Why we exist
The concept of a coordinated insect surveillance program for the prairies first took shape in 1997. Since then, the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN) has been involved in developing monitoring protocols and in coordinating and conducting insect population monitoring of pests of field crops. The distribution and abundance of insect pests that affect field crops is correlated with climate, weather, agronomic practices, and natural enemies. These factors can be utilized to forecast insect pest populations and better understand where and when crops may be affected.
Who we are
The PPMN is comprised of field crop entomologists who conduct research and actively monitor insect pest populations to support crop protection programs on the Canadian prairies. It includes researchers from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and university researchers. Industry stakeholders provide regular input and valuable insight at annual PPMN working group meetings.
Dr. Owen Olfert (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research and Development Centre) led the development of the PPMN, beginning in 1997 and served as Chair of the PPMN until he retired from AAFC in June 2018. Dr. Meghan Vankosky (AAFC, Saskatoon Research and Development Centre) and Jennifer Otani (AAFC, Beaverlodge Research Farm) are the current co-Chairs of the PPMN.
The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network is currently funded (2018-2023) by the Integrated Crop Agronomy Cluster, as part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Integrated Crop Agronomy Cluster is supported by the Western Grains Research Foundation, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association, Prairie Oat Growers Association, Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission (SaskCanola), Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, Alberta Wheat Commission, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, and the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers. In addition, the PPMN is and has been supported by many other industry stakeholders not listed here. The activities of the PPMN would not be possible without the support of our diverse stakeholders.
Disclaimer
All posted information represents the best attempt by the Network Participants and the Website Editors to synthesize available information related to insect pest monitoring, identification, and pest management strategies used to protect field crops grown on the Canadian prairies. The content of this website is meant for informational and educational purposes. Any pest management decision or action, based in whole or in part, on the content of this website is the sole responsibility of the reader. The Website Editors reserve the right to correct, revise, and update all content with obligation to notify any person of changes. The Website is used for non-commercial purposes only.
Acknowledgements
The PPMN has evolved over many years thanks to the ongoing commitment and effort of the many prairie-based entomologists who continue to work collaboratively in an effort to protect Canada’s field crop production systems. Numerous staff contributed to the development of the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network Blog, which was the precursor to this Website, and to the content on the Blog. Thanks to Owen Olfert, Jennifer Otani, Meghan Vankosky, David Giffen, Ross Weiss, Erl Svendsen, Shelby Dufton, and Amanda Jorgensen for their hard work making the PPMN Blog the effective communication tool that it was and for their support during Website development.
Use of materials
Text
Permission is granted to users to download content (including PDF files) from this Website for personal use or to reproduce them for educational purposes. Credit and copyright notices within pages must not be removed or modified. Distribution for commercial purposes is not permitted. Links to posted content is permitted but no endorsement of linking sites is intended.
Photographs
Prohibited uses
Photographs are not to be used in connection with the promotion, endorsement or sale of other websites. Photographs may not be used or distributed in software, photo sets or other electronic media, or printed publication.
Websites
For educational purposes, any website can link directly to a photo file or pdf on the PPMN Website. Please notify us if you link to us.
Printed publications
To use photos in printed publications, permission must be requested in writing. Contact the website editor by e-mail.
Logos
PPMN and partner logos are not to be used in connection with the promotion, endorsement or sale of other websites. The PPMN logo may not be used or distributed in software, photo sets or other electronic media, or printed publication without written consent. Contact the website editor by e-mail.
For partner logos, permission must be obtained directly from each of the partner organizations.
Figures
Unless copyrighted by another source or used by the Website Editors with permission, figures or drawings may be used if the source is properly credited. Contact the website editor to request permission to use photos or drawings.
Trademarks
Posted information may include trade names of products. In the event trade names are listed, no endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied by the omission of similar products.