberta in 2017 and monitored from May 1 to June 16. Several locations had elevated catches but were similar to previous years. There were numerous DBM larvae in the survey done at early flower. These samples are not processed until later in the season so that early warning was not recognized during the growing season. In the past we have seen early flowering populations crash before the end of the season. In the end there was major spraying that took place in southern Alberta. Virtually all of the canola with high levels of larvae were sprayed, some of it a couple of times. Some fields were left unsprayed despite high numbers of larvae because they were severely drought affected. Many questions come out of this experience including: what can we do to improve our early warning system and many questions about scouting and thresholds. Many agrologists feel they were not well served by our current thresholds. There were some concerns with efficacy of synthetic pyrethroids but they appear to be mostly due to spraying at excessively high temperatures.

The cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) occurred above economic threshold throughout its “traditional” range in southern Alberta, although 2017 was a lower year than normal in the traditional range. Scouting and spraying of early planted fields are routine management practices for canola producers south of the Trans-Canada Highway. Many agrologists commented that they were surprised with the very low numbers of cabbage seedpod weevil this year. Very few fields north of Highway 1 were above threshold this year. Once again, CSPW was found in central Alberta but the northern edge of its range appeared to shrink back to the south with Red Deer and Stettler being the most northerly counties where CSPW was found. Our survey included 232 fields swept by program staff and 42 fields were recorded using on our line reporting tool.

Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) moth catches were very low across the province in 2017. A total of 240 monitoring sites were set up thanks to excellent cooperation with the agricultural industry. Of the 240 locations, none had an elevated risk level above the low level (300 cumulative). There was, however some spraying that occurred south of Stettler. Upon further investigation it was likely an overreaction due in part to the very poor growing conditions in that area. We are very appreciative of the efforts of the many agrologists, farmers and agriculture service board fieldmen that look after bertha armyworm traps for the network.

Striped flea beetle (Phyllotreta striolata) and crucifer flea beetle (P. cruciferae) were less of a concern in 2017 than in 2016, largely because growing conditions for canola improved greatly after a very dry early spring. Early seeded canola appears to be at greatest risk especially due to damage from striped flea beetle including stem feeding on cool and/or windy days. Stem feeding is causing issues in interpreting thresholds. Although striped flea beetles are largely being blamed for damage to seedling canola, investigations by Syngenta show that both species are being found in fields throughout most of the province. The Peace River region is strongly predominately striped and southern Alberta remains predominately crucifer but there is a significant new presence of striped even as far south as Stirling. There appears to be a growing trend to recommend an insecticide with early herbicide application because the grower is going to be on the field anyways. In these cases very little seems to be understood about thresholds. Feeding on pods in August was noted in southern Alberta. This happened on canola that was very drought stressed and the species involved was primarily crucifer flea beetle.

Lygus bugs were still less of a concern than in “normal” previous years throughout the province especially in the central Alberta Highway 2 corridor. Numerous reports of very low to zero lygus in canola this year. In a few isolated fields around Claresholm and in the Lacombe area lygus reached 1-3 per sweep.

Root maggots (Delia spp.) were common throughout central Alberta again this year. Although root maggots are commonly found they remain an insect that is understudied in Alberta canola production.

Cutworms were once again a concern in 2017 but less so on the whole as compared to the previous year. Once again the dominant species was redbacked cutworm (Euxoa ochrogaster). Serious reports of cutworms came from many different parts of the province but the largest volume of concerns were from central Alberta. Very few reports from southern Alberta. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada released a cutworm guide this year with contributions from the Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission (SaskCanola) and the Manitoba Canola Growers Association in partnership with the Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund. The guide, titled “Cutworm pests of crops on the Canadian Prairies: identification and management guide”, is available online at: http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2017/aac-aafc/A59-42-2017-eng.pdf (English) and http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2017/aac-aafc/A59-42-2017-fra.pdf (French).

Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii) monitoring via pheromone traps was curtailed in 2017 with the announcement of the new species. In place of pheromone traps a visual survey was conducted to delineate where the new Contarinia species is found. A team of surveyors met and were trained and then were sent out to survey 119 fields in 26 counties in central Alberta near the end of flowering (July 25 to 27). Midge were found in low numbers in 21 fields. Additionally flower damage consistent with midge damage was observed in a further 29 fields (total of 50 fields). Samples of midge larvae were collected from all positive fields. The survey delineation shows that midge were found mainly east of Edmonton with one field northwest of Edmonton in Sturgeon County and one field west of Highway 2 in Leduc County. East and north of Edmonton the midge was found as far as M.D. of Bonnyville. The south extent of the range appears to be approximately Highway 12 that runs through Stettler.

Reports of severe damage to seedling canola by red turnip beetles was reported from the Westlock area again this year and also from east-central Alberta around Vermillion and Lloydminster. Several fields were sprayed.

Orange maggots were once again noted in sclerotina infested canola stems from a number of fields across Alberta. We suspect they are larvae from flies of the family Cecidomyiidae.

The eruptive migrant Painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) was a common site this year in Alberta and was observed in virtually all regions of the province. Adult migrants began arriving in Alberta starting in May as they moved north from the United States. This is always a mixed blessing as the larvae can feed heavily on Canada thistle but damage can also occur on some field crops. Several sunflower crops in southern Alberta had heavy feeding damage and there was some spraying. In addition larvae were discovered in many soybean fields but few were severe enough to warrant spraying. Painted lady butterfly larvae in soybean is a new issue for us. The last outbreak of painted lady caterpillars was in 2005 and at that time there were essentially no soybeans being grown in Alberta. Freshly emerged adults began appearing in mid-July but concern for a second generation of larvae did not materialize.

A bloom of green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, was discovered in a hemp field in late August.

CEREAL INSECTS Wireworm (Elateridae). There were lots of concerns about wireworms again this season.

Wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus) is still at relatively low levels throughout its traditional range. Our annual survey shows a bit more of resurgence in southern Alberta and the population in Willow Creek remains strong with the highest cutting rating at 21 percent. The population in central Alberta appears to have completely collapsed. Ninety three fields were surveyed for the 2018 wheat stem sawfly forecast.

The forecast for wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana) was high for some areas in east central Alberta for 2017. The forecast held true and there was significant spraying and damaged crops. The survey for the 2018 forecast is well under way with the field work done and soil washing ongoing. Further extension for wheat midge management including the use of tolerant wheat will be necessary. The forecast for 2018 will be published early December. This year we plan to process over 330 soil samples again from all the wheat growing areas of Alberta.

There were very few cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus) in 2017 as populations are pretty much all less than 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.

There were only a couple reports of wheat head armyworm in 2017 (Dargida diffusa).

European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) is being increasingly found throughout Alberta.

PULSE CROP INSECTS The expansion of the pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) range appeared to stall in 2017. This insect is being found well north and west of Edmonton in fababean and pea crops. Severe damage still occurred in some fields but there was very large variation from field to field. 204 pea fields surveyed for pea leaf weevil in 2017 including fields in the Peace River region for the first time. We found notching damage in the Peace but at this point the only insects confirmed have been sweet clover weevil which will do similar damage in peas. At this point pea leaf weevil has not been confirmed in the Peace region although some specimens are awaiting taxonomic verification. We discontinued our survey in fababean in 2017 due to manpower concerns.

Four surveillance sites were set up for Western Bean Cutworm (Striacosta albicosta) and none were found. Producers and agrologists continue to suggest that this insect is in Alberta but we have yet to find it in pheromone traps.

Lygus damage in fababeans was much lower in 2017, although it was easy to find lygus in fababeans field as other crops dried down. Fababean acreage is down.

Pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) numbers were lower in 2017.

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 but populations were generally lower in 2017.

Potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) was reported throughout the season with a peak in late summer. Two locations had psyllids that tested positive for Candidatus Liberobacter solanacearum (Lso) the pathogen that causes zebra chip. At this point no potatoes have tested positive for zebra chip.

Once again 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).

Grasshopper numbers were surprisingly high in some areas of the Peace and northwest central Alberta. Clear winged grasshopper (Camnula pellucida) numbers remain fairly high in Mackenzie county (Fort Vermillion) and grasshoppers in general increased in throughout southern Alberta where some spraying of borders with rangeland or cereals occurred.. We are progressing very well with the compilation of the grasshopper survey. Agriculture Service Boards have pretty much all sent in their final reports from the August survey. We have included grasshopper samples in our survey this year and have been working through them and identifying the species present. These determinations will be reported back to the fieldmen in order to help them improve their grasshopper identifications in future years. We will also be doing grasshopper survey training on an annual basis from now on. We have been noticing a trend of odd number year (2013, 2015 2017 etc.) grasshopper outbreaks and are working on determining if this is a real trend and what is driving it. As part of this trend grasshopper populations were high enough in the north Peace to cause damage in cereal crops and many acres were sprayed. In that area local suppliers struggled to have sufficient inventory of insecticides on hand. Bruner grasshopper (Melanoplus bruneri) appears to be more numerous in this scenario.

Thanks to those that contributed to the compilation of this report: Shelley Barkley. Meghan Vankosky, Scott Keller, Kevin Floate, Nora Paulovich, Neil Whatley, Doug Macaulay, Rob Dunn, Hector Carcamo and Gregory Sekulic.

Report Compiled by Scott Meers [email protected] Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Crop Diversification Centre South 301 Horticultural Station Road East Brooks, AB T1R 1E6

2017 Saskatchewan Insect Report

Summary Wet soil conditions slowed seeding in the spring of 2017, the result of a very wet previous year. In northern growing regions many producers were finishing harvest before they started seeding. It was estimated that approximately one million acres of the 2016 crop still remained unharvested by the last week in April. However conditions changed dramatically with little precipitation especially in central and southern regions for much of the growing season. Good soil moisture leading into 2017 resulted in better than expected yields in most areas even with the lack of precipitation. Wheat midge populations were likely the most affected by the dry conditions.

Cereal Insects (acres): (Barley 2.3 m; Oats – 1.66 m; Fall Rye – 88,000; Wheat (all) – 11.3 m (Durum – 4.11 m; HR – 6.36.m); Winter wheat – 233,000); Corn – 70,000:

Orthoptera: grasshoppers (various species) - two-striped (Melanoplus bivitattus), Bruner’s spur-throated (M. bruneri). The two-striped grasshopper has tended to be the most dominant species in recent years for most of the Province. Even with the dry conditions in 2017 there were no reports of significant infestations in southern regions. However in the Meadow Lake area of northwest Saskatchewan there have been reports over the past years of heavy infestations of grasshoppers that have now been identified as Bruner’s grasshopper. The worst infestations tend to be every second year.

Diptera: Cecidomyiidae - Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin) - wheat midge - Wheat midge infestations were expected to be high in many areas in 2017 with the wet conditions experienced in 2016, even in the southwest where the wheat midge is an “occasional” pest. However wheat midge require greater than 25 mm of precipitation prior to the end of May for normal emergence in late June and early July. If this does not occur emergence is later and more erratic as was the case in 2017. For much of Saskatchewan there was little precipitation prior to the end of May and there were few reports of wheat midge in 2017.

The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation reported that in 2017 grading of samples did not note significant quality issues with respect to wheat midge damage. The increased use of “Midge Tolerant” wheat varieties is also considered a contributing factor in reduced midge damaged kernels.

A soil survey to collect midge cocoons and larvae is being conducted through a private contract again in 2017. Parasitism levels are determined through dissections of larvae to produce a “viable” midge risk map for 2018.

Homoptera: Aphididae – aphids - Sitobion avenae (F.) - English grain aphid, Rhopalosiphon padi L. – oat-birdcherry aphid – Aphids were noted in wheat crops again in 2017 but not as high of infestations as in the previous two years. No spraying was reported for aphids.

Phylum Mollusca: Slugs were reported in barley, in lower, wet areas, in the northwest (Meadow Lake) in July. Slugs have been reported in previous wetter years but are an indication of the variation in precipitation in Saskatchewan.

Oilseed Insects (acres): (Canola – 12.6 m; Flax – 900,000; Mustard – 310,000)

Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae – Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze), P. striolata (F.) and Psylliodes punctulata Melsh. – crucifer flea beetle, striped flea beetle, hop flea beetle - Flea beetle populations primarily consist of crucifer and striped species to varying degree across the Province. Although the climatic conditions were favourable for flea beetles, there were few reports of severe infestations.

It has been recommended that producers use yellow sticky cards to provide a better understanding of the species composition in their fields to assist in seed treatment decisions. Research has shown that all seed treatments work best in warm dry soils but that neonicotinoids provide better control on crucifer species than on striped flea beeltes.

Entomoscelis americana Brown - red turnip beetle – Saskatchewan Crop Insurance reported significant crop damage due to red turnip beetles, mostly adults, on canola in the NW Region (Turtleford) in late June. Since the removal of carbofuran there are no registered control options for red turnip beetles. However timing coincided with control of other insects at the time with insecticides registered in canola and mostly headlands were treated.

Hemiptera: Lygaeidae – Peritrechus convivus (Stal 1851) ( P. saskatchewanensis Barber 1918) –– Early to mid-June reports of heavy infestations of “red bugs” in young canola crops became frequent. Early speculation was that the insects were Cosmopepla bimaculata (twice- stabbed stink bugs) as seen in past years congregating on canola seedlings. Identification of similar insects infesting canola in Alberta was P. convivus, a bug native to Canada, U.S. and Mexico but otherwise little is known of the species. A similar species P. saskatchewanensis was reported in the last century. Samples collected and reared adults from Saskatchewan have yet to be identified by the National Identification service in Ottawa. Due to the slow growing seedlings, control was deemed necessary and attempted with pyrethoids with limited success.

Cicadellidae - (Macrosteles quadrilineatus – aster or six-spotted leafhopper – AAFC (Saskatoon) reported that leafhoppers arrived early in 2017 but infectivity was low.

Coleoptera: Curculionidae - Ceutorhynchinae – Ceutorhyncus obstrictus (Marsham) – cabbage seedpod weevil – The cabbage seedpod weevil continues to expand its range east and north. The 2017 cabbage seedpod weevil survey was coordinated by AAFC (Saskatoon) and conducted by AAFC and Saskatchewan Agriculture and shows the weevil is now close to the eastern border with Manitoba. Spraying for the weevil with either Matador (cyhalothrin-lambda) and Decis (deltamethrin) is common across southern Saskatchewan on an annual basis.

Lepidoptera: Plutellidae - Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) - diamondback moth Diamondback moth adults were monitored with a pheromone trap (40 in 2017) sentinel system. Wind trajectories favorable to bringing in the moths from southern N. America are also monitored. The traps did not pick up any significant numbers in any locations but infestations were widespread throughout the province. Some fields required insecticide control. There are some problems with the nominal economic threshold being extrapolated down to 2 to 3 larvae per plant, a level that is unlikely to be economic in advanced canola plants unless feeding on flower parts.

Noctuidae – cutworms various species – Cutworms were noted in canola and most other crops by mid to late May in most regions. Reports of cutworms continued into late June for species over-wintering as eggs.

Hadeninae – Mamestra configurata Walker - bertha armyworm -Bertha armyworm moths were monitored with pheromone traps from early June until early August (about 180 traps reporting) with maps of accumulated moth numbers mapped weekly and posted on the Saskatchewan Government websitein near real time. Following the historical cycle of bertha armyworm outbreaks 2017 should be in the low end of the cycle. However higher numbers of moths in traps coincided with high larval populations in central Saskatchewan (Watrous area) as in 2016, and in the northwest. Insecticide application was reported for infestations in both areas.

Nymphalidae - Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus 1758) – painted lady butterfly – It was reported that 2017 was one of largest migrations of painted lady butterfly. The larva also known as the thistle caterpillar feeds primarily on thistle weeds. In 2017 due to dry conditions and poor stands of canola there were reports of insecticide control of the caterpillar.

Diptera: Cecidomyiidae - Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer) - swede midge and a new, yet to be named Contarinia species – AAFC reported that early seeded canola fields were the most heavily damaged in 2017. Pheromone monitoring continued for 2017 for swede midge. The current pheromone traps do not attract the new midge species and visual observation of symptoms (“bottle-shaped” fused florets with larvae inside) remains the best method for determining midge infestations in canola. Research on both species continues at AAFC, Saskatoon.

Anthomyiidae – Delia spp. – There several reports of root maggots in canola crops in 2017. Generally these flies do best under moist conditions so high infestations were unexpected. The high moisture in the previous year likely contributed to an increase in root maggot populations.

Pulse Crops (acres): (Chick peas – 135,000; Faba beans – 50,000; Lentil – 3.9 m; Pea (dry) – 2.16; Soybean – 850,000)

Coleoptera: Curculionidae - Sitona lineatus (L.) – pea leaf weevil – Based on reports of the pea leaf weevil outside the surveyed area in 2016, the survey was greatly expanded in 2017. Coordinated by Saskatchewan Agriculture and with the assistance of AAFC, Saskatoon, the survey of pea crops covered most of the growing region of the Province – north to North Battleford and east to near the Manitoba border. Although fababean is also a host the survey is limited to dry pea. The 2017 survey indicates the pea leaf weevil is distributed across southern Saskatchewan from the Alberta border to near the Manitoba border.

Neonicotinoid seed treatments are currently the best protection against the pea leaf weevil and therefore there are concerns with the potential loss of these products.

Homoptera: Aphididae – aphids – Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harr.) – pea aphid in pea, faba bean and lentil – Aphids have become a common problem in both pea and lentil in Saskatchewan in the past few years. In 2017 high numbers of aphids were reported on faba bean. Producers have difficulty with the recommended economic threshold currently being used requiring a sweep net. It would be desirable to research economic thresholds for both pea and lentil, especially with newer crop varieties.

Control options in lentil are Matador / Silencer (cyhalothrin-lambda) and Movento (spirotetramat). Producers have reported limited control with cyhalothrin-lambda, primarily contact mode of action. Movento, with systemic activity would be preferred but more costly.

Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae - Vanessa cardui (Linnaeus 1758) – painted lady butterfly – Painted lady butterflies were also reported in soybeans causing defoliation.

Acari: Spider mites – Dry conditions in 2017 favoured spider mites that were reported primarily in beans. Limited spraying was reported. Miticides are considered expensive as a control measure.

Forage Crops:

Coleoptera: Curculionidae – Hypera nigrirostris (F.) - lesser clover leaf weevil - Lesser clover leaf weevil continues to a pest of red clover in the Northeast Region of the Province (Melfort, Nipawin). Decis® is registered for suppression of the weevil.

Hypera postica - alfalfa weevil Alfalfa weevils continue to be problematic in some areas, primarily in eastern regions (SE, EC) though populations tend to be lower than in previous years.

Other Crops:

Potatoes – Hemiptera: Psyllidae - Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) - potato / tomato psyllid – Monitoring for the potato psyllid, vector of zebra chip disease (Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum bacterium), was conducted in the Outlook area as part of a program coordinated by the University of Lethbridge.

Quinoa – High infestations of a stem borer decimating quinoa crops have been reported over the past few years by growers and Saskatchewan Crop Insurance. A Lepidopteran pest, larvae of a Gelechiid species (Scrobipalpa atriplicella – goosefoot groundling moth) is one of the insect problems in quinoa. However there are other insects of concern including a Dipteran species. Bertha armyworm was also reported in quinoa near Aberdeen in 2017. Research on pests in quinoa is required for this crop to be successful.

Stored commodities:

There were several reports and inquiries related to insects in stored grain including psyllids and other foreign grain beetles (fungus feeders) related to poor harvest conditions (wet and early snowfall). Rusty grain beetles were also reported.

Other notable insects in 2017:

Forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria Hubner) populations were widespread again in 2017, the second year of the current outbreak for southern Saskatchewan. In the north (boreal forest) populations were starting to decline / crash as they have been in an outbreak period longer.

Cottony ash psyllid (Psyllopsis discrepans) is reported to be on the increase in Saskatoon. Populations appeared to be on the decrease in recent years since the Emergency Use Registration for Orthene (a.i. acephate) but there has been resurgence in ash tree infestations.

Rodents:

Richardson’s ground squirrels were on the increase with the dry conditions. Strychnine remains the main rodenticide used for control. Strychnine is under re-evaluation. Saskatchewan provided data on sales and use patterns for the PMRA.

Pocket gophers and control remain a problem primarily for alfalfa producers in northern grain growing regions.

Insecticides and Registrations

Significant time was spent in late 2016 and 2017 addressing re-evaluations of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid and potentially two other key insecticide active ingredients (also neonicotinoids) thiamethoxam and clothianidin. Ministry of Agriculture staff participated in three working groups – Mitigation, Alternatives and Water Monitoring.

A response was also submitted to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency regarding the proposed cancellation of the registration for cyhalothrin–lambda a very important insecticide for Saskatchewan growers and a common alternative for many of the neonicotinoid uses.

Compiled by: Scott Hartley P.Ag. Provincial Insect Specialist Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Manitoba Insect Pest Report - 2017

Presented to: The Western Committee on Crop Pests October 26, 2017 Winnipeg, Manitoba

Compiled by: John Gavloski; Entomologist; Manitoba Agriculture Box 1149, Carman, MB, ROG OJO Phone: (204) 745-5668 (office); (204) 750-0594 (cell) [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 2017 (shown in brackets under each commodity title) are from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) 2017 Variety Market Share Report. The symbol ↑ indicates an increase in acres from 2016, whereas ↓ indicates a decrease in acres from 2016.

Summary: Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) in canola and cutworms continued to be at economical levels in many areas of Manitoba in 2017. Aphids were at high levels and resulted in insecticide applications in small grain cereals, field peas and soybeans. Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) were controlled in many canola fields. Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) got to economic levels in some canola fields in Western Manitoba. Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) was at high levels in many alfalfa fields. Thistle caterpillars (Vanessa cardui) caused concern in some soybean and sunflower fields.

Small Grain Cereals (Wheat (spring)-2,365,528 acres↓ + 5,982 acres organic↑ + 1,204 acres durum↓; Wheat (Winter)-133,596↓ + 1,235 acres organic↑; Barley-246,696 acres↓; Oats-451,027 acres↑ + 2,800 acres organic↓; Fall Rye-73,308 acres↓; Triticale-633 acres↓)

Wireworms (Elateridae): Some wireworm damaged patches were reported in oats in Central Manitoba.

Cutworms (Noctuidae): Cutworms populations were still a concern in many areas of Manitoba in 2017. Some cereal crops in the Swan River area (NW) were sprayed for cutworms.

Wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana): Wheat midge was generally not a major concern in Manitoba in 2017. The only reports of insecticide applications for wheat midge were from western Manitoba, and only for a small amount of acres. Some midge tolerant wheat variety blends were planted, but this amounts to less than 1% of the total wheat acres.

Sap Feeders

Aphids: Aphids began to be noticed in cereal crops in early-June. Some populations above economic threshold were reported in July. Both English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) and oat- birdcherry aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) were present. Insecticide applications occurred in many areas, sometimes tank mixed with a fungicide. High levels of natural enemies of aphids were noted in some fields, which at times made decisions on whether to apply insecticides difficult. Incidents of barley yellow dwarf were reported from some fields in the Central region.

Thrips: There were isolated incidents in the Central region of barley with high levels of thrips and being treated with insecticide.

Defoliators

Grasshoppers: There was some field edge spraying for grasshoppers in the Central region, otherwise grasshoppers were a minor concern in small grains.

Armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta): Armyworms were noticed in some wheat and barley fields, but there were no reports of control being needed.

Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus): No economic populations of cereal leaf beetle were reported.

A sample of cereal leaf beetle larvae were collected from a spring wheat field near Thornhill, MB in June and sent to be tested for parasitism by Tetrastichus julis (Eulophidae). Twenty-three of 30 larvae were parasitized (77%). No prior releases of T. julis were done in this area, so the spread of the parasitoid is encouraging. No new releases of T. julis were done in Manitoba in 2017.

Corn (395,526 acres grain corn↑; 88,594 acres silage corn↓)

Cutworms (Noctuidae): Some fields of corn in the Central region were sprayed to control cutworms.

Wireworms: No wireworm damage to corn was reported.

European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis): Isolated high populations of European corn borer were reported from the Central region. Overall European corn borer populations were not high in 2017.

Armyworms (Mythimna unipuncta): Some high populations of armyworms were found on corn in the Eastern region. A field of corn in the Steinbach area was sprayed for armyworms.

Canola and Mustard (Argentine canola - 3,108,464 acres↓; Rapeseed-5,361 acres↓; Mustard-1,495 acres↓)

Cutworms (Noctuidae): Cutworms were a concern in some canola fields, resulting in some insecticide applications. There were reports of canola in the Central and Northwest regions being sprayed for cutworms.

Root Maggots (Delia spp.): There were some reports in July of root maggots being noted by agronomists and farmers examine canola roots.

Sap Feeders

Lygus bugs (Lygus spp.): There were reports of some canola fields in the Northwest being sprayed for Lygus bug in late-July.

Turnip aphid (Lipaphis erysimi): Noticeable levels of turnip aphid were found in some canola fields in the Northwest in August.

Aster Leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus): There were no reports of high levels of aster leafhoppers or aster yellows in canola in Manitoba in 2017.

Defoliators

Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.): Use of seed treatments to manage early-season flea beetle populations continues to be common. However, feeding damage to young plants at or above threshold levels, and additional use of foliar insecticides, occurred in some fields in all agricultural regions. Some reseeding of canola due to flea beetle injury was reported from the Central region. Slow emergence and growth due to cool weather conditions and dry soil increased injury from flea beetles in some areas. Significant stem feeding by flea beetles was noticed in some fields.

Bertha Armyworm (Mamestra configurata): Levels of bertha armyworm larvae were high in the western part of Manitoba, with insecticide applications needed in some fields in August. All the higher populations and insecticide applications occurred in the Southwest and Northwest regions, and the western part of the Central region. No higher populations of bertha armyworm were reported from Eastern Manitoba. Some canola fields in western Manitoba had high levels of bertha armyworm and diamondback moth occurring simultaneously in early-August.

Pheromone-baited traps to monitor adult moths of bertha armyworm were set up at 90 locations in Manitoba in 2017. The monitoring period was June 4th to July 29th. Eighty-six of the 90 traps were in the low risk category (less than 300 cumulative moth count). Three traps in the Northwest were in the uncertain risk category (300 to 900 cumulative moth count), and one trap in the Southwest was in the uncertain risk category. Trap counts from 2017 were generally lower than in 2016, when there was 2 traps in the moderate risk category (900 to 1,200 cumulative moth count), and 10 traps in the uncertain risk category. In 2016 economic populations of berths armyworms were not widespread, with just a small amount of insecticide applied in the Northwest. Table 1 shows the highest trap counts for 2017.

Table 1. Highest cumulative counts of bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) moths in pheromone-baited traps in Manitoba in 2017. Nearest town Region Trap Count Risk Category Benito Northwest 605 Uncertain Tilston Southwest 413 Uncertain Durban Northwest 371 Uncertain Benito Northwest 329 Uncertain Durban Northwest 297 Low Glenboro Central 294 Low Peak trap catches occurred in many traps during the first week in July. The highest trap catch in a single week was 195 at a trap near Benito on the week of July 2 - 8th.

Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella): Larvae of diamondback moth first started to be noticed in early-June. By early-July some canola fields in the Southwest were being sprayed for diamondback moth. There was concern over the combination of dry conditions and feeding from diamondback moth. In late-July and early-August insecticide applications for diamondback moth became much more widespread, with many canola fields being sprayed in the Southwest, Northwest and Central regions. In some areas there was not a lot of leaf material on the canola because of the dry weather, which may have resulted in larvae moving onto the pods early.

Pheromone-baited traps for adult moths were set up at 94 locations in Manitoba in 2017. The monitoring period was generally from May 1st to June 30th. Trap counts were generally low in May, but there were higher counts in many traps during the weeks of June 4th to 10th, and June 11th to 17th. Although diamondback moth arrives on winds from the south, the Northwest region had some of the highest cumulative moth counts, while the Southwest generally had the lowest counts (highest total in Southwest was 13). Trap counts were higher in 2016, where 8 traps had over 100 cumulative moths, than 2017, although there were no reports of control being needed for diamondback moth in 2016. Table 1 shows the highest cumulative trap counts for 2017.

Table 2. Highest cumulative counts of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) in pheromone- baited traps in Manitoba in 2017. Nearest town Region Trap Count Minitonas Northwest 197 The Pas Northwest 129 Teulon Interlake 107 Howden Central 86 The Pas Northwest 80 Whitemouth Eastern 75

Thistle caterpillars (Vanessa cardui): Thistle caterpillars were noticed in some canola fields, but damage was minimal and no populations of concern were reported.

Flax (Flax-42,333 acres↓ + 1,023 acres organic flax↑)

Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae): There were no reports of high populations of aphids on flax in 2017. Sunflowers (26,325 acres non-oil↓; 33,480 acres oil↓)

Cutworms (Noctuidae): There were reports of some spraying for cutworms on sunflowers in the Central region.

Sunflower beetle (Zygogramma exclamationis): No high populations or spraying for sunflower beetles was reported in 2017. The last year that economic populations of sunflower beetle have been reported in Manitoba is 2009.

Thistle caterpillars (Vanessa cardui): Thistle caterpillars were noticed in some sunflower fields, and one field in the Central region was sprayed to control thistle caterpillars. Populations of larvae were at times patchy.

Aphids: High levels of aphids were noted in some sunflower fields in the Central region, starting at the flowering stage. No insecticide applications specifically for aphids were reported though.

Seedhead Insects

Some fields of sunflowers were treated with insecticides during early flowering to control seedhead insects, mainly Lygus bugs (Lygus spp.) and banded sunflower moth (Cochylis hospes). Populations of Red sunflower seed weevil (Smicronyx fulvus) were low again in most areas this year.

Beans (Dry) (122,763 acres↑: Pinto-52,048 acres↑, white pea (navy)-27,231 acres↑, black-22,409 acres↑, kidney-8,136 acres↓, cranberry-7,249 acres↑, other dry ebible-5,690 acres)

Cutworms (Noctuidae): Some control of cutworms in dry beans was reported from the Central region.

Seedcorn maggot (Delia platura): Seedcorn maggots were noticed in the roots and stems in some fields of dry beans in the Central region.

Peas (Field) (67,047 acres↓)

Cutworms (Noctuidae): Cutworm were an issue in some pea fields and control needed in the Northwest region.

Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum): Pea aphid levels were above economic threshold in many fields, and there were reports high populations of aphids in peas in the Northwest, Southwest, Central and Interlake regions. Most pea aphid control occurred in mid- to late-July.

Lentils (2,681 acres↓)

Cutworms (Noctuidae): Cutworm were reported to be causing damage and required spraying on lentils in the Northwest region.

Aphids: There was a report from the Southwest of high levels of aphids in lentils.

Soybeans (2,262,474 acres↑)

Cutworms (Noctuidae): There were reports of insecticide applications for cutworms in soybeans from the Northwest, Central and Eastern regions.

Soybean Aphid (Aphis glycines): Soybean aphids started to be noted in very low levels in soybean fields in early-July. Beginning in the last week in July economical populations of soybean aphids began to be noticed. Economic populations became widespread and there were insecticide applications for soybean aphid in all agricultural regions, with high populations being reports until about the third week in August. High levels of predators of soybean aphids (lady beetles, lacewings, syrphid larvae) were also reported from some soybean fields. Dry conditions in some areas was combined with aphid pressure in stressing soybean crops.

Spider mites: Some insecticides were applied to control spider mites on soybeans in the Central and Eastern regions.

Thistle caterpillars (Vanessa cardui): Thistle caterpillars began to be noticed in soybean fields in early-July. The caterpillars and their webbing are very visible and created a lot of concern. A field in the Central region had insecticide applied for thistle caterpillar control. Most of the concern was in early- to mid- July, although larvae, likely from the next generation, were also feeding on soybeans in mid-August. Most reports of thistle caterpillar in soybeans were from the Southwest, Central and Interlake regions.

Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica): Although not normally a pest of soybeans, there was a report from the Central region of alfalfa weevil defoliating soybeans. The soybeans were planted into the previous year’s seed alfalfa stand. The volunteer alfalfa was killed with herbicide and the alfalfa weevils moved from the alfalfa to the soybeans and began feeding.

Green Cloverworm (Hypena scabra): Levels of green cloverworm in soybeans were low in 2017.

Hemp (27,296 acres for grain↑)

Cutworms (Noctuidae): Some control of cutworms in hemp was reported from the Northwest region.

Canaryseed (4,283 acres↓)

Aphids: A field of canaryseed in the Eastern region was sprayed for aphids.

Hops

A couple of hops growers, in the Neepawa and Boissevain areas, reported having problems with aphids, leafhoppers and spider mites.

Forages and Forage Seed

Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica): Feeding injury and high levels of larvae of alfalfa weevil were common in many alfalfa fields. Some alfalfa for hay was cut early because of the presence of alfalfa weevil. Insecticides were applied in some fields. Alfalfa weevil control started in early- June and extended into early-July.

David Ostermann with Manitoba Agriculture assessed the percentage of alfalfa weevil parasitized at 4 locations in Manitoba (near Fannystelle, the Winnipeg floodway, Arborg, and Fisher Branch), in 2017. Levels of parasitism by the larval parasitoid Bathyplectes sp. (Ichneumonidae) were 9.9% (Fannystelle), 7.1% (Winnipeg), 39.4% (Arborg), and 20.8% (Fisher Branch). Levels of parasitism by the larval parasitoid Oomyzus incertus (Eulophidae) were 9.9% (Fannystelle), 10.0% (Winnipeg), 2.8% (Arborg), and 1.4% (Fisher Branch). Parasitism by unidentified larvae was also observed. Bathyplectes sp. are key biological control agents for alfalfa weevil in some regions of North America, and it is hoped that biological control can eventually be a greater factor in alfalfa weevil management in Manitoba.

Lygus bugs (Lygus spp.): Some alfalfa seed fields were sprayed to control Lygus bugs.

Potatoes Report from: Vikram Bisht, Horticulture Pathologist, Manitoba Agriculture.

Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata): Quite a few incidences of Colorado potato beetles appeared in July and in the later part of the potato season; some may have escaped the neonicotinoid insecticides or developed some tolerance. These cases may be apparent insecticide resistance to Admire and Titan seed treated fields. This class of chemistry does not appear to be performing as well as it used to in a few locations. Delegate insecticide was used in many instances as foliar application.

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. Two potato psyllids were found in Manitoba in 2016, but none were reported for 2017.

European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis): Damage was seen in some fields as part of ECB monitoring; In some fields up to 20 ECB adults were trapped in a week on the card. The injury was much lower than was seen in 2015. No Insecticide application was recommended.

Aphids (Green Peach, Potato and other types): The numbers were extremely high for most of the season; and jumping much higher in August and September during harvest of wheat, canola and other crops. Harvest of nearby crops was probably responsible for the influx.

Dipterous insect larvae were noted in many fields associated with potato stem rot problem. In a wetter year, the incidence of stem rotting could be much higher.

Vegetable Crops Report from: Tom Gonsalves, Vegetable Specialist, Manitoba Agriculture, and Vikram Bisht, Horticulture Pathologist, Manitoba Agriculture.

Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) on Cruciferous vegetables: There was moderate to high early season flea beetle pressure on cruciferous vegetable crops in the Portage la Prairie area. Also, there was late-season flea beetle damage on the kale in the Manitoba Agriculture high tunnel in Portage la Prairie.

Aster leafhopper numbers on carrots, compared to 2016 appeared higher; resulting in 1- 3% infected plants. Yellows affected plants tend to produce hairy carrots, which are often bitter in taste. There were low levels of wireworm damage to carrots. It is becoming a concern, due to limited options for insecticides.

Fruit Crops Report from: Anthony Mintenko, Fruit Specialist, Manitoba Agriculture.

Spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii): Monitoring for spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) began in June until August. SWD did not become an economic pest until mid-July, although control of SWD started in summer-bearing raspberries the second week of July. Raspberries that did not have pest control applications experienced loss of the last 1/3 of harvesting, 30-40% of overall yields. Fortunately berry set in raspberries was very high resulting in only slightly below average or average crop yields.

Fourspotted sap beetles (Glischrochilus quadrisignatus): This insect was observed by raspberry producers in early July in low numbers which continued at that level until end of harvest.

Tarnish Plant Bug/ Lygus Bug (Lygus spp): Was an issue in all June- bearing strawberry fields. Fields that did not have pest control applications observed cat-facing berry damage (seedy end) on 70-80% of the berries.

Stored Grains Report from: Brent Elliott, Program Officer, Canadian Grain Commission

Rusty grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus): Rusty grain beetles continue to be the most common insect found in stored grain. As is the case each year numerous reports of infestation in grain stored over the summer were reported. The rusty grain beetle is present year round and for summer stored grain the beetle is able to fly readily from bin to bin and infest during the summer months as well.

Lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) – the survey for lesser grain borer is Canada continued for a fourth year.

Lesser grain borer traps were placed at 22 locations across the Prairie Provinces ranging from south latitude of 49.1o to north latitude of 52.3o. The insect was collected at 16 of 22 locations and lesser grain borer was collected further north this season than it was in the prior years. This is likely due to strong south winds pushing the insect further to the north. Previously the insect was only collected south of 50.2o north latitude. This year the insect was collected as far north as 51.5o north latitude. The survey is not expected to be carried out in 2018.

Insects on Trees Report from: Fiona Ross, Pest Management Biologist, Manitoba Sustainable Development, Winnipeg.

European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) - In the fall of 2014, Manitoba Sustainable Development assisted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in conducting a survey for gypsy moth egg masses within the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet. The ground survey resulted in positive finds of egg masses, pupal casings, dead larva, and a dead adult moth.

In 2015, three aerial applications of Foray 48B were applied. Follow-up surveys and trapping detected a small residual population of gypsy moth in the area.

In 2016 a mass trapping treatment was conducted. While these treatments greatly reduced the population size, further treatment was required to eradicate the insect and to avoid regulation by the CFIA

In spring of 2017 Forestry and Peatlands Branch conducted an insecticide application and mass trapping program to eradicate European gypsy moth from the area. 2017 ground trapping result indicate that the program was successful. A second year of ground trapping with no signs of European gypsy moth is needed before the CFIA will consider the population eradicated. CFIA will monitor the area for 2018.

Forest Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) - The population of forest tent caterpillar remained steady in 2017. Much of southern Manitoba experienced moderate to severe defoliation from forest tent caterpillar. Similar defoliation is expected for 2018.

Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) - The population of spruce budworm has increase in the past couple of years in the, The Pas - Flin Flon area. At present egg mass and hazard rating samples are still being processed.

Jack Pine Budworm (Choristoneura pinus) - A small pocket of jack pine budworm defoliation was observed in the Central region in 2015 with 3285 ha defoliated. In 2016 this defoliation grew to 199,799 ha. In 2017 the jack pine budworm defoliation is estimated to be 635, 813 ha. Eggs mass and hazard rating samples are currently being processed. Further L2 sampling will be conducted this fall to provide additional population indication.

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) - Ash species (Fraxinus spp.) are a cornerstone species in riparian and urban forests in Manitoba. As such, planning and preparation continues for emerald ash borer (EAB). To aid in EAB detection, Manitoba Sustainable Development deployed 40 green prism traps at high risk locations throughout the province. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the City of Brandon and the City of Winnipeg, in cooperation with Trees Winnipeg also set up EAB traps. All traps in Manitoba were found to be negative for the presence of EAB.

Cottony Ash Psyllid (Psyllopsis discrepans) - Identified this year in Manitoba, however presence was noted in 2016. Presence absent surveys indicate that it is wide spread through southern Manitoba and has been present for a couple of year. Current population seems very high.

Ash plant bug (Tropidosteptes amoenus) - Numerous inquiries from communities and community members were received indicating that population has risen.

Issues: The overuse of neonicotinoid-based seed treatments in some commodities continues to be a concern, particularly when used in situations where the threat of insect damage to seedlings is not high. These need to be used in a targeted manner, to target specific pests in fields where they are at high risk, rather than for possible growth enhancement in stressed conditions. Overuse will result in them being lost as a pest management tool.

Future Plans: Enhanced monitoring to determine if cabbage seedpod weevil, pea leaf weevil, and western bean cutworm are present in Manitoba.

Crop Diagnostic School plans for 2018 include a unit on monitoring and forecasting insect populations.

Priorities for factsheet revisions include soybean aphid, alfalfa weevil, and Lygus bugs.

Appendix B: Research Reports

British Columbia Research Report Compiled by Wim van Herk

Title 1: Effect of duration and location of pheromone trap placement in field margins on population estimates of two click beetle species

Author and Associates: Wim van Herk, Bob Vernon (AAFC, Agassiz)

Problem: Three species of European wireworms were introduced to BC (Agriotes lineatus, A. obscurus) and Atlantic Canada (AL, AO, A. sputator) in the 1800’s, and have since become significant pests of potato, other vegetable crops, corn, and cereals. The limited number of control options for the larvae and the increasing pest populations in PEI, have required research into other strategies for their management, including controlling the adults (which are not pests) before they oviposit in spring. This can potentially be done with field sprays of currently registered insecticides, but requires an accurate method of determining when beetles initially emerge, reach peak emergence, and being to oviposit. The newly developed Vernon Pitfall Trap, fitted with a sex pheromone lure, is an efficient tool for monitoring AO, AL, and AS in field headlands where populations build up. These traps are typically kept in the same location throughout the season. However, since click beetles disperse mainly through walking and the pheromone reach is limited (<10m?), there is a chance that traps maintained in a fixed location eventually trap out the immediate surroundings, causing an underestimation of actual populations.

Objective of research: Objectives were to compare AO and AL beetle catches in pheromone traps maintained in a fixed location in grassy headlands, with traps moved to different locations every two weeks. Of interest was if trapping out could occur, if it would occur early when the weather was cold (due to decreased re-infestation of depleted areas), and if there were differences between the two species (they differ in activity levels). Also of interest was if beetle emergence around field headlands is uniform, and how many traps are required to develop a reliable estimate of populations. Studies were conducted in 2015 (AO), 2016 (AL), and 2017 (AO and AL)

Summary of results: In 2015, 21,509 AO beetles were collected in 11 fixed and 11 moving traps, of which the majority (54.4%) were collected in moving traps. Significant differences were observed in collections from different locations and collection dates, but not in the overall number collected in the two trap types. Importantly, significant differences (P<0.0001) were observed in the relative number collected in the fixed and moving over time. During the peak emergence period fixed traps initially collected more than moving traps (April 23), but this reversed later (May 14) (see figure below). Cold weather early in the season (April 30) appeared to cause fixed traps to underestimate populations. In 2016, 7,908 AL beetles were collected in 15 fixed and 15 moving traps. Similar numbers were collected in the two trap types overall (49.1% in fixed). Significant differences were again observed in collections from different locations and collection dates. No significant differences (P=0.65) were observed in the relative number collected in the fixed and moving over time. While during the peak emergence period fixed traps collected more than moving traps initially (April 19), this reversed later (May 3) (see figure below). However, these differences were not as pronounced as with AO in 2015, and not statistically significant. In 2017 a study was conducted which compared the behaviour of both species in the same location and at the same time intervals. The same trends were observed as in the previous years, indicating that trapping out is more likely to occur with AO than AL, and can occur early in the peak emergence season if the weather is cold. Analysis of the proportion (of totals) collected each week indicated highly significant differences between traps for both AO and AL. Since traps were spaced only 100-200m apart, this between-trap variability suggests multiple traps should be placed around a field to reliably estimate when beetle emergence begins and peaks.

2015 AO: 400 fixed trap moving trap 350 P < 0.05 300 P < 0.10 250

200

150 Beetles trap per Beetles 100

50

0 Apr 2 Apr 9 Apr 16 Apr 23 Apr 30 May 7 May 14 May 21 May 28 Jun 4 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jul 2 Jul 9 Jul 16

2016: AL 160 fixed trap moving trap 140 P < 0.05 120 P < 0.10 100

80

60 Beetles trap per Beetles 40

20

0 Mar 28 Apr 5 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 26 May 3 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 30 Jun 6 Jun 13 Jun 20 Jun 27 Jul 4 Jul 11 Jul 18

Continuing research: Studies with AO and AL have been completed and require formal analysis. Studies with AS are anticipated for next year.

Contact: Dr. Wim van Herk Tel: (604) 796-6091 Agassiz Research and Development Centre Fax: (604) 796-6133 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0 Title 2: Emergence and egg maturation of Agriotes obscurus and A. lineatus

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 complex is thought to be associated with the gradual decline of organochlorine residues in the soil, the use of novel but non-lethal insecticides (e.g. neonicotinoids), and with changes to field cultivation practices (in the Prairie Provinces, PEI).

Objective of Research: To develop a better understanding of when adult beetles emerge in spring, arrays of un-baited Vernon Pitfall traps (VPTs) were placed at three different locations (Agassiz, Abbotsford, Hope) and beetles were collected at regular intervals. Weather data (hourly) and soil temperature was collected at each location. During peak emergence season, beetles were collected every 4h in Agassiz and every 12h in Abbotsford. All beetles were sexed and sub-samples of female beetles were dissected to determine fat content and egg maturity and numbers. This is the third year of collecting and dissecting beetles from the Agassiz location.

Summary of Results: In 2017 approximately 6,800 A. obscurus beetles were collected in Agassiz (72% male), 912 A. obscurus and 474 A. lineatus in Abbotsford, and 560 A. obscurus and 1 A. lineatus in Hope. This is the first time these species were collected in Hope. Pheromone traps placed in Hope and Laidlaw also collected both species. Both Hope and Laidlaw are east of Agassiz and isolated from the rest of the Fraser Valley, indicating that these species are moving inland. Click beetle traps deployed later in the season by the BC Ministry of Agriculture in other areas of BC discovered both species are also present in other areas of BC with similar weather and geography as the Fraser Valley (e.g. Enderby and Armstrong). Data from A. obscurus emergence and maturation in Agassiz in 2015 and 2016 are shown below.

2015, N = 2,900 males females Mean Temp (°C)

300 24

250 21 200 18 150 15

100 12 No. beetles beetles No. 50 9 Temperature

0 6

J3 J5 J8

A2 A8

J10 M1 M4 M6 M8

A15 A10 A13 A17 A20 A22 A24 A27 A29

M11 M13 M15 M19 M21 M22 M25 M29 M30 2016, N = 4,700 males females Mean Temp (°C)

500 26

400 22 300 18

200 14 No. beetles No. 100 10 Temperature 0 6 M18 M23 M31 A5 A9 A16 A21 A26 A30 M3 M9 M13 M18 M24 M30 J3 J8 J13 J21

2015, N = 350 high lipids mature eggs

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4 proportion 0.2 0.0 A2 A8 A10 A13 A15 A17 A20 A22 A24 A27 A29 M1 M4 M6 M8 M11 M13 M15

2016, N = 660 high lipids mature eggs

1

0.8

0.6

0.4 proportion 0.2 0 M21 M29 A2 A7 A12 A19 A23 A28 M3 M6 M9 M13

Continuing Research: It is expected that this work will continue one more year, after which data will be analyzed and an emergence vs. egg maturation predictive model developed.

Contact: Dr. Wim van Herk Tel: (604) 796-6091 Agassiz Research and Development Centre Fax: (604) 796-6133 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0

Title 3: Minor Use Pesticides Program

Author and Associates: Markus Clodius, Seth Nussbaum, Bob Vernon and Wim van Herk (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: Eleven pesticide residue trials and seven efficacy/tolerance trials were successfully concluded at Agassiz this season. Three greenhouse trials are still ongoing. Notable among these projects was a series of herbicide evaluations on highbush blueberries, hops, summer squash, and rice.

Summary of Results: Analyses of residue levels and product efficacy are still in process.

Continuing Research: Herbicide residue trials on highbush blueberries have already been selected for Agassiz in 2017. Other trials will be selected over the winter, based on the priorities identified by Canadian growers at AAFC’s annual Priority Selection Meeting. In total, we plan to run another 20 to 25 trials in the coming year.

Contact: Markus Clodius Tel: (604) 796-6077 Agassiz Research and Development Centre Fax: (604) 796-6133 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0

2017 Alberta Research Report Compiled by Héctor Cárcamo

Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Science & Technology Branch, Beaverlodge Research Farm 1. Title: Prairie Pest Monitoring Network – Peace River region monitoring. Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani, Owen Olfert, Melnychuk, Boyd Mori, Julie Soroka Problem: The Peace River region includes ~3.7 million hectares of farmland and ~1.7 million hectares is sown to crops. Crop protection, based on in-field monitoring, is vital as it supports producers and the agricultural industry deal with in-season pest issues. In-field monitoring also supports annual and long-term data which provides entomological researchers with biodiversity and geospatial distribution data economically significant insect pests and 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. Objective of Research: To perform weekly in-field monitoring for flea beetles, diamondback moth, bertha armyworm, Lygus, and swede 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 2017, five commercial fields were monitored within a 45km area within the AB Peace (i.e., Halcourt-Beaverlodge-Valhalla-Clairmont) plus two additional sites in the BC Peace (i.e., Rolla-Fort St. John). At time of reporting, flea beetle sticky traps were processed but not fully entered. Diamondback moth and bertha armyworm pheromone trap samples were processed and entered while sweep-net samples are scheduled for processing in December 2017. Flea beetle sticky card monitoring performed along the field edge at seven commercial fields of canola located near Halcourt, Beaverlodge, Hythe, Clairmont, Valleyview, Valhalla, Clairmont, Rolla BC, and Baldonnel BC. Preliminary data indicates the prevalence of P. striolata again at six of seven sites monitored in 2017 which is consistent with data collected annually since 2005. DBM pheromone trap monitoring in 2017 at the above sites amounted to 2091 moths intercepted between May 9 and July 18, 2017. Initial DBM were intercepted on May 23, 2017, at AAFC-Beaverlodge. In BC, DBM moths were intercepted for the collection period spanning May 30-June 7, 2017, near Rolla and Baldonnel. Two sites of the eight monitored in 2017, located near Halcourt AB and Clairmont AB, required insecticide application since DBM larvae densities at early pod stage exceeded the action threshold used to protect canola. Swede midge pheromone trapping was performed at eight sites in 2017 with six sites located near Hythe, Beaverlodge, Clairmont, Halcourt, and Valhalla AB plus two sites located near Rolla and Baldonnel BC. Cursory observations suggest zero swede midge were intercepted from sites in 2017 but the traps have been forward to AAFC-Saskatoon for verification by B. Mori. Bertha armyworm pheromone trapping was performed by deploying a single trap at six sites located near Halcourt, Beaverlodge, Hythe, Valhalla, and Clairmont AB plus two BC sites near Baldonnel and Rolla in 2017. Traps were deployed on June 20 and monitored weekly until August 9, 2017 in the Alberta-side of the Peace and until August 16, 2017 in the BC Peace. At time of reporting, all traps were processed yet data entry only extends to July 18, 2017. Even so, trap contents again highlight the need to use only one trap per site in the Peace River region since half the arthropods were native bees! By July 18, 2017, only one BAW moth was intercepted from the six Albertan sites (which also yielded 56 native bees and 92 other noctuid moths). In BC, four BAW moths were intercepted by July 18, 2017, at two sites near Baldonnel and Rolla (along with 17 native bees and 36 other noctuid moths). All bees were retained as frozen specimens at AAFC-Beaverlodge. Continuing Research: Monitoring by AAFC Staff is currently supported by WGRF until March 2018. Contact: Jennifer Otani

2. Title: Canola insect surveying - On the lookout for cabbage seedpod weevil and monitoring Lygus in the Peace River region. Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani1, Owen Olfert2 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. Objectives 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: In 2017, a total of 101 commercial fields of Brassica napus (e.g., each field ≥80 acres in size) were surveyed and no B. rapa was encountered. Fields were spaced approximately 10 km apart and surveying was performed through the main canola production areas of the Peace River region in both British Columbia and Alberta during early- to mid-flower stages. Staff from AAFC- Beaverlodge1 and AAFC-Saskatoon2 surveyed July 4-12, 2017. Sweep-net samples were frozen then processed and are anticipated to generate data for ~15,000 arthropods which will be identified and categorized into 38 taxa. Lygus specimens will be identified to all five instar stages. While a survey summary is normally available by mid-August, this year processing was delayed and will instead be released in November. Initial processing revealed low densities of Lygus throughout the region in 2017. Similarly, low numbers of diamondback moths and larvae were observed throughout the region in 2017. The 2017 summary will be posted (http://insectpestmanagement.blogspot.ca/p/annual-peace-canola- survey.html) and will include a summary of previous cropping data from surveyed sites. THANK YOU to the following hard working AAFC staff who survey†, process‡, and map∞ this data: Jadin Chahade1†‡, Kaitlin Freeman1†‡, Holly Spence1†‡, Charlotte Morrison1†‡, Rebecca Wu1†‡, Cameron McGlade-Bouchard1†‡, Owen Olfert2†∞, Meghan Vankosky2†∞, Ross Weiss2∞, Martin Erlandson2†, Shelby Dufton1‡, and Amanda Jorgensen1‡.

Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, Thank you to our canola producers for allowing us to sample in their fields!

Continuing Research: Insect surveying in canola will continue annually in the Peace River region. This research is supported by WGRF funding into 2018 and AAFC. Contact: Jennifer Otani

3. 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 since 2006 continues to confirm Coleophora deauratella Lienig & Zeller (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) is established throughout the region. The red clover casebearer (RCCB) is the dominant insect pest causing significant yield losses in both first- and second-year seed stands of red clover. The objectives of the project are to continue studies examining the biology of this new insect pest and to identify natural enemies attacking larvae 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 natural enemies of C. deauratella.

Summary of Results: The seasonal phenology of C. deauratella and C. mayrella were monitored using commercially available pheromone traps at four Albertan sites plus two BC sites in 2017. Pheromone traps were checked weekly plus weekly sweep- net collections were performed near Girouxville AB in 2017 and three mass- collections performed near Beaverlodge AB in July-August 2017. At time of reporting, traps from Alberta were processed but data has not been entered. Traps from BC have not been processed. Continuing Research: This project is funded by an AgriScience Project and A-Base Biological Control Project. Parasitoid surveying will be performed in 2017 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

4. Title: Integrated approaches for flea beetle control – Economic thresholds, prediction models, landscape effects, and natural enemies. Author and Associates: Alejandro Costamagna, Jennifer Otani, Héctor Cárcamo, Tyler Wist, Barb Sharanowski, John Gavloski Problem: Flea beetles are chronic pests on canola and result in yield losses estimated in CAN $300 million each year (Dosdall and Mason, 2010). In Canada, three species are responsible for most of the damage: the exotics Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) and P. striolata (Fab.), and the native Psylloides punctulata Melsh (Soroka and Elliott, 2011). Severe economic damage typically occurs in the spring through defoliation of canola seedlings by adults emerging from overwintering. Currently, the most widespread technique to control flea beetles in North America is the use of preventive insecticide treatments in canola seeds followed by foliar sprays if damage is still prevalent (Dosdall and Mason, 2010), resulting in more than 90% of the crop receiving pesticide applications for these pests (Tangtrakulwanich et al., 2014). Objectives of Research: 1) Investigate descriptive economic thresholds for flea beetles; 2) Identify the suite of natural enemies of flea beetles using innovative molecular methods; 3) Define landscape characteristics that limit flea beetle populations and increase mortality of flea beetles by natural enemies; 4) Develop models to predict flea beetle emergence and major seasonal activity based on abiotic environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, precipitation, wind, soil temperature); 5) Incorporate all components of the project into a comprehensive tool and set of management guidelines for canola producers. Summary of Results: Field plots of Brassica napus cv. 43E03 were seeded on May 29, 2017, into barley stubble using a Conserva-Pak seeder on 9” row spacing. Plots (each 4m x 10m) were organized using a RCBD with four replicates and nine treatments consisting of the following treatments including seed treated with Lumiderm™+Helix Xtra®+Vibrance™ , seed treated with Helix Xtra®+Vibrance™, seed treated with Helix Xtra®+Vibrance™+ Fortenza, seed treated with Visivio+ Fortenza, bare seed, fungicide-only treated seed receiving Matador applied at 34ml/ac at 15-20% defoliation, fungicide-only treated seed receiving Matador applied at 34ml/ac at 25% defoliation, and fungicide-only treated seed receiving Matador applied at 34ml/ac at 45% defoliation. After seeding was completed, ten yellow sticky card traps were deployed between replicates to monitor weekly flea beetle activity in the field plot study until harvest. During seedling emergence, plant stand counts and flea beetle damage assessments were scheduled to occur three times a week in all plots in order to apply prescribed insecticide treatments. Hand-harvested samples (each 1m x 1m) were cut from each plot and will be threshed in November 2017 and will be analyzed this winter. Continuing Research: This is part of the larger, prairie-wide CARP – AIP (AAFC) Flea beetle Research Project funded from 2015 - 2018. Contact: Jennifer Otani

5. New tools for integrated pest management of orange wheat blossom midge Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani, Shelby Dufton, Amanda Jorgensen, Curt McCartney, Andrew Burt, Richard Cuthbert, Santosh Kumar, Owen Olfert, Yuefeng Ruan, Tyler Wist Problem: Wheat Midge (WM), Sitodiplosis mosellana Géhin, is a major insect pest of Canadian wheat. This project will identify wheat germplasm and develop IPM knowledge/tools to minimize the impact of wheat midge on Canadian wheat production. Wheat midge resistance is based solely upon the resistance gene Sm1, which is the only known resistance gene. Even as research is conducted to develop resistant cultivars of wheat, the recent economic outbreak of wheat midge within the Peace River region in 2011 highlighted the need to examine wheat midge at latitudes north of 55°. Growers in the Peace River region are struggling with ineffective in-field scouting tools related to the impact of the short growing season, long days, and tight crop rotations which are hypothesized to greatly influence adult emergence patterns, adult longevity, and fecundity but potentially affect natural enemies of this important pest of wheat. The combined research on host resistance and WM ecology will improve the tools needed for a highly effective IPM strategy. Objectives of Research (arthropod portions of project only): 1) Biology, monitoring tools, and validation of thresholds for wheat midge within the short-season growing season of the Peace River region. 2) Investigating natural enemies associated with wheat midge occurring in the short- growing season of the Peace River region. Summary of Results: Research examining the biology and ecology of wheat midge and its natural enemies is underway in the Peace River region with field plot research and commercial field monitoring initiated north of 55° in 2016 and 2017. Investigations into the biology including spring pupation, monitoring of the midge flight period, and the spatial distribution of overwintering wheat midge was undertaken by M.Sc. Candidate, Amanda Jorgensen, who initiated her field research in 2016 and whose research is reported here. Investigations into the distribution of wheat midge and the diversity and densities of carabid and staphylinid beetles associated with short-season cropping practises utilized within the Peace River region was undertaken by M.Sc. Candidate, Shelby Dufton, who similarly initiated her field research in 2016 and whose research is reported here. Monitoring was done at field sites in the Peace River region. Nine commercial fields seeded to susceptible wheat in 2017 were monitored with sex-pheromone baited traps. Eight pheromone traps were spaced 50 m apart along the field edge. Two trap colors (orange and green) and three lures (flex lure and two septa lures) or no lure were tested. Treatments were randomized along a North-South transect at each site. Traps were monitored weekly from 20 June 2017 to 16 August 2017 during wheat midge flight. Wheat heads were collected at 24 spots in each field, and larval number will be counted. Wheat samples (1m x 1m quadrats) were hand harvested at 24 spots in each field. Yield and quality information will be obtained and compared to adult and larval numbers. In-field scouting was done at a total of five sites during peak wheat midge flight. Midges per head were counted on ten heads at five spots in each field. Temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were measured over the scouting period. Twenty plastic emergence traps were spaced 10 m apart along the edge of a commercial field that was seeded to susceptible wheat in 2016. Traps were monitored three times weekly from 7 June 2017 to 5 August 2017 during wheat midge flight. A field plot experiment was seeded in Beaverlodge AB to assess how plant species and seeding rates affect canopy and investigate its relationship to wheat midge infestations and carabid assemblages. The field experiment consisted of 16 paired treatments organized into four replicates. Treatments included two wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum cv. AC Stettler and CDC Utmost), canola (Brassica napus cv. Invigor L120), peas (Pisum sativum cv. CDC Meadow) and lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.). Seeding rates were manipulated in both wheat and canola treatments. Weekly pitfall trap collections (May-August 2016) were used to evaluate carabid communities. Trap catches were sorted to species for Carabidae, family for all Coleoptera, and order for Arachnida. Crop canopy was characterized in all plots using plant stand counts plus weekly percent green assessments and growth ratings. Densities of S. mosellana were determined by hand-threshing plants from wheat plots. In total, 8,200 beetles were collected and 57.2% of these were Carabidae. The greatest species richness was observed in the highest seeding rate of wheat (cv. CDC Utmost at 400 seeds/m2) and the lowest was observed in peas (cv. CDC Meadow at 100 seeds/m2). The most common carabid species collected in all treatments was Poecilus lucublandus. This study will yield a better understanding of interactions between S. mosellana and its predators and was repeated in 2017 with samples and data collected as above. Additionally, soil core surveying was initiated in 2016 to assess and obtain parasitoid specimens attacking wheat midge occurring within wheat production areas of the Peace River region. Continuing Research: This is part of the larger, A-Base project funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada from April 2016 – March 2019. Both Amanda and Shelby provided oral presentations summarizing their progress at the ESC meetings held earlier this week in Winnipeg. Contact: Jennifer Otani, Shelby Dufton, Amanda Jorgensen

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Government of Alberta Edmonton 6. Title: Development and implementation of a weather-based, near real time, crop insect pest monitoring/prediction model and program for Alberta

Author and Associates: Swaroop Kher, Daniel Itenfisu and Scott Meers

Problem: Infestations of potentially damaging insect pests can cause severe yield losses, and managing insect populations can be challenging (Dent 2005; Olfert 2012). The seasonality of pest occurrence, complex life cycles and interactions of pest species with the agroecosystem components make it difficult to track the development of important pest species. Correlating insect phenologies with local weather can provide critical inputs for developing efficient pest forecasting programmes (Ascerno 1991). Forecasting of regional pest population dynamics and activity patterns over a growing season supported by near real time weather data can help stakeholders in pest management in implementing pest management decisions effectively (Damos and Karabatakis 2013). Currently, operational weather-based phenology models for major insect pests are lacking in Alberta, and there is a need to develop reliable decision support system to provide early warning of pest infestations to the agricultural stakeholders.

Objective of Research: The objective is to develop and implement a provincial weather-based near real time (NRT) insect pest prediction model as a web-based risk management tool for three significant insect pests: bertha armyworm, alfalfa weevil and wheat midge. The models will assist in timely and informed decision making for effective pest management. The models will account for tritrophic interactions between host crops, insect pests and their natural enemies.

Summary of Results: Year 2017 was the final year of field data collection for our project and we have collected detailed phenology data on wheat midge, alfalfa weevil and bertha armyworm over a period of four years (2014-2017). Phenology and life history of the three pests and their natural enemies along with crop phenology were monitored across 17 sites in Alberta in 2017. HOBOs and rain gauges were deployed for on-site weather monitoring on irrigated and dry land sites. Spring soil sampling, yellow- sticky trap based monitoring and wheat head dissections were conducted for wheat midge. Alfalfa weevil adults and larval populations were monitored in forage and seed crops. Canola flea beetles were monitored using yellow-sticky traps from seeding to pod maturity at 7 sites. For each species, time and duration of adult emergence, oviposition, larval activity, pupal period were recorded. Information on levels of parasitization observed in each insect species was collected by larval dissections. Data on crop growth stages was marked. Effects of precipitation, degree-day accumulations, relative humidity were correlated with insect phenology data. Linear and non-linear regression models are currently being developed and will be operational by June 2018.

Continuing research: Stage structured models integrating effects of weather parameters, crop growth stages and natural enemy activity will be developed and delivered using a web-based tool in June 2018 as a final project deliverable. Contact: Swaroop Kher

University of Alberta Department of Biological Sciences

7. Title: Interactions of pea leaf weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with its reproductive hosts in Alberta Authors: Wijerathna A, Carcamo, H. A, Evenden, M.L.

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. Recently the weevil expanded its range northwards to the Parkland Ecoregion of these provinces. Pea leaf weevil adults are oligophagous on legume plants (Fabales: Fabaceae) during their non-reproductive phase, but require field pea and faba bean to produce eggs and for larval development. Larvae feed on nitrogen-fixing Rhyzobium bacteria associated with the root nodules of reproductive host plants. Adult feeding produce a characteristic notching pattern on leaves, but may not impact yield. Objectives: 1. To compare pea leaf weevil adult and larval feeding on two reproductive hosts: faba bean and peas. 2. To determine the effect of seed and foliar insecticide on managing pea leaf weevil on faba bean. 3. To investigate overwintering survival and cold-hardiness of pea leaf weevil in its expanded range.

Methodology: Pea leaf weevils adult feeding was compared between pea and faba bean using no-choice and choice tests on spring and fall collected weevils. The larval feeding on pea and faba bean nodulation was compared at two different seedling stages using several root nodule characteristics. Faba bean plants with no insecticide treatment were compared to the plants treated with insecticide seed treatment or/and with foliar insecticide. This field trial was repeated at two sites in Lethbridge and Lacombe, AB. Microcosms containing weevils were kept buried in five sites in Alberta during the winter, 2016 and overwintering survival and cold hardiness was measured of overwintered weevils. Results: Adult weevils fed equally on both hosts in both spring and fall when the weevils are reproductively active and inactive respectively. Weevils preferred to feed on faba bean in spring, but did not show feeding preference in fall. Females fed more compared to males and adults fed more in spring compared to fall. In the insecticide trial at Lacombe, 2016 seed treatment along, seed treatment and foliage insecticide 2nd node and at early pod increased the yield and decreased the number of notches compared to untreated and foliage treated faba bean. Continuing Research: Pea leaf weevil host location behaviour will be tested using a series of olfactometer and electoantenogram studies. Overwintering study will be repeated in Winter 2017. Contact: Maya Evenden

8. Title: A survey of the distribution of the pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) in Alberta pulse growing regions using semiochemical baited traps

Author and Associates: Sjolie, D.M., Meers, S., Carcamo, H.A, Evenden, M.L. Problem: Since its introduction into Alberta in 1997, the pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has become a major pest to pulse crop agroecosystems. Damage is primarily caused by larval feeding of the Rhizobium-containing root nodules of growing plants which decreases the plant’s ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. Yield loss can also occur from larval feeding and adult notching on leaves early in plant development. The objective of the project is to survey for S. lineatus in all pulse growing regions in Alberta, including the Peace River region where populations have not yet been recorded. Objective: Delineate the north and eastward movement of S. lineatus in Albertan pulse growing regions using semiochemical-baited traps. Summary of Results: 41 of 42 field sites established caught adult S. lineatus during both adult activity periods (spring and fall 2017), so proper delineation of the pea leaf weevil populations was not achieved. A total of 1588 adult weevils were captured in the spring (early May to late June), and 6549 in the fall (early August to mid-September). In a comparison analysis between the two host plants (field pea and faba bean), S. lineatus were caught in significantly higher numbers in field pea fields during the fall activity period. The current survey provides the first record of S. lineatus activity in two counties (Greenview and Smoky River) in the Peace River region. Continuing Research: A supplementary survey will be carried out in 2018 with more emphasis on trapping in areas north east of Edmonton and the Peace River region. This survey will hope to properly delineate S. lineatus movement as adult weevils were recovered in almost every trap in the 2017 survey. An analysis of trap by-catch will also be done to assess potential negative effects on beneficial predators of soil-dwelling pests. Contact: Maya Evenden

9. Title: Factors influencing biodiversity of bumblebee bycatch (Bombus spp.) in moth (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pheromone traps in agroecosystems of Alberta, Canada Author and Associates: Grocock N. L.1 & Evenden M. L.1 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Problem: Sex pheromone baited monitoring traps targeting cutworm and armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pests capture other insects including bumblebees (Bombus spp.) and other beneficial hymenopteran pollinators as bycatch. Food attractant semiochemical lures (food bait) consisting of fermentation products are a possible solution allowing monitoring of multiple cutworm species with reduced pollinator bycatch. The objectives of this project are to investigate the abundance and diversity of beneficial hymenopterans captured as bycatch in noctuid moth monitoring systems in Alberta, Canada.

Objectives of Research: 1) To investigate the diversity and abundance of hymenopteran pollinator bycatch in traps baited with synthetic noctuid pheromone lures and food bait lures in central Alberta canola and wheat crops. 2) To assess large-scale regional differences in local and landscape impacts on bumblebee attraction to noctuid pheromone lures in canola crops. 3) To determine the mechanism of attraction of Bombus spp. to synthetic noctuid moth pheromone lures using electrophysiological assays.

Summary of Results: 17 bumblebee species were captured in semiochemical- baited monitoring traps in canola and wheat fields of central Alberta. Synthetic noctuid pheromone lures were attractive, capturing large numbers of bumblebees compared to unbaited control traps. Food bait lures consisting of fermentation products alone do not increase capture of bumblebees. The addition of the floral volatile, phenylacetaldehyde, to food bait lures increased capture so that it was statistically similar to that in pheromone baited traps. The diversity of Bombus spp. captured in canola and wheat fields was similar regardless of lure type. Morphometric measurements of the most commonly captured species, Bombus rufocinctus, provide limited evidence of queen bee capture in traps. Contact: Maya Evenden

Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada Science & Technology Branch, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre

10. Tittle: Dynamic action threshold for cereal leaf beetle Author and Associates in 2017: Haley Catton, Héctor Cárcamo, Alejandro Costamagna. Problem: Despite effective biocontrol of cereal leaf beetle by T. julis, a few fields were sprayed in 2013-2015 at low or moderate damage levels. Objective of Research: To reduce insecticide spraying for cereal leaf beetle by quantifying the damage caused by the pest and value added by natural enemies. Summary of Results: In 2016 and 2017 a cage study was implemented near Lethbridge. The treatments included a control without insects, herbivore treatment with adult cereal leaf beetles and combinations of the herbivore and the parasitoid (T. julis) and generalist predators (coccinellids, spiders, carabids). Each treatment was replicated in 5-7 cages. CLB larvae and damage were monitored weekly. All insects were removed when wheat was mature just before harvest to relate natural enemy and pest density to yield. Samples remain to be sorted and analyzed. Continuing Research: The study will be repeated one more year. Contact: Haley Catton and Héctor Cárcamo

11. Title: Managing wireworms in southern Alberta wheat fields with crop rotations and beneficial insects Author and Associates in 2017: Haley Catton, Bob Vernon, Wim Van Herk, Christine Noronha, Héctor Cárcamo, Kevin Floate, Scott Meers. Problem: With decreasing options for chemical control, wireworms are re-emerging as a problem pest. New integrative pest techniques must be explored. Objective of Research: To explore the effect of crop rotation on populations and diversity of wireworms and beneficial insects (carabids) and compare efficiency of different insect traps. To explore DNA methods of identifying predators of wireworm in the field, and increase awareness of wireworms through the production of a field guide. Summary of Results: In 2017, 12 wheat fields in the Lethbridge area with different rotations of cereals or canola were sampled for wireworms and carabids weekly through the growing season. A concurrent experiment comparing insect trap types was run concurrently in 2 separate locations. Samples remain to be sorted and analyzed over the winter. Continuing Research: The commercial field rotation study and trap comparison experiments will be run for 2 more summers. The DNA work will commence in 2018, and the field guide will be available likely in 2020. Contact: Haley Catton

12. Title: Assessing Lygus bug damage in faba bean seed using shortwave infrared imaging. Authors: Anne Smith, Héctor Cárcamo, Benoit Rivard, Syama Chatterton, Jilu Feng Problem: Lygus bugs cause intermittent but significant damage to several crops including faba bean, canola and alfalfa seed in western Canada. The Lygus bugs leave a black spot on faba bean seed coat, and as consumers are reluctant to eat spotted beans, the seeds are downgraded. Quantifying the amount of seed damage is subjective and time consuming. Related studies have relied on red-green-blue or near- infrared imaging for assessing seed damage. However, few studies in the literature focus on shortwave infrared where exploiting the depth of a number of absorption features could reduce subjectivity and provide repeatable quantitative estimates of seed damage. Objectives of Research: To investigate the potential of shortwave infrared (SWIR) reflectance to identify and quantifying the extent of Lygus bug damage on faba bean seeds. Summary of Results: A preliminary experiment involved the capture of images in the SWIR region of the electromagnetic spectrum for a limited number of faba bean samples. The images showed a significant reduction in the depth of the cellulose absorption features in the damaged areas suggesting potential in quantifying the amount of damage. Continuing Research: A more extensive sample set of faba beans exhibiting a range of seed damage will be imaged to develop a calibration curve related to extent of damage and the seed area with reduced cellulose absorption features. Blind samples will be tested against the calibration dataset to determine accuracy of the developed protocol. Contact: Anne Smith

13. Title: Reducing necrotic spots on faba beans: lygus, chocolate spot or both? (ACIDF 2015 – 2017) Part I: Interaction study-Greenhouse Author and Associates: Surinder Kaur, S. Meers, S. Barkley, S. Chatterton, H. Carcamo, J. Thomas, , M. Harding, N. Harker, R. Bowness, P. Reid. 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. Objective of Research: Quantify independent and joint damage caused to faba bean seeds by lygus bugs and Botrytis fabae using controlled assays Summary of Results: To determine the independent and joint damage caused to faba bean seeds by Lygus lineolaris (LL) and Botrytis fabae (BF), controlled study was conducted in greenhouse (using small cup-cages) at stage 7-development of the pods. Seed damage was measured as seed necrosis index, SNI (%), mortality rate (MR) and BF re-isolation (%). In greenhouse experiment, SNI (%) was high with BF only, LL only and BF+LL treatments and lowest in control (uninoculated). SNI (%) due to BF treatment in this experiment contrasted the results from the survey which suggested a negative association. This is probably because an optimum condition of high humidity was provided by creating a moist chamber to ensure maximum pod infection. Such conditions of high humidity do not commonly occur under in natural conditions. However, seed infestation was seen when the seeds were plated on PDA plates. This indicates that Botrytis can cause seed damage under ideal conditions of high humidity. SNI (%) in treatments with BF + LLadults and BF + LLnymphs was comparatively low, but was not significantly different from BF. The results from this experiment suggest that seed damage can be high due to BF and LB infestation provided the weather conditions favour their growth and development. In combination treatments, SNI (%) was generally low probably due to differing growth optimums or reduced feeding on infected seeds which supports conclusions from the survey data. Similarly, BF isolation (%) from the seeds was highest (100%) in BF only treatment while it was 13.33% in BF + LLnymphs and 6.67% in BF + LLadults. The lygus MR was highest in BF + LLnymphs treatment and lowest in LLadults only treatments further supporting a potential negative interaction between lygus and Botrytis spp. Results from this study indicate Lygus and Botrytis affected faba beans independently. The results point to the need for early scouting of faba bean fields for Lygus infestation and chocolate spot disease severity and incidence thereby adopting pro-active measures. Also, avoid sowing infected seeds from previously chocolate spot infected crops. Continuing Research: This was the final year of the study. Contact: Surinder Kaur, Syama Chatterton, Héctor Cárcamo

14. Interactions and integrated management of root rot pathogens and pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) in field pea Author and Associates: Telsa Willsey, Syama Chatterton, Héctor Cárcamo, James Thomas Problem: Increased production and short cropping intervals of field pea (Pisum sativum) have facilitated the spread of soilborne pathogens and the range expansion of the pea leaf weevil Sitona lineatus. Both are known to cause significant reductions in crop yield. The root pathogens Aphanomyces euteiches and several Fusarium species are likely to co-occur with S. lineatus, and interactions that impact disease severity and yield protection may occur. Objectives: 1. Identify and characterize interactions between root pathogens and S. lineatus in pea roots. 2. Test the efficacy of a range of seed, foliar, and soil treatments in reducing disease severity and insect herbivory.

Summary of Results: P. sativum seedlings were exposed to S. lineatus larvae and F. avenaceum in greenhouse trials, either in isolation or simultaneously. Results indicate that simultaneous exposure significantly increases both disease severity and insect survival, suggesting that the two organisms are interacting within their host in a way that is mutually favourable. These results suggest that integrated crop protection measures will be critical in regions where F. avenaceum co-occur. Field trials in southern Alberta during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons tested a range of fungicidal and insecticidal treatments in field pea and faba bean (Vicia faba). Preliminary results indicate that when applied as a combined seed treatment, the fungicides ethaboxam and fludioxonil may be effective in reducing disease severity in early stages of plant development. The neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam appears to be effective in reducing herbivory by S. lineatus when used singly as a seed treatment and when combined with fungicides. These results indicate that an integrated fungicidal and insecticidal seed treatment may provide early season suppression of root disease and herbivory, but should be combined with other management strategies to protect plants during later stages of development. Continuing Research: Analysis of yield data from field trials is currently underway in order to assess the effect of seed treatments on yield protection. Quantification of pathogens colonizing pea roots using multiplex qPCR is also underway to assess the effect of chemical treatments on microbial population dynamics in the field. Contact: Telsa Willsey, Syama Chatterton, Héctor Cárcamo

15. Title Effects of pea leaf weevil on residual nitrogen fertility in crop rotations. Author and Associates: Patty Reid, H. Carcamo, Breanne Tidemann, Neil Harker, Sheree Daniels. Problem: Pea leaf weevil feeds on Rhyzobium nodules and can reduce nitrogen fixation in the current growing season and for future crops in the rotation. Objective of Research: to determine if the impact of pea leaf weevil on nitrogen fertility can be detected in subsequent crops. Summary of Results: A plot study with and without thiametoxam treated seed, foliar insecticide at the 2nd or 4th node stage and a combination of seed treatment and foliar insecticide was conducted at Lethbridge and Lacombe in 2016 (year 1). In 2017 AC Brandon wheat was planted at 300 seeds per m2 to determine if pea leaf weevil and the insecticide treatments affected residual soil nitrogen. Soil samples for residual nitrogen were taken in the spring of 2017 and are waiting analysis; they will also be taken next spring. Straw and grain samples from this year’s harvest will also be assessed for carbon and nitrogen content. Continuing Research: This is year 2 (wheat) of 3 (canola). Contact: H. Cárcamo or Breanne Tidemann

16. Validating the economic threshold for flea beetles in the Prairies. Author and Associates: Alejandro Costamagna, Hector Carcamo, Jennifer Otani, Tyler Wist, John Gavloski. Problem: Flea beetles are probably the number one insect pest in the Prairies, yet only nominal threshold are used. Objective of Research: To validate the nominal threshold for flea beetles in various ecoregions of the Prairies. This report deals with the studies in southern Alberta, similar studies were done in Beaverlodge. Summary of Results: The 2016 data set (with the exception of canola green seed content) was summarized and submitted to the study leader. Canola green seed content was determined in the summer of 2017 from archived seed samples for the 2016 sites. In 2017, the plot study with Brassica napus cv. 4135 was seeded in early and late May at two locations near Lethbridge (Farming Smarter) and Vauxhall (Lethbridge Research and Development Centre substation). There was substantial flea beetle damage in both early seed dates requiring plots to be sprayed at the 15%, 25% and 45% thresholds. The feeding for the early Vauxhall seed date happened especially quickly, but this site had a reduced canola stand most likely attributable to a seeding issue. The Vauxhall late seed date achieved the 15% and 25% damage levels and was sprayed twice. The late seed date at Farming Smarter did not have significant flea beetle damage (significant possible cutworm damage was noted and rated) and had some crop injury from a residual herbicide so data collection was stopped on July 10 (except for yield). Changing of sticky cards, canola emergence/survivorship ratings/counts, sweeping of plots for cabbage seed pod weevil/Lygus, weekly individual plant staging, collection of pods for cabbage seed pod weevil assessment and canola maturity ratings were completed. The second herbicide application in Vauxhall early seeded was not applied so this site was hoed as required. Experiments were sprayed when necessary for cabbage seed pod weevil and Lygus using economic thresholds. Matador (lambda- cyhalothrin) at 34 mls/ac was used for all insecticide applications. Canola was desiccated and subsequently straight cut on Aug 15 (Vauxhall early), Aug 24 (Vauxhall late), Aug 29 (Farming Smarter early) and Sep 13 (Farming Smarter late). Continuing Research: this was the final third year of field data collection. Contact: Alejandro Costamagna and Héctor Cárcamo

17. On farm validation of lygus and other insect thresholds in canola on the Prairies. Author and Associates: Hector Carcamo, Alejandro Costamagna, Jennifer Otani, Tyler Wist, John Gavloski. Problem: The current lygus threshold recommended is 1 lygus per sweep at the early pod stage. This was developed on open cultivars no longer planted. Canola cage studies with a hybrid cultivar recently suggested a higher threshold around 3 and 2 per sweeps for southern and central regions, respectively. Objective of Research: To validate the lygus threshold using commercial canola fields. Also to assess impact of spraying for flea beetles on canola yield and thereby validate current nominal thresholds for this pest as well. Summary of Results: In 2017, conditions were very dry and hot in many parts of the prairies. Lygus populations were low in most fields but there were sufficient numbers around threshold in 3 fields south of Nanton and just north east of Claresholm. One field was dryland and lygus were over threshold (3-4 per sweep at pod). In a second field, the dryland region of about 30 acres of an irrigated field, had numbers around 2 per sweep. The third field was irrigated and had similar lygus numbers as the last one. In all cases farmers sprayed only the plots, which were 100m x 40m wide. The two treatments (sprayed and not sprayed) were replicated 4 times and randomly assigned to plots separated by about a 40m buffer of unsprayed area. Insects were sampled with a sweep net before and after spray. Hand quadrat samples were collected at four locations (2-4m apart) near the two sampling points where lygus were collected. We also collected 10 main racemes to assess cabbage seedpod weevil damage. Combine yield data has been received from one farmers’ field and yield data is expected from the other two farmers. No analysis has been performed yet. In all 3 fields we have kept plant collections from the pod stage to count diamond back moth larvae and see if the numbers relate to those from sweeping as a side study of potential value to growers. Three fields were also studied in the Lacombe area by Keith Gabert and Patty Reid. Continuing Research: This study will continue for another two years. Contact: Héctor Cárcamo, Alejandro Costamagna, Jennifer Otani, Tyler Wist, John Gavloski

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] CATTON, Haley, PhD Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, 5403-1 Avenue South, P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1. Tel. 403-317- 3404, e-mail: [email protected] COSTAMAGNA, Alejandro, PhD University of Manitoba, Department of Entomology, 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] DUFTON, Shelby, MSc Candidate Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge, Alberta, T0H 0C0, tel. 778-684-4715, e- mail: [email protected] or [email protected] EVENDEN, Maya, PhD University of Alberta, ES 214A, Biological Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Tel.780-492-1873, e-mail: [email protected] FLOATE, Kevin, PhD Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, 5403-1 Avenue South, P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1. Tel. 403-317- 2242, e-mail: [email protected] KAUR, Surinder, PhD University of Lethbridge, Department of Biological Sciences, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, e-mail: Surinder Kaur ([email protected]) KHER, Swaroop, PhD Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, 7000 – 113 Street Edmonton, AB, T6H 5T6, 780 422-1440 [email protected] JORGENSEN, Amanda, MSc Candidate Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge, Alberta, T0H 0C0, tel. 778- 220-5487, e-mail: [email protected] or [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] SJOLIE, Dylan University of Alberta, ES 214A, Biological Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Tel.780-492-1873, e-mail: [email protected] WIJERATHNA, Asha, MSc University of Alberta, ES 214A, Biological Sciences, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2P5, Tel.780-492-1873, e-mail: [email protected] WILLSEY, Tesla, MSc Candidate. University of Lethbridge, Department of Biological Sciences, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, e-mail: Telsa Willsey ([email protected]) WIST, Tyler, PhD Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2. [email protected]

SASKATCHEWAN ENTOMOLOGY RESEARCH SUMMARY

Compiled by Tyler Wist Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Saskatoon Research and Development Centre

1. Title: Bioclimatic approach to assessing factors influencing shifts in geographic distribution and relative abundance of two flea beetle species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in North America Author and Associates: O. Olfert, R.M. Weiss, J.J. Soroka, R.H. Elliott

Abstract: Crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) and striped flea beetle, P. striolata (Fabricius) are the most chronic and economically important flea beetle pests of cruciferous crops in western Canada. There have been reports that populations of P. striolata are increasing in numbers and expanding their geographic range. Climate is the fundamental factor regulating the distribution and abundance of most insect species. Bioclimate simulation models of the two flea beetle species were developed to assess climatic factors influencing shifts in their geographic distribution and density. The results fostered a better understanding of how the two species responded to selected climate variables. Growing seasons with above average precipitation were predicted to favor the geographic distribution of P. striolata more than P. cruciferae. Both P. cruciferae and P. striolata were sensitive to temperature changes in the range of -2 to +2° C. The Ecoclimatic Index (suitability index) for P. cruciferae increased with increasing temperatures, whereas the index for P. striolata declined with increasing temperatures. This study highlights the regions of the Prairies and Boreal Plains Ecozones that are most sensitive to shifts of the two populations and which may require changes in insecticidal seed treatments for effective control.

Citation: O. Olfert, R.M. Weiss, J.J. Soroka, R.H. Elliott. (2017) Bioclimatic approach to assessing factors influencing shifts in geographic distribution and relative abundance of two flea beetle species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in North America. The Canadian Entomologist (In press)

Contact: Owen Olfert, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK. S7N 0X2. [email protected] ###

2. Title: Bioclimatic approach to assessing the potential impact of climate change on two flea beetle species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Canada

Author and Associates: O. Olfert, R.M. Weiss, R.H. Elliott, J.J. Soroka

Abstract: Both the striped flea beetle, Phyllotreta striolata (F.) and crucifer flea beetle, P. cruciferae (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are invasive alien species to North America. Climate is the one of the most dominant factors regulating the geographic distribution and population density of most insect species. Recent bioclimatic simulation models of the two flea beetle species fostered a better understanding of how the two species responded to selected climate variables. They demonstrated that selected climate variables increased population densities and geographic range of the two species. General Circulation Model inputs were applied in this study to assess the impact of a changing climate on the response of P. cruciferae and P. striolata populations. Model output, using the climate change scenarios, predicted that both P. cruciferae and P. striolata populations will shift north in future climates and the degree of geographic overlap between these two species will be greater than for current climate. This suggests that the two species could potentially cause economic losses over an expanded area in the future.

