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Ross Weiss, Tamara Rounce, Owen Olfert, Jennifer Otani and Meghan Vankosky
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Week 15
TEMPERATURE: Average temperatures for the 2022 growing season continue to be similar to long-term average values. This past week (August 8-14, 2022), the average daily temperature for the prairies was 2 °C warmer than the previous week and 2.5 °C warmer than climate normals. The warmest temperatures were observed across southwestern Saskatchewan and the southern and central regions of Alberta (Fig. 1). The prairie-wide average 30-day temperature (July 16 – August 14, 2022) was 1.5 °C warmer than the long-term average 30-day temperature. Average temperatures have been warmest across southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan (Fig. 2).
Figure 1. Seven-day average temperature (°C) across the Canadian prairies for the period of August 8-14, 2022.Figure 2. 30-day average temperature (°C) across the Canadian prairies for the period of July 16 to August 14, 2022.
The average growing season (April 1-August 14, 2022) temperature for the prairies has been similar to observed climate normal values. The growing season has been coolest across the Peace River region (Fig. 3).
Figure 3. Growing season average temperature (°C) observed across the Canadian prairies for the period of April 1 to August 14, 2022.
PRECIPITATION: The greatest weekly precipitation amounts occurred across eastern Saskatchewan last week (August 8-14, 2022) (Fig. 4). 30-day (July 16-August 14, 2022) rainfall amounts continue to be greatest across southeastern Manitoba while dry conditions persist across southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan (Fig. 5).
Figure 4 Seven-day cumulative rainfall (mm) observed across the Canadian prairies for the period of August 8-14, 2022.Figure 5. 30-day cumulative rainfall (mm) observed across the Canadian prairies the past 30 days (July 16 to August 14, 2022).
Growing season rainfall for the prairies (April 1 – August 14, 2022) has been near normal for Alberta and above normal in Manitoba. Total rainfall continues to be greatest across Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan and least across central and south-central Saskatchewan (Fig. 6).
Figure 6. Growing season cumulative rainfall (mm) observed across the Canadian prairies for the period of April 1 to August 14, 2022.
Ross Weiss, Tamara Rounce, David Giffen, Owen Olfert, Jennifer Otani and Meghan Vankosky
Categories
Week 15
The grasshopper (Acrididae: Melanoplus sanguinipes) model predicts development using biological parameters known for the pest species and environmental data observed across the Canadian prairies on a daily basis. Model outputs provided below as geospatial maps are a tool to help time in-field scouting on a regional scale yet local development can vary and is only accurately assessed through in-field scouting.
Model simulations were used to estimate grasshopper development as of August 14, 2022. Potential risk continues to be greatest across central and southern regions of Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta. Simulations indicate that prairie populations are in the adult stage and females are beginning to lay eggs in the soil. Earlier oviposition can result in above-average production of eggs and increased overwintering survival of eggs.
The oviposition index provides a method to assess where egg production is greatest; higher oviposition index values indicate where egg production is greatest. Model runs for the 2022 growing season (April 1 – August 14) predicted that ovipositon rates so far in 2022 have been greatest across southern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes) oviposition index across the Canadian prairies as of August 14, 2022 . Higher ovipositional index values indicate greater potential for oviposition.
Ross Weiss, Tamara Rounce, David Giffen, Owen Olfert, Jennifer Otani and Meghan Vankosky
Categories
Week 15
Diamondback moths (DBM; Plutella xylostella) are a migratory invasive species. Each spring adult populations migrate northward to the Canadian prairies on wind currents from infested regions in the southern or western U.S.A. Upon arrival to the prairies, migrant diamondback moths begin to reproduce and this results in subsequent non-migrant populations that may have three or four generations during the growing season.
Recent warm conditions have resulted in the rapid development of diamondback moth populations. Model simulations to August 14, 2022, indicate that the fourth generation of non-migrant adults (based on mid-May arrival dates) are currently occurring across the southern prairies (Fig. 1). DBM development is predicted to be marginally greater in 2022 than expected based on long-term average values (Fig. 2).
Figure 1. Predicted number of non-migrant generations of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) expected to have occurred across the Canadian prairies as of August 14, 2022. Figure 2. Long-term predicted number of non-migrant generations of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) expected to have occurred across the Canadian prairies as of August 14, based on climate normal data.
In-Field Monitoring:Remove plants in an area measuring 0.1 m² (about 12″ square), beat them onto a clean surface and count the number of larvae (Fig. 2) dislodged from the plant. Repeat this procedure at least in five locations in the field to get an accurate count.
Figure 3. Diamondback larva measuring ~8mm long. Note brown head capsule and forked appearance of prolegs on posterior.
The economic threshold for diamondback moth in canola at the advanced pod stage is 20 to 30 larvae/ 0.1 m² (approximately 2-3 larvae per plant). Economic thresholds for canola or mustard in the early flowering stage are not available. However, insecticide applications are likely required at larval densities of 10 to 15 larvae/ 0.1 m² (approximately 1-2 larvae per plant).
Figure 4. Diamondback moth pupa within silken cocoon.
