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 24, 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 sunflower, Lygus bugs, grasshoppers, and crickets were described in the August 24 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.
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.
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 July 20, 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! • Grasshoppers and pea aphids in MB were emphasized in the July 20 issue. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring is underway in MB – Review this summary (as of July 20, 2022) of cumulative weekly counts. • Armyworm pheromone trap monitoring is underway in MB – Review this summary (as of July 12, 2022) of counts compiled from Manitoba, Eastern Canada and several northeast states of the United States.
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. • Wheat midge pheromone monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available on this Live Map. • Cabbage seedpod weevil monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available on this Live Map. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available on this Live Map.
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 July 13, 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! • Pea aphids in MB were emphasized in the July 13 issue. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring is underway in MB – Review this summary (as of July 11, 2022) of cumulative weekly counts. • Armyworm pheromone trap monitoring is underway in MB – Review this summary (as of June 28, 2022) of counts compiled from Manitoba, Eastern Canada and several northeast states of the United States.
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. • Wheat midge pheromone monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available on this Live Map. • Cabbage seedpod weevil monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available on this Live Map. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available on this Live Map.
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 July 6, 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! • Pea aphids, barley thrips and blister beetles in MB were new additions to the July 6 issue. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Traps will come down at the end of this week. Review the detailed summary of cumulative trap counts from 52 sites deployed across the province (as of June 28, 2022). • Armyworm pheromone trap monitoring is underway in MB – Review this summary (as of June 28, 2022) of counts compiled from Manitoba, Eastern Canada and several northeast states of the United States.
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. • Wheat midge pheromone monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available on this Live Map. • Cabbage seedpod weevil monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available on this Live Map. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available on this Live Map. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available on this Live Map. • Cutworm live monitoring map for AB – Reports are mapped on this Live Map. Use this online form to report cutworms in Alberta.
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 June 29, 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! • Seedcorn maggot and wheat stem maggot in MB were new additions to the June 29 issue. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Traps will come down at the end of this week. Review the detailed summary of cumulative trap counts from 52 sites deployed across the province. • Armyworm pheromone trap monitoring is underway in MB – Review this summary (as of June 22, 2022) of counts compiled from Manitoba, Eastern Canada and several northeast states of the United States.
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. • Wheat midge pheromone monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. • Cabbage seedpod weevil monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. • Cutworm live monitoring map for AB – Reports continue to come in so refer to the Live Map to review areas where cutworms are being found. Use this online form to report cutworms in Alberta.
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 June 22, 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! • Grasshopper nymphs, lygus bugs, pea leaf weevils in MB were new additions to the June 22 issue. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – “So far, diamondback moth has been found in 33 traps.” Read the report on Page 5 of the June 22, 2022 issue OR review a more detailed summary of cumulative trap counts from 51 sites deployed across the province. • Armyworm pheromone trap monitoring is underway in MB – Review the current cumulative counts in the June 22, 2022 issue and find a link to review a map of counts compiled from Manitoba, Eastern Canada and several northeast states of the United States.
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. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. So far, low numbers of bertha armyworm moths have been intercepted across the province. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. So far, low numbers of diamondback moth have been intercepted across the province. • Cutworm live monitoring map for AB – Reports continue to come in so refer to the Live Map to review areas where cutworms are being found. Use this online form to report cutworms in Alberta.
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 June 15, 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! • Flea beetles, cutworms and grasshopper nymphs in MB – Review the above June 15 issue to find greater details but the summary reads as, “Flea beetles levels are at quite high levels in many areas. Some growers have applied up to three insecticide applications for flea beetles, and there has been some reseeding. Some fields of small grains and sunflowers have been sprayed for cutworms. Hatch of the potential pest species of grasshoppers is occurring; some control has occurred in the Central region.” • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – “So far, diamondback moth has been found in 29 traps.” Read the report on Page 5 of the June 15, 2022 issue OR review a more detailed summary of cumulative trap counts from 48 sites deployed across the province. • Armyworm pheromone trap monitoring is underway in MB – “So far, counts have generally been quite low, with armyworm moths only being caught in 6 traps.” Read the report on Page 6of the June 15, 2022 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. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. So far, low numbers of diamondback moth have been intercepted across the province. • Cutworm live monitoring map for AB – Reports continue to come in so refer to the Live Map to review areas where cutworms are being found. So far, black army, pale western, and dingy cutworms have been reported. Use this online form to report cutworms in Alberta.
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 June 8, 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! • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – “So far, diamondback moth has been found in 25 traps. Levels are generally very low, with the exception that some moderate counts have occurred in the Eastern and Central region, particularly over the past few weeks.” Read the report on Page 7 of the June 8, 2022 issue OR review a more detailed summary of cumulative trap counts from 38 sites deployed across the province. • Armyworm pheromone trap monitoring is underway in MB – “So far, counts have generally been quite low, with armyworm moths only being caught in 6 traps.” Read the report on Page 7-8 of the June 8, 2022 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. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. So far, low numbers of diamondback moth have been intercepted across the province. • Cutworm live monitoring map for AB – Reports are starting to come in so refer to the Live Map to review areas where cutworms are being found. So far, black army and pale western cutworms have been reported. Use this online form to report cutworms in Alberta.