Citation: O. Olfert, R.M. Weiss, J.J. Soroka, R.H. Elliott. (2017) Bioclimatic approach to assessing the potential impact of climate change on two flea beetle species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Canada. The Canadian Entomologist (In press)

Contact: Owen Olfert, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK. S7N 0X2. [email protected] ###

3. Title: Understanding the impact of Contarinia sp. on canola production across the Prairies.

Author and Associates: Boyd Mori & Meghan Vankosky (Co-PIs), AAFC Saskatoon, with funding from the Canola Agronomic Research Program.

Problem: The swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii, is an invasive pest of cruciferous vegetables and canola in Canada. Swede midge, originally from Europe, is established in Ontario and its presence in Saskatchewan was confirmed in 2007. During subsequent investigations in 2016, the presence of second Contarinia midge species (here after, Contarinia midge) on the Prairies was confirmed. Nothing is known about the potential impact of Contarinia midge on canola, and the presence and current damage attributed to swede midge on the Prairies is not known.

Objective(s) of Research: 1) To determine the distribution of both midge species in the Prairies and produce distribution maps that can be used by producers to evaluate risks in their area. 2) To understand the life history and phenology of both midge species and their impact on canola yield. 3) To use population genetics analyses to determine the source of swede midge and determine distribution patterns of the undescribed midge in the Prairies. 4) To survey canola fields infested with midges for potential biological control agents (i.e. natural enemies such as parasitoids).

Summary of Results: In order to determine the distribution of both the swede midge, and the Contarinia midge on the prairies, two surveys were conducted. Swede midge pheromone traps were setup by cooperators at ~60 sites across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In addition, a field survey was conducted throughout Alberta (conducted by Alberta Agriculture and cooperators), Saskatchewan and the Swan River Valley in Manitoba (conducted by AAFC). No swede midge were captured on any of the pheromone traps deployed across the Prairies. During the field survey, no damage caused by swede midge could be confirmed. However, damage from the Contarinia midge was found at sites throughout areas of east-central Alberta (see Alberta report), and across central Saskatchewan (north to all canola production areas, east and west to the provincial boundaries, and as far south as Tramping Lake in the west and Foam Lake in the East). Damage and larvae were also found throughout the Swan River Valley in Manitoba. Although, damage and larvae were found at multiple sites, the potential for yield loss was estimated to be extremely low. Larvae collected in this survey will be used for a population genetics study, the results of which are still pending.

In order to study the phenology of both midge species, four sites were monitored in NE Saskatchewan around the towns of Melfort and Nipawin. At each site, 2 swede midge pheromone traps and 2 soil-emergence traps were deployed. An additional 2 emergence cages were deployed at each site in late-July to determine if there is a second generation. No swede midge were captured in the pheromone or emergence traps. Emergence traps did capture overwintering Contarinia midge (albeit very few) and indicate a second generation emerges in late August. Contarinia midge larvae were first found in an early flowering (for this year) field the week of July 12th. Larvae were then found regularly at all sites once flowering had started. We only observed larvae in flowers; we never found them on any other plant part.

Parasitoids were noticed at a few sites in early-July in Saskatchewan on infested flowers. During the Saskatchewan field survey infested flowers were collected and brought back to the laboratory to quantify emergence. Across 38 rural municipalities (RMs) where damaged flowers were collected, midge emerged from samples collected in 28 RMs and parasitoids from 9. The highest ratio of parasitoids to midge emergeence was 1:4 in RM 431, north of Wakaw. The parasitoids belonged to two different species, both undescribed: Gastrancistrus sp. (Pteromalidae) and Inostemma sp. (Platygastridae).

Continuing Research: This is the first year of the project and will continue for an additional two years.

Contact: Boyd Mori and Meghan Vankosky, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X2. [email protected] or [email protected] ###

4. Title: Development of a pheromone-based monitoring system for a newly identified Contarinia midge on the Canadian prairies

Author and Associates: Boyd Mori, Meghan Vankosky (Co-PIs), AAFC Saskatoon with funding from the Canola Agronomic Research Program.

Problem: Swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii) are serious economic pests of canola in Canada, responsible for losses of up to 85% on farms. In 2016, a new species of canola-feeding midge (referred to here as Contarinia sp.) was recovered from farms across the Prairie Province. As midges are extremely small, short lived insects, sensitive pheromone traps are essential tools for detection, informing producers of when to implement control strategies before mass damage can occur. However, the newly identified species is not caught in the currently available trap for C. nasturtii, leaving producers at risk to an undetectable pest with the potential to cause potentially catastrophic economic damage.

Objective(s) of Research: 1) Identify and synthesize pheromone components from Contarinia sp. midge. 2) Optimize pheromone lure for response of male Contarinia sp. 3) Optimize pheromone trapping system in western Canadian canola fields.

Summary of Results: Contarinia midge infested flowers were collected throughout the summer from several locations in NE Saskatchewan. They were brought to the laboratory and larvae were allowed to finish their development and pupate in sterile soil. Pupae were removed from the soil and shipped to collaborators at the Natural Resources Institute (University of Greenwich, UK) for pheromone identification. Headspace volatile collections were obtained from emerged male and female midges and several female produced compounds were identified. The identified compounds were synthesized and tested for male response via gas chromatography coupled electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD). Several compounds elicited a male response. Further work is needed to confirm the male response to these compounds, and then a larger batch will be synthesized and lures prepared for field testing in summer 2018.

Continuing Research: This is the first year of the project and will continue for an additional two years.

Contact: Boyd Mori and Meghan Vankosky, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK. S7N 0X2. [email protected] or [email protected] ###

5. Title: Ecology of swede midge-host plant interactions

Author and Associates: Boyd Mori, Julie Soroka, Owen Olfert, AAFC Saskatoon, with funding from Saskatchewan Agricultural Development Fund, SaskCanola and Western Grains Research Foundation.

Problem: Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a devastating new pest in Ontario canola production. The presence of swede midge was confirmed in Saskatchewan in 2007 with damage first noted in 2012. Due to the potential devastation swede midge can cause to brassica crops, including canola, a project was established to study the alternative hosts available to swede midge on the Prairies and to investigate methods of host plant resistance.

Objective of Research: To investigate the range of host plants on the Prairies and to determine potential host plant resistance mechanisms against the swede midge.

Summary of Results: A literature review was conducted to determine the potential host Brassicaceae on the Prairies. The list of potential hosts was narrowed down based on species abundance and previous testing (or lack thereof) to 11 species. Seed of most Brassicaceae has been field collected or obtained from Plant Gene Resources of Canada. Initial no-choice bioassays were conducted with 7 species, all of which could support swede midge larval development to varying extents. Stink weed (field pennycress), Thalspi arvense, was highly susceptible to swede midge infestation and could support numerous larvae. Camelina sativa had the fewest larvae of any species tested. Further tests are ongoing, including oviposition choice and larval developmental bioassays. The biochemical profiles of plants will be examined further.

Continuing Research: This is the second year of the project and will continue for a further 2 years.

Contact: Boyd Mori, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK. S7N 0X2. [email protected] ###

6. 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

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 anecdotal 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 sampled BAW from across its geographic range during the last outbreak (2011-2014) and these samples were used to examine BAW genetic diversity. We used standard Next Generation Sequencing genomics approaches to develop a comprehensive suite of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers for genetic diversity studies. As part of this process, we also used high throughput DNA sequencing technology to generate a draft BAW genome sequence.

Summary of Results: During the three field seasons of this study we sampled and cataloged approximately 5,100 adult male specimens from BAW pheromone and light traps from widely dispersed geographic regions in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and Washington State. We have used “genotyping by sequencing” approaches using ~ 200 individuals and identified ~ 6000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) markers which were used in a genetic diversity analysis (STRUCTURE & DARwin). The STRUCTURE analysis of 200 field- collected-male samples resulted in a predicted single population with limited evidence of genetic diversity linked to geographic location. However when we included RADtag sequence from males from four BAW laboratory colonies (geographically distinct populations reared for various generations), the SNP analysis indicated that each colony could be defined as discrete populations based on allele frequency patterns. This may be a function of the small number of founder mating pairs and subsequent inbreeding. We were also able to show in a comparison of BAW populations from the extremes of the geographic range (Carmen, MB; Manning, AB and Wapato, WA) that a high proportion of moths from Washington State formed a separate genetic cluster with distinct allele frequencies.

We have assembled a working draft of the BAW genome with an estimated size of 571 Megabases which makes it one of the larger lepidopteran genomes sequenced to date. The draft genome has been very useful for identifying and characterizing genes of interest in various related studies on BAW physiology and reproductive biology. We have used laboratory colonies of the four geographic BAW populations from across Saskatchewan and Alberta to produce transcriptome libraries for both male and female head and antennae. We have identified and characterized a suite of 35 gene encoding olfactory receptor proteins and these include 3 male specific transcripts with homology to putative pheromone receptor proteins. We have also identified 3 male specific pheromone binding proteins. We are continuing to build a model of the pheromone communication channel for BAW.

Continuing Research: The original project was funded through March 31, 2016. However, we are continuing analysis of our current BAW genetic datasets and its implication for potential impact on geographic differences in BAW populations with respect to pest status and response to pheromone trapping efficiency.

Contact: Martin Erlandson, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2 [email protected] ###

7. Title: Gene-for-gene mediated resistance to midge in canola and wheat

Author and Associates: Martin Erlandson, Dwayne Hegedus, Boyd Mori, and Tyler Wist, AAFC Saskatoon, with funding from AAFC Genomic Research Development Initiative.

Problem: Recent advances in our understanding of host plant-pest interactions and insect genomics has led to exciting new alternatives for insect control, including the identification of resistance (R) genes similar to those used for disease resistance and genomic-based approaches that specifically target vital pest genes. These approaches work particularly well with pests that form an intimate association with their host plants, such as the larvae of swede and wheat midge. Native to Eurasia, the swede midge (SM), Contarinia nasturtii, has become a serious economic pest of brassica vegetable crops and canola in Ontario and Quebec and now poses a significant threat to canola production on the Prairies. Larvae feed on the developing tissues resulting in swollen and distorted leaves, shoots and buds which prevents bolting and reduces seed yield. The ability of larvae to feed on any crop stage, a rapid life cycle, and 2-4 overlapping generations leads to extreme population growth and control is difficult even with insecticides. Crop losses due to swede midge infestations are as high as 85% in Canada and 100% in Europe. The orange blossom wheat midge (WM), Sitodiplosis mosellana, is a major pest of Canadian wheat. Since 2010, several varieties of resistant spring wheat have been released that carry an R gene from winter wheat (Sm1). Sm1 resistance is due to a swift chemical defensive response to WM larvae feeding on kernels and halts further damage. Sm1 is the only known WM resistance gene and the probability of “breakdown” is high leaving future wheat crops again vulnerable to WM. It is imperative that we identify new WM resistance genes. It is hypothesized that swede and wheat midge secrete effector proteins in their saliva that trigger a plant immune response through interaction with R-gene encoded proteins. The identity and the function of the midge effectors need to be elucidated in order to determine their effect on the host plants. By identifying effectors and their functions, they can then be developed into a system to screen for resistant varieties of wheat and canola.

Objective of Research: This project has 3 main objectives: 1) Identify candidate swede midge and wheat midge salivary effectors. 2) Identify the function of midge effectors involved in critical aspects of host plant interactions. 3) Identify and characterize germplasm with midge resistance (swede midge only).

Summary of Results: In order to identify candidate swede midge and wheat midge effectors, a transcriptomic approach was implemented. The complete larval transcriptome was sequenced on the Illuminia platform (HiSeq 2500). Separate libraries were created for the salivary glands, midgut and larval carcass of each species. We chose to carry out the initial bioinformatics on the swede midge library, and the pipeline we developed is currently being used to process the wheat midge library. For the swede midge, we sequenced over 55 million reads, and carried out a de novo transcriptome assembly by pooling the reads from all three tissue types (salivary, midgut, carcass). After transcriptome assembly and filtering, we identified 28,250 potential protein encoding sequences, and determined the expression levels of each protein based on tissue type. From the salivary glands, we identified 1,876 potential effectors, of which 1,392 show sequence similarity to a known protein. We are currently confirming the expression levels of the proteins, and after confirmation, we will begin to evaluate the function of the highly expressed candidate effectors. In order to identify and characterize germplasm with swede midge resistance, we obtained seed from a collection of Brassica napus lines that encompass most of the genetic diversity of the species. From these lines, 17 were chosen for no-choice larval development bioassays. Swede midge larvae were able to develop on all 17 lines; however, the number of larvae varied significantly between lines. The relative larval populations on the most susceptible lines were ~10x higher than those on the most resistant. Further experiments are ongoing to determine female oviposition choice and the rate of development of the larvae across the lines.

Continuing Research: This is the first year of the project and will continue for one more year.

Contact: Martin Erlandson, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK. S7N 0X2. [email protected] ###

8. Title: Knowledge, tools and practices to manage insect pests of pulse crops in Saskatchewan

Author and associates: Vankosky, M.A. (Co-PI), Olfert, O. (Co-PI), Gan, Y., Carcamo, H., Mori, B., Wist, T.

Problem: As pulse crop acreage continues to expand in Saskatchewan, so too will the risk of yield losses due to insect pest (and disease) damage. Two pests of interest are aphids and the pea leaf weevil. The pea leaf weevil, Sitona lineatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an invasive pest in Saskatchewan that has been present since 2007. Its range continues to expand northward and eastward. The pea leaf weevil damages field pea and faba bean (primary hosts) via adult consumption of foliar tissue and larval consumption of nitrogen-fixing root nodules. It may also cause some damage to secondary hosts including alfalfa, clover, and soy beans, especially before its primary hosts emerge and after its primary hosts are harvested. Research on integrated pest management and chemical control of pea leaf weevil has been conducted in Alberta, but not in Saskatchewan. As a sub-portion of this project, the populations of aphids and their natural enemies in alfalfa, peas, lentils and faba bean are being surveyed over time to identify species composition and population trends among the crops.

Objectives of research: This project provides an opportunity to learn more about pea leaf weevil and aphid populations specifically in Saskatchewan cropping systems. The specific objectives are to: 1) Investigate the overwintering biology of pea leaf weevil; 2) Assess weevil response to foliar and systemic insecticides in field plot and on-farm studies; and 3) Obtain baseline data on aphids and their natural enemies in pulse crops. In conjunction with this project, pheromone trapping is also being used to confirm the presence of pea leaf weevils on the edges of the current weevil distribution.

Summary of results: The first field season for this project was completed in 2017 and data is currently being processed and analyzed. In the field plot study, conducted in Swift Current, foliar and systemic insecticides both reduced foliar damage to seedlings but the effect on yield has yet to be determined. Pheromone traps were deployed in Limerick, Regina, Yorkton, Wakaw, Watrous, Saskatoon, and Radisson and adult weevils were confirmed from all of those sites except Saskatoon and Wakaw. Aphids in the four listed pulse crops were confirmed as pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, through morphological and genetic analysis. Aphids and their natural enemy populations were followed over the course of the growing season at five sites with sweep sampling and results are being analyzed. Counts of parasitized pea aphids were possible in several pea and faba bean fields to get a sense of the extent of parasitism. Lentil crops are not conducive to counts of aphids or aphid mummies on individual plants. Mummies in pea and faba bean crops were of two types, one indicative of parasitism by an Aphidius species and one indicative of parasitism by a Praon species. Mummies from several fields were reared under laboratory conditions and identifications of emerged wasps are ongoing.

Continuing research: Adult weevils have been buried in the field at Saskatoon and thermal gradient plate experiments are underway to better understand overwintering biology of this pest. All objectives of this project will be addressed with field studies in the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. Cooperators for field-scale research are needed for weevil and aphid studies. Interested parties are requested to contact Dr. Meghan Vankosky. This project is co-funded by the Agricultural Development Fund and the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.

Contact: Meghan Vankosky, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon SK, S7N 0X2; [email protected] ###

9. Title: Refining and making accessible to growers a validated dynamic action threshold (DAT) for cereal aphid control in cereal crops

Authour and associates: Tyler Wist, Erl Svendsen, (AAFC-Saskatoon) and John Gavloski (MAFRD).

Problem: The ability of natural enemies to control aphid outbreaks in cereal crops is not taken into account by current action thresholds.

Research Objectives: Data from this project will help to refine the cereal aphid dynamic action threshold (DAT) calculator that predicts the growth of aphid populations that takes into account the predation pressure of natural enemies. The ultimate goal of this three-year project is the development of a smartphone app that incorporates the DAT calculator and can be used by producers to make economic threshold determinations.

Summary of results: Aphid numbers were tracked in cereal fields across Saskatchewan and in several fields in Manitoba. Preliminary data indicates that several fields had high enough numbers of cereal aphids to test the predictions of the DAT model. The cereal aphid manager (CAM) app was completed before the field season and was tested and used to track aphid populations in cereal fields across Saskatchewan. Our beta test involved approximately 40 agronomists, producers, and summer students and the app was available for both the iOS (Apple) and Android operating systems. User experience surveys have been recovered from a handful of testers. Two species of cereal aphids were present in cereal crops (barley and wheat) in 2017: English Grain aphid (red and green morph, ~1:2 ratio) Sitobion avena, and birdcherry oat aphids, Rhopalosiphum padi. The dominant aphid was red morph of the English grain aphid. The first appearance of aphids was noted in Saskatoon on wheat heads at the begging of July. This arrival corresponded with wheat plants just prior to Zadoks stages of 61-68 (early anthesis). Aphid populations were tracked primarily by my lab group on two iPad tablets but the beta test version of the app unexpected expired before we extracted the data so our aphid population numbers in 2017 will be based primarily on sweep samples that are still being analyzed. From memory however, aphids in 2017 did not exceed the economic threshold (ET) of an average of 15 aphids per head in any of the monitored fields even though some tillers within sampled fields had individually exceeded ET. Parasitoid mummies were quite prevalent in August of 2017 and mummies were collected from several fields and brought back to the Saskatoon Research and Development Centre (SRDC) to rear the parasitoids. All of the mummies were the brown Aphidius type and we expect that the dominant species reared will again be Aphidius avenaphis (Braconidae) (same as 2015, and 2016) but identifications are ongoing. Data analysis to match the predictions of the DAT equation to real data collected by “per head “aphid and predator counts is still ongoing to ensure that the predictions of the DAT equation can be matched to reality and were suitably incorporated into the CAM smartphone app.

Continuing Research: The project is in its final year of funding. The CAM app will be refined in the coming months based upon our user experience and available for free download by the end of March 2018. Project is funded by the Pesticide Risk Reduction Program (PRR15-040). If you want to contribute to developing and/or testing the smartphone app, please contact Tyler Wist or Erl Svendsen ([email protected])...and we can get you the Android version.

Contact: Tyler Wist, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada. [email protected] ###

10. Title: Aster Yellows (AY) disease in spring wheat: a benchmark characterization and cultivar assessment.

Author and associates: Tyler Wist, (AAFC-Saskatoon), Pierre Hucl (University of Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture), Chrystel Oliver, (AAFC-Saskatoon)

Problem: In years where large numbers of aster leafhoppers, Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Cicadellidae) migrate into the Canadian Prairies often result in lower-than-expected yields in wheat crops (ex. 2012, 2007, 2000). These leafhoppers are the primary vectors of AY, a disease which affects hundreds of crop plants. The emerging idea is that AY is a common but largely undetected disease in wheat due to asymptomatic plants (Olivier et al. 2011). The impact of AY on wheat yield is unknown.

Research objectives: 1. To document the symptomology of AY in recent wheat cultivars and to estimate the yield losses depending on the number of leafhoppers and the wheat growth stages. 2. To evaluate the reaction of selected wheat cultivars to AY. 3. To estimate the AY disease incidence and identify the phytoplasma strains present in leafhopper and wheat in trials grown at Saskatoon.

Summary of results: The primary vector of aster yellows (AY) disease on the Canadian Prairies, the aster leafhopper, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, was more abundant earlier this year than in the previous several years and it was the most abundant leafhopper species in cereal crops. Population data on the aster leafhopper in wheat fields was tracked over the growing season and first arrival, number of generations and the AY infection status of leafhoppers over the growing season is underway from sweep samples. A field experiment examined the attractiveness of several current wheat varieties to natural populations of leafhoppers and a caged study with infected leafhoppers examined the effect of two densities of infected leafhoppers on several wheat and durum varieties. Data analysis is ongoing. Aster leafhopper adults were captured in early spring (May) from several sites and observed to be already reproducing in ditch and forage grasses by the time crops were germinating. This suggests that the Northward migration of this leafhopper from the Southern United States occurred quite early. Of 20 leafhoppers tested by molecular analysis for aster yellows phytoplasma, only one was positive (5%) and further molecular testing of the leafhopper population is underway. In several commercial wheat fields and in our study plots, “white wheat” heads, which senesce before the rest of the crop were evident. Analysis of these “white heads” for the aster yellows (AY) phytoplasma is ongoing. Several more controlled growth chamber experiments were conducted this past year under environmental conditions previously demonstrated to affect the virulence of AY in canola and wheat. Several varieties of commercial wheat and durum were targeted for this series of experiments. Symptoms of aster yellows in wheat and durum include whole plant death, dwarfing, a reduced number of tillers, and tiller dieback where the entire tiller and head turns white (see previous descriptions above). However, symptom expression in wheat and durum seems to be a rare occurrence. Data analysis of this experiment is ongoing.

Continuing research: This project is funded through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF project 20140198) and continues until March 2018. Similar AY infection experiments on Camelina wrapped up in March 2017 and were funded by the Soy 20/20 program.

Contact: Tyler Wist, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada. [email protected] ###

11. Title: The effect of aphid presence on canaryseed (Phalaris canariensis) crop development and yield

Author and associates: Tyler Wist, (AAFC-Saskatoon), William May (AAFC-Indian Head)

Problem: Canaryseed (Phalaris canariensis L.) is an annual cereal crop commonly grown on the Canadian prairies in crop rotations. As markets expand from exclusively the bird feed industry to include options in the human food market consumption, best management practices for insect pests are required. The bird cherry oat aphid (Rhophalosiphum padi) and the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) are the most common pest threatening economic damage. Currently, it is unknown what effect cereal aphid feeding has on canaryseed development and yield. This project seeks to fill this knowledge gap by determining the economic injury level (EIL) of cereal aphids on canaryseed in Saskatchewan. From this EIL, the next step can be development of an economic threshold (ET) model that takes into account the market price of canaryseed and the cost of controlling aphids. The current estimate of the ET of cereal aphids on canaryseed and the action threshold where application of insecticide is warranted to prevent the aphid population from reaching the ET are currently based on an estimate by the canaryseed experts over 20 years ago and not from actual research. Thus, the current estimate of 10-20 aphids on 50% of tillers prior to the soft dough stage is essentially a guess.

Objectives of research: To develop a better understanding on when an insecticide application is required against cereal aphids in canaryseed. Sub-objectives: 1) to identify yield reductions from aphids at the field scale in canaryseed grown in Saskatchewan 2) To determine the economic injury level of aphids on canaryseed and then develop an economic threshold 3) To determine if aphid counts from sweep nets can be correlated with counts of aphids on individual tillers.

Summary of results: Two experiments were conducted over the 2017 growing season at the Indian Head Research Farm (50.5334°N, 103.6699°W) in Saskatchewan to determine the effect of aphid density on seed production and grain yield at the individual plant level and document crop injury at a field scale size. Birdcherry oat aphids (BCO), Rhophalosiphum padi, were the main aphid species present (99%) compared to English grain aphids, Sitobion avenae. For the first experiment, five treatments of specific BCO aphid densities on 50% of the tillers including: a zero-aphid check, 1 aphid, 5 aphids, 10 aphids, and 20 aphids were applied to exclusion tents. The second experiment involved treatments of insecticide applications dependent on the BCO aphid densities on 50% of the tillers in the plots, included: a control or no application, application when aphids are detected, 10 aphids per panicle, and 20 aphids per panicle at field scale. For the aphid density experiment with the exclusion tents the varying BCO aphid densities had no statistically negative effect on the yield when compared to the control after preliminary statistical analysis of the data. The next step is to use linear and quadratic contrast to evaluate the impact of aphids on the yield of canaryseed in exclusion tents. For the field scale experiment data does not indicate an economic injury level, but aphid densities did not increase beyond 13 per panicle in any of the treatment plots. Although this preliminary analysis of the data does not indicate an economic injury level, it does indicate that there is a correlation between insecticide application (malathion) and a decline in aphid populations. Insecticide application is this experiment had a negative effect on the beneficial predators of the aphids as well and no beneficials were recorded 24 h after the malathion application.

Continuing research: Project is funded by ADF and continues for one more year. Experiments will be duplicated and doubled by addition of experimental sites at the Saskatoon Research Farm.

Contact: Tyler Wist, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada. [email protected] or William May at [email protected]. ###

University of Saskatchewan Department of Plant Sciences 12. Title: The 2018 Saskatchewan Lygus Survey

Author and associates: Sean M. Prager (PI), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Saskatchewan Regional Crop Specialists. The surveys were conducted by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance, Crop Development Centre and Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.

Problem: In faba beans, Lygus bugs create quality loses to mature crops from feeding on the seed coat. This feeding results in pin size holes that result in downgrading as there is a low tolerance to this damage of less than 1% for a number 1 grade.

Objectives of research: The Lygus survey is part of the larger faba bean insect pest survey. This survey is intended to provide Province wide information on the faba bean populations. These surveys are critical for monitoring pest pressure and controlling pest issues before they become common.

Summary of results: In 2017, 20 fields were surveyed from throughout the province. Approximately half of all samples had no lygus. Of the samples that did contain lygus, the maximum in a sample was 21 and the minimum was 2. The average lygus per sample was 7.1. The most insects were collected in the southeast of the province, while no lygus were located in the northwest.

Continuing research: It is expected that the Lygus survey will continue as part of the broader pulse insect pest survey program.

Contact: Sean Prager, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan Agriculture Building, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK. S7N 5A8. [email protected] ###

SASKATCHEWAN ALFALFA LEAFCUTTING BEE 2017 INSECT PEST RESEARCH REPORT 13. Title: Research on control of parasitoids and diseases in alfalfa leafcutting bee populations

Author and Associates: D.W. Goerzen (SASPDC), M.A. Erlandson (AAFC - Saskatoon), and T.J. Wist (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 and the northwestern U.S., and of blueberry in Quebec and the Maritime provinces. Infestations of the chalcid parasitoid Pteromalus venustus cause significant losses in many western Canadian alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, and bee reproduction is also negatively impacted by occurrence of fungal diseases including Ascosphaera aggregata and A. larvis. Objective of Research: This research project involves evaluation of parasitoid and disease levels in Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, and development of strategies for parasitoid and disease control which will assist alfalfa seed producers in maintaining high quality alfalfa leafcutting bee populations. Summary of Results: In the 2016 - 2017 winter survey of Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, the chalcid parasitoid P. venustus was detected in 0.50% (range 0.00 - 4.18% / sd 0.76) of bee cells analysed from samples submitted by producers (n = 93) and was present in 69.9% of bee populations surveyed. P. venustus has traditionally been controlled during bee incubation with dichlorvos, which has been implicated in bee mortality and is among insecticides under PMRA / EPA regulatory review. Field-scale research trials are currently being undertaken to evaluate essential oil formulations as parasite control agents, and to evaluate other volatile compounds for incorporation into a prototype system for trapping P. venustus in M. rotundata populations. Research has also been undertaken to evaluate the potential for utilizing a male- killing symbiont (Arsenophonus nasoniae) for control of P. venustus. Occurrence of chalkbrood disease (A. aggregata) was also evaluated in the 2016 - 2017 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 0.003% (range 0.00 - 0.17% / sd 0.023) of bee cells analysed. Occurrence of A. aggregata is a major problem in U.S. alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, with disease-related bee losses exceeding 30% in some areas; levels of the disease vary widely in western Canadian alfalfa leafcutting bee populations. Paraformaldehyde fumigation and bleach dipping are currently utilized to treat bee cells and nest material for control of microflora including Ascosphaera species. Research to develop alternative disease control strategies has involved evaluation of novel anti-microbial compounds for treatment of bee cells and nest material, and identification of antagonistic fungal species which may be efficacious for control of A. aggregata and A. larvis.

Continuing Research: Research to develop new strategies for control of the parasitoid P. venustus and diseases including A. aggregata and A. larvis in western Canadian alfalfa leafcutting bee populations is ongoing.

Contact: D.W Goerzen, Saskatchewan Alfalfa Seed Producers Development Commission (SASPDC);127 E - 116 Research Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3R3; e-mail: [email protected]

Manitoba Entomology Research Summary – 2017

Presented to: The Western Committee on Crop Pests October 26, 2017 in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Compiled by: John Gavloski, Entomologist; Manitoba Agriculture, Carman, MB; [email protected]

Cereal Crops

1. Mechanisms of resistance to wheat midge in wheat germplasm.

Authors and Associates: Ahmed Abdelghany ([email protected]), Alejandro C. Costamagna ([email protected]), Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba; Sheila Wolfe ([email protected]), Curt McCartney ([email protected]) AAFC Morden Research and Development Centre, MB & Tyler Wist ([email protected]) AAFC Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, SK.

Objective of Research: The wheat midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is an important pest of wheat, Triticum aestivum L. (Poaceae), in North America and is an established insect pest in most wheat-producing regions of the world. Damage caused by larval feeding on kernels can reduce crop yields and lower the grade of harvested grain. The only resistant gene available to control this pest provides savings estimated in $60 million dollars per year in Western Canada. Therefore, it is important to study additional resistant genes and management practices that can be used to reduce its agronomic and economic impact.

Our objectives are: (1) To determine volatile semiochemicals emitted from different lines (resistance vs. susceptible) of wheat for oviposition deterrence by S. mosellana. (2) To assess the responses of wheat midge to wheat panicle volatiles which were investigated by gas chromatography (GC) using olfactometer studies. (3) Studying the efficacy of volatile compounds from wheat spikes on oviposition by female S. mosellana.

Summary of Results: We continue maintaining a lab colony of wheat midge, supplemented every summer with field collected individuals. Several techniques were attempted to collect wheat volatiles. 1) Intact panicles were cut from wheat plants and placed in head space vials and the volatiles collected by dynamic head space analysis. 2) Volatiles were also attempted to be collected by placing the spikes in a collection jar and inserting SPME (Solid-phase microextraction absorber) in the jar for a fixed time. Different types of absorbers were tried but the concentration of volatiles was too low to measure on the mass spectrometer. 3) Head space from live plants was drawn through an absorber (Poropak Q) over 7 days. The volatiles were separated by two different methods: GC-MS (Gas Chromatograph - Mass Spectrophotometer) and MALDI (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization with a Time-of-Flight).

For methods 1) and 2) very few compounds were found in high enough concentration to be identified, so these methods were not pursued further. 3) We tested this method using commercially purchased compounds that were previously determined as active for wheat midge: 1 µL of Hexyl acetate, trans-2-Hexen-1-ol, Acetophenone, and 2-Ethyl-1 hexanol (Birkett et al., 2004). These compounds were placed on the filter paper and inserted into the bell jar and were successfully detected by both GC-MS and MALDI methods. Head space samples from Key 24 and Roblin varieties yielded several volatile compounds potentially active for wheat midge. Key 24: Dimethyl buta and Penta amines, Urazole, and Ethyl oxazolidine. Roblin: Nitroethene 2-(2, 4 dibenzyl phenyl), 1,3,5,7 Cyclooctatetraene, 1,4 Tetrazol-5-amine, 1R α Pinene, Benzoic acid 2 methyl (2 methyl phenyl methyl ester), Pentanol 3 methyl 5 cyclopropyl, Benzene 1 methyl 4(2 propenyl oxy methyl), Propyne, Hexahydro 5 methyl 1,3 diphenyl (1,3,5, triazine 2 thio), and N octane-1-(cyclopropyl).

2. Potential of naturally occurring predators to suppress populations of the cereal leaf beetle, Oulema melanopus in the wheat fields.

Authors and Associates: Arash Kheirodin ([email protected]), and Alejandro C. Costamagna ([email protected]); Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba; Barb Sharanowski ([email protected]), University of Central Florida; Héctor Cárcamo ([email protected]) AAFC Lethbridge Research Centre.

The objective of Research: The role of predators in the suppression of cereal leaf beetle (CLB) populations has not been previously investigated. Most studies to date focused on the specific parasitoid of the CLB, Tetrastichus julis. In this study, we tested the potential of common predators to attack CLB using lab experiments and developing molecular markers to detect CLB DNA in field-collected predators. In 2014 and 2015, we did lab experiments with no choice and with alternative prey choice to find the potential predators to attack cereal leaf beetle. Several native predators were tested as potential predators of CLB eggs and larvae. Three different experiments were performed in laboratory and field conditions. Twelve predator taxa were tested separately on eggs and larvae of CLB in no-choice conditions during 24 and 48 hours, respectively. In addition, predation rate on CLB eggs was quantified in 10 wheat fields using sentinel egg cards exposed to 24 h of predation by ambient levels of predators. Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA tests followed by sequential Bonferroni corrections were used to analyze the data of the laboratory experiments. A two-way randomized block design was used to analyze the data of the field egg predation experiment. Finally, we developed a specific primer to detect cereal leaf beetle DNA inside the gut of different predators collected from the fields.

Summary of Results: In general, several ladybeetle species were the most important predators of eggs and larvae of the CLB in the lab. Also, Carabidae and Staphylinidae resulted in significant rates of egg and larval predation. In the field, sentinel eggs showed 20 % mortality rates and differed statistically from controls protected from predation. The molecular screening of field collected predators is consistent with our lab experiments results. In total, we screened 380 predator samples. Out of these 380 samples, 98 samples were positive for CLB DNA. Nabid bugs with 76 positive samples out of 208 screened samples was the most frequent predator in field conditions. Lady beetle species such as Hippodamia tredecimpunctata and H. parenthesis showed a moderate rate of field predation. This study suggests that cereal fields in Alberta host several species of predators that contribute to the biological control for CLB.