On the Canadian prairies, lygus bugs (Heteroptera: Miridae) are normally a complex of several native species usually including Lygus lineolaris, L. keltoni, L. borealis, L. elisus although several more species are distributed throughout Canada. The species of Lygus forming the “complex” can vary by host plant, by region or even seasonally.
Lygus bugs are polyphagous (i.e., feed on plants belonging to several Families of plants) and multivoltine (i.e., capable of producing multiple generations per year). Both the adult (Fig. 1) and five nymphal instar stages (Fig. 2) are a sucking insect that focuses feeding activities on developing buds, pods and seeds. Adults overwinter in northern climates. The economic threshold for Lygus in canola is applied at late flower and early pod stages.
Recent research in Alberta has resulted in a revision to the thresholds recommended for the management of Lygus in canola. Under ideal growing conditions (i.e., ample moisture) a threshold of 20-30 lygus per 10 sweeps is recommended. Under dry conditions, a lower threshold may be used, however, because drought limits yield potential in canola, growers should be cautious if considering the use of foliar-applied insecticide at lygus densities below the established threshold of 20-30 per 10 sweeps.In drought-affected fields that still support near-average yield potential, a lower threshold of ~20 lygus per 10 sweeps may be appropriate for stressed canola. Even if the current value of canola remains high (e.g., >$19.00 per bu), control at densities of <10 lygus per 10 sweeps is not likely to be economical. Research indicates that lygus numbers below 10 per 10 sweeps (one per sweep) can on occasion increase yield in good growing conditions – likely through plant compensation for a small amount of feeding stress.
Figure 1. Adult Lygus lineolaris (5-6 mm long) (photo: AAFC-Saskatoon).
Figure 2. Fifth instar lygus bug nymph (3-4 mm long) (photo: AAFC-Saskatoon).
Damage: Lygus bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts and physically damage the plant by puncturing the tissue and sucking plant juices. The plants also react to the toxic saliva that the insects inject when they feed. Lygus bug infestations can cause alfalfa to have short stem internodes, excessive branching, and small, distorted leaves. In canola, lygus bugs feed on buds and blossoms and cause them to drop. They also puncture seed pods and feed on the developing seeds causing them to turn brown and shrivel.
Scouting tips to keep in mind: Begin monitoring canola when it bolts and continues until seeds within the pods are firm. Since adults can move into canola from alfalfa, check lygus bug numbers in canola when nearby alfalfa crops are cut.
Sample the crop for lygus bugs on a sunny day when the temperature is above 20 °C and the crop canopy is dry. With a standard insect net (38 cm diameter), take ten 180 ° sweeps. Count the number of lygus bugs in the net. Sampling becomes more representative IF repeated at multiple spots within a field so sweep in at least 10 locations within a field to estimate the density of lygus bugs.
Biological and monitoring information related to Lygus in field crops is posted by the provinces of Manitoba or Alberta fact sheets or the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network’s monitoring protocol. Also refer to the Lygus pages within the “Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management field guide” (2018) accessible as a free downloadable PDF in either English or French on our new Field Guides page. The Canola Council of Canada’s “Canola Encyclopedia” also summarizes Lygus bugs. The Flax Council of Canada includes Lygus bugs in their Insect Pest downloadable PDF chapter plus the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers summarize Lygus bugs in faba beans.
The PHI refers to the minimum number of days between a pesticide application and swathing or straight combining of a crop. The PHI recommends sufficient time for a pesticide to break down. PHI values are both crop- and pesticide-specific. Adhering to the PHI is important for a number of health-related reasons but also because Canada’s export customers strictly regulate and test for the presence of trace residues of pesticides.
Here are a few resources to help: • Information about PHI and Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) is available on the Keep It Clean website. • The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has a fact sheet, “Understanding Preharvest Intervals for Pesticides” or download a free PDF copy. • Use Keep It Clean’s “Spray to Swath Interval Calculator” to accurately estimate: ◦ PHI for canola, chickpeas, lentils, faba beans, dry beans, or peas. ◦ How long to wait, if the crop has already been sprayed. ◦ To find a pesticide to suit your timeline. • Access the Pre-Harvest Glyphosate Stage Guide. • And remember Provincial crop protection guides include the PHI for every pesticide x crop combination. The 2022 Crop Production Guides are available as a FREE downloadable PDF for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
David Giffen, Owen Olfert, Jennifer Otani and Meghan Vankosky
Categories
Week 15
The following is offered to help predict when Culex tarsalis, the vector for West Nile Virus, will begin to fly across the Canadian prairies. This week, regions most advanced in degree-day accumulations for Culex tarsalis are shown in Figure 1 but the unusual heat across the prairies greatly accelerated mosquito development!
As of August 14, 2022and where present, C. tarsalis development has progressed. Remember, areas highlighted yellow have accumulated sufficient heat units for the second generation of C. tarsalis to fly. Many areas of the prairies well exceed the 250-300 DD of base 14.3 °C (e.g., areas orange red any any shade of pink) represented in Figure 1. Outdoor enthusiasts falling within areas highlighted yellow, orange, red or pink should wear DEET to protect against WNV! Historically, southern and central regions of the Canadian prairies are at increased risk for WNV from late July but typically peaks over the long weekend in August.
Figure 1. Predicted development of Culex tarsalis across the Canadian prairies (as of August 14, 2022).
For those following the specifics of the mosquito host-WNV interaction, Figure 2 projects how many days it will take a C. tarsalis female to become fully infective and be able to transmit the virus to another host (bird or human) once the virus is acquired from another bird. This represents the extrinsic incubation period (EIP) of the virus within the mosquito. Figure 2 projects the EIP was approximately 12-15 days in areas highlighted mauve and approximately 22-24 days in areas highlighted light green.
Figure 2. Predicted extrinsic incubation period (EIP) of West Nile Virus within a C. tarsalis female as of August 14, 2022.
The above maps should be compared with historical confirmed cases of WNV. The Public Health Agency of Canada posts information related to West Nile Virus in Canada and also tracks West Nile Virus through human, mosquito, bird and horse surveillance. Link here to access their most current weekly update (reporting date July 30, 2022; retrieved August 18, 2022) and provided below.
Bird surveillance continues to be an important way to detect and monitor West Nile Virus. The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) works with governmental agencies (i.e., provincial laboratories and the National Microbiology Laboratory) and other organizations to report the occurrence of WNV. Dead birds retrieved from areas of higher risk of West Nile Virus are tested for the virus. A screenshot of the latest reporting results posted by Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative is below (retrieved 18Aug2022).
Anyone keen to identify mosquitoes will enjoy this pictorial key for both larvae and adults which is posted on the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) website but sadly lacks a formal citation other than “MOSQUITOES: CHARACTERISTICS OF ANOPHELINES AND CULICINES prepared by Kent S. Littig and Chester J. Stojanovich” and includes Pages 134-150. The proper citation may be Stojanovich, Chester J. & Louisiana Mosquito Control Association. (1982). Mosquito control training manual. pp 152.
Jennifer Otani, Shelley Barkley, Carter Peru, James Tansey and John Gavloski
Categories
Week 15
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
MANITOBA’SCrop Pest Updates for 2022 are up and running! Access a PDF copy of the August 17, 2022 issue here. Bookmark their Crop Pest Update Index to readily access these reports and also bookmark their insect pest homepage to access fact sheets and more! • Aphids in soybeans and small grains, Lygus bugs, grasshoppers, crickets, and diamondback moth were described in the August 17 issue.
ALBERTA’SInsect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, insect trap set-up videos, and more. There is also a Major Crops Insect webpage. The new webpage does not replace the Insect Pest Monitoring Network page. Remember, AAF’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information. Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Vincent Hervet, Brent Elliott, Cynthia Schock and Jennifer Otani
Categories
Week 15
The rusty grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus) is the most common and serious pest of stored grain on farms and in elevators across the Canadian prairies. It makes up about 95 % of all grain insects detected by the Canadian Grain Commission in grain elevators across the country. Its very small size (1.5–2.5 mm long) allows it to easily crawl between grain kernels and quickly spread throughout stored grain. Its high fertility (up to 423 eggs per female) and fast development (about one generation per month) can result in serious losses if the grain is kept above 20 °C, or if it is kept too moist for too long, or if there is a hot spot or spoiled grain somewhere in the grain bin because this species thrives in spoiled grain. Additionally, the Canadian Grain Act prohibits the receipt and marketing of infested grain (i.e., grain containing any injurious, noxious or troublesome insect or animal pests). Elevators cannot accept grain if they detect this insect in it.
Rusty Grain Beetle on a kernel of wheat. Photo : Vincent Hervet, AAFC
The rusty grain beetle’s most favoured foods are: wheat, rye, corn, barley, and millet. It can also develop on a wide range of fungus species and moldy substrates. Interestingly, this beetle cannot penetrate undamaged seeds, so it requires a seed to be either spoiled, broken or cracked (a microscopic crack will suffice) in order to feed on it. Physical damage to grain is typically caused by harvesting and handling. The rusty grain beetle cannot develop below 20 °C so grain stored in dry conditions and maintained below 20 °C will be safe from infestation from this species. Keeping grain below 18 °C will ensure that it is safe from other insect species as well.
Effective ways to eliminate or reduce the risk of infestations include: • Thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing bins between uses; • Cleaning up grain residue from the surroundings to prevent the multiplication of grain insects near grain storage areas (spillages on the ground, residues left in combines or augers, etc.); • Ensuring bins are sealed tight to prevent moisture or snow from entering; • Reducing the temperature and moisture content of stored grain to safe levels as soon as possible after harvest (using these helpful Safe Storage Charts). • Also access the Canadian Grain Commission’s information on Grain Quality.
To learn more about current storage practices, storage issues, and to understand the main insect issues in stored grains across the Canadian prairies, Dr. Vincent Hervet with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (vincent.hervet@agr.gc.ca) is currently surveying insects in farm grain bins across the Prairie Provinces of Canada. Volunteer growers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are needed to participate in this survey so we can better understand issues in farm-stored grain and how to address them.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: If you wish to participate in this survey, or if you wish to have more details about the survey, please contact Dr. Vincent Hervet (vincent.hervet@agr.gc.ca; 204-915-6918).