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 June 1, 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! • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – “So far, diamondback moth has been found in 24 traps. Levels are generally very low, with the exception that some moderate counts have occurred in the Eastern region, particularly over the past two weeks. The highest cumulative trap count so far is 50 from a trap near Hadashville in the Eastern region” Review page 4 of the above report for greater detail and regional counts.
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. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. So far, low numbers of diamondback moth have been intercepted across the province. • Cutworm live monitoring map for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. So far, no cutworms have been reported on the live map.
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 May 25, 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! • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – “So far, diamondback moth has only been found in 14 traps.” Review page 5 of the above report for greater detail.
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. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. • Cutworm live monitoring map for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map.
Could be coming to a field near you….. Many of Canada’s economically important species of insect pests originated as invasive species that managed to relocate and establish self-sustaining populations. Over time, they become increasingly widespread and so frequently abundant that they are part of the annual list of species we monitor and attempt to manage.
Examples of invasive species existing presently throughout large areas of the Canadian prairies include wheat midge, cereal leaf beetle, cabbage seedpod weevil, pea leaf weevil, swede midge – in fact, the list of invasive species is far longer! Consider the impact of invasive species AND recognize that a growing list of species will likely affect field crops in Canada. Globalization, adaptation, and the development of new cultivars suited to Canada’s growing regions, climate change, plus many other factors will contribute to the reality: we can expect more invasive species to continue to arrive.
Where can you play a role??? Early detection and accurate identification are key steps involved in mitigating the risks associated with new invasive species. Many levels of government are active in the ongoing battle against invasive species. Even so, initial detections often arise from keen in-field scouting by producers or agrologists so access these resources to help identify the “that’s weird” or “I haven’t seen that before”. And be sure to thank the many entomologists – regional, provincial, federal, and some amazing amateurs PLUS the folks at Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) who ALL work to stand on guard for thee!
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) main Plant Health sectioncan be accessed here.
• More specifically, CFIA’s Plant Pests and Invasive Species informationis accessible here.
• Did you know…. CFIA’s top field crop invasive species include anything falling under the List of Pests Regulated by Canada which is accessible here. Caveats are that (i) some species may be on the list (e.g., codling moth) that are not necessarily a high priority but remain to maintain regulatory policy or (ii) list may include species yet to be removed.
HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN HELP – Experienced producers and agrologists make important discoveries every day! Keep Canadian agriculture strong and support the detection of invasive species when encountering unusual damage symptoms or unknown insect species. How and what to report plus 3 different pathways to submit your sightings are all described here.
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. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. • Cutworm live monitoring map for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map.
SASKATCHEWAN’SCrop Production News normally includes 7 issues released through the growing season. Be sure to bookmark their insect pest homepage to access important information!
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. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map.
Many of Canada’s economically important species of insect pests originated as invasive species that managed to relocate and establish self-sustaining populations. Over time, they became increasingly widespread and so frequently abundant that they became part of the annual list of species we monitor and attempt to manage.
Examples of invasive species that now exist as part of our field crop landscape include wheat midge, cereal leaf beetle, cabbage seedpod weevil, pea leaf weevil, swede midge – in fact, the list of invasive species is far longer! It’s important to consider the impact of invasive species AND recognize that a growing list of species will likely affect field crops in Canada. Globalization, adaptation, and the development of new cultivars suited to Canada’s growing regions, climate change, plus many other factors will contribute to the reality: we can expect more invasive species to continue to arrive.
Where can you play a role??? Early detection and accurate identification are key steps involved in mitigating the risks associated with new invasive species. Many levels of government are active in the ongoing battle against invasive species. Even so, initial detections often arise from keen in-field scouting by producers or agrologists so access these resources to help identify the “that’s weird” or “I haven’t seen that before”. And be sure to thank the many entomologists – regional, provincial, federal, and some amazing amateurs PLUS the folks at Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) who ALL work to stand on guard for thee!
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) main Plant Health sectioncan be accessed here.
• More specifically, CFIA’s Plant Pests and Invasive Species informationis accessible here.
• Did you know…. CFIA’s top field crop invasive species include anything falling under the List of Pests Regulated by Canada which is accessible here. Caveats are that (i) some species may be on the list (e.g., codling moth) that are not necessarily a high priority but remain to maintain regulatory policy or (ii) list may include species yet to be removed.
• HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN HELP – Experienced producers and agrologists make important discoveries every day! Keep Canadian agriculture strong and support the detection of invasive species using this important information and the three options when encountering unusual damage symptoms or unknown insect species:
Important details to be ready to report: Be ready to include details to make a “report” – Sightings need to be validated so providing as much detail as possible will help the expert confirm identifications and relocate the site, if the issue demands urgent attention. ◦ Date of observation ◦ Nearest town and province ◦ Latitude x longitude values ◦ Host plant(s) ◦ Good photo(s) – lateral, dorsal, damage symptoms, host plant, etc., with some sort of size reference is ideal ◦ Chronological photos (i.e., that tell the story of detection and how and when symptoms or specimen came to your attention) ◦ A specimen may be needed by your provincial entomologist or CFIA
Option 1: Contact your provincial entomologist to confirm identifications and details – they are able to help and historically have acted to triage reports then direct relevant information to CFIA counterparts: ◦ Manitoba (John.Gavloski@gov.mb.ca ) ◦ Saskatