Western Committee on Crop Pests 53rd Annual Meeting
Tuesday, October 8, 2013 Canad Inns Fort Garry Winnipeg, Manitoba
1.0 Welcome and Introductions Chair: John Gavloski, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Secretary: Scott Hartley, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture The meeting was called to order at 08:05 with 24 members present. Introductions followed.
Name Email/Contact Scott Hartley [email protected] Amy Brown [email protected] Frances Wagner [email protected] Dean Morewood [email protected] Wayne Thompson [email protected] Stacey Dawson [email protected] Cara Nelson [email protected] Cezarina Kora [email protected] Daryl Rex [email protected] Geoff Wilson [email protected] Ron Pidskalny [email protected] Tyler Wist [email protected] Scott Meers [email protected] Shelley Barkley [email protected] Julie Soroka [email protected] Saghir Alam [email protected] Veronica Roscoe [email protected] Pat Flaten [email protected] Keith Gabert [email protected] Autumn Barnes [email protected] Hector Carcamo [email protected] John Gavloski [email protected] Dave Holden [email protected] Jim Broatch [email protected]
2.0 Additions to Agenda An agency report from Frances Wagner of Peacock Industries was added as item 8.2b. A Prairie Pest Monitoring Network Update was added as item 11.0b. MOTION Wist/Soroka. That the agenda be accepted as revised. CARRIED
3.0 Review and Approval of Minutes of 2012 WCCP Meeting (Regina, Saskatchewan) MOTION Meers/Carcamo. That Minutes be accepted as presented. CARRIED
4.0 Business Arising from 2012 Meeting The only business from 2012 related to the Resolution regarding entomology positions at the Cereal Research Centre (AAFC, Winnipeg). Scott Hartley reported that a letter was sent to Dr Siddika Mithani, Assistant Deputy Minister, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Appendix A).
5.0 Appointment of WCCP Resolutions Committee Scott Meers and Hector Carcamo were appointed to the Resolutions Committee
6.0 Provincial Insect Pest Summaries for 2013 (Appendix B) 6.1 British Columbia – Susanna Acheampong. Report read by John Gavloski. 6.2 Alberta – Scott Meers 6.3 Saskatchewan – Scott Hartley 6.4 Manitoba – John Gavloski 6.5 Appoint summarizers for 2014 The same presenters of the 2013 provincial reports will prepare the reports for 2014.
7.0 Provincial Entomology Research Summaries for 2013 (Appendix C) 7.1 British Columbia – Bob Vernon. Report read by John Gavloski. 7.2 Saskatchewan–Chrystel Olivier. Summary of report presented by Julie Soroka and Tyler Wist 7.3 Manitoba – John Gavloski 7.4 Alberta – Jim Tansey. Report presented by Hector Carcamo 7.5 Appoint Summarizers for 2014 Appointment of summarizers was deferred as most of the summarizers for 2013 were not at the meeting. John Gavloski will summarize the research for Manitoba for 2014, and contact the summarizers from 2013 to see if they will let their names stand as summarizers for 2014.
8.0 Agency Reports for 2013 8.1 Lumiderm Insecticide Seed Treatment for canola Saghir Alam, E. I. duPont Canada 8.2 AAC Raymore – a solid stem durum variety with sawfly tolerance. New wheat midge tolerant durum and spring wheat varieties. Todd Hyra, SeCan, Winnipeg, MB 8.2b Frances Wagner, Peacock Industries, Hague, SK 8.3 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Insect Pest Report Dave Holden, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Burnaby, B.C. 8.4 Pest Management Regulatory Agency Insecticide Update Dean Morewood, Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Ottawa, ON
9.0 Special Reports 9.1 Update from the Midge Tolerant Wheat Stewardship Team. Todd Hyra, SeCan, Winnipeg, MB 9.2 Natural enemies of aphids in cereals. Tyler Wist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK 9.3 Swede midge on canola: distribution on the prairies and potential damage – more questions than answers. Dr. Julie Soroka, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK 9.4 Sterile Insect Release for managing insect pests – what are the possibilities. Cara Nelson, Okanagan Kooteney Sterile Insect Release Program, Kelowna, BC
10.0 WCCP Guide 10.1 Review of Chapter Editors; What to do with outdated chapters. MOTION Gavloski/Carcamo. Any chapters in the WCCP Guide to Integrated Control of Insect Pests of Crops that has not been updated in the last 5 years be deposited into an archives file on the Western Forum WCCP site until the chapter is updated. CARRIED
11.0 Terms of Reference for WCCP John Gavloski proposed that the current Terms of Reference for the WCCP are outdated and no longer reflect the current activities of the WCCP. A revised Terms of Reference was proposed and discussed (attached below).
A comparison of the current (left) and proposed revised (right) Terms of Reference for the WCCP to determine the best insecticides, their rates of to provide annual summaries of current insect application and possible hazards; concerns and entomological research in Western Canada; to determine the basis for such decisions and the to provide a forum for the presentation and necessity for further research; discussion of current topics relevant to insect management in Western Canada; to plan for cooperative research on the more to plan for cooperative research on important important current problems; current insect problems; to encourage a regional outlook on common to encourage a regional outlook on common entomological problems; and entomological problems; to encourage provincial and federal cooperation. to encourage provincial, federal and industry cooperation on issues of insect management; to provide guidelines on monitoring and biological, cultural and chemical control of insect pests of crops in Western Canada.
MOTION Flaten/Wist. That the proposed Term of Reference for the WCCP be adopted to better reflect current activities of the WCCP. CARRIED
11.0b Prairie Pest Monitoring Network Update. John Gavloski read a letter sent by Owen Olfert indicating that the activity “Co-ordinated monitoring, forecasting and risk warning systems for field crop and insect pests of the Prairie Ecosystem” that was included as part of the Systems Approach to Crop Sustainability / Agronomy application that Western Grains Research Foundation submitted for GF2 was not approved for funding by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Much of the proposal was built around Prairie Pest Monitoring Network activities. It was decided that alternate means of funding this program would be pursued.
12.0 New Business. There was no new business.
13.0 Election of 2014 WCCP Executive (Alberta). Scott Meers agreed to Chair the 2014 meeting. Venue and date to be announced.
14.0 Resolutions Three resolutions were prepared for the membership:
Resolution 1 Whereas wheat midge is a serious economic problem for wheat growers in Canada,
And whereas the wheat midge tolerant Sm1 gene is a very vulnerable one-of-a-kind genetic resistance,
And whereas wheat breeders in the United States are moving the Sm1 gene into wheat midge management in Montana,
Therefore be it resolved that the WCCP write a letter to wheat breeders in the United States urging them to consider incorporating resistance management when releasing Sm1 varieties.
MOTION Meers/Carcamo. That the resolution be accepted as presented and forwarded to wheat breeders in the United States. CARRIED.
Resolution 2 Whereas crop entomology capabilities in Manitoba has been reduced because of federal government cuts,
And whereas field crop entomology research capacity in western Canada could further diminish with impending retirements with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Alberta and Saskatchewan,
And whereas insect problems continue to accrue, increasing economic, environmental and health risks,
Therefore be it resolved that WCCP/WF write a letter to the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Science and Technology Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada requesting implementation of a succession plan for crop entomologists within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
MOTION Flaten/Gabert. That the resolution be accepted as presented and letters sent to the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Science and Technology Branch of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada . CARRIED.
Resolution 3 Whereas the members of WCCP appreciate the opportunity to come together and discuss entomological issues,
And whereas the meeting facilities and meals were of very good quality,
Therefore be it resolved that the local organizing committee and chair-people of WCCP and Western Forum be thanked for their efforts.
MOTION Meers/Carcamo. That the resolution be accepted as presented and presented to the Western Forum on Pest Management. CARRIED.
15.0 Adjournment MOTION: Tyler Wist – That the meeting be adjourned.
APPENDIX A - Business Arising from 2012 Meeting
Western Committee on Crop Pests
September 30, 2013
Dr Siddika Mithani Assistant Deputy Minister Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Science and Technology Branch 1341 Baseline Road Tower 5, Floor 6, Room 330 Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5
Dear Dr. Mithani,
Re. Retaining entomological expertise to maintain research capacity for wheat midge
On behalf of the Western Committee on Crop Pests (WCCP), I am forwarding the attached resolution for your consideration and hopefully positive response. With the planned closure of the Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada Cereals Research Centre (CRC) in Winnipeg, members of the WCCP are concerned about the future of wheat midge pest management research in Western Canada.
The research efforts of entomologists at the CRC have contributed significantly to the understanding and management of wheat midge and to the development of wheat midge tolerant wheat in Western Canada. The successful release of wheat midge tolerant wheat varieties was a major advancement in mitigating the adverse impacts on crop yields and in preserving the natural enemies of this crop pest. However, wheat midge remains a dominant insect pest of wheat production and its distribution continues to expand in western Canada.
In 2010, wheat was downgraded in the Peace River Region of Alberta for the first time due to wheat midge damage. As a result, management of this major crop pest continues to be a challenge for producers as the population expands into new ecoregions of wheat production.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Respectfully,
Scott Hartley P.Ag 2012 Chair of the Western Committee on Crop Pests 125 – 3085 Albert Street Regina, SK S4S 0B1
cc: Dr. John Gavloski, 2013 Chair, Western Committee on Crop Pests Dr. Johanne Boisvert, Director of Research and Development
APPENDIX B – Provincial Insect Pest Summaries
BRITISH COLUMBIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
2013 INSECT PEST REPORT
WESTERN COMMITTEE ON CROP PESTS October 7-9, 2013, Winnipeg, Manitoba
SUMMARY
Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii continues to be a challenging pest for tree fruit and berry growers. Adults were monitored with apple cider vinegar traps in 2013. The highest population levels were recorded in 2013 compared to 2010-2012 and there was reported damage to stone fruit and berries. A high incidence of rosie apple aphids was reported in tree fruit. A lot of beneficial insects; lady beetles, syrphid flies, Deraeocoris brevis, spider mite destroyers, earwigs etc. were observed in tree fruit. Raucus root weevil, Otiorhynchus raucus caused damage to foliage in a cherry orchard in the Okanagan valley. Conchuela stink bugs, Chlorochroa ligata were abundant this year, causing damage to tomatoes, beans, Swiss chard, peppers and high population levels were observed in a vineyard. Wireworms caused damage to potatoes, corn, onion seedlings, eggplants and peppers. Wasp populations were very high in the interior of B.C. and Vancouver Island and problems were reported in cherries, grapes, raspberries, and blackberries at harvest. Sap beetles were reported in soft fruit and corn. The grey tortrix moth, Cnephasia stephansiana caused damage to alfalfa and cow parsnip in Sparwood in 2013. Based on limited surveys of commercial cole crops in the Fraser Valley in 2013, B.C. appears to be free from Swede midge, a pest of cole crops in eastern North America
FORAGE CROPS
Grasshoppers were a serious issue in Midway, B.C. this year.
FIELD CROPS
Cnephasia stephansiana, grey tortrix caterpillars caused damage to alfalfa and cow parsnip in Sparwood. See factsheet for further information: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/cnephasia.pdf
Peace River region: There were no insect monitoring programs undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2013 for flea beetle, diamondback moth, bertha armyworm, lygus bug or grasshopper.
HORTICULTURAL CROPS
Apple clearwing moth, Synanthedon myopaeformis populations are expanding to different areas in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. Delegate, Success, Entrust, and Rimon are registered for the control of apple clearwing moth.
Conchuela stink bugs, Chlorochroa ligata were a problem in vegetables and high populations were reported in a wine grape vineyard.
Western tent caterpillars caused damage to apples, filberts, and cherries on Vancouver Island for the second year. As well, western tent caterpillars were abundant on Rosa, Prunus, and Malus in the central Fraser Valley (Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack) which is uncommon.
Raucus root weevil, Otiorhynchus raucus adults caused damage to cherry leaves in Oyama in May 2013. This pest was reported on grapes in 2012 from Kelowna, 2010 from Oliver and in 1976 and 1993 from Cawston, Penticton and Summerland. Adults feed on buds of grapevines and fruit trees. In Europe, the larvae are serious root-feeding pests of vegetable crops, and adults feed on foliage and new shoots of apple, cherry and pear.
Rosie apple aphids were a big issue in tree fruit this year.
Sap beetles were reported in soft fruit and corn in Southern Interior of B.C.
Spotted Wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii was monitored with apple cider vinegar traps in tree fruit, berries, and grapes in B.C. Population levels were very high compared to 2010-2012. There were reports of damage to stone fruit and berries.. Emergency registration products for spotted wing drosophila control in 2013 were Delegate, Entrust, Ripcord, Malathion, and Pyganic. For further information refer to http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/swd.htm.
Wasp problems were reported at harvest in cherries and grapes in Southern Interior of B.C., and raspberries, blackberries, and grapes on Vancouver Island.
Wireworms were a problem in potatoes, corn, and other crops on Vancouver Island and in tomatoes, onion seedlings, eggplants, and peppers in the Southern Interior of B.C.
Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii: A limited survey was undertaken in commercial cole crop fields in 2013 in the Fraser Valley funded by a partnership of the cole crop/brassicae industry associations and the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture. Based on the survey results, B.C. remains free from Swede midge.
Apple Maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella: A limited survey in the Fraser Valley was done to better understand pest biology and impacts on apple production in this region. Currently, apple maggot is known to be established in coastal B.C. Apple maggot is not present in the interior commercial apple growing regions of B.C.
EXTENSION PROGRAMS
Publications: Postcards on brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, and Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii were published by the Ministry of Agriculture. Spotted wing drosophila factsheets and brochures were updated. Check the Ministry of Agriculture website for further information: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/entomology.htm
Okanagan Sterile Insect Release Program: to address grower concerns with established and emerging invasive pest species, the SIR program is seeking to expand its mandate to include other insect pests and completing a 3-year mating disruption pilot project for codling moth control.
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 Kerry Clark, Jim Forbes, Wayne Haddow, Jill Hatfield, Rob Kline, Darrell Smith, Carl Withler, Jim Campbell and Dave Woodske.
Conchuela stink bug nymphs Conchuela stink bug adults on grapes
Conchuela stink bug adult on tomato Raucus root weevil adult
Apple clearwing moth adult Wireworm larvae and damage to onion seedling
Wasp damage to cherries. Photo credit, Stephanie Ikeda Spotted wing drosophila adult male. Photo credit, Brigitte Rozema
Alberta Crop Insect Update 2013
SUMMARY
The noctuid family takes top billing of insect issues for 2013 in Alberta crops. Bertha armyworm was once again an issue in central Alberta and parts of the Peace River region. Army cutworms also were a concern in southern Alberta early in the crop year. Wheat midge has made major inroads in the southeastern part of the Peace River region with producers easily locating midge larvae while combining and dockage already report for 2013’s harvest. Cereal leaf beetle continued to show up in new areas and increased in severity in parts of its established range. In all it was another eventful insect year in Alberta.
OILSEED INSECTS
The cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) occurred above economic threshold throughout its “traditional” range in southern Alberta as is the case every year. Scouting and spraying are routine management practices for canola producers south of the Trans-Canada Highway. Spraying was common south of Highway 1 in 2013. Initial data from the 2013 survey suggests that CSPW expanded its range in Alberta into Paintearth and Stettler counties.
Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) numbers were very high once again in central Alberta. A total of 285 monitoring sites were set up thanks to excellent cooperation with the agricultural industry. Of these 285 sites, 40 sites were part of an intensive study studying the pheromone monitoring system. Pheromone trap counts for 2013 included 203 sites categorized as “low risk”, 78 sites were “uncertain risk”, 3 sites were moderate” and only 1 site was categorized as “high risk”. Economically significant populations of larvae were scattered throughout Alberta but with much lower larval counts in Two Hills and Minburn counties (where problems were most significant last year). There were a couple hotspots around Stettler and in Paintearth county. Spraying was very much a field to field decision with widely varying numbers within short distances (including Smoky Lake, Provost, Wainwright, Vermillion, St Paul and Bonnyville). Serious infestations resulted in severe damage to some fields before control operations could be carried out. Area sprayed in 2013 is certainly approaching 100,000 acres once again. Within Northern Lights County, fields near Manning also dealt with bertha armyworm with densities exceeding the economic threshold (e.g., ~ 5,000 acres sprayed). In both areas, rumours of insecticide applications in the absence of monitoring OR at lower densities of 8-10/m2 exist which suggests fields NOT needing control were likely sprayed.
It is also interesting to note that we checked several fields in Lamont County that had high moth catches, evidence of early feeding on lower leaves but very little to no population later in the season. As the season progressed many reports were made of dead and dying BAW from what appeared to be both virus and fungal infections. BAW feeding was reported on fababeans in several locations and is certainly something to watch for in the future.
Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) was monitored in Alberta at 38 sites across the province. Very low numbers of DBM adults were caught in the traps and low numbers of larva and adults were the story throughout the season. It remains a challenge to determine the best time to put out the traps as the growing season varies greatly between southern, central and northern regions of the province
Striped flea beetle (Phyllotreta striolata) once again caused damage in areas of the Peace River region. Flea beetles caused little concern in the balance of the province in 2013. In many parts of the province, there have been numerous reports of flea beetles at harvest. This foreshadows potential problems for the spring of 2014. In southern Alberta P. striolata is becoming more common, although at harvest the crucifer flea beetle (P. cruciferae) was being found commonly on green plants.
Lygus bugs were once a gain a problem in canola but less so than in 2012. Southwestern Alberta and the foothills were the areas with the most severe issues. High numbers were found in Central Alberta but control wasn’t usually considered. Areas of the Peace River region were sprayed to control Lygus at early pod stage due to high numbers of nymphs rather than adults. Generally thick canola canopies plus intermittent, light showers from late flower through to early pod stages also made sweep net monitoring difficult in these fields. In some cases, the high numbers of Lygus nymphs at early pod stages, appeared to be a rude surprise requiring prompt action. Low numbers of leafhoppers were reported throughout the province in 2013. Producers were very nervous about aster yellows and some sprayed as a preventative measure. There were high numbers of froghoppers (superfamily Cercopoidea) in some situations that producers may have mistaken them for leafhoppers leading to spraying operations. In the end low levels of Aster yellows were seen in Alberta. An interesting situation with garlic emerged with Aster yellows being carried through in bulbs planted carrying the disease through. Look for more on this situation in the Alberta disease report.
Froghopper immatures are spittlebugs and there were many reports of spittlebugs on virtually everything although no spraying took place.
Root maggots (Delia spp.) were common throughout the province in 2013 and in some cases very severe damage was observed. It appears the worst damage was on plants in thin stands. Severe damage was also reported in cabbage and other Brassicaceae in horticultural production situations.
Bedstraw hawkmoth (Hyles gallii ) larvae were commonly found in canola this year. They were always associated with fields with cleavers and they were not feeding on canola. Purple lined sallow (Pyrrhia exprimens) larvae were found in association with canola as well. They were never in large numbers but it is a large noctuid larva that does catch attention. They were feeding on the canola. Literature on this species notes that it has a preference to feed on the flowers and fruits of host crops.
Red turnip beetle (Entomoscelis americana ) was common again in 2013, no significant damage but was relatively easy to find in canola fields in central Alberta.
CEREAL INSECTS
Wireworm (Elateridae). Fewer reports this year from producers frustrated with poor control of wireworm using registered seed treatments. The problem still hasn’t gone away and many producers are now seed treating but not satisfied with the short term protection we are getting with our current insecticidal seed treatments.
Severity of wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus) damage was lower again in southern Alberta. There are still some areas of concern left in southern Alberta around Foremost. We have found a few individual fields with slightly higher sawfly cutting levels in our 2013 fall survey that are outside of the core area, maybe part of resurgence. This will be something to watch next year.
Wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana) caused serious damage in the Peace River region near Manning and near Falher in an area including Eaglesham to High Prairie (~70km) and north to Nampa (~60km). Some head samples showed up to 50% kernel damage. The fall 2012 survey did not show the potential risk partially because of the few samples that were taken in that area. In southern Alberta around Claresholm some producers did spray and there was not a high level of damage. Scouting continues to be a concern for producers and agrologists. It is very difficult to scout the vast amount of acres that individuals are responsible for within the narrow application window. Some initial work with pheromone baited sticky cards is showing some promise to indicate the timing of the flight. A serious monitoring concern relates to evening scouting north of 55° to detect wheat midge flight at dusk: In July, there are few hours of dark and dusk last several hours plus evening temperatures remain warm well into the wee hours.
We now perform soil core surveying over the entire province and will process over 300 samples this year. In the last two years, surveying in the Peace River region has expanded to include more sites which will hopefully better represent wheat midge activity within our northern wheat producing region. In the spring we did an intensive look for parasitoids associated with the larval cocoons and found parasitized midge from Manning and High Prairie although densities of these beneficial insects were very low.
Cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus) is established in southern Alberta. The highest densities in 2013 occurred north of Taber in the Vauxhall area. There were several fields sprayed and at least some of them were approaching threshold levels. The cereal leaf beetle also showed up in a couple new areas, one south of Lethbridge and also in the Red Deer-Olds area. The population in the Edmonton area continues to grow with various agrologists reporting CLB larvae. There is continuing need to maintain relocation programs for its primary parasitoid, Tetrastichus julis.
It was an interesting year for cutworms (Noctuidae) in 2013. The major issue occurred very early in the spring with several very badly damaged fields that were attacked by Army cutworm (Euxoa auxillaris). Most of the affected fields were between Lethbridge and Vauxhall. Because these cutworms overwinter as partially developed larvae they were big enough to cause severe damage very early. Several new alfalfa fields were damaged as was some winter wheat. In all cases the fields had significant growth of weeds or crops the previous fall. From the 2012 report “There was a large flight of Euxoa auxilaris this summer. It will be interesting what, if anything, will come of it.”
Cutworms were an issue in the north of the province near LaCrete in June with black army cutworms in large numbers within a few canola fields that had volunteer-alfalfa issues. Hand-collecting near LaCrete also resulted in dingy, glassy/yellow-headed cutworms which were reared as part of the prairie-wide CARP Cutworm Project. There were reports of pale western (Agrotis orthogonia) and redbacked (Euxoa ochrogaster) cutworms in several locations from central Alberta.
Producers are very interested in the new seed treatment from DuPont and its potential activity on cutworms. In 2014 producers and agrologists will need to continue to be diligent in scouting to avoid cutworm damage.
Wheat head armyworm (Dargida diffusa previously Faronta diffusa) was reported at harvest time but was not as common as in 2012.
PULSE CROP INSECTS
In 2013, pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) damage was found in the same general area with no real change in the range since 2007. Producers have been struggling with deciding to treat their seed or not. Seed treatment is the most effective but much like flea beetles there are years when it doesn’t pay. There are still acres that have foliar treatment even though there is likely not an economic return from doing so. Feeding damage survey was carried out late May through early June. There were several reports of PLW damage to alfalfa seedling stands. Also as the acreage of fababeans increases the PLW damage to those fields will need to be monitored closely as fababeans are a strongly preferred host.
Four surveillance sites were set up for Western Bean Cutworm (Striacosta albicosta) and none were found.
Some damage to faba bean seed quality, dark spots, was noted in south central and southern Alberta, which is likely caused by lygus bugs or a related insect. One seed producer in the Vauxhall area reported that clients from Japan rejected seed because of this damage. A survey from fields in the Lacombe area and plots in Lethbridge and Vauxhall are looking at the correlation of this damage with lygus abundance
GRASS CROPS, PASTURES AND GENERAL INSECTS
In alfalfa there was a concern with alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica). Their populations are causing concern in hay (if left late) and alfalfa seed crops through either poor control with existing registrations or low rates of insecticides. Alfalfa weevil occurred early and in high numbers again in 2013.
European skipper (Thymelicus lineola) was common in central and southern Alberta again this past summer. This insect has not been reported as a problem in timothy production fields but it is something that will need to be watched closely because timothy is reported as a favored food source.
The red clover casebearer (Coleophora deauratella) was easily collected again in red clover grown for seed in 2013. A substantial change in cropping practices has occurred in the legume seed production areas of the Peace River region: Alsike clover acres were up while red clover seed acres are at an all-time historical low. The red clover casebearer causes little damage in alsike whereas devastating damage has been recorded in red clover grown for seed. Multiple parasitoid species have been reared from C. deuaratella collected near Beaverlodge so hopefully the weather will cooperate for fall 2013 surveying intended to confirm how widespread these parasitoids may be.
Spotted Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) was surveyed across Alberta (mostly in U-pick operations) In 2013, low levels of SWD (<3-4/trap) were captured and identified in traps in Central Alberta in late August and mid-September. Captures were in raspberry crops, although other potential host crops are also present in the capture sites. Although low in number, these sites will be monitored for overwintering success in 2014. More extensive monitoring is planned, including more sites and traps, as well as the monitoring of harvested fruit for larvae.
Potato Psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) was not found despite a concerted monitoring effort by Dan Johnson in cooperation with the Alberta Potato Growers and agrologists.
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).
Sap beetles (Nitidulidae), such as Glischrochilus quadrisignatus, were noted in the Taber region in sunflower head or corn cobs causing some concern to a few growers. However, these beetles only attack rotting plant material.
Brown marmorated stinkbug (Halyomorpha halys) pheromone baited traps (5) were set out in two locations, one in Red Deer and the other in Innisfail by Ken Fry. No BMSB were found.
Bumble flower beetles (Euphoria inda) were found in a corn field south of Taber. The producer was initially very concerned but the beetles had all accumulated on one cob and no other infested cobs were found.
Grasshopper (Melanoplus spp and Camnula pellucida) numbers and concerns increased in 2013. Serious infestations were recorded in parts of the Peace River region. There were many comments on grasshoppers being in higher numbers throughout Alberta at harvest. Survey numbers are still being compiled as of October 1. The long open fall will favor egg laying and may facilitate increases in 2014.
Thanks to those that contributed to the compilation of this report: Jennifer Otani, Jim Broatch, Shelley Barkley, Harry Brook, Robert Dunn, John Guelly, Robert Spencer, Therese Tompkins, Hector Carcamo, Michael Dolinski, Ken Fry and Dan Johnson.
Report Compiled by Scott Meers [email protected] Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Crop Diversification Centre South 301 Horticultural Station Road East Brooks, AB T1R 1E6
Table 2: Alberta Crop Area and Yield 10- 2012r 2012r 2012r 2013p 2013p 2013p year Yield % change Avg 13 vs 13 vs Crops Seeded Harvested Yield Seeded Harvested Yield Yld 12 Avg ('000 acres) (bu/acre) ('000 acres) (bu/acre) Winter Wheat 130.0 130.0 58.5 155.0 145.0 60.7 50.7 3.8% 19.7% Spring Wheat 5,800.0 5,735.0 47.6 6,410.0 6,135.0 52.9 44.9 11.1% 17.9% Durum Wheat 580.0 580.0 46.4 620.0 610.0 52.5 41.5 13.1% 26.6% All Wheat 6,525.0 6,445.0 47.7 7,195.0 6,890.0 53.0 44.6 11.1% 18.8% Oats 640.0 420.0 80.0 600.0 410.0 87.8 73.0 9.7% 20.2% Barley 3,770.0 3,400.0 60.3 3,550.0 3,120.0 71.8 62.2 19.1% 15.5% Fall Rye 30.0 30.0 45.0 30.0 .. .. 41.5 ------Flaxseed 50.0 50.0 33.0 80.0 75.0 38.7 27.4 17.3% 41.2% Canola 6,600.0 6,550.0 34.3 6,080.0 5,820.0 39.5 34.7 15.2% 13.9% Dry Peas 1,075.0 1,060.0 41.9 1,075.0 1,015.0 50.0 37.6 19.3% 32.9% Total 18,690.0 17,955.0 --- 18,610.0 17,330.0 ------
2013 Saskatchewan Insect Report Western Committee for Crop Pests October 8, 2013 Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry Winnipeg, Manitoba
Summary
Due to the extended winter and cool, wet conditions insect pressure was low in many areas and most crops in the spring. Generally it was over-wintering adult species such as alfalfa weevils and flea beetles that were first reported as significant pests in some areas. Bertha armyworm was an economic pest in canola but also other crops. Swede midge infestations affected canola crops in the northeast and late season infestations of grasshoppers were noted in several areas.
Cereal Insects: (estimated 2013 seeded area: spring wheat 9.590 (8.435 (2012)) million acres; durum 4.35 (4.10 (2012)) million acres; barley 2.60 (2.625 (2012)) million acres; oats 1.63 (1.315 (2012)) million acres).
Orthoptera: grasshoppers (various species) - two-striped (Melanoplus bivitattus) most dominant species in recent years for most of the Province. Higher than normal grasshopper populations were reported in the northeast in late July near Whitefox and Nipawin. Spraying was reported late in the season for grasshoppers in fall rye in the southwest (Fox Valley, Abbey) on (mid-September). Grasshoppers are usually most problematic in southern, drier regions and higher fall populations were noted in other areas as well. The fall grasshopper survey was done when grasshoppers have primarily reached the adult stage and capable of reproduction and egg-laying. A forecast map based on over 1000 sites observed by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance field personnel will be posted on the Saskatchewan Agriculture website.
Crickets were noted in high numbers causing economic damage (boll clipping) in flax in September.
Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae – (Oulema melanopus L.) - cereal leaf beetle – Surveys for cereal leaf beetle have been conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada with most effort concentrated in the Southwest Region of Saskatchewan near the Alberta border. There has also been monitoring in the northeast and east central (Moosomin / Langenberg) area. No significant populations were observed though some typical feeding damage was observed.
Diptera: Cecidomyiidae - Sitodiplosis mosellana (Gehin) - wheat midge – Heat accumulation (Degree Days) was slow to develop and wheat midge emergence was delayed in 2013. Parts of southern Saskatchewan usually observe the start of midge emergence in the last week of June. However this year as of late June no parts of Saskatchewan had achieved sufficient heat units for the start of emergence of the midge adult flies. Excessive moisture in areas resulted in cooling effects and slower degree day development. The susceptibility of the wheat crop did not necessarily coincide with peak midge emergence in many cases. Use of wheat midge tolerant varieties also reduced the impact of this insect pest.
Oilseed Insects: (estimated 2013 seeded area: canola 10.320 (11.220 (2012) million acres; mustard 235,000 (240,000 (2012)) acres; flax 860,000 (775,000(2012)) acres
Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae – Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) – crucifer flea beetle, striped flea beetle, hop flea beetle – Flea beetles were a concern early in 2013 particularly with young seedlings and slow growing conditions. Research has shown that seed treatments work best under warm, dry soil conditions but flea beetle feeding pressure was not significant in most areas in the spring. There have been several reports of high numbers of flea beetles congregating in canola fields this fall. Since these will be the over-wintering generation of beetles that cause the damage to seedlings in the spring it suggests these insects could be a problem in 2014.
Curculionidae: Ceutorhynchinae – Ceutorhyncus obstrictus (Marsham) – cabbage seedpod weevil – The cabbage seedpod weevil was a major insect pest in canola in 2013. Due to the late seeding and high numbers of weevils present, there were many questions related to canola crop staging with respect to timing of chemical application and potential tank mixing with fungicides for sclerotinia. The most severe infestations were reported in the southwest as in most years. However, spraying for high populations was reported in the South Central Region, from northwest of Moose Jaw, south to Assiniboia. Cabbage seedpod weevils were present in fields east of Regina in the 2013 survey (coordinated by AAFC) but not at economic levels. The weevil has been found in the North Battleford area in past surveys but never in high numbers. In the 2013 survey cabbage seedpod weevils were noted in higher numbers north of the South Saskatchewan River in a transect running through Kindersley, Rosetown.
Chrysomelidae: Entomoscelis americana Brown - red turnip beetle – Economic infestations of red turnip beetle were observed in the southeast in June. Although the red turnip beetle is an occasional pest there were also problems in a few fields in 2012. There are currently no registered control options.
Phylum Mollusca: Class Gastropoda – Subclass Pulmonata – terrestrial slugs - Slugs were observed in high numbers in canola in the Watrous area in 2013. Sluggo (active ingredient ferric phosphate) is a molluscicide registered for slugs. Although not likely economically viable for full field application, it may be an option for smaller areas such as field margins or moist areas where high populations of slugs exist.
Lepidoptera: Plutellidae - Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) - diamondback moth - The potential risk of diamondback moths is monitored through evaluating wind trajectories, pheromone traps and in-field observations. Traps were set up by cooperators in April but no moths were found until the latter half of May. The trap data corresponded with data related to wind currents provided by Environment Canada for the Prairie Pest Monitoring Group, coordinated by AAFC (Saskatoon). There appeared to be no favourable winds (south to north airflow) from the southern U.S. and northern Mexico until the last two weeks of May and diamondback moth was not a major pest in 2013.
Noctuidae – cutworms various species (most common species – Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenee) - redbacked cutworm in eastern regions, Agrotis orthogonia Morrison / pale western cutworm in western regions, Feltia jaculifera (Gn.) dingy cutworm) – Cutworms were not a serious problem in 2013. After outbreak levels in 2010-11 cutworm populations have been on the decline. One indicator was that as part of a major cutworm research project, the Ministry of Agriculture submitted well over 100 cutworm samples in 2012 and only one in 2013.
Noctuidae – Hadeninae – Mamestra configurata Walker - bertha armyworm – The bertha armyworm moth pheromone trap counts were very low in June but greatly increased the first week in July, peaking before the middle of the month. A map of the accumulated numbers of male moths from the traps was posted and updated weekly on the Saskatchewan Agriculture website. Some high trap counts did not correspond to field scouting numbers. However, spraying for the bertha armyworm larvae was reported to some degree in most areas where canola was grown. Infestations were also reported from the southwest where bertha armyworm is an uncommon pest. Bertha armyworm reported also caused damage in pea and flax crops. Depending on the timing of the infestation, various insecticides were applied for control of bertha armyworm infestations. Coragen (chlorantraniliprole) was used for late infestations due to the shorter pre-harvest interval associated with the product.
Homoptera: Cicadellidae – leafhoppers - After a record year in 2012 with aster yellows affecting canola and other crops, the disease was not high prevalent in 2013. The disease is vectored by the aster leafhopper. As with diamondback moths, winds from the south, favourable to bringing in the moths and leafhoppers, were not observed until the latter half of May. This was over a month later than in 2012 and reduced the number of generations and consequential population increase in 2013.
Cecidomyiidae - Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer) - Swede midge - For the second year in a row, significant swede midge infestations were reported in canola in fields in northeast Saskatchewan near Nipawin and Carrot River. Typical damage was to canola flowers that were infested with swede midge larvae. There was spraying for this pest in 2013. However there are no reliable recommendations for timing of control for the swede midge. In Ontario this insect has been a pest of canola and brassica vegetables for several years. In vegetables multiple insecticide applications are required. Due to the multiple generations in a year the swede midge is difficult to control and multiple applications is not likely a viable economic option in canola. Research is required to determine management options under Prairie conditions.
Other Crops: (estimated 2013 seeded area: canary seed 210,000 (300,000 (2012)) acres; chickpea 205,000 (180,000 (2012)) acres; lentil 2.290 (2.430 (2012)) million acres; dry pea 2.210 (2.325 (2012)) million acres)
Dry Pea - Coleoptera: Curculionidae -Sitona lineatus (L.) – pea leaf weevil - A 2013 Saskatchewan pea leaf weevil survey was conducted in late May to mid-June. Feeding damage is used as an indicator of the weevils’ presence in an area. The range of this insect continues to move eastward in southern regions. The most intensive feeding is in the southwest but in 2012 feeding notches on pea leaves were noted just north of the South Saskatchewan River. In 2013 evidence of the weevil feeding was noted in both Rural Municipalities 228 and 259 (West Central Region). The eastern edge of the pea leaf weevil range appears to be about mid-way between Swift Current and Moose Jaw and south to near the U.S. border. Aside from infestation levels, actual yield loss from weevil feeding will depend on the level of infestation but also the level of nitrogen present in the soil.
Forage Insects:
Coleoptera: Curculionidae – Hypera postica (Gyll.) - alfalfa weevil - Alfalfa weevils have been on the increase for the last few years and were found actively feeding in late May in south central Saskatchewan (Moose Jaw area). There was no formal survey of insects in forages in 2013. However as part of a Pest Management Centre funded project coordinated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Regional Forage Specialists collected alfalfa weevils from May to July in several districts. The project is intended to develop a Degree Day bioclimatic model for the alfalfa weevil.
Compiled by: Scott Hartley Provincial Specialist – Insect and Vertebrate Pests Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture 125 – 3085 Albert Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0B1 Telephone: 306 – 787 – 4669 Email address: [email protected]
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives 2013 Insect Pest Report
to the
Western Committee on Crop Pests
October 8, 2013 Winnipeg, Manitoba
Compiled by: John Gavloski; Entomologist; Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Box 1149, Carman, MB, ROG OJO Phone: (204) 745-5668 Fax: (204) 745-5690 [email protected]
Abbreviations used: The following abbreviations will be used in this document to indicate the following agricultural regions in Manitoba; NW=Northwest, SW=Southwest, C=Central, E=Eastern, I=Interlake.
Estimated acres: Estimated acres grown in Manitoba in 2013 (shown in brackets under each commodity title) are from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) 2013 Variety Market Share Report. The symbol ↑ indicates an increase in acres from 2012, whereas ↓ indicates a decrease in acres from 2012.
Summary: Grasshoppers were a concern in many crops this year, resulting in insecticides being applied to many fields and the edges of fields being treated to prevent them from moving into crops. Cutworms were also a concern in many crops in 2013. The known range of cereal leaf beetles (Oulema melanopus) in Manitoba has expanded to the southwest and central regions of Manitoba. Two releases of Tetrastichus julis, a parasitoid of the cereal leaf beetle, were done in the Treherne area. Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) were a concern on canola in the spring and early-summer, in spite of most canola seed containing a neonicotinoid seed treatment for early-season protection from flea beetles. There were high levels of bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) larvae in some areas; with most of the control for bertha armyworm being in the southwest. Feeding from larvae of alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) caused a lot of damage in some alfalfa fields from mid-June through the first 2 weeks of July. A sample of Drosophila collected in Manitoba in August, 2013 was sent to the National Identification Service in Ottawa and confirmed to be spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila Suzukii).
SMALL GRAIN CEREALS Wheat (spring)-2,861,251 acres↑ + 3,531 acres organic↓; Wheat (Winter)-639,968↑+ 555 acres organic winter wheat↓; Wheat (Durum)- 1,320 acres↓ Barley-468,079 acres↓; Oats-378,021 acres↓ + 4,281 acres organic↑; Fall Rye-85,403 acres↓; Triticale-884 acres↑)
Wireworms: There were reports of wireworm damage to cereal fields from several areas of Manitoba. There was some reseeding of winter wheat in the Eastern Region because of wireworms.
Cutworms: Some high populations of cutworms in western Manitoba were reported.
Wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana): Wheat midge was not a major concern in 2013. In some regions, a lot of wheat was already flowering by the time of wheat midge emergence. Midge Tolerant varieties: There was an increase in acres seeded to midge tolerant varieties in 2013. The wheat midge resistant variety blends CDC Utmost VB, Unity VB, Vesper VB, Goodeve VB and Fieldstar VB were seeded on about 120,782 acres, about 4.6% of the red spring wheat acres in Manitoba in 2013 (based on MASC estimates). Smaller amounts of Shaw VB were also grown. About 356 acres of the extra-strong wheat Glencross VB were seeded.
Sap Feeders
Aphids: There were no reports of Aphid reaching economic levels in small grains.
Thrips: Thrips levels were generally low and not of concern in small grains. Some low levels of thrips were noted on wheat in the Red River Valley, but not at levels that were considered economical.
Defoliators
Armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta): Armyworms were a concern in some small grain fields in the Ste. Rose (NW) and Beausejour (E) areas and some high levels were also reported from the North Interlake. Most of the higher populations of larvae were present in late-July and early-August. Samples of armyworms collected from the Central region for our Crop Diagnostic School turned out to be heavily parasitized.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers were a concern in many fields of small grains in 2013. Field edges and some fields were treated where there were higher levels. There was some grasshopper control on emerging winter wheat in September. Some were also noting evidence of fungal infections in grasshoppers late in the summer.
Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus): No economic populations of cereal leaf beetle were reported, however, the known range of cereal leaf beetles in Manitoba has expanded to the south and east. In 2013, cereal leaf beetle was found in fields near Brandon, Holland, Treherne, Killarney, and Pilot Mound.
A shipment of about 120 adult wasps of the parasitoid Tetrastichus julis (Eulophidae) was sent from Lethbridge, Alberta to Carman and released in a field near Treherne on July 18th. A second release of about 200 cocoons of cereal leaf beetle that contained T. julis was done on September 24th at the same location near Treherne. Cocoons were buried in groups of about 20 just outside the field.
CORN (334,620 acres grain corn↑; 87,787 acres silage corn↑)
Cutworms: Cutworm damage to corn was reported from the Eastern, Central and Southwest regions during June. In the Eastern region, a cornfield which had been in hay the previous season was damaged by glassy cutworm (Apamea devastator).
Wireworms: High levels of damage from wireworms were reported from some corn fields in the Letellier (E) area.
Seedcorn maggot (Delia platura): No damage to corn from seedcorn maggot was reported in 2013.
European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis): In 2013, acres of grain corn seeded to Bt varieties dropped to 26.8 %, and acres of silage corn seeded to Bt varieties was at 13.1%.
Percentage of acres of grain corn and silage corn seeded to Bt varieties in Manitoba. Year Grain Corn Silage Corn 2013 26.8 13.1 2012 31.2 12.8 2011 40.8 21.2 2010 54.9 17.7 2009 56.3 17.6 2008 58.7 19.0 2007 63.9 10.8 This data is from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Annual Variety Market Share Reports.
Higher populations of European corn borer were noted in some fields of corn in the Central region. Some insecticide applications for European corn borer occurred into the second week of August.
CANOLA and MUSTARD (Argentine canola-3,262,419 acres↓; Polish canola-930 acres↓; Rapeseed-6,524 acres↓; Mustard-3,587 acres↑)
Cutworms: Cutworms were a concern in some canola fields in 2013. A field in the Sanford area (C) was reseeded because of cutworm feeding.
Root Maggots (Delia spp.): There were no reports of root maggot damage in canola in 2013.
Sap Feeders
Lygus bugs (Lygus spp.): There were reports of a few canola fields with economical levels of Lygus bugs in the Eastern region in mid-July. Other than that Lygus bugs were not an economical concern in canola.
Aster Leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus): After a year of higher than normal levels of aster leafhopper in 2012, levels of aster leafhoppers were low and not of concern in 2013.
Defoliators
Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.): Use of seed treatments containing neonicotinoid insecticides to manage early-season flea beetle populations continues to be common. Feeding damage to young plants at or above threshold levels was still reported from all agricultural regions of Manitoba. There are reports of some fields being sprayed with insecticides 2, 3, or 4 times early in the season, and some fields being reseeded because of excess feeding from flea beetles. In early-July there were some reports in the Central region of flea beetles feeding on canola blossoms, and in one instance a farmer was considering spraying his canola field because of flea beetles feeding on the canola blossoms. There were also reports of high populations of flea beetles on canola in late-August.
Bertha Armyworm (Mamestra configurata): Pheromone-baited traps to monitor adult moths of bertha armyworm were set up at 89 locations in Manitoba in 2013. The monitoring period was June 3rd to July 28th. Cumulative moth counts suggested that some areas were at moderate risk of bertha armyworm being problematic. Table 1 shows the highest trap counts for 2013.
Table 1. Highest cumulative counts of bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) moths in pheromone- baited traps in Manitoba in 2013. Nearest town Region Trap Count Risk Category Elm Creek Red River 1,094 Moderate Ridgeville Eastern 1,091 Moderate Sperling Red River 1,008 Moderate Zelena North Parkland 996 Moderate Manitou Pembina 925 Moderate Notre Dame Central Plains 873 Uncertain Peak trap catches occurred in most traps during the first or second week of July. The highest trap catch in a single week was 730 at a trap near Elm Creek on the week of June 24-30th.
There were some areas of Manitoba that had high levels of larvae of bertha armyworm and insecticides applied to control them in early-August. Most of the insecticide applications for bertha armyworm were in the southwestern regions or Manitoba; with reports of insecticide applications in fields near Deloraine, Killarney, Coulter, Wawanesa, Boissevain, and Ninga. A couple of canola fields near Dominion City (E) were also sprayed with insecticides to control bertha armyworm.
Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella): Pheromone-baited traps for adult moths were set up at 66 locations in Manitoba in 2013. The monitoring period was generally from April 29th to July 1st. Table 2 summarizes the results from the traps.
Table2. Dates of first detection of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) in pheromone-baited traps in Manitoba in 2013. Region Week of first Week when trap (s) Week when trap Highest cumulative diamondback from region first (s) from region count from region and moth in traps reports cumulative first reports location count of > 10 cumulative count of > 100. Eastern May 13-19 May 20-26 June 3-9 746 Steinbach 317 Beausejour Interlake May 13-19 June 24-July 1 -- 18 Teulon Central May 6-12 May 27- June 2 June 3-9 296 Morris Southwest May 13-19 June 10-16 -- 14 Miniota Northwest May 20-26 June 10-16 -- 59 The Pas The highest single week count was 373 near Steinbach (E) during the week of June 10-16. Highest trap catches were in the eastern and central parts of Manitoba.
Diamondback moth was controlled in some canola fields in the Eastern region of Manitoba.
Grasshoppers: Grasshopper populations were high in many areas, resulting in some insecticide applications to canola and field edges.
FLAX (Flax-77,276 acres↓ + 1,087 acres organic flax↓)
Potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae): There were no reports of aphids at threshold levels in flax in Manitoba in 2013.
Grasshoppers: Grasshopper populations were of concern in many areas. There were reports from the Central region of clipping of flax bolls warranting control of grasshoppers in August.
SUNFLOWERS (41,212 acres non-oil↓; 33,630 acres oil↓)
Cutworms: Cutworms damage was evident in some fields of sunflowers, and there were reports of control being applied for cutworms in some fields in the Eastern, Central and Southwest region in June.
Sunflower beetle (Zygogramma exclamationis): No high populations or spraying for sunflower beetles were reported in 2013.
Grasshoppers: There was some concern in the Central region regarding defoliation of sunflowers by grasshoppers.
Seedhead Insects
Some fields of confection sunflowers were treated with insecticides during early flowering to control seedhead insects such as Lygus bugs (Lygus spp.) and banded sunflower moth (Cochylis hospes). In most instances Lygus bugs were the most common of the seedhead insects of concern. Populations of Red sunflower seed weevil (Smicronyx fulvus) were very low again in most areas this year.
BEANS (Dry Edible) (93,988 acres↓: Pinto-36,404 acres↓, white pea (navy)-28,913 acres↓, black-9,535 acres↓, kidney-8,734 acres↓, cranberry-1,834 acres↑, other dry ebible-8,568 acres)
There were no reports of insects being at economic levels in dry edible beans in 2013.
PEAS (Field) (49,046 acres↓)
Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum): There were no reports of economic populations of pea aphids in 2013.
SOYBEANS (1,056,652 acres↑)
Cutworms: Some cutworm control in soybeans was reported in the Central region.
Soybean Aphid (Aphis glycines): Soybean aphids started to be noted in very low levels in soybean fields in late-July; the first report of soybean aphid this year was July 18th. Populations remained low and there were no reports of high or economical populations for the second year in a row.
Spider mites: Spider mites started to be noticed in some fields in late-July and August. In most instances populations were not economical, however there was some field border spraying for spider mites in the Central region.
Green Cloverworm (Hypena scabra): Green cloverworms were present in fields of soybeans in the Eastern, Interlake and Northwest regions. They were generally at levels below economical importance, however there were some fields of soybeans in the Eastern region that were sprayed with insecticide in July because of high levels of green cloverworm.
Grasshoppers: Grasshopper populations were high in many areas, resulting in some insecticide applications to soybeans and field edges.
HEMP (11,297 acres for grain↓)
No insect concerns were reported for hemp in 2013, although there was a report from the Northwest of red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum) being present in stored hemp.
FORAGES AND FORAGE SEED
Plant bugs: Some forage seed fields were treated for Lygus bugs (Lygus spp.) or alfalfa plant bugs (Adelphocoris lineolatus).
Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica): Feeding from larvae of alfalfa weevil was reported to be causing a lot of damage in some alfalfa fields from mid-June through the first 2 weeks of July. Reports of high levels of damage from alfalfa weevil were from across Manitoba. Some alfalfa for hay was cut early because of the presence of alfalfa weevil, and some insecticide applications were made to control alfalfa weevil.
Grasshoppers: There were reports of some localized high populations of grasshoppers on red clover in the Northwest requiring control, as well as grasshoppers needing control on newly established forage seed crops. An alfalfa field in the Steinbach (E) area needed control of grasshoppers, and in June some alfalfa in the Gladstone area was reseeded because of damage from grasshoppers.
FRUIT CROPS
A sample of Drosophila collected in Manitoba in August, 2013 was sent to the National Identification Service in Ottawa and confirmed to be spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila Suzukii).
Strawberries: There were some reports of damage by thrips to flowers and fruit of strawberries in late- June and July. It is not common for thrips to reach economic spray thresholds in strawberries in Manitoba. Some producers of day-neutral strawberries had to provide control of Lygus bugs, fourspotted sap beetles (Glischrochilus quadrisignatus), thrips and spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) late in the summer.
Raspberries: Raspberry berries were infested by spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila Suzukii), Lygus bugs and also fourspotted sap beetles (Glischrochilus quadrisignatus).
VEGETABLE CROPS
A few samples of Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) were submitted to Ian Scott at AAFC for neonicotiniod sensitivity testing. This class of chemistry does not appear to be performing as well as it used to in a few locations. Results are not yet available.
Dr. Vikram Bisht is coordinating potato psyllid (Paratrioza cockerelli) monitoring in Manitoba as part of a national program being led by Dr. Dan Johnson at the University of Lethbridge. No potato psyllids were found in Manitoba in 2013.
European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis): Some tomato seedling were damaged by European Corn borers early in the season. European corn borer also caused significant damage to commercial bell peppers late in the season. Some sweet corn was sprayed for European corn borer.
Crucifer vegetables: As canola matured in August, high numbers of flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) moved on to crucifer vegetables. Spring flea beetle pressure on Brassica vegetable crops was also high.
Carrots and Onions: Aster leafhopper numbers were significantly lower in 2013 as compared to 2012, resulting in very low level of aster yellows on carrots. Onion thrips infestation was also lower than in 2012.
Thrips and mites were a problem in some tomatoes and eggplants in greenhouse crops.
APPENDIX C – Provincial Entomology Research Summaries
RESEARCH PROGRESS ON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA - 2013
Compiled by R. S. Vernon Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, AAFC 6947 #7 Hwy. - P.O. Box 1000 Agassiz, B.C. V0M 1A0 [email protected] ______Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, PARC Agassiz: 2013 Insect Pest Research Report
Title 1: Identification of wireworms of economic importance.
Author and Associates: Wim van Herk, Bob Vernon (AAFC, Agassiz).
Problem: A variety of different wireworm species are causing increasing problems for farmers across Canada. The resurgence of this pest is thought to be associated with both the gradual decline of organochlorine residues in the soil, the use of novel but non-lethal insecticides (e.g. neonicotinoids), and (in the Prairie Provinces) with changes to field cultivation practices.
Objective of Research: To develop a better understanding of the species of economic importance across Canada, and the soil types and crops these are associated with, collaborators across Canada are kindly asked to forward wireworms from any field where they are found (esp. if they are observed to cause damage) to our lab for identification. This information is being compiled into a national database and will be used to develop a GIS and interactive map in the near future. To enable this, collaborators are also asked to submit sample location information (lat. & long., or legal field coordinates), and any available cropping, irrigation, and cultivation history (current and past) of the field. Samples can be sent in EtOH or in a small container with field soil.
Summary of Results: Approximately 3500 larvae were identified in 2013, which came from 67 separate samples: 48 from Quebec, 2 from Ontario, 1 from BC, 1 from PEI, and the other 15 from the Prairie Provinces. The results indicate Limonius californicus is sometimes found in very large numbers in non-irrigated land (e.g. in the foothills region of southern Alberta), probably due to higher than historical soil moisture levels resulting from minimum tillage practices. This is important in that L. californicus has typically been found in irrigated fields in previous surveys. More than one economic species is often found in a sample: samples from Prairie Provinces often contain both Selatosomus aeripennis destructor, Hypnoidus bicolor, and Aeolus mellillus; samples from Ontario typically contain both Limonius agonus and Melanotus similis; samples from Quebec typically contain H. abbreviatus, M. similis, Agriotus mancus, and Dalopius spp. All these species vary widely in morphology and life history, and likely in susceptibility to certain contemporary insecticides.
Continuing Research: It is expected that this work will continue for at least one more year.
Contact: Dr. Wim van Herk Tel: (604) 796-1738 Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 2: Minor Use Pesticides Program
Author and Associates: Markus Clodius, Jesse MacDonald and Bob Vernon (AAFC, Agassiz)
Problem: The Minor Use Pesticides Program exists to support growers and the general public by improving farmers’ access to new crop protection tools and technologies. The program works with growers, the provinces, manufacturers and the U.S. IR-4 Specialty Crops program to establish grower- selected crop/pest needs, and match them with potential solutions (particularly reduced-risk products such as microbial pesticides). AAFC then conducts field and greenhouse trials to collect the required efficacy and residue information, and drafts submissions to PMRA for the registration of new ‘minor’ uses for a given product.
Objective of Research: Ten residue trials and seven efficacy/tolerance trials were successfully conducted at Agassiz this season. Unfortunately, four additional efficacy trials (on wasabi and caneberry) had to be terminated because of crop failure or lack of pest pressure. Notable among the list of trials are three residue trials of Ripcord 400EC (cypermethrin) on caneberries, two residue trials of Beleaf 50SG (flonicamid) on greenhouse peppers, a foliar residue trial of Zampro (ametoctradin and dimethomorph) on greenhouse ornamentals, and a tolerance trial of Command 360ME (clomazone) applied pre-emergence to cilantro.
Summary of Results: Analyses of residue levels and product efficacy are still in process.
Continuing Research: Residue trials of Zampro fungicide on caneberries will be conducted at Agassiz in 2014, as will tolerance trials of the herbicide Alion on highbush blueberry plants. Other trials will be selected over the winter, based on the priorities identified by growers last November. In total, we hope to run another 20 to 25 trials in the coming year.
Contact: Markus Clodius Tel: (604) 796-1745 Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 3: Evaluating various insecticides for control of wireworms in potatoes (2013).
Author and Associates: Bob Vernon, Wim van Herk and Jesse MacDonald (AAFC, Agassiz).
Problem: Wireworms of various species continue to cause increasing problems in the major potato growing provinces of Canada. East of BC, growers rely almost exclusively on the organophosphate Thimet 15G (phorate), which, is now due to be withdrawn from Canada in 2015. The main problems facing wireworm researchers (mostly AAFC) in finding replacements for Thimet, have been in finding insecticides that work consistently on all pest wireworm species (about 30) across Canada, or that are currently facing registration hurdles. The neonicotinoids Poncho 600FS (clothianidin) and Cruiser 5FS (thiamethoxam) applied as potato seed piece treatments have consistently reduced tuber damage by A. obscurus in trials in BC, but the effectiveness of these products is more variable on other species in Ontario, Nova Scotia and PEI. Since these insecticides ‘reversibly’ intoxicate, rather than kill wireworms, population levels are also not reduced. A Canada-wide Minor Use Registration has been obtained for clothianidin (Titan) as a potato seed piece treatment for wireworm damage ‘suppression’. Full registration has also been obtained for thiamethoxam (Cruiser, Actara) as an in-furrow spray at planting and as a seed piece treatment, but wireworms are not on the label. Clothianidin and thiamethoxam, however, are both systemic, and provide excellent control of above-ground insect pests of potato (i.e. aphids, Colorado potato beetles, flea beetles, etc). For about a decade now, AAFC has tested the USA-registered pyrethroid, bifenthrin (Capture 2EC) as an in-furrow spray at planting in BC, Ontario and PEI, and has generally been found to be effective in reducing wireworm blemishes to an acceptable degree relative to Thimet 15G. Bifenthrin, therefore, is currently a leading candidate for management of wireworm damage in potatoes. It was also found in earlier AAFC trials in BC, Ontario and PEI, that combinations of clothianidin (seed piece treatments) or thiamethoxam (in-furrow sprays), with in-furrow sprays of bifenthrin at planting, provided wireworm damage control generally as good as Thimet 15G, with no phytotoxicity, and very low levels of wireworms detected in the plots the following year (this was only studied in the BC trials). The data also showed that the rates of the combined treatments could be reduced. These combinations of neonicotinoids (which are systemic) and bifenthrin (which is non-systemic), appear to be strong broad spectrum candidates to replace Thimet 15G for wireworm and above ground potato pest control. Attract-and-Kill (A&K) methods are also under investigation for wireworm control in potatoes. Wheat seed treated with combinations of thiamethoxam + fipronil have been applied to potato furrows at planting to attract and kill wireworms early in the season. Since the wheat germinates well before the mother tubers, wireworms will first attack the wheat, become intoxicated (by the thiamethoxam) and eventually die (due to the fipronil). In BC and Ontario, this strategy has been shown to reduce blemishes similar to Thimet 15G, and to reduce wireworm populations even more effectively.
Objective of Research: To evaluate candidate insecticides and novel A&K methods for control of wireworms in potatoes. The focus of the study was to determine the efficacy of these various treatments in: a) protecting daughter tubers from damage; and b) reducing wireworm populations. The main objective is to determine if bifenthrin can be used either alone or in combination with other products (e.g. clothianidin seed treatment) as acceptable substitutes for Thimet 15G, and to provide efficacy data in support of various new registrations in Canada. A&K methods were also investigated to determine the optimal wheat seeding rate and strategies to reduce the overall amount of wheat seed insecticides used per ha. A study testing a subset of the BC treatments was also conducted in Charlottetown, PEI by Christine Noronha.
Summary of Results: The 2013 study was established at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Center in Agassiz, B.C. (Agriotes obscurus)(Drs. Vernon and van Herk). Potatoes are due to initially be harvested on October 7, 2013 (100 DAP), and again on October 27 (120 DAP) and will be graded for wireworm blemishes. Harvested plots will then be sampled with bait traps in April-May, 2014 to determine whether the various treatments tested actually reduced populations of wireworms.
Continuing Research: Potato wireworm efficacy trials will be continued over the next 4 years in BC, PEI and in other locations across Canada under a newly developed Cluster Project between AAFC and the Canadian Horticultural Council.
Contact: Dr. Bob Vernon Tel: (604) 796-2221 (local 212) Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 4: Evaluating various insecticides for control of the wireworm Agriotes obscurus in wheat.
Author and Associates: Bob Vernon, Wim van Herk (AAFC, Agassiz).
Problem: Various species of wireworms are known to cause serious damage to cereal crops across Canada. Problems with wireworms in general are increasing in many Canadian farming systems, especially on the prairies where cereal crops abound. This increase in damage has been attributed, at least in part, to the loss of the organochlorine insecticide lindane as a cereal and forage crop seed treatment. Studies have been underway at PARC, Agassiz to find lower risk insecticides to replace lindane.
Objective of Research: Between 2002-2012, studies in Agassiz have focused on evaluation of a number of candidate insecticides as seed treatments for management of the dusky wireworm, Agriotes obscurus, in wheat. Included in this list are the neonicotinoids, clothianidin thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid, the pyrethroid, tefluthrin, the phenyl pyrazols fipronil and ethiprole, and other novel insecticides such as cyazypyr, renaxypyr, spinosad and halofenozide, and several numbered compounds. Efficacy is measured by observing the impacts of wireworms on the crop (i.e. crop stand establishment and yield), as well as on the effects of candidate insecticides on wireworm populations (i.e. by sampling wireworms in plots the following spring). Of the above list, only fipronil has been found to actually kill wireworms, and will do so at extremely low rates. The other insecticides, somewhat in the order they are listed, provide wheat stand protection, but without reducing wireworm populations. We have found that the neonicotinoids only reversibly intoxicate wireworms and the pyrethroids are repulsive, during which time wheat stand can be established. In addition, various combinations of the above insecticides have also been tested in attempts to improve efficacy and reduce wireworm numbers to levels achieved by the former lindane seed treatments. The greatest success has been with the neonicotinoid, thiamethoxam (at 10g ai/100kg seed) combined with fipronil (1g ai/100kg seed), with stand protection and wireworm reductions even better than with the former Lindane, but at much lower amounts of AI/ha. The 2013 trial continues to evaluate the leading candidate insecticides (including a number of new products) and insecticide blends toward eventual registration of one or more solutions to the growing wireworm problem affecting cereal crop production in Canada.
Summary of Results: Excellent stand protection was again achieved with the thiamethoxam (10g) + fipronil (1g) blend against A. obscurus populations, which was also observed with thiamethoxam (30g), fipronil (5g) and a number of new candidates. Stand protection in these insecticides was equal to that of Lindane. Actual reduction in wireworm populations will be determined using bait traps placed in all treatment plots in April-May, 2014.
Continuing Research: Wheat seed treatment efficacy trials will be continued over the next 4 years in BC, PEI and in other locations across Canada under a newly developed Cluster Project between AAFC and the Canadian Horticultural Council.
Contact: Dr. Bob Vernon Tel: (604) 796-2221 (local 212) Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (604) 796-0359 P.O. Box 1000 - 6947 #7 Highway e-mail: [email protected] Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0
Title 5: Evaluation of insecticides for control of spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) adults using a dry-film bioassay
Author and Associates: Mike Smirle, Cheryl Zurowski, Brittany Derrick and Joan Cossentine (AAFC, Summerland)
Problem: Since its initial discovery in British Columbia in September, 2009, spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) has been the subject of considerable research activity due to the potential of SWD to cause serious economic damage to horticultural crops. SWD differs from other drosophilids in its ability to oviposit in intact fruit prior to harvest, making the fruit unmarketable. Although biological control options are being investigated, growers currently rely on chemical controls to protect their crops.
Objective of research: Objectives were two-fold: 1) to develop a rapid, sensitive and reproducible bioassay method to screen insecticides using dry-film applications to adult flies; 2) to generate insecticide efficacy data that could be used to bring additional insecticides to registration.
Summary of results: Twelve materials representing diverse chemical classes and modes of action have currently been tested on male and female flies using the dry-film bioassay. 4-5 doses of insecticide were dissolved in acetone, introduced into glass vials, and the solvent evaporated while the vials were rotated to produce an even film on the glass surface. Mortality was assessed after 24 hours. Some materials had acceptable efficacy: malathion (organophosphate), Entrust (spinosad) and Delegate (spinetoram) (both spinosyn-based products), as well as the synthetic pyrethroids Ripcord (cypermethrin) and Matador (lambda-cyhalothrin). Other materials had intermediate activity: Concept (imidacloprid + deltamethrin), tolfenpyrad, and Pyganic (pyrethrum). Additional materials were tested but did not show activity towards SWD. Significant differences in tolerance between male and female flies were observed for spinosad and spinetoram (spinosyn-based materials) and also for Pyganic, although wide confidence intervals in the Pyganic data make these results difficult to interpret. It was also observed that younger flies (24-48 hours as adults) were more tolerant to most materials than older flies 5 days of age or older. The requirement to use flies of consistent age as bioassay subjects is evident.
Continuing research: Studies are ongoing as new active ingredients become available.
Contact: Dr. Mike Smirle Tel: (250) 494-6384 Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre Fax: (250) 494-0755 P.O. Box 5000, 4200 Hwy 97, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0 e-mail: [email protected]
Title 6: Delia radicum management: Resistance survey and efficacy testing
Author and Associates: Renee Prasad (E.S. Cropconsult Ltd./University of the Fraser Valley), Bob Vernon and Wim Van Herk (AAFC, Agassiz), Susan Smith (BC Ministry of Agriculture)
Problem: The cabbage root maggot, Delia radicum, is a major pest of cruciferous crops across Canada. At present, control of this pest is dependent of the use of the OP, chlorpyrifos, applied to crops as granules or as drenches applied periodically during the growing season. In many areas, growers are complaining in increasing numbers that chlorpyrifos is no longer working, leading to the suspicion that pockets of resistance are occurring to this chronically used insecticide, likely across Canada. Levels of resistance have already been verified in BC in the past, and the lack of chlorpyrifos control appears to have spread to most primary crucifer growing regions in southern BC. To determine if resistance is indeed expanding in scope in BC, resistance screening was undertaken in previously sampled areas as well as new production regions 2013.
Objectives of Research: 1) Collect samples (200 individuals/collection) to determine current levels of chlorpyrifos-resistance in southern BC (Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island). 2) Monitor cabbage flies pre and post Ripcord sprays to document efficacy of adulticides applied in-field. Adults monitored in a rutabaga field for two days prior to a Ripcord spray and two days after. For comparison adults were also monitored for the same four day period in a nearby (2-km away) cabbage field that did not receive a Ripcord spray. Yellow sticky cards changed every 24-hours. 3) Cyazypyr efficacy trials for rutabaga and sprout transplants: products applied to transplant tray plugs at three rates (450, 300 and 150 g a.i./ha) and compared to drench application of Pyrinex (label rate) and untreated control (1mL of water applied to transplant plugs). Roots were checked for damage (presence of maggots/tunnels and graded using the Kings and Forbes (1954) scale) at 3, 4 and 6 weeks.
Summary of Results to Date: 1) Four populations - Sumas Prairie (Eastern Fraser Valley), Westham Island (Western Fraser Valley), Comox (Mid-Vancouver Island) and Saanich (Southern Vancouver Island) - were tested for chlorpyrifos resistance. Pupae were collected and sent to Dr. Ian Scott (AAFC, London) for screening. The Sumas Prairie population again confirmed as resistant, both Vancouver Island populations were determined to be partially resistant and the Westham Island population was determined to still be susceptible.
2) Preliminary examination of the data did not indicate that Ripcord has an effective effect in reducing field populations of cabbage fly adults. Pre-Ripcord counts in the rutabaga field were however very low compared to the unsprayed cabbage field. (NB. These data have not yet been analyzed fully).
3) Results to date indicate that by Week 4, the total damage score and proportion of roots with no damage were lower in the cyazypyr treated plots than in the untreated Control, However these differences were not statistically significant. There were no differences among the three cyazypyr treatments.
Future Work: 1) A small field trial is currently underway to test the efficacy of combined treatments: cyazypyr (full rate), cyazypyr + bifenthrin, cyazypyr + clothianidin, bifenthrin alone, as transplant plug treatments.
2) Additional collections of pupae in 2014 to further determine the degree of resistance and partial resistance among populations in southern BC. Additional collections on Westham Island and Delta, BC, and collections from non-rutabaga crops.
3) Currently only one of the BC rutabaga growers is using insect netting (Wondermesh) for rutabaga production, however, more growers are interested in this product. In 2014, we will apply for funding to do demonstration scale work comparing different types of mesh and weed management under various mesh products. Even at a small regional scale - i.e. Fraser Valley - the weed population in agricultural fields can vary considerably. In previous work we determined that the insect netting was a good option for Abbotsford but less so for Delta because of brassica weed pressure (shepherd's purse and wild mustards).
4) Examine the application coverage of different spray equipment. (This is a portion of the 2013 work that is being carried forward to 2014).
Contact:
Dr. Renee Prasad Tel: (604) 835-2871 E.S. Cropconsult Ltd. e-mail: [email protected] 6145 171A Street, Surrey, BC, V3S 5S1
Title 7: Field testing Xen Tari (Bta) as a tool to manage caterpillar pests in cole crops
Author: Renee Prasad (E.S. Cropconsult Ltd./University of the Fraser Valley)
Objectives of Research: In the Fraser Valley, resistance to Btk has been document for cabbage looper (Janmaat and Myers 2003) and been suspected (but not confirmed) for diamondback moth (ESC unpublished data). In other areas, diamondback moth resistance to Btk is well established (Tabashnik et al. 1997). Furthermore, diamondback moth resistance to spinosad (Entrust) has developed (Zhao et al. 2006). The main tools used by the larger organic cole crop producers in the valley for caterpillar control are Dipel and Entrust. Xen Tari (OMRI-approved) is a microbial formulation of the Bt subspecies aizawai that targets caterpillars. It is registered in the US for a broad range of crops including cole crops against caterpillars (including diamondback moth). US growers use Bta and Btk in rotation with each other as the toxins are different between the two subspecies (Rowell and Bessin 2005). Xen Tari is not currently registered in Canada, but field trials are being conducted in canola (BPR12-030) and the registrant is in support of efficacy trials in the Fraser Valley on the minor cole crops.
Summary of Work to Date: A field trial is currently underway in Chilliwack, BC using kale as the host crop. The trial consists of five treatments - Xen Tari at three rates 500 g/ha, 750 g/ha, and 1000 g/ha, Dipel (750 g/ha) and a Control (water); with six replicates/treatment. The entire trial was repeated three times at one week intervals, to mimic the successive planting practices of many organic growers. We targeted the late planting period (late August to early September), as monitoring data shows that caterpillars continue to be a problem for cole crops through to mid-October. Each planting has been sprayed three times at 5 to 10 day intervals, depending on weather and pest pressure. The trials are currently in their last weeks of post-spray counts.
Future Work: Based on the results of the 2013 trial and registrant support, additional field work may be conducted in 2014 to collect efficacy data for Xen Tari.
Contact:
Dr. Renee Prasad Tel: (604) 835-2871 E.S. Cropconsult Ltd. e-mail: [email protected] 6145 171A Street, Surrey, BC, V3S 5S1
Title 8: Developing a degree day model for raspberry crown borer
Author and Associates: Carolyn Teasdale and Kristine Ferris (E.S. Cropconsult, Ltd.)
Problem: The raspberry crown borer, Pennisetia marginata (Harris), is a sporadic but serious pest of raspberries. Larvae tunnel into the base of raspberry and blackberry canes, causing reduced cane vigour and increased susceptibility to root and crown pathogens. The raspberry crown borer is a difficult pest to monitor due to the hidden location of the feeding larvae. Historically, broad spectrum insecticide drenches have been applied in most raspberry fields, regardless of pest pressure or timing of egg hatch. Newer insecticides require a better understanding of the raspberry crown borer life cycle. For example, the recently registered insecticide Altacor (35% chlorantraniliprole) (DuPont), is recommended to target first-instar larvae before they tunnel into the canes. The timing of Altacor treatment is a narrow window, possibly only a few days, between egg hatch on the leaves and larval feeding at the base of the canes. Objective of Research: Trapping for RCB has been conducted since 2010 in the Fraser Valley region and egg hatch monitoring has been conducted in 2012 and 2013. The objectives of this research are: . To monitor the season-long phenology of moth flight to confirm the timing of first moth flight, peak flight and egg hatch in relation to temperature . To compare flight phenology for each year from 2010-2013 . To develop and test a degree day model based on raspberry crown borer flight that predicts the timing of egg hatch .
Summary of Results (to 2012):
Male raspberry crown borer moths were caught in pheromone traps from July 20 – October 10, 2012. The number of degree days >10°C from January 1, 2012 to first sustained male capture in any of the fields on August 1, 2012 was 609. In both raspberry and blackberry fields, 50% cumulative trap catch, or “peak flight” occurred from August 22-29, 2012 at 803-844 degree days (Table 1). In 2011 and 2012, this period of peak flight overlapped at 803-843 degree days although the range in degree days was wider in 2011 (Table 1). In 2010, the number of degree days at peak flight was higher, particularly in blackberry fields. The deviation in 2010 was likely due to less frequent pheromone lure changes (lures changed every 10 days instead of 7 days) resulting in fewer moths caught and a less accurate representation of 50% seasonal moth flight. Table 1. Accumulated degree days from January 1 to 50% cumulative trap catch in raspberries and blackberries over three years Raspberries Blackberries Year Calendar dates DD10°C Calendar dates DD10°C 2010 August 25- September 3 838-892 September 3-13 893-944 2011 September 1-8 779-843 September 1-8 779-842 2012 August 22-29 803-844 August 22-29 803-844
Raspberry crown borer eggs hatched from September 21 – October 24, 2012. The mean number of degree days >10°C from first sustained trap catch (August 1) to first egg hatch in any of the raspberry fields was 429. The timing and rate of egg hatch varied from field site to field site. When percentage egg hatch and degree days were averaged across all raspberry sites, 25-50% egg hatch occurred at 466-505 degree days from September 29-October 8. Egg hatch occurred a few days later in blackberry fields than in raspberry fields. In the two blackberry fields where eggs were monitored, warmer field temperatures at these sites and a later calendar date at which first egg hatch occurred resulted in a greater mean number of degree days accumulating. When percentage egg hatch and degree days were averaged across the two blackberry sites, 25-50% egg hatch occurred at 497-539 degree days, from October 2-14, 2012.
Continuing Research: Adult RCB monitoring using pheromone-baited wingtraps as well as egg hatch monitoring was conducted this summer and fall in the Fraser Valley. Data will be analyzed this winter. A third year of egg hatch monitoring is intended for fall 2014.
Title 9: Biological control of aphids on British Columbia blueberries.
Author and Associates: Rob McGregor and Alysha Martins (Institute of Urban Ecology, Douglas College).
Problem: This project will investigate the potential for augmentative biological control of blueberry aphid (BA, Ericaphis fimbriata), the vector of blueberry scorch virus (BlScV). BlScV is a serious economic problem for blueberry production in British Columbia (BC). The virus causes blossom and leaf blighting and substantial yield reductions and BlScV is now distributed throughout all blueberry production areas of BC. Currently, aphid control via chemical insecticides is recommended to reduce transmission of the virus within and between blueberry fields. The efficacy of two predatory insect species will be tested for biological control of BA. This research will facilitate the development of a sustainable ecologically-based alternative to the use of chemical pesticides for aphid control in BC’s blueberry industry.
Objective of Research: The brown lacewing, Micromus variegatus (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) is a predator that was recently evaluated for aphid control in BC pepper greenhouses. This predator provided dramatic reduction of populations of green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) on greenhouse peppers. M. variegatus and other brown lacewings exhibit extremely low temperature thresholds for development and activity. Because of its high predation rate on aphids and its tolerance of low temperatures, M. variegatus has a strong potential as a product for spring management of BA. In this project, we will compare the efficacy of M. variegatus for BA biological control to that of Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a well-established product for aphid management.
Summary of Results: Augmentative releases of M. variegatus and A. aphidimyza at a small, organic blueberry operation in June 2013 caused a significant reduction in BA populations. Laboratory work will proceed in Fall 2013 to measure predation rates by these two predators across a range of temperatures and at a variety of spatial scales.
Continuing Research: This work will continue for one more year subject to funding.
Contact: Dr. Rob McGregor Tel: (604) 527-5237 Institute of Urban Ecology Fax: (604) 527-5095 Douglas College e-mail: [email protected] PO Box 2503 New Westminster, BC V3L 5B2
2013 Alberta Research Report
Compiled by James Tansey For the Western Committee of Crop Pests Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry, 1824 Pembina Highway Winnipeg, MB, 8 October 2013
University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences
1. Title: Effect of crop cultivar, soil fertility and seed treatment on larval feeding and oviposition behavior of bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata
Author and Associates: Chaminda De Silva Weeraddana (Graduate student), Maya Evenden
Problem: Bertha armyworm, Mamestra configurata, is a major pest found throughout canola fields across the Prairie Provinces. Bertha armyworm outbreaks can cost tens of millions of dollars due to insecticide spraying and yield losses. There are several strategies to control bertha armyworm infestations. Currently, canola farmers use insecticide-coated seeds to reduce larval damage. However, there is no scientific evidence on how insecticide-coated seed affects bertha armyworm larval feeding. Other control options can include crop fertilization and use of resistance canola varieties. Fertilizing crop plants can affect crop morphology and these changes may affect larval feeding and adult female oviposition behaviour. However, there is no scientific evidence on how crop fertilization and use of canola varieties affects bertha armyworm oviposition.
Objectives: 1. To examine the effect of pesticide treated and untreated seeds on bertha armyworm larval feeding 2. To examine the effect of canola varieties and different fertilizer treatments on bertha armyworm oviposition
Summary of Results (of work completed): The first experiment was conducted in 2012/2013 as a completely randomized design with nine replicates. We used three different canola varieties; treated and untreated 6060RR and5535CL and an untreated Q2 variety as a control. The first experiment was conducted using five week old canola plants whereas six week old plants were used in the second experiment. Each plant was infested with five second instar larvae for ten days. Larval weight gain, larval damage and plant biomass were measured. A third experiment was conducted using leaf discs instead of whole canola plants.
Only one second instar larvae was introduced to each leaf disk and consumed leaf area and larval weight was measured for five days. Results showed that insecticide-coated seeds have little to no effect on bertha armyworm larval feeding. However, there was a clear difference in larval feeding. Q2 variety had the lowest larval feeding and larval weight gain as compared to the other two varieties.
The third experiment was conducted as a two-factor factorial experiment in a complete randomized block design with 15 replicates. Time was considered as the blocking factor. The two factors were canola varieties and fertilizer treatments. There were three levels of canola variety (Clearfield hybrid 5535 CL, Roundup Ready hybrid 6060RR and Q2) and four levels of fertilizer (20-20-20) treatments (0, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 g/L). We have completed the first block in this experiment. Preliminary results indicate that adult bertha armyworm lay more eggs on more fertilized plants as compared to less fertilized plants.
Continuing Research: Future experiments on use of insecticide-coated seeds will be conducted by using younger canola plants. Chaminda will also complete another four experiment trials for the fertilizer experiments and he will analyze volatiles from differently fertilized plants.
Contact: Maya Evenden
2. Title: Development of a pheromone-based monitoring and potential management tool for the red clover casebearer on clover
Author and Associates: Boyd Mori (Graduate student), Maya Evenden, Jennifer Otani and Calvin Yoder
Problem: The red clover casebearer, Coleophora deauratella (Coleophoridae: Lepidoptera), is an invasive pest of clover throughout Canada. In particular, larval feeding on red clover in the Peace River Region of Alberta caused 99% seed losses in 2006-7 and continues to be a major problem to date. Initial insecticide trials against C. deauratella illustrated that the cost of application was not offset by increased seed yield after treatment and there are no registered insecticides available to producers. Integrated pest management tactics need to be developed as chemical control threatens pollinators and honey production. Pheromone-baited traps can be used to monitor and detect C. deauratella populations (Evenden et al. 2010) and can form the basis of an integrated pest management program. As well, pheromone-based control methods should be explored to reduce the damage caused by this insect.
Objective: The overall objective of this research is to develop a pheromone-based monitoring system for C. deauratella on red clover in Alberta. This research is designed to establish a system to help producers detect adult populations and predict the damaging larval population densities. A secondary objective is to determine if pheromone can be used to control population levels of C. deauratella.
Summary of Results (of work completed in 2013): In 2013, we tested the ability of laminate flake dispensers (Hercon Environmental) to disrupt moth mating in large plot (5 ha) experiments at three field sites. In each field, two plots were setup spaced ≥250 m apart and 25 m from the field edge. In each plot, nine pheromone-baited traps were used to measure pheromone communication disruption. Randomly, one plot was designated the treatment plot and received 280 g flakes/ha, while the other plot was designated the control and left untreated. Pheromone treatment significantly lowered (99-35%) the catch of male C. deauratella compared to untreated controls throughout the growing season. Larvae were sampled once at the beginning of August from the edge and interior of each plot. Significantly fewer larvae were observed in pheromone treated plots compared to untreated controls. We are still in the process of gathering seed yield data from each plot to determine if pheromone treatment can reduce damage caused by C. deauratella and consequently increase seed yield.
Laboratory experiments to determine the mechanisms of mating disruption using pheromone twist-tie dispensers (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.) were also conducted. Male C. deauratella were pre-exposed to either the full attractive pheromone blend (100:10 ratio of Z-7-dodecenyl acetate to Z-5-dodecenyl acetate) or the unattractive main component alone (Z-7-dodecenyl acetate) for 1 hour. Five minutes and 24 hours after the pre-exposure period, electroantennograms were conducted to increasing dosages (0.05 ng to 50 μg) of pheromone stimuli. After 5 minutes, moths exposed to both the full pheromone blend and main component had a lower response to the pheromone stimuli at the 0.05 ng to 50 ng dosages compared to untreated controls. Interestingly, moths exposed to full pheromone blend had a stronger response to the 5 and 50 μg pheromone doses than moths exposed to the main component alone and the untreated controls. After 24 hours no noticeable difference was observed between moths pre-exposed to either the full pheromone blend or main component alone and untreated controls. These results indicate that antennal adaptation is one mechanism contributing to communication disruption when both the full pheromone blend and major component alone are used.
Finally, in order to track the invasion of C. deauratella seven microsatellites markers were developed. These markers will be combined with mitochondrial DNA analyses to track the origin of Canadian populations of C. deauratella.
Continuing Research: This project is beginning to wrap up, with Boyd planning on defending his thesis next summer.
Contact: Maya Evenden
3. Title: Evaluation of host preference of redbacked cutworm, Euxoa ochrogaster, on multiple hosts
Author and Associates: Ronald Batallas (Graduate Student) & Maya Evenden
Problem: The redbacked cutworm, Euxoa ochrogaster (Lepidoptera: Noctuide), is an agricultural pest regarded as the most widely distributed and destructive cutworm in Canada. Late instar larvae chew stems and sever seedlings early in the season. Outbreak infestations can cause complete destruction of extensive crops grown in the Prairie Provinces. Despite the generalist feeding behaviour of E. ochrogaster larvae, there are indications that it may prefer cereals and rape-seed crops. Detailed information on host preference and larval development is largely lacking. Moreover, there are no reliable methods of predicting outbreaks infestations.
Understanding E. ochrogaster population will improve integrated pest management programs such as formulating degree-days models and estimates of breeding population for efficient management strategies.
Objective: The main goal of this research is to describe host preference of E. ochrogaster and its effect on immature development and adult fitness. This research is designed to establish a hierarchical list of crops affected by E. ochrogaster, and provide information for crop rotation and cultivar selection.
Summary results (of work completed in 2013): We monitored E. ochrogaster larvae relative abundance and spatial distribution within the field from mid-May to mid-June 2013, for a period of five weeks. Seven sites were selected in Central Alberta (5) and Wainwright region (2). All sites were used for canola production in 2012, and wheat for the current season. Eight Modified Missouri Cutworm Traps (MMCT) were placed at the edge and within the field (25 m from the edge) to evaluate larval distribution in the field. MMCT were baited with different seedlings (canola, wheat, barley and a control – no seedling) to assess larval feeding preference. We found low numbers of captured larvae, possibly caused by high predation from carabid beetles. Identification of carabid beetles is ongoing.
Late in the season, we monitored adult moth flight activity and relative abundance in three crops: canola, wheat and barley. Green unit traps (1.5 m above from the ground) were placed on the edge of the field, 25 m apart from each other. Unit traps were baited with feeding attractant baits or sex pheromone lures. Feeding attractant baits consisted of 10 ml solution (50:50 mixture) of glacial and acetic acid and 3- methyl-1-butanol which has been previously shown to be attractive to cutworms. Feeding attractants have the potential to attract both sexes of multiple cutworm species, and give information on the reproductive status of females during their flight season. Adult male activity started on the third week of July, with peak flight from late- August to Mid-September. This experiment is on-going, moth trap catch will be enumerated, identified and separated by sex.
A third experiment evaluated the development of E. ochrogaster larvae on three hosts: canola, wheat, barley and control – artificial diet. Seedlings were grown for three weeks, watered every other day and fertilized according to crop requirements. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber under controlled conditions (21°C; photoperiod 16h light: 8h darkness). Newly hatched larvae were placed in a deep petri dish (100 mm diam. × 25 mm height) with randomly assigned seedlings, for a total of 30 larvae per plant species. Plant material was replaced upon depletion or desiccation. Larval mortality exceeded 50%. However, larvae reared on canola seedlings and artificial diet completed their development to adult. Larvae reared on barley and wheat did not complete their development and died in the last instar. This experiment will be repeated with improved design to larval mortality due to water condensation.
Continuing research: Additional experiments will be conducted to assess host preference with a multiple choice feeding experiment in which E. ochrogaster larvae will be offered three hosts (canola, wheat, barley) in controlled conditions and a larval development experiment on three hosts (canola, wheat and barley) to evaluate performance on different hosts.
Contact: Maya Evenden
4. Title: Development of a semiochemical-based monitoring system to monitor the invasion of pea leaf weevil in the Prairie Provinces.
Author and Associates: Amanda St.Onge (Graduate student), Maya Evenden, Hector Carcamo, Carolyn Herle, Scott Meers, and Shelley Barkley.
Problem: The pea leaf weevil, Sitona lineatus (Coleoptera: Cucurlionidae), is an invasive pest of field pea Pisum sativum and faba beans Vicia faba (Fabales: Fabaceae) in the Prairie Provinces. A population of S. lineatus became established in southern British Columbia in the 1930s. In 1997, S. lineatus was first recorded in Alberta; by 2007, its range expanded into Saskatchewan. A semiochemical-based monitoring system will enable widespread, producer-based monitoring of this pest’s invasion. Initial studies found S. lineatus to be attracted to pitfall traps baited with aggregation pheromone in both the spring and fall and suggested that the addition of bean volatiles may enhance attraction to the aggregation pheromone. Once a semiochemical lure is optimized, it may be useful in control strategies as well as a monitoring tool.
Objective: The objective of this research is to develop a semiochemical-based monitoring system for S. lineatus in the Prairie Provinces, including an optimized lure and producer-friendly trap design.
Summary of results (of work completed in 2013): In 2013, we conducted an experiment to determine the optimal lure to attract S. lineatus. At each of ten pea fields in southern Alberta, nine lures were tested in pitfall traps. Low and high doses of aggregation pheromone were tested in each of two release devices with and without host volatiles. An unbaited pitfall trap was included as a control. Traps were checked weekly from May to June and from August to September, when adult S. lineatus are active. Collected weevils are being separated by sex and totaled. Females will be dissected to determine reproductive status. The most attractive lure from this study will be used in subsequent experiments.
We conducted a second experiment in the fall of 2013 to determine the optimal trap type to capture and retain adult S. lineatus. At the edge of each of eight pea fields in southern Alberta, nine trap types were placed 25 m apart and were similarly baited with a low dose of aggregation pheromone. Capture of S. lineatus, bycatch, and user-friendliness will all be considered when evaluating trap type.
Continuing research: Amanda will continue with field trapping experiments in the summer of 2014 to assess the optimal trap location within the field and to determine if trap capture can predict subsequent feeding damage. She is also planning on conducting laboratory bioassays to examine plasticity in the response of S. lineatus to aggregation pheromone and host volatiles.
Contact: Maya Evenden
5. Title: Investigation of larval and adult preferences of the true armyworm on varieties of wheat and barley
Author and Associates: Jessica Kwon (Technician) and Maya Evenden
Problem: The true armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous pest of cereal crops and grasses and one of the most important pests of agricultural crops in North America. Heavy leaf defoliation occurs when the damaging larval populations are high. Since the true armyworm overwinters in the tropical and subtropical regions of North America and migrates north in the spring, it is difficult to predict the larval population densities that will reach Alberta. Aside from the use of semiochemical- or insecticide-based control tactics, proper crop selection should also be practiced to reduce damage caused by this insect pest.
Objective: The overall objective of this research is to determine the crop preferences of the true armyworm in Alberta. This research is designed to establish the varieties of wheat and barley that promote larval development and influence larval-feeding and adult oviposition preferences.
Summary of Work (completed in 2013): In 2013, we conducted a larval development experiment using four varieties of wheat and barley: spring wheat, winter wheat, feed barley and malt barley, grown under identical conditions. Five 2nd instar larvae were introduced to 20 plants of each variety and monitored each week for four weeks. Head capsule width and pupal weight were measured each week to determine the developmental time of 2nd instar larvae to pupae. Similar larval development experiments will be conducted on water-stressed plants and non- fertilized plants. A second experiment was conducted to assess adult oviposition preference using the same varieties of wheat and barley. Two mating pairs were introduced to 15 cages with each wheat and barley variety. Mating pairs were established 48 hours before introduction to cages. Adult moths were left for one week with access to sugar water. The number of eggs laid on each plant was counted to determine if mated female moths have a host preference for oviposition.
Continuing research: We also plan to conduct an experiment on larval-feeding preference. Fifth instar larvae will be introduced to an arena with each wheat and barley variety and monitored for up to 48 hours. The amount of defoliation will be assessed to determine if late instar larvae prefer a certain wheat or barley host and if this preference correlates with their developmental time on these crops.
Contact: Maya Evenden Olds College
6. Title: Biology and Distribution of an Alien Invasive Species new to Alberta, the Lily Leaf Beetle, Lilioceris lilii (Scopoli)
Author and Associates: Ken Fry (OC)
Problem: The alien invasive species, Lilioceris lilii, was first detected in North America in Montreal in 1943 (LeSage 1983) but has since spread to Ontario (Bouchard et al. 2008), the Maritimes (Majka & LeSage 2008), and Manitoba (Elliott & LeSage 2004). This beetle was reported from cultivated lilies in Airdrie, Alberta in 2006 (unpubl. res.). Both cultivated and native species of Lilium are threatened by this pest.
Objective of Research: The objective of this project is to determine the geographic distribution, phenology, and host range of the Lily Leaf Beetle in Alberta.
Summary of Results: Several sites in central and southern Alberta were visited to collect the beetle. All major lily growers and lily organizations have been contacted and the project advertised to horticultural and gardening societies. Reports of beetle infestations have been logged and verified. A geospatial database has been developed to track the distribution and spread of the beetle in Alberta. Rearing of the beetle to determine life history characteristics is on-going. The beetle’s distribution is limited to as far north as Red Deer and as far south as Okotoks.
Continuing Research: Continued funding from the Alberta Regional Lily Society will allow for the survey and life history work to continue in 2013. In conjunction with Dr. N. Cappucino of Carleton University, a project involving the release and tracking of the parasitoid, Terastichus setifer, will occur in 2014.
Contact: Ken Fry
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Beaverlodge Research Farm
7. Title: Prairie Pest Monitoring Network – Peace River region monitoring.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani, Julie Soroka, Chrystel Olivier, Owen Olfert
Problem: The Peace River region includes ~3.7 million hectares of farmland and ~1.7 million hectares is in crops. Crop protection, based on in-field monitoring, is vital both for annual and long-term data which helps producers and the agricultural industry deal with in-season pest issues. The data also supports entomological researchers with biodiversity and spatial distribution data over time for our economically significant insect pests and some of their natural enemies. Since 2005, commercial fields near Beaverlodge AB have been monitored during the growing season to generate data used annually for prairie-wide spatial distribution maps and for use in a long-term database supporting federal entomological research in field crop protection.
Objective of Research: To perform weekly in-field monitoring for flea beetles, diamondback moth, Bertha armyworm, leafhoppers, Lygus, swede midge and wheat midge within the Peace River region.
Summary of Results: Sticky traps, pheromone traps, sweep-net and hand-collection of the above insect pests commenced in May and continued weekly until mid-August. In 2013, seven commercial fields were monitored within a 25km north-south transect in the AB Peace (i.e., Elmworth-Beaverlodge- Valhalla) plus three additional sites in the BC Peace were included in 2013. The latter sites were located near Dawson Creek, Baldonnel and Fort St. John but only diamondback moth, bertha armyworm, swede midge and wheat midge traps were deployed and maintained due to limited resources.
The following table summarized monitoring efforts in 2013: Insect Pest Province Collection period Species Identified P. striolata P. cruciferae P. punctulata C. nana 1 Other Totals Flea Beetles AB Apr30-Aug 15 673 3 32 1623 21 2352 BC … … … … … … 0
P. xylostella Totals Diamondback moth AB Apr30-Aug 15 69 69 BC … 3 3
M. configurata Bees Totals Bertha armyworm AB Jun 14 - Jul 18 36 47 83 BC Jul 3 - 16 Jul 18 1 19
S. mosellana Wasps Totals Wheat Midge2 AB Jul 16 - Aug 15 Yes Yes pending BC Jul 16 - Aug 15 processing processing pending
Leafhoppers3 AB Jun 14 - Aug 15 pending BC … …
Lygus4 AB Jun 14 - Aug 15 pending BC … …
Swede Midge5 AB 15 May - Aug 15 pending BC … …
Dung Beetle6 AB 15 May - Aug 15 pending BC … …
1 Tentative species identification. 2 Contech and Great Lakes IPM pheromone lures processed by J. Otani (AAFC-Beav). 3 Weekly sweep-net samples to be forwarded to C. Olivier (AAFC-Sask) for processing. 4 Weekly sweep-net samples to be processed by J. Otani (AAFC-Beav). Does not include annual canola survey. 5 Contech pheromone traps forwarded to J. Soroka (AAFC-Sask) for processing. 6 Bi-weekly pitfall traps to be forwarded to K. Floate (AAFC-Leth) for processing.
Continuing Research: Monitoring is currently supported by A-Base funds until March 2015.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
8. Title: Damage and yield comparisons estimating Lygus feeding damage during bolting in canola varieties.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani, Héctor Cárcamo, Jim Broatch
Problem: The rapid development and registration of canola varieties has outpaced detailed insect-plant studies characterizing yield and quality relationships for many economically significant canola pests in Canada. The economic threshold for Lygus in canola was based on data generated using the varieties Westar and Tobin (Wise and Lamb 1998) and validated using Q2 (Otani and Carcamo 2011), however, fields surveyed in the Peace River region suggest upwards of 80% of commercially grown fields are hybrid, herbicide-tolerant varieties.
Objective of Research: To compare feeding damage and yield losses in canola varieties (Westar, L150, RR7345) grown in field plot cages containing “high” Lygus densities introduced at bolting and caged on plants until to harvest.
Summary of Results: Field plots were seeded on May 10, 2013, into oat stubble on 9” row spacing using a Conserva-Pak seeder also on 9” row spacing. Plots (each 4m x 10m) were organized using a RCBD with four replicates and three treatments (Westar, L150, RR7345). At late rosette stage (June 21, 2013), pairs of screen cages (each 1m x 1m x 1.5 m tall) were erected in each plot. Lygus adults were mass- collected from volunteer canola near Beaverlodge then sorted by species and sex in order to add a 1:1 male:female ratio of the same species of Lygus into each “treated” cage (i.e., to provide a total of 20 adults per cage) while “untreated” cages received no Lygus. At late pod stage (August 21, 2013), all arthropods were vacuumed out of cages. Plants were hand-harvested in Westar and L150 treatments on September 3, 2013, with the remaining RR7345 plants harvested on September 9, 2013. Above-ground biomass and yield data will be recorded in late October of 2013. Insect samples will be processed in December 2013.
Continuing Research: This study was supported by AAFC-PMC funding in 2013. Additional funding was received from ACIDF to extend the study until 2015.
Contact: Jennifer Otani, Héctor A. Cárcamo, Jim Broatch
9. Title: Canola insect surveying - On the lookout for cabbage seedpod weevil and monitoring Lygus in the Peace River region.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani, Owen Olfert, Ross Weiss, David Giffen
Problem: The survey has been performed since 2003 with the main objectives of collecting canola insect pest data throughout the region and to detect introduction of the Cabbage seedpod weevil into the Peace River region. Sweep-net monitoring has been randomly performed at flower stages in the Peace River region in order to detect movement of the weevil north plus identify damaging populations of other canola insect pests occurring in commercial fields.
Objective of Research: 1) To detect the movement of cabbage seedpod weevil into canola production in the Peace River region. 2) To assess Lygus populations at full-flower stage of canola development. 3) To detect economically significant pests occurring in canola (e.g., grasshoppers, clover cutworms, leafhoppers).
Summary of Results: A total of 189 canola fields were randomly selected at ~10km distances while surveying through the main canola producing areas within the BC and Alberta Peace during early- to mid- flower stages. Sweep-net sampling was conducted by performing 50 - 180° sweeps per canola field (N=2 B. rapa + 167 B. napus) on the following dates in these areas. In 2013, intermittent showers during surveying delayed sweep-net collections by 3-4 days. The 2013 surveying maps and a full summary was kindly posted by the Alberta Canola Producers’ Commission (http://canola.ab.ca/2013_peace_river_region_canola_survey.aspx) as fields in the region entered early pod stages.
The 2013 summary includes six economically important pests of canola: 1) Lygus (Miridae: Lygus spp.) populations of ≥5 adults plus nymphs per 10 sweeps were observed in 31.2% of fields surveyed (N=169 fields). There were zero Lygus present in only 2.4% of surveyed fields whereas 28.4% of the surveyed fields contained Lygus adults only and 69.2% of the fields were populated by both Lygus adults plus nymphs (N=169 fields). Note that all nymphs collected during our survey will have matured into new adults since July 16th. 2) Diamondback moth (Plutellidae: Plutella xylostella) were present in low numbers in 42.0% our sweep-net samples (N=169 fields) in 2013. Sweep-net monitoring is NOT recommended for this insect pest yet we have reported its presence/absence in the following map to reflect the widespread distribution within the Peace in 2013. Two important surveying notes for this pest include: (i) No surveyed field exhibited economically significant levels of DBM damage, and (ii) parasitoid wasps known to attack DBM were observed at most sites surveyed. 3) Very early instar stages of Bertha armyworm larvae were detected in our sweep-net samples at five fields located near LaCrete, Wanham, Valleyview, Huallen, and Hythe. Normally, our canola survey is conducted during the initial weeks of BAW adult flight period so larval stages are typically too small to accurately detect in sweep-net sampling. Producers should continue to monitor for larvae within individual fields now and be ready to compare densities per m2 to the economic threshold table below. 4) Grasshoppers were present in only 19 canola fields surveyed. Late-instar to adult stages of two-striped, lesser migratory, and red legged grasshoppers were present near (from most numerous to least) Grimshaw, Nampa, Whitelaw, Valleyview, Royce, Marie-Reine, Hines Creek, LaCrete, Carcajou, Sexsmith, Falher, LaGlace, Wanham, Codesa, Rycroft, Grande Prairie, and Girouxville. 5) Unlike 2012, very low densities of leafhoppers were observed in our canola sweep-net samples in 2013. Of the 38 canola fields where leafhoppers were present, the highest density was a mere four per 50 sweeps in a canola field near Valleyview. 6) We are again happy to report that zero cabbage seedpod weevil (Curculionidae: Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) were observed in the 169 fields sampled in the Peace River region in 2013. A total of six small beetles measuring <5mm in length were collected from six surveyed fields in 2013. These specimens will be forwarded to the National Identification System (AAFC-Ottawa) for species confirmation. 7) Previous cropping data was recorded by visually inspecting the soil surface in 189 surveyed canola fields. Surface field trash was categorized then summarized in the figure below (Note: category “cereal-type straw” was used to describe fields where the previous crop was either barley or wheat yet no seed was readily observed nor was the straw sufficiently intact to determine the presence/absence of auricles). The most frequently observed stubble during our 2013 surveying was a cereal-type straw followed by wheat, canola, then barley. Instances of canola-on-canola were more frequently observed in the north Peace in 2013. AAFC-Otani et al.
Most importantly, thank you to our canola producers for allowing us to sample in their fields! THANK YOU to the following hard working AAFC staff who surveyed†, processed‡, and mapped∞ this data: Holly Spence1†‡, Arlan Benn1†‡, Kayleigh Loberg1†‡, Amanda Jorgensen1†‡, Dominic Torheiden1†‡, Owen Olfert2†∞, Ross Weiss2†∞, David Giffen2∞, Trina Drummund1‡, and Hannah Senft 1‡. Thank you also to SARDA’s Sam White3† and Erin Chaibos3† for collecting samples near Falher and to NPARA’s Courtney Vandemark4† and Shay Zatelny4† for collecting samples near Manning.
Continuing Research: Insect surveying in canola will continue annually in the Peace River region. This research was supported by A-Base.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
10. Title: Investigating pest management strategies for the red clover casebearer (Coleophora deauratella) in seed production.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani, Dave Gillespie, Peter Mason, Tara Gariepy, Gary Gibson
Problem: Insect monitoring in red clover seed production fields in the Peace River region between 2006- 2007 revealed that Coleophora deauratella Lienig & Zeller (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) is now established throughout the region and is the primary pest causing significant yield losses in both first- and second-year seed stands. In 2007, red clover seed producers in this same area opted to eliminate second- year seed stands of red clover since yield losses were generally severe. This represents an abrupt change to common management practices in the region and is solely attributed to the impact of C. deauratella.
The objectives of the described project are to continue studies examining the biology of this new insect pest and to further characterize the nature of the insect-plant association between C. deauratella in both red and alsike clovers grown for seed production.
Objectives of Research: 1) To examine the phenology of C. deauratella in relation to red and alsike clover seed production. 2) To investigate yield and seed quality losses in red clover due to natural infestations of C. deauratella. 3) To investigate natural enemies of C. deauratella.
Summary of Results: Field plot data collected between 2006-2010 near Falher, Alberta, continues to be analyzed in order to characterize the impact of C. deauratella on red clover production in northern Alberta. A historically low number of red clover acres has affected our ability to continue ongoing field monitoring and pest management studies into 2012. Continuing semio-chemical monitoring and control studies were conducted in 2012 by Mori & Evenden (U of A). In 2012, the IPM lab focused on parasitoid rearing following the first successful rearing of multiple hymenopteran parasitoids from 2010 fall collections. Fall field trash collected in October of 2011 yielded a small number of C. deauratella cases and ~8 parasitoid wasps were reared from these overwintering C. deauratella. The 2010 and 2011 singly- reared specimens confirm parasitoids are now exerting some pressure on C. deauratella within the Peace River region.
Continuing Research: This study will be continued until 2013 and recent AAFC A-Base support will secure biocontrol research efforts into 2015 (Gillespie, Mason, Gariepy, Haye, Gibson, Bennett). Parasitoid surveying will be performed in 2013 across the Peace River region in order to identify beneficial parasitoids attacking 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
11. Title: CARP Cutworm Research Project – Cutworms affecting canola production within the Peace River region.
Author and Associates: Kevin Floate, Jennifer Otani, Maya Evenden, Rob Laird, Vincent Hervet, Barb Sharanowski, Martin Erlandson, Owen Olfert
Problem: The proposed studies aim to address old pests occurring in current forage seed production systems plus new, introduced pest species occurring in newer varieties grown using newer technologies. The aim of the included pest management studies is to improve yield and quality of Canadian grass and legume seed production.
Objectives of Research: 1) Identify cutworm larvae occurring in canola. 2) Identify and quantify natural enemies attacking cutworms within the canola production system.
Summary of Results: In general, cutworm densities were again low in the south Peace in 2013, however, infestations were reported near LaCrete AB, and in forage field located in the BC Peace in 2013. In the north Peace, cutworm infestations required foliar insecticidal control in canola fields but predominantly in canola appearing to suffer from volunteer alfalfa. Thanks to cooperator and industry connections, cutworms were retrieved for rearing in the laboratory at AAFC-Beaverlodge. Preliminary identifications for the retrieved cutworms tentatively stands as black army, dingy cutworms, redbacked, glassy and yellow headed cutworms. Cutworm parasitism, rearing mortality and the percent of cutworms reared to adult stage in 2013 are shown in the figure below.
Rearing mortality was similarly high in samples, ranging up to 70% despite larvae being fed the superior McMorran diet acquired from Great Lakes Forestry (CFS-Sault St. Marie). Rearing mortality was linearly related to “distance to site” with far greater numbers of larvae from more distant sites dying. All specimens that died during rearing were immediately forwarded to M. Erlandson (AAFC-Sask) for disease screening. Adult moths and parasitic wasps and flies were successfully reared in the laboratory from field collected larvae in 2013. Specimen preservation and identification will continue during the winter.
Continuing Research: This is part of the larger, prairie-wide CARP Cutworm Research Project which continues into the 2014 field season.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
12. Title: Arthropod pest surveying in grass and legume seed production systems.
Author and Associates: Jennifer Otani
Problem: The proposed studies aim to address old pests occurring in current forage seed production systems plus new, introduced pest species occurring in newer varieties grown using newer technologies. The aim of the included pest management studies is to improve yield and quality of Canadian grass and legume seed production.
Objectives of Research: 3) Identify pest species occurring in grass and legume seed production systems. 4) To characterize yield or forage losses associated with grass and legume production.
Summary of Results: Cutworm damage was reported in commercial fields of alfalfa, red clover and timothy in 2013. A total of 157 noctuid larvae were hand-collected from sites near Falher AB, LaCrete AB, and Fort St. John BC. All cutworm that died during rearing were similarly forwarded to M. Erlandson (AAFC-Sask) for disease screening. Adult moths and parasitic wasps and flies were successfully reared in the laboratory from field collected larvae in 2013. Specimen preservation and identification will continue during the winter.
Continuing Research: Grass and legume seed pest surveying will be supported as part of a Growing Forward 2’s AgriScience Project until 2017. Surveying focused on collecting current information on introduced arthropod species. Research support in the form of the larger CARP Cutworm project (2012-2015) supports cutworm monitoring in canola.
Contact: Jennifer Otani
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lethbridge Research Centre
13. Title: Assessment of the potential for the parasitic wasp, Cotesia vanessae (Braconidae), as a biological control agent of cutworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Author and associates: Vincent Hervet, Kevin Floate, Robert Laird.
Problem: Reports of cutworm outbreaks have increased in recent years on the Canadian prairies. The number of affected fields is relatively low, but localized damage can be severe. Results of a survey in 2013 for Alberta identify the main crops attacked and the associated pest species as: peas (redbacked and pale western cutworms), canola (redbacked, pale western, army and dingy cutworms), and grain crops (army cutworm)1. Multiple species of cutworms were present in most cases, including mainly subterranean species. In these cases chemical control can be ineffective.
Objective of research: Cotesia vanessae (Braconidae) is a European species of wasp newly recorded from North America2. The current research was performed to determine its potential to affect populations of pestiferous cutworms, and non-pest species of other Lepidoptera.
Summary of results: The parasitoid, Cotesia vanessae (Braconidae), has been found to be a good biological control agent of many pest species of cutworms and loopers of the Canadian Prairies. Unfortunately this parasitoid was also able to kill non-pest species.
Based on about 30 larvae per caterpillar species, the percent of exposed larvae from which parasitic wasps emerged was as follows: - Pestiferous species tested: army cutworm (83 %), redbacked cutworm (97%), darksided cutworm (84 %), early cutworm (59 %), dingy cutworm (89 %), bertha armyworm (7 %), Barnes’ climbing cutworm (77 %), clover cutworm (actual rate is above 0 but still to be assessed), cabbage looper (87 %), alfalfa looper (81 %), corn earworm (0 %), beet armyworm (0 %), southern armyworm (0 %), fall armyworm (0 %). - Non-pestiferous species tested: Vancouver dart (40 %), Milbert’s tortoiseshell (39 %), scribe moth (0 %), spurge hawk-moth (0 %), yellow woolly bear (0 %).
All of the above species mentioned whose rates of parasitism are not 0 % are new host records for the parasitic wasp Cotesia vanessae. To add to this list of new hosts are two cutworm species not yet identified.
To deepen assessment of host-fitness for this parasitic wasp, the average number of parasitic wasps produced per caterpillar per host species and their weight is currently being assessed. All the parasitic wasps were parthenogenetic females (no males).*
1 http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app68/listings/cutworm/cutworm_map.jsp 2 Hervet, V.A., H. Murillo, J.L. Fernández-Triana, M.R. Shaw, R.A. Laird and K.D. Floate. First report of Cotesia vanessae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in North America. The Canadian Entomologist (in review). * Research funded by the Canola Council of Canada and by the Alberta Conservation Association.
Continuing research: This research is nearly complete.
Contacts: Vincent Hervet, Kevin Floate. 14. Title: Managing lygus bugs and cabbage seedpod weevils (CSW) – a commercial scale farm study
Author and Associates: H. Cárcamo, Scott Meers, Carolyn Herle, and Shelley Barkley.
Problem: Lygus and seedpod weevils are two of the major insect pests that co-occur in canola in southern Alberta. They are managed with insecticides but the recommended timing according to plot data differs: early flower for weevils and end of flower for lygus.
Objective of Research: To determine if lygus bugs are reduced at the pod stage in canola fields sprayed for CSW at early flower and assess economic impacts (yield) as well as abundance of key beneficial insects.
Summary of Results: From 2010 to 2013, 77 canola fields have been sampled in southern Alberta by sweeping to collect weevils and lygus bugs from early flower to mid pod. Generally fields sprayed for weevils at early flower had low lygus at pod but a few exceptions were noted. Number of beneficial insects was too sparse for analysis. Yield data is still being analyzed but spraying did not consistently result in higher yields.
Continuing Research: Field data collection was completed in the summer of 2013.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo
15. Title: Managing lygus bugs in canola at the mid to late pod stage
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo.
Problem: Lygus bugs were considered intermittent pests of canola but over the last 5 years they have become a perennial problem at the mid to late pod stage in some regions of southern Alberta
Objective of Research: To determine if spraying for lygus bugs at the mid to late pod stage increases canola yield.
Summary of Results: on farm studies were conducted in 2012 and 2013 in the Chlaresholm area. A plot study was done at the Vauxhall Research Farm to determine effect of spraying at various crop stages (early, mid and late flower and mid pod stages) on lygus abundance and canola yield. In 2012 results were variable suggesting no clear benefit to spray at the mid pod stage for lygus. 2013 data has not been analyzed
Continuing Research: The farm scale portion is complete but the plot work will be repeated in 2014.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo
16. Title: Biological control of lygus with Peristenus wasps.
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Carolyn Herle, Peter Mason, Jennifer Otani, Simon Lachance, Tim Haye, Rob Laird
Problem: Lygus bugs are generalist pests attacking several valuable crops such as canola, alfalfa, faba beans, sunflowers and others. Native Peristenus parasitoid wasps in the Prairies attack lygus nymphs in alfalfa fields but not in canola.
Objective of Research: To quantify Peristenus parasitism of lygus in alfalfa and canola using field surveys in the Prairies (native spp) and southern Ontario (exotic and native spp). To assess host-plant- parasitoid interaction and competition among native and exotic Peristenus species in controlled conditions.
Summary of Results: In 2013 preliminary lab results using cages to confine lygus nymphs on canola and alfalfa plants, suggested that parasitism of tarnished plant bug nymphs were double in alfalfa than in canola. Field surveys were also conducted in Alberta and Ontario.
Continuing Research: This phase of this project continues until 2015. Laboratory assays are planned using the exotic Peristenus digoneutis to test its efficacy on Lygus keltoni, a local canola pest in Alberta and potential negative environmental effects on native Peristenus species.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo
17. Title: Updating economic thresholds for lygus and seedpod weevils for current hybrid canola
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Jennifer Otani, Carolyn Herle, Patty Reid, Jim Broatch, Neil Harker, Rob Laird.
Problem: Lygus bugs thresholds for canola were developed for open pollinated cultivars on Westar and Excel in the early 1990’s. Since then, higher yielding more vigorous cultivars, which may tolerate insect feeding better than older cultivars, have been adopted by the industry.
Objective of Research: To update lygus thresholds (and seedpod weevils at Lethbridge) in canola using a current hybrid invigour cultivar. To determine if lygus feeding from the bolting stage to maturity affect canola yield in 3 canola cultivars in northern Alberta.
Summary of Results: Cage studies were conducted in 2012 and 2013 near Beaverlodge (lygus added at bud stage to LL, RR, Westar) and near Lethbridge (range of lygus and weevil densities added to LL at early flower) and at Lacombe (range of lygus to LL and Westar, 2013). At Beaverlodge, in 2012, there was no relationship among total lygus at harvest and yield per cage as seen in Lethbridge but cages had large populations of other insects. In 2013 lygus populations at Lethbridge were less numerous per cage than in 2012. Yields and other data are being processed.
Continuing Research: The study will be repeated two more years.
Contact: Héctor A. Cárcamo
18. Title: Lygus bugs and pea leaf weevil damage to faba beans.
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Patty Reid, Jim Broatch, Carolyn Herle, Jim Sukeroff, Ken Coles, Neil Harker.
Problem: Faba bean acreage is increasing in central and southern Alberta. Lygus bugs appear to damage the seeds and reduce their marketability. In the south, pea leaf weevils feed heavily on faba beans foliage and nodules.
Objective of Research: To determine lygus abundance and species composition in faba beans in central and southern Alberta and relate it to seed quality. To assess effects of insecticide to manage lygus and pea leaf weevil on bean quality and yield.
Summary of Results: Several fields of tannin and zero-tannin faba beans were surveyed around Lacombe in 2013. Plots of these two types were sprayed at the late pod stage at Vauxhall and integrated with a pea leaf weevil seed treatment test. Near Lethbridge Snowbird (zero-tannin) were treated with seed and foliar insecticide for pea leaf weevil and lygus, respectively. The latter site had hail damage and half was overtaken by weeds. High seed damage presumably by lygus was observed in most faba bean fields and plots. Pea leaf weevil feeding on faba beans was high and constant throughout the entire summer.
Continuing Research: This work will be repeated two more years.
Contact: Héctor Cárcamo
19. Title: Relocation of T. julis for biocontrol of cereal leaf beetle in the Prairies and landscape study in southern Alberta.
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Cheryl Chelle, Lloyd Dosdall, Swaroop Kher, Wendy Leeds, John Gavloski, Nancy Melnychuk, Owen Olfert, Alejandro Costamagna.
Problem: The cereal leaf beetle has increased in local abundance in southern Alberta and has further expanded its range in the Prairies in 2013.
Objective of Research: To relocate Tetrastichus julis as needed to control cereal leaf beetle in the Prairies. To quantify attributes of agricultural landscapes conducive to biocontrol of CLB by T. julis.
Summary of Results: In early June, adults and eggs were easily observed in winter cereals in the Taber region of southern Alberta. At least two fields were sprayed in mid to late June: one east of Vauxhall and another east of Milk River. The highest density of larvae, around 5 per 10 stems, was observed on 5 July in a silage field of winter triticale (reseeded with barley) just north of Coaldale, but 2-3 per 10 stems was not uncommon in the region. These densities are still below the suggested threshold of 1 larva per flag leaf. In the Maple Creek region of Saskatchewan only two fields from dozens surveyed had larvae and at extremely low densities. The beetle was reported for the first time in the following regions in 2013: (AB) east of Red Deer, Olds; (SK) Moosemin; (MB) Brandon, Treherne. The parasitoid Tetrastichus julisis rampant in southern Alberta and almost 2,000 adult wasps were reared from larval collections. CLB from Brandon were parasitized. Wasps reared in the lab were used for a parasitoid relocation program to new areas of beetle infestation and hundreds were shipped and released in July, east of Red Deer, Maple Creek, Moosemin and Treherne; T. julis cocoons were also relocated to Moosemin and Treherne in mid September. A study to document landscape habitat features that favour larval parasitism byT. Julis was initiated in collaboration with Alejandro Costamagna (University of Manitoba).
Continuing Research: This work will be repeated two more years.
Contact: Héctor Cárcamo
20. Title: Antibiotic suppression of Waldern oats against cereal leaf beetle.
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Swaroop Kher, Cheryl Chelle, Lloyd Dosdall.
Problem: The cereal leaf beetle is a pest of many cereal crops world-wide with widely distributed, disjunct populations in the Prairies. Oats, wheat and barley are among its preferred hosts.
Objective of Research: To determine if the oat cultivar Waldern has antibiotic suppression to this beetle. Attempts to maintain a colony of CLB on this cultivar suggested some form of antibiotic effects.
Summary of Results: Adult cereal leaf beetles reared on Waldern oats appear to have lower weights than those reared on the cultivar Morgan. Females readily lay eggs on Waldern but larvae and adult may suffer higher mortality, particularly during overwintering. Studies are in progress to confirm these findings.
Continuing Research: Overwintering survivorship data collection will be completed this fall.
Contact: Héctor Cárcamo
21. Title: Occurrence of wireworms in winter and spring wheat treated with insecticide.
Author and Associates: Héctor Cárcamo, Cheryl Chelle, Brian Beres, Wim van Herk, Bob Vernon.
Problem: Wireworms can damage many cereal and other crops in prairie fields and are difficult to manage after Lindane was de-registered.
Objective of Research: To determine relative abundance and species of wireworms in spring and winter wheat near Lethbridge and effects of a neonicotineoid insecticide on their abundance and damage to wheat plants
Summary of Results: Plots of Emerson (winter wheat) and Carberry (spring wheat) with and without an insecticide seed treatment were selected for sampling. Bait traps were deployed on 28 May and ran over two weeks; soil cores were collected on 6 June. Insects were extracted using Tulgren funnels and manually but data remains to be summarized.
Continuing Research: May be continued pending funding .
Contact: Héctor Cárcamo
Contact List
AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA Beaverlodge Research Farm OTANI, Jennifer. M.Sc. Beaverlodge Research Farm P.O. Box 29 Beaverlodge, Alberta T0H 0C0 Tel. 780-354-5132 E-mail: [email protected]
Lethbridge Research Centre CÁRCAMO, Héctor PhD Lethbridge Research Centre 5403 - 1 Avenue South
PO BOX 3000 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1 Telephone: 403-317-2247 Email: [email protected] Lethbridge Research Centre BERES, Brian PhD 5403 - 1 Avenue South PO BOX 3000 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1 Telephone: 403-317-2251 Fax: 403-382-3156 Email: [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional DOSDALL, Lloyd PhD Science University of Alberta 4-16E Agriculture/Forestry Ctr Edmonton, AB Canada T6G 2P5 Telephone: 780-492-6893 Fax: 780-492-4265 Email: [email protected] Department of Biological Sciences EVENDEN, Maya PhD University of Alberta ES 214A, Biological Sciences Edmonton, AB Canada T6G 2P5 Telephone: 780-492-1873 Fax: 780-492-9234 Email: [email protected]
OLDS COLLEGE School of Environment FRY, Ken PhD Olds College 4500, 50th St Olds, AB Canada T4H 1R6 Telephone: 403-556-8261 Fax: 403-556- 4713 Email: [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE Department of Biological Sciences HERVET, Vincent, MSc Candidate University of Lethbridge, Department of
Biological Sciences, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, tel. 403-327-4561 ext. 4244, e-mail: [email protected] Department of Geography (Biogeography) JOHNSON, Dan, PhD
University of Lethbridge, Department of Geography (Biogeography), 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, tel. 403-329-2040, e-mail: [email protected]
ALBERTA AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT MEERS, Scott, MSc Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Crop Diversificiation Centre, S 301 Horticultural Station Road East, Brooks, Alberta, T1R 1E6, e-mail: [email protected]
DOW AGROSCIENCES CANADA INC. TANSEY, James, PhD Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. Suite 2100 - 450 1st Street SW Calgary, AB T2P 5H1, e-mail: [email protected]
2013 Saskatchewan Research Report Western Committee on Crop Pests Winnipeg, MB, Oct. 7-9, 2013
Striped flea beetle Photo: AAFC-Saskatoon
Leafcutting bee Photo: W. Goerzen
Aster leafhopper nymph Photo: C. Olivier
Swede midge larvae Photo: J. Soroka
SASKATCHEWAN ALFALFA LEAFCUTTING BEE
Title: Research on parasitoids and disease in Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations.
Author: D.W. Goerzen
Problem: The alfalfa leafcutting bee, Megachile rotundata, is an important pollinator of alfalfa and hybrid canola grown for seed production in western Canada. Infestations of the chalcid parasitoid Pteromalus venustus are currently a problem in many alfalfa leafcutting bee populations. Other factors which may limit alfalfa leafcutting bee reproduction are occurrence of chalkbrood disease, Ascosphaera aggregata, and occurrence of a related fungal disease, Ascosphaera larvis.
Objective of Research: This research project is designed to evaluate parasitoid and disease levels in Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, and to develop strategies which will assist producers in maintaining high quality alfalfa leafcutting bee populations in order to enhance alfalfa seed and hybrid canola seed production, and increase the value of the bees in export markets.
Summary of Results: Occurrence of the chalcid parasitoid, P. venustus, was evaluated in a 2012 - 2013 winter survey of Saskatchewan alfalfa leafcutting bee populations. The parasitoid was detected in 0.71% (range 0.00 - 3.03% / sd 0.85) of bee cells analysed from individual samples submitted by Saskatchewan producers (n = 68). P. venustus was present in 61.8% of alfalfa leafcutting bee populations surveyed. This chalcid parasitoid has traditionally been controlled during the spring alfalfa leafcutting bee incubation period with dichlorvos resin strips; dichlorvos has been implicated in alfalfa leafcutting bee mortality and is among the organophosphate insecticides under continuing review by the PMRA and the EPA. Work is currently underway to identify alternative compounds (including organic volatiles, and other non- conventional pest control agents) which might be incorporated into new strategies for the control of P. venustus in M. rotundata populations. Occurrence of chalkbrood disease (A. aggregata) is currently a major problem in northwestern U.S. alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, with levels exceeding 30% in some areas. Chalkbrood disease is present at varying levels in western Canadian alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, with occurrence of the disease most prevalent in parts of southern Alberta and Manitoba. Paraformaldehyde fumigation and bleach dipping are currently utilized to treat alfalfa leafcutting bee nest material / bee cells for control of a broad range of microflora, including Ascosphaera species. Work is currently underway to identify alternative disease control strategies which might be efficacious for the control of A. aggregata and A. larvis in M. rotundata populations.
Continuing Research: Research to monitor parasitoid and disease levels in SK alfalfa leafcutting bee populations, and to develop strategies which will assist producers in controlling these problems, is ongoing.
Contact: D.W Goerzen, Research Scientist. 127 E - 116 Research Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 3R3 e-mail: [email protected]
AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA SASKATOON RESEARCH CENTER
1. Title: Identity, distribution, and seasonal phenology of parasitoids of the swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Europe
Author and Associates: O. Olfert, J. Soroka, R. Weiss
Problem: Swede midge, is an invasive insect pest of canola and other horticultural crucifer crops. It is believed to be is native to Europe and southwest Asia, Damage is caused by larvae to the growing tips of host plants, resulting in distorted stems, leaves and flowers. It was first detected in Ontario in 2000, but populations have since been confirmed in Québec, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan (2008). Our bioclimatic models have predicted that swede midge could potentially be established in most Canadian province. In 2013, a significantly large area of canola crops showed symptoms of swede midge damage in north east Saskatchewan.
Objectives of Research: We had developed a bioclimatic model for predicting range and the relative abundance of swede midge in 2006 in order to develop a better understanding of the potential risks to canola in western Canada. In light of the outbreak of swede midge in northeast Saskatchewan in 2013, we examined the impact of updated weather data to assess the influence of recent meteorological conditions on swede midge success. Swede midge model simulations were run for 2010-2013 to assess whether meteorological conditions may help explain increased populations in 2013.
Summary of Results. On a regional scale, the model parameters Growth Index (GI) and Moisture Index (MI) appeared to explain potential increase in swede midge pest status in recent years. Wetter conditions resulted in higher GI and MI values.
Based on the bioclimate model, swede midge population growth rates are affected by two variables: (i) Soil Moisture: Pupal emergence related to temperature and precipitation. Pupal development and subsequent adult emergence can be delayed by cool temperatures and dry conditions. Cool conditions in spring can reduce pupal emergence. Even when temperature conditions are conducive to pupal development, dry conditions can delay appearance of adults. This was predicted to occur in May, 2011. (ii) Temperatures during oviposition: This factor may dramatically affect egg production. Cool May temperatures (9.6 and 10.9oC) associated with first generation adults was shown to result in low oviposition rates (122 and 117 per day) in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Conversely, warmer temperatures (13.6 and 16.5oC) were predicted to result in higher oviposition rates (412 and 328 eggs) in 2011 and 2013, respectively. May, 2013, was 1.6-2.0 oC warmer than any other May in the four year period. Though May rainfall was below average, significant rainfall was reported in mid-May. This resulted in first generation adults appearing in mid-May and first generation oviposition was predicted to begin shortly after.. The second generation occurred in the third week of June and a third generation in mid-July. Although, July was one of the coolest in 2013, rainfall occurred just as pupae were preparing to emerge, resulting in rapid emergence of third generation adults. Third generation adult densities peaked by July 15. Based on peak adult counts, generation numbers were predicted to be 56, 281, and 2215 for generations 1-3. Compared to 2012, the third generation in 2013 was projected to be 3.5 times greater.
Based on peak adult counts, swede midge populations have the potential (relative to 2012) to be very high in the fourth generation in early August (and a potential fifth generation in late August).
References: A.M. Mika, R.M. Weiss, O. Olfert, R.H. Hallett, J.A. Newman. 2008. Will climate change be beneficial or detrimental to the invasive swede midge in North America? Contrasting predictions using climate projections from different general circulation models. Global Change Biology 14: pp. 1721–1733.
O. Olfert, R. Hallett, R.M. Weiss, J. Soroka, S. Goodfellow. 2006. Potential distribution and relative abundance of swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii, an invasive pest in Canada. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 120: 221–228.
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2. Title: Bioclimatic analyses of distributions of a parasitoid, Peristenus digoneutis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and its host species, Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae)
Author and Associates: T. Haye, O. Olfert, R. Weiss, T. Gariepy, B. Broadbent, U. Kuhlmann
Follow up on citation that was listed in press in WCCP-2012: Tim Haye, Owen Olfert, Ross M. Weiss, Tara D. Gariepy, Bruce Broadbent and Ulrich Kuhlmann. 2013. Bioclimatic analyses of distributions of a parasitoid Peristenus digoneutis and its host species Lygus spp. in Europe and North America Agricultural and Forest Entomology 13: 43-55.
Contact: Owen Olfert, AAFC-Saskatoon 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2
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# 3. Title: Evaluation of seed treatments for control of aster leafhoppers and suppression of aster yellows.
Author and associates: C. Olivier and B. Elliott (AAFC-Saskatoon).
Problem: No methods are available to control Aster Yellow in canola crops.
Objective of research: Evaluate seed treatments for control of aster leafhoppers and suppression of aster yellows in canola
Summary of results: A three-year laboratory and field study was initiated to evaluate seed treatments for control of aster leafhoppers and suppression of aster yellows (AY). The laboratory bioassays will focus on identifying seed treatments that provide the best control of leafhoppers and greatest reduction in the transmission of AY. In the experiments we will also assess the influence of temperature and soil moisture on efficacy and determine how long the seed treatments provide effective control and suppression. Field tests will be conducted annually on canola mustard, Clearfield canola and RR canola. Assessments will focus on the effects of the seed treatments on incidence of AY and agronomic performance including stand establishment, seedling growth, biomass accumulation and seed yield.
Continuing research: Project funded by SaskCanola and industry, and ends in March 2016.
Contact: Chrystel Olivier / Bob Elliott, AAFC-Saskatoon Research Centre 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada [email protected] / [email protected]
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# 4. Title: Phytoplasma genomics.
Author and associates: C. Olivier and T. Dumonceaux (AAFC-Saskatoon).
Problem: PCR tests using 16Sr genes are routinely used to detect and identify phytoplasma strains. However, fine differentiations between strains are difficult with the highly conserved 16Sr gene. The use of other genes, such as the chaperonine is being investigated.
Objective of research: Develop PCR tests that can detect and identify all strains of phytoplasma. The use of genes other than 16Sr is being investigated.
Summary of results: A new cpn60-based PCR was developed that compared very favorably to 16S- based methods. A new technique using oligonucleotide-coupled fluorescent beads for typing Phytoplasma samples is being studied. This 5-plex method enables the simultaneous detection and typing of samples potentially infected with Phytoplasma, and preliminary results have shown that it can discern Phytoplasma types that are indistinguishable by 16S-based typing. Finally, a very rapid cpn60-based molecular screening tool for Phytoplasma using loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP) is also being developed.
Continuing research: Project funded by the Genomic Research and Development Initiative, and ends in March 2015.
Contact: Chrystel Olivier / Tim Dumonceaux, AAFC-Saskatoon Research Centre 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada [email protected] / [email protected]
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# 5. Title: Towards understanding phytoplasma infection in canola: potential seed transmission and epigenetic effect.
Author and associates: C. Olivier, T. Dumonceaux and S. Robinson (AAFC-Saskatoon)
Problem: AY DNA has been detected in seeds sampled from AY-infected canola plants, as well as in the seedlings from these original seeds, suggesting potential seed transmission. The seedlings developed into malformed plants, suggesting the presence of an epigenetic effects triggered by phytoplasma infection.
Objective of research: The objectives are to develop immunolabeling techniques using Cpn60 antibodies to visualize phytoplasma in canola seeds and seedlings, to investigate the epigenetic effect of phytoplasma infection and to establish a quantitative profile of phytohormones in AY-infected canola.
Summary of results: Experiments started in June 2013 and are ongoing.
Continuing research: Project funded by A-base, and ends in March 2016.
Contact: Chrystel Olivier / Tim Dumonceaux, AAFC-Saskatoon Research Centre 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada [email protected] / [email protected]
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# 6. Title: Develop and validate a dynamic action threshold tool for aphid management in cereal crops in the prairies
Author and associates: C. Olivier and T. Wist (AAFC-Saskatoon)
Problem: Economic threshold of aphids have been developed in western Canada and are available to growers, but they do not take into consideration the population of natural enemies.
Objective of research: Develop a dynamic action threshold tool for aphid management in cereal crops in the prairies
Summary of results: Based on Rebecca’s Hallet’s work developing a dynamic action threshold (DAT) for aphids (see Aphid Advisor App), this projects aims to establish a similar dynamic action threshold for aphids in cereal crops. In the first year, the study sampled fields across AB and SK. English cereal aphid was found to be the primary aphid species. Main generalist predators observed were green lacewing larvae, lady beetle adults and larvae, minute pirate bugs, and damsel bugs. The adults of two aphid parasitoids were identified: Aphidius avenaphis and Aphilinus varipes. The Dymex software will be used to model aphid population growth. The DAT is anticipated to also account for the number of natural enemies present in the field, so no sprays are anticipated if sufficient enemies are present to maintain aphids below economic damage level.
Continuing research: Project funded by Pest management Centre, and ends in March 2014.
Contact: Chrystel Olivier / Tyler Wist, AAFC-Saskatoon Research Centre 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X2, Canada [email protected] / [email protected]
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#7. Title: Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata): Genomics, population dynamics and biodiversity of pest and pathogens.
Author and Associates: M.A. Erlandson, D.D. Hegedus, O. Olfert, T. Gariepy, C. Donly and D.A. Theilmann
Problem: The bertha armyworm (BAW), Mamestra configurata, is one of the major insect pests of canola in western Canada. Despite the importance of this pest insect, little is known about BAW biodiversity, either in terms of genetic variation in populations from across its vast geographic range or whether differential susceptibilities or responses to insecticides or pathogens occur in different populations. However, there is evidence of differential responses to pheromone lures in some populations leading to potential problems with the predictive value of trap counts. As well, there has been no attempt to determine whether the genetic makeup of outbreak populations differ from that of populations at lower endemic levels. A better understanding of the genome and genetic variation of this pest species will be critical to the implementation of biologically-based control strategies, including the use of biopesticides or transgenic crops.
Objective of Research: In collaboration with the Prairie Insect Pest Monitoring Network, we are sampling BAW from across its geographic range and these samples will be used to examine BAW genetic diversity. This will be done using existing DNA marker technology, but also via genomics approaches to develop more comprehensive DNA markers of genetic diversity studies. As part of this process, we will use new high throughput DNA sequencing technology to generate sequence data that can also be used to produce genetic maps of BAW and contribute toward the eventual completion of a whole BAW genome sequence. As well isolates of the baculovirus, Mametra configurata nucleopolyhedrovirus (MacoNPV) are being sampled from geographic BAW populations and high throughput DNA sequencing will be undertaken to generate complete genome sequences for comparative studies and to identify novel genes that may be exploited in novel insect control methods.
Summary of Results: During the two field seasons of this study we sampled and cataloged approximately 6000 adult male specimens from BAW pheromone and light traps from widely dispersed geographic regions in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. DNA has been extracted from approximately 1000 male moths; of these 800 were analyzed using cytochrome oxidase “bar coding” markers to determine if geographic isotypes occur. Of the 600 moths identified as BAW by bar coding, 570 were grouped into a single haplotype and rest grouped into 10 additional haplotypes with few individuals. Interestingly, pheromone trap collections from the Beaverlodge area of the Peace River region contained a significant proportion of non-BAW noctuid moths. In addition, BAW DNA samples from subsamples from across western Canada were analyzed with rRNA trancscript primers to determine if geographic variation occurs in this potential genetic marker and for comparative purposes for the CARP cutworm molecular marker project. Unfortunately neither bar code nor rRNA sequences will be useful for genetic diversity studies. DNA samples from an inbred BAW colony were processed via high throughput DNA sequencing and the resulting DNA sequence libraries are being used to assemble a draft BAW genome. In addition, “genotyping by sequencing libraries” were developed from 100 male moth samples from 10 widely dispersed geographic areas in order to screen for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) markers which will be useful genetic diversity studies. During the course of the larval surveys in both 2012 and 2013, it was evident that wide spread epizootics of both the baculovirus, MacoNPV, and an Entomophthorales fungal disease occurred in late instar BAW populations across western Canada and caused significant population reductions. Approximately, 50 MacoNPV single-infected larva isolates have been isolated and characterized. Preliminary genetic analysis has shown that there are two distinct species of baculovirus infecting BAW larval populations and whole genome sequencing has been completed on a number of isolates of both species, MacoNPV-A and MacoNPV-B. Selected virus isolates are now being tested for differences in infectivity and virulence to BAW larvae.
Continuing Research: This project is funded through March 31, 2014. As well, we have received additional AAFC Peer Review Project funding to conduct research on BAW genetic variation and its implication for potential impact on geographic differences in BAW populations with respect to pest status and response to pheromone trapping efficiency.
Contact: Martin Erlandson, AAFC-Saskatoon, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X [email protected]
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# 8. Title: Trophic and Community Influences on Biological Control of Arthropod Pests of Crops: developing modern approaches to sustainable management of crop pests and providing scientific advice to improve the regulation of exotic biological control agents.
Author and Associates: Julie Soroka AAFC Saskatoon, Jennifer Otani, AAFC Beaverlodge, John Gavloski MAFRI, Carman; Dave Gillespie, AAFC Agassiz, PI
Problem: Flea beetles are the most economically important chronic insect pests of canola production on the Canadian prairies. Parasitism of Phyllotreta cruciferae by native parasitoids is very low. P. striolata may be a preferred host.
Objective of Research: To establish base line levels of species and distributions of flea beetle parasitoids at four sites across the prairies.
Summary of Results: Flea beetles were collected from mustard traps set near canola fields at Beaverlodge, AB, Melfort and Saskatoon, SK, and Carman, MB, over the course of the season and sent to our lab at Saskatoon. Collections were separated into species and reared in cages in a growth chamber until parasitoids emerged. Parasitoids are continuing to emerge, but preliminary results indicate that parasitism from all localities is very low; only one parasitoid species, Microctonus vittatae Muesebeck, was recovered; and to date there is no indication that the parasitism rate on P. striolata is greater than that on P. cruciferae.
Continuing Research: This is the last year for this project.
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#9 . Title: Improve decision-making for monitoring and management of alfalfa weevil in alfalfa crops on the prairies.
Author and Associates: Julie Soroka, AAFC Saskatoon, hector Carcamo, AAFC Lethbridge, Scott Meers and Shelley Barkley, Alberta Agriculture, Scott Hartley, Saskatchewan Agriculture, John Gavloski, Manitoba Agriculture, and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Forage Specialists Bilegatu, Lyndon Hicks, Lorne Klein, Trevor Lennox, and Nadia Mori.
Problem: Insects, particularly alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyll.), have been of growing concern to alfalfa hay producers of Saskatchewan. There is a need for more accurate information on timing of application of control measures for the pest and on the presence of natural biological control agents.
Objective of Research: To validate a model to forecast alfalfa weevil development in relation to alfalfa growth stages across the prairies; and b) to determine knowledge on the prevalence of biological control agents and their impact on alfalfa weevil management.
Summary of Results: Soil and air temperature probes were placed in 10 alfalfa fields in the three prairie provinces in spring. Alfalfa weevils from these fields were collected by sweeping, usually on a weekly basis, from mid-May until the end of June or into July. The proportion of all developmental stages of the weevil is being determined from the collections, and will be correlated with temperature data. This data will be used to validate growing degree day models that target the appearance of second instar alfalfa weevils, the growth stage that heralds control application. Further, single mass collections of alfalfa weevils were made at each of the sites and returned to Saskatoon, placed in field cages, and allowed to develop. Insects that emerged from these weevils were collected and await identification.
Continuing Research: This project, funded by the Pest Management Centre, Ottawa, will continue for one more year.
#10. Title: Monitoring of swede midge on the prairies utilizing pheromone traps.
Author and Associates: Julie Soroka, Owen Olfert, Chrystel Olivier AAFC Saskatoon, Jennifer Otani AAFC Beaverlodge, John Gavloski Manitoba Agriculture, Scott Hartley, Erin Campbell and Lyndon Hicks Saskatchewan Agriculture, Wade and Kara Annand Ag-Grow Consulting, Amanda White North Star Fertilizers, Mark Gordon Melfort Co-op, Cam Ferguson.
Problem: Swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a devastating new pest in Ontario canola production. Damage to canola caused by the pest was seen on the prairies for the first time in north eastern Saskatchewan in 2012.
Objective of Research: Information on the extent of the infestation and timing of adult population emergence is urgently needed if we are to make rational, accurate control decisions.
Summary of Results: Pheromone traps were set up in or near canola fields at the vegetative growth stage at over 20 sites across western Canada and sticky liners were changed regularly until swathing or later. Swede midges were collected at seven sites in small numbers. However, the proportion of midges on the traps did not appear to reflect numbers in the field in several instances, and swede midge damage to canola was seen in some fields in which the pheromone traps did not catch any male midges.
Continuing Research: When funding is in this this project will continue in expanded format for two more years.
For all projects contact: Name Julie Soroka Agency Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research Centre Mailing address 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2 E-mail [email protected]
Manitoba Entomology Research Report – 2013 to the Western Committee on Crop Pests October 7-9, 2013 Winnipeg, Manitoba
Prepared by John Gavloski Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Carman, Manitoba R0G 0J0 Email: [email protected]
CEREAL CROPS
Title 1. Development of spring wheats with resistance to the wheat midge Sitodiplosis mosellana
Author and Associates: SL Fox ([email protected]), PD Brown, IL Wise ([email protected]), and G. Humphreys, Cereal Research Centre, O.O. Olfert, AAFC Saskatoon and R. DePauw, AAFC Swift Current
Problem: The wheat midge is the most serious insect pest of spring wheat in western Canada. The Sm1 R-gene is the only known genetic source of resistance to the wheat midge and is now broadly distributed in spring wheat breeding programs. Extensive screening for other resistant sources have not been successful.
Summary of Results: Six registered CWRS varieties, a CWES variety, and a CPS variety are available as 90 R: 10 S varietal blends. Information on these cultivars is available at the following website: http://www.midgetolerantwheat.ca/. A northern CWRS line have been advanced in co-operative tests and are expected to be submitted for registration within the next two years. In commercial and experimental yield tests four of the five highest yielding spring wheats are Sm1 varietal blends.
Resistant lines are found throughout the CWRS, CPS, and CWHW breeding programs at levels sufficient to reduce efforts of selection. This allows more lines with other desirable characteristics to be retained in the breeding program for producers who do not need or want midge resistant cultivars and will reduce the need for varietal blends. ------
Title 2. Genetic characterization of the wheat midge resistance gene Sm1
Author and Associates: S. Cloutier, SL Fox, J. Thomas, B. McCallum, G. Humphreys, and IL Wise, Cereal Research Centre
Problem: To deter the development of virulence to wheat varieties with Sm1, varieties are released as varietal blends which require the varietal blend to maintain its R:S proportion through years of cultivation. Genetic maps incorporating mostly microsatellite markers have been developed using populations that segregate for Sm1. The cloning of Sm1 from heterozygous seed would provide perfect markers and would also allow the understanding of the mode of action of the gene in preventing larval growth.
Summary of Results: More than 5000 F2 lines were screened for recombination on the 2BS chromosome where the midge resistance gene Sm1 is located. A little more than 500 lines were identified to have a recombination in the neighborhood of the gene. These F3 lines were grown in the field in 2013 and 12 heads per lines were harvested for determination of resistance to midge during fall 2013. Additional molecular markers were developed around Sm1 to saturate the genic region. Fine-mapping of Sm1 will be performed using the combined genotypic and phenotypic data and improved molecular markers will be identified.
OILSEED CROPS
Title 3. Management of root maggots Delia radicum on oilseed rape in Manitoba
Author and Associates: N.J. Holliday ([email protected]), Dept. of Entomology, University of Manitoba, U. Kuhlmann, CABI Bioscience Centre, Switzerland.
Problem: The cabbage root maggot is a serious pest of canola in many parts of western Canada. Various tillage and seeding practices that lessen damage have been studied because insecticides can not be effectively applied.
Objective of Research: To assess the potential for introducing European parasitoids for control of root maggots (particularly Delia radicum) in canola in Canada. A candidate species, Aleochara bipustulata, is being studied for its efficacy and associated risk.
Summary of Results: The European species, Aleochara bipustulata, is a promising candidate for biological control of root maggots in canola. Its larvae parasitize D. radicum and the adults are predatory on immature D. radicum. Larval parasitism by A. bipustulata does not have negative effects on parasitism of its Canadian congener, A. bilineata. Tests on non-target Diptera, using 18 species in a no-choice system, found another anthomyiid, and four species with very small puparia are attacked. Host pupal size affects adult size and fitness of A. bipustulata and it appears that many A. bipustulata adults in fields with D. radicum, have emerged from smaller hosts. We have examined the interactions between A. bipustulata adults, and the Canadian predators of root maggots, A. bilineata and the carabid Bembidion quadrimaculatum. Overall, outcomes of interactions in laboratory studies do not differ from those predicted if effects of predators are additive. However, in the field, there appeared to be some interference among predators, which shared a common restricted habitat within the cages. In laboratory arenas in which 30 different non-target potential prey items were offered in no-choice tests, D. radicum eggs and immature carabid beetles were readily consumed. Molecular markers have been used to estimate consumption of root maggots and carabids by A. bipustulata adults in the field: 18% of adults were positive for D. radicum DNA, but no A. bipustulata adults contained DNA of either of the two commonest carabid beetles. The role of organic sulphur compounds in host and prey location and acceptance by adults and larvae of A. bilineata and A. bipustulata has been studied. The compounds cause larvae of both species to be arrested, and elevate levels of parasitism of D. radicum puparia. The responses by adults are anemotactic, and age-dependent.
PULSE CROPS
Title 4. Economic significance of populations of mirid bugs in beans
Authors and Associates: N.J. Holliday ([email protected]), Dept of Entomology, U of Manitoba
Problem: In Manitoba, insecticides are sometimes applied to control of lygus bugs and alfalfa plant bugs in dry edible beans. No thresholds are available for assisting bean producers to make economically sound decisions about the need for control of plant bugs in dry beans or soybeans in Manitoba.
Objective of Research: To develop economic injury levels for lygus bugs (and if necessary alfalfa plant bugs) on dry edible beans and to document seasonal patterns of occurrence of plant bugs on dry edible beans and soybeans.
Summary of Results: Field surveys of dry beans and soybeans from 2008–2011 showed that three species of lygus bugs and some alfalfa plant bugs were present but that at least 83% of all mirids in the crops were Lygus lineolaris and about 5% were Adelphocoris lineolatus. Both L. lineolaris and A. lineolatus can reproduce and develop to adulthood in both crops. In each year, samples of beans were harvested for yield quantity and quality estimates, but there was no evidence of yield reductions attributable to plant bugs during the three years of surveys. Laboratory and field cage studies have been performed to characterize the injury inflicted on dry edible beans by Lygus lineolaris, and the consequences for yield. The main effects of lygus feeding before pod formation are abortion of developing reproductive structures. During seed-filling, feeding appears to be concentrated at the funiculus, through which nutrients flow to the seed, and seed shrivelling results. As seeds near maturity, the main injury is pitting of the seed coat. In our field cage studies, we have been able to demonstrate strong relationships between lygus bug densities and yield quantity in some trials, but not in others. ------
Title 5. Soybean aphid predation across different agricultural landscapes in Manitoba
Authors and Associates: Costamagna, A. C. and Samaranayake, K. G. L. I., Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba.
Objective of Research: A field study was conducted in sixteen soybean fields to compare natural enemy suppression of soybean and pea aphids in different landscapes in Manitoba. Natural enemy manipulations consisted in complete cage exclusion versus open controls using sentinel aphids on potted soybean plants. Landscapes were selected to represent a range from highly agricultural with very small proportion of natural areas to moderate agricultural with more extensive natural areas. Fields were located in Emerson, Morris, Carman, La Broquerie, Glenlea and Gimli. In addition, in each field in one border we monitored natural enemy movement using bidirectional malaise traps.
Summary of Results: Preliminary results indicate strong to moderate suppression of soybean aphid in all fields studied. Malaise trap samples are still been processing to assess natural enemy movement between neighboring fields. Records of all habitats in a 2 km radius from the field studied have been taken and are being entered to digital maps in GIS to quantify landscape structure variables.
MULTIPLE CROPS
Title 6. Habitat management strategies for control of cutworms in field crops in Manitoba.
Authors and Associates: R.W.M.U.M Wanigasekara1, W. Lodge-Zaparnick1, Dr. Y. Lawley2, and Dr. B. Sharanowski1 1Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, 2Department of Plant Sciences, University of Manitoba, . Problem: Cutworms are difficult to control in agricultural crops as they are subterranean and nocturnal and are usually sporadically distributed within fields. Parasitoid wasps provide a natural means of control of cutworms. Unfortunately, we have a very limited understanding of which parasitoid species use cutworms as hosts in Manitoba, and how effective they are at controlling cutworm populations. Providing additional resources for parasitoids, such as cover crops, can help increase parasitism rates and bring control of pests to below economic thresholds.
Objective of Research: To examine the parasitoid species attacking cutworms in Manitoba and investigated their effectiveness to control cutworms. To investigate habitat management strategies for increasing the effectiveness of parasitoids as control agents of cutworms.
Summary of Results: During the summer 2013 we identified and characterized the plant resources (cover crops) that can attract and provide nutrition for Copidosoma bakeri. We observed that food inexperienced parasitoids are more attracted to yellow compared to the white and green. These wasps also prefer the flower odour of canola and mustard over camelina and buckwheat. Further, canola, camelina, buckwheat and mustard significantly enhanced the longevity of C. bakeri compared to water. Therefore, cover crops offer the potential to increase parasitism rates of cutworms by C. bakeri, leading to enhanced biocontrol through sustainable means. ------
Title 7. Molecular approaches for understanding the Peristenus pallipes complex (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) to facilitate classical biocontrol against Lygus bugs.
Authors and Associates: Y.M Zhang1 and Dr. B. Sharanowski1 1Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2.
Problem: Species of Peristenus are important biological control agents of plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae), in particular the large genus Lygus. Peristenus attacks early nymphal instars of mirids and kill their hosts in the late nymphal or adult stage. The European species Peristenus digoneutis and Peristenus relictus were successfully introduced to eastern North America to control Lygus populations in alfalfa and other crops, and the introduction to central North America is being considered. The central problem associated with Peristenus taxonomy is the Peristenus pallipes species complex. Members of the P. pallipes complex are Holarctic in distribution, ranging from temperate to boreal regions. To date there are nine Nearctic species; however, they are often unidentifiable without detailed biological data. Therefore, studies on the number of native Peristenus species and their biology are crucial to ensure the successful introduction the European Peristenus species to central North America as a potential biological control of Lygus.
Objectives of Research: This will include a taxonomic revision of the Holarctic species with a particular focus on the P. pallipes species complex. By combining traditional alpha taxonomy with state- of-the-art molecular techniques, this research on Peristenus will provide insight into their evolutionary relationships. Furthermore, updating the host records will help in assessing the host specificity of different Peristenus species, leading to the development of accurate identification tools as potential biocontrol agents against invasive pests and help determine impacts on native parasitoid prior to introducing foreign biological control agent.
Summary of Results: During the summer of 2013 adult Peristenus were collected from various sites in Manitoba, Alberta, and Ontario. Genomic DNA was extracted from these specimens, and 2 genes were sequenced (COI and Cyt B), while primers for intronic genes are currently being developed. Additional sequences are being supplemented by the Barcode of Life Database and GenBank, and phylogenetic analyses will be performed to examine the validity of members of Peristenus pallipes complex. These voucher specimens will be compared morphologically with museum specimens from the Canadian National Collection and Swedish Museum of Natural History.