Digging into Research
The economic threshold when insecticide application should be initiated was calculated at 6 larvae per 10 shoots at the low market price, 4 larvae at the average price and 3 for the high price. A decision matrix was developed based on a full range of...
The average economic threshold (ET) was calculated at 34 to 50 aphids per main stem. This ET offers a 7-day lead time prior to aphid populations exceeding the economic injury level of 96 to 142 aphids per faba bean main stem. A major insect pest of...
Lygus populations varied from year to year and by geographic location. More rainfall in the grey and moist black soil zones resulted in lower Lygus abundance. The Lygus genus is a diverse group with over 11,000 species, with four species being important pests on the Prairies:...
Canola yield increased with increasing plant stand no matter flea beetle density, flea beetle control methods or geographic regions. Insecticide seed treatment and foliar spray at threshold level produced similar yield. Flea beetles are a perennial pest issue on the Canadian Prairies. Insecticide-coated canola seed, primarily...
Bioclimate simulation models were used to understand how abiotic factors affect canola yield and cabbage seedpod weevil distribution and abundance. Cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) was introduced to North America from Europe, and was first collected in the Canadian Prairies in southern Alberta in 1995. The...
Flea beetle feeding damage was similar for striped and crucifer species. Carabid and spider predators helped to reduce feeding damage, especially at low plant populations. Feeding damage increased as temperatures increased, while less damage was observed at higher plant populations. Striped and crucifer flea beetles are...
Economic losses due to insect pests is estimated at over $204 million in an ‘average’ year. Every year, insect pests cause substantial economic losses on the Prairies. Yet there is no estimate of the total economic cost from insect damage. A review was conducted to develop...
A field survey of alfalfa seed insect pests and their predators found inconsistent patterns in seasonal abundance, predator diversity, and correlation between pests and predators. These inconsistent patterns were most likely due to differences in environmental conditions between years. Alfalfa seed production on the Prairies cover...
In alfalfa seed fields sweep-net sampling was the most effective sampling tool tested for adult alfalfa weevils. Early season scouting for alfalfa weevil adults can be a predictor of larval development to allow earlier management decisions, especially on intermediate- and old-aged alfalfa stands that had...
Most overwintering parasitoid cocoons (>80%) occurred in the bottom third of standing wheat stems from 0 to six inches (0-15 cm). Cutting wheat at six inches or higher at harvest increased Bracon cephi spring emergence by 40%, while cutting just below the wheat head increased...