Oilseed Crops

3. Integrated approaches for flea beetle control - Economic thresholds, prediction models, landscape effects, and natural enemies.

Authors and Associates: Alejandro C. Costamagna ([email protected]), Tharshi Nagalingam ([email protected]), Thais Fernanda Silva Guimaraes ([email protected]) , Barb Sharanowski ([email protected]) and Anamaria Dal Molin ([email protected]), Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba; Héctor Cárcamo ([email protected]) AAFC Lethbridge Research Centre, AB; Jennifer Otani ([email protected]) AAFC Beaverlodge, AB; Tyler Wist ([email protected]) AAFC Saskatoon, SK; John Gavloski ([email protected]), Manitoba Agriculture, Carman, MB, and Manish Patel ([email protected]) Weather INnovations Consulting LP, ON.

Objective of Research: Flea beetles are chronic pests on canola and result in yield losses estimated in CAN $300 million each year. In Canada, three species are responsible for most of the damage: the exotics Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) and P. striolata (Fab.), and the native Psylloides punctulata Melsh. Our objectives are to: (1) Develop descriptive economic thresholds for flea beetles; (2) Identify the suite of natural enemies of flea beetles using innovative molecular methods; (3) Define landscape characteristics that limit flea beetle populations and increase mortality of flea beetles by natural enemies; (4) Develop models to predict flea beetle emergence and major seasonal activity based on abiotic environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, precipitation, wind, soil temperature); and (5) incorporate all components of the project into a comprehensive tool and set of management guidelines for canola producers.

Progress: During 2015 to 2017, we conducted 40 trials to determine economic threshold of flea beetles in the three Prairie Provinces (Manitoba, Alberta Lethbridge, Alberta Peace River, and Saskatchewan). In all three regions, the experiments were spread out as early, mid, and late season trials to maximize the chances of infestation by flea beetles. The treatments were foliar insecticide spray treatments at the defoliation levels of 15-20%, 25%, and 45%, untreated control, and a seed insecticide treatment. There was wide variability in flea beetle population abundance and species composition among the sampling sites. The late seeded trials experienced lower flea beetle damage compared to the early seeded ones. In general, the neonicotinoid seed treatment produced the highest numerical yield. Foliar insecticide provided yield protection compared to the plots without any seed treatment or foliar insecticide. The preliminary analysis of the results from 2015 and 2016 suggests that the nominal economic threshold of 25% is correct and could be considered validated. However, a more detailed analysis of all three years, including plant density and the actual defoliation levels in plots, will be conducted before final conclusions are reached.

An efficient methodology to produce striped flea beetles have been developed. So far, two generation of striped flea beetles have been produced in the laboratory and further improvement of this methodology is underway.

Seventy-eight grower fields were sampled for flea beetles and their natural enemy populations. In these fields, landscape maps were drawn for 2-3 km buffer areas from the focal field. We assessed canola phenology, defoliation by flea beetles and abundances of flea beetles and natural enemies. Based on 2015 and 2016 data, the abundance of the two most common flea beetle species varied in each region sampled. Both crucifer and striped flea beetles were abundant in Manitoba. In southern Alberta, crucifer flea beetle was the most abundant species. The striped flea beetles were abundant in the Peace River area of Alberta and in Saskatchewan. Low numbers of hop flea beetles were also found. Change in relative abundance of flea beetles is evident with striped flea beetles becoming dominating in many areas, in comparison with historical records in the regions sampled. The processing of 2017 samples is in progress.

We conducted 17 no choice petri-dish and micro-cosmos assays (in more realistic conditions with potted plants at the cotyledon stage) to determine the potential predation and to provide known positive samples for the molecular tests. In no-choice assays, 18 potential predator species were assessed for direct or indirect effects on flea beetles and their damage to canola. Among the tested species, 10 species did consume flea beetles. Carabid beetles in the genus Pterostichus have the higher consumption rates for both flea beetle species, followed by beetles in the genus Poecilus and Amara. Preliminary examination of cotyledon damage suggests reduced feeding in Petri dishes that had predators, even when flea beetles were alive at the end of the trials, suggesting that the presence of predators may reduce the amount of feeding by flea beetles. The results of the micro-cosmos assays is yet to be analyzed.

Molecular gut content analysis was conducted on field collected predator species and on known positive flea beetle samples from the lab studies. Two primers were identified to detect flea beetle DNA. Further testing of these primers on field-collected samples is in progress. Flea beetle abundance, canola phenology, defoliation, and abiotic factors near all the grower sites sampled was collected during 2015-2017 to incorporate them in a predictive model of flea beetle abundance.

Pulse Crops

4. Natural enemies and summer alate aphid immigration influence the season-long dynamics of soybean aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Authors: J. A. Bannerman1, B. P. McCornack2, D. W. Ragsdale3, N. Koper4, A. C. Costamagna1

1 Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, 12 Dafoe Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3L 1R2. 2 Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 W. Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506. 3 Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 412 Minnie Belle Heep Center, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2475. 4 Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba, 70 Dystart Rd, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2

Problem: Several studies have shown strong impacts of generalist predators on the population growth of soybean aphids (Aphis glycines) in North America. However, most studies have not examined the season long relationship between predator and aphid densities, or the impact of specific predatory species. Moreover, most studies failed to address the role of alate aphid immigration following initial field colonization.

Objective of research: To determine the impacts of predators and alate aphid immigration on season-long population dynamics of soybean aphid.

Summary: We show that Harmonia axyridis have a negative season-long association with A. glycines abundance, even under high immigration levels in the field, suggesting potential regulation of aphid populations. Other predators monitored did not show patterns of association with aphid dynamics, individually or combined with other predators. We also show that A. glycines populations only have significant positive associations with the number of immigrating alate aphids when immigration rates are artificially inflated above naturally occurring levels. These results relate for the first time predator–prey dynamics in this system, including alate aphid immigration. Our findings suggest that the abundance of H. axyridis adults and alate aphids are critical components of the system that need to be monitored in order to incorporate natural enemies of soybean aphid into management strategies.

5. Determining the role of crop and non-crop habitats to provide sustainable aphid suppression in soybeans

Authors and Associates: Crystal Almdal ([email protected]), and Alejandro C. Costamagna ([email protected]), Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba.

Objective of Research: This research aims to determine the effect of field size and distance to the nearest source of natural enemies on soybean aphid control, to determine what habitats in the agricultural landscape produce healthy and effective assemblages of generalist predators, and to determine landscape effects on the fitness of predators suppressing soybean aphids. A field study was conducted on twelve soybean fields to compare natural enemy suppression of soybean aphids in different landscapes in Manitoba, in July 2017. Natural enemy manipulations consisted of open controls and complete cage exclusions using apterous aphids on potted soybean plants. Three types of landscapes were chosen for the study, high agriculture with little wooded areas, moderate agriculture with moderate wooded areas, and low agriculture with a high proportion of wooded areas. Wheat, canola, woodland, and alfalfa were chosen as adjacent habitats for this study, one in each of the landscape types listed above. Fields were located in Arnaud, Emerson, Morris, Carman, Gimli, Elm Creek, Oakville, Winkler, Beausejour, and Scantebury. Bidirectional malaise traps were used to monitor natural enemy movement between soybean and the adjacent habitat. Five sticky cards were placed and five sweep samples of 25 sweeps were taken in both the soybean field and adjacent habitat, to monitor the populations of natural enemies. Additionally, the sweep samples will be used to dissect the main predators of soybean aphids to determine their fecundity in the different habitats and landscape types.

Livestock / Medical Entomology

6. Comparison of two UV light traps (UV bulb vs. UV LED) to collect biting midges and mosquitoes

Authors: Kateryn Rochon, Dept. of Entomology, University of Manitoba; Shaun Dergousoff, AAFC-Lethbridge Research and Development Centre

Problem and objective: UV light traps are a standard method to collect crepuscular or nocturnal biting insects. LED offer the great advantage of being light weight, durable, and very energy efficient. However, we do not know if the LED array in the UV spectrum attracts the same insects as the UV bulbs. We are comparing both light sources to ensure trap catches are comparable.

Results: We’ve had significant problems with the LED traps, some of them related to trap design and construction. Trap catches are being processed – results to come.

7. Seasonal activity and overwintering of stable flies on dairies

Authors: Gina Karam and Kateryn Rochon, Dept. of Entomology, University of Manitoba

Objectives: Studying emergence and activity patterns of stable flies on dairy farms, and investigating pupal survival in development substrate over winter to determine the overwintering potential in the context of climate change.

Results: this project in ongoing – results to come.

8. Geographic variation in abundance and genetics of the anaplasmosis vectors Dermacentor andersoni and Dermacentor variabilis.

Authors: Shaun Dergousoff, AAFC-Lethbridge Research and Development Centre; Neil Chilton, Dept. of Biology, University of Saskatchewan; Kateryn Rochon, Dept. of Entomology, University of Manitoba

Objectives: 1) determine temporal and spatial changes in abundance of Rocky Mountain wood ticks (Dermacentor andersoni) and American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) throughout their geographic distribution in Western Canada; 2) relate these changes to environmental variables using species distribution modelling approaches and GIS.

Results: We sampled 201 unique sites throughout British Columbia (BC), Alberta (AB), Saskatchewan (SK) and Manitoba (MB) between April 2014 and August 2016. Wood ticks were found at 33 sites in BC, AB, and SK, dog ticks were found at 76 sites in SK and MB, and both species were found together at 9 sites in SK. The distributional overlap is due to the westward migration of dog ticks by approximately 300 km. The distribution of dog ticks also expanded northward in SK and MB and were collected more than 350 km north of their previously known distributional limit. In general dog ticks were more abundant than wood ticks within their respective range, and abundance varied greatly among different locations within the same year and among years at the same locations. Based on environmental variables and our sampling data, we produced statistical models with a good probability of distinguishing sites where each tick species are present. Prevalence of both species was influenced by temperature and precipitation, but the conditions differed between species. We compared DNS sequences of 16S rDNA and CO1 genes for both species of ticks from several populations in western Canada. 16S dDNA genes showed much less genetic variation than did CO1 genes, but there were geographic patterns for both genetic markers, indicating that populations of btoh species are becoming genetically distinct from each other.

9. Microbiome of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) infected with human pathogens

Authors: Jeffrey Marcus, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba; Kateryn Rochon, Dept. of Entomology, University of Manitoba

Objectives: Characterize the compositions of the symbiotic bacterial fauna in uninfected, infected, and multiply infected blacklegged ticks for three human pathogens. This will provide insight on which endosymbiotic bacteria are negatively correlated with the presence of pathogens, as these organisms may act to protect the ticks from infection.

Results: this project in ongoing – results to come.

Pollinators

10. Documenting the Diversity of Wild Bees in Manitoba

Authors: J. Gibbs1 1Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, 12 Dafoe Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3L 1R2.

Problem: A better understanding of the diversity of wild bees in Manitoba is needed.

Objective of research: The insect collection in the Wallis-Roughley Museum of Entomology continues to be digitized. One of the goals is to fully document the bee diversity present in Manitoba, and develop an understanding of the current and historical ranges of species. Other pollinator taxa (e.g., syrphid flies) will eventually be digitized as well.

Summary: To date, over 11,600 bee specimens have been digitized in the collection, representing more than 250 species for Manitoba. This is only a small fraction of our total bee collection, which is expected to grow rapidly in the near future. Several new provincial records have already been discovered, include one bee genus, Dianthidium, never previously recorded for Manitoba. Two new provincial records, Colletes validus and Andrena bradleyi, are specialists of Vaccinium and may be important native pollinators of lowbush blueberry in the southeast part of the province.

Appendix C: Agency and Industry Reports

1. Pulse Pest Summary – Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Sherrilyn Phelps, Glenda Clezy (Insect Info Only)

LENTIL: Pea aphids in lentil were once again a concern for 2017 and more information on thresholds in lentil at various stages of development needs to be developed. Many fields were above threshold levels and insecticides were applied. Infestations occurred from late flowering up to physiological maturity depending on area and seeding date of the lentils.

PEA: Many pea fields were found to contain pea aphids. We need improved detection and monitoring methods for aphids as well as staging for insecticide applications (particularly in combination with beneficials) to improved economic thresholds. Field pea fields were sprayed with insecticides for pea aphid in 2017. Abnormal pea samples from the Davidson area were collected in August as they remained green and had shortened internodes. Plants were suspected to be infected with Aster Yellows phytoplasma and positive results were obtained on initial tests. Further testing is warranted to confirm AY infection and AY strain present.

FABA BEAN: Pea aphids were a concern. In the fall (August) aphids were found in high numbers in faba fields in 2017. One field was sprayed in North East as the crop was still early podding and growers were measuring aphids by “cup” measurements per sweep. Impact of aphids and economic thresholds at different crops stages is a gap for faba bean growers. More information on the impact of these insects and thresholds needs to be developed for faba beans.

SOYBEAN: Insect pests were the larger concern in soybean in 2017. Thistle caterpillar was observed in almost every soybean field in 2017. Several fields reached economic threshold and insecticide applications were made. Other insect pests that were found include soybean aphid, pea aphid and spider mites. There is a lack of information related to economic thresholds and stage of the crop as well as potential damage with these insect pests in Saskatchewan. Pea leaf weevil feeding on soybean leaves in the fall (August) was also observed. Again, we have limited information on the impact of pea leaf weevil on soybean and any potential impact on yield with late feeding. Also – questions about impact in the spring if adults were observed in the crop in the fall have arisen. Questions were also raised as to best methods for managing spider mites as they appeared in some fields that economic loss was occurring in.

Applied Demo Projects SPG Supported in 2017  Pulse and mustard intercrop (for disease reduction and impact on maturity) (SERF)  Flax and chickpea intercrop (for disease reduction and impact on maturity) (May)  Field mapping for identifying root rot risk (lentil) (Crop Command)  Pilot project for identifying pollinators of faba bean (Prager) OTHER ACTIVITIES:  SPG was involved with Pulse Canada in responding to Health Canada / PMRA insecticide / seed treatment decisions o Response was sent to PMRA in support of continued registration of imidcloprid for pulses as a seed treatment o Response was sent to PMRA in support continued registration of lambda- cyhalothrin for foliar application to pulses for insect control. 2. URMULE Applications for Insecticides in 2017

Product Active Registered for: 1 Citation 75 ** Cyromazine Control of leaf miners in outdoor ornamentals 2 Acramite 50 ws** Bifenazate Control of twospotted spider mite in crop grp 19A Herbs and mint 3 Rimon 10 EC Novuluron Suppression of whitefly in greenhouse tomato and control of lygus bug nymphs and reduction of pepper weevil numbers in greenhouse bell peppers 4 Beleaf 50 SG Flonicamid Control of thrips, aphids, and Lygus bugs on greenhouse pepper; control of aphids and reduction in numbers for Lygus bugs on CG 6C: Dry shelled beans (except soybean); CG 6B: Succulent shelled peas and bean, and CG 6A: Edible podded legume vegetables. Control of tarnished plant bug on alfalfa for seed production. Control of aphids, lygus bugs, thrips, and whiteflies on greenhouse grown herbaceous ornamentals, including cut flowers 5 Coragen Chlorantraniliprole Control of beet webworm on sugar beets and garden beets 6 Dipel 2X DF Bacillus thuringiensis Control of leafroller and spp kurstaki strain fruitworm on peach and European ABTS-351 corn borer on quinoa 7 Movento 240 SC Spirotetramat Suppression of apple leaf midge on apple 8 Exirel Cyantraniliprole Control of aphids and the suppression of thrips in strawberries and for the control of black vine weevil, obscure root weevil, spotted wing drosophila, and Japanese beetle in cranberries (CG 13-07A) 9 Decis 5 EC * Deltamethrin Control of Oriental fruit moth and peach twig borer on crop subgroup 12-09B: Peaches and nectarines 10 Decis flowable Deltamethrin Control of Oriental fruit moth and insecticide* peach twig borer on crop subgroup 12-09B: Peaches and nectarines 11 Kanemite 15 SC** Acequinocyl Control of twospotted spider mites and broad mite on summer squash and dry shelled beans 12 Bioprotec CAF Bacillus thuringiensis Control of corn borer, beet aqueous** spp kurstaki webworm, and fall armyworm on quinoa 13 Oberon flowable** Spiromesifen Control of twospotted and McDaniel spider mites on crop subgroup 13-07A (caneberry), reduce the pre-harvest interval (PHI) to 1 day on Crop Group 9 (cucurbits) 14 Success** Spinosad Suppression of flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp., Psylliodes napi, Systena frontalis) in root and tuber vegetables (horseradish, radish, Oriental radish, rutabaga, turnip) 15 Entrust** Spinosad Suppression of flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp., Psylliodes napi, Systena frontalis) in root and tuber vegetables (horseradish, radish, Oriental radish, rutabaga, turnip) 16 Exirel Cyantraniliprole Control of pepper maggot and suppression of pepper weevil on fruiting vegetables (Crop Group 8-09) and greenhouse grown peppers 17 Safers insecticide Potassium salts of Control of aphids, whiteflies, and soap concentrate ** fatty acids mites on greenhouse sweet potato slips 18 Endeavor 50 WG Pymetrozine Control of aphids on Rhodiola rosea Note: ** Final approval has not been granted; * Only for use in Eastern Canada and BC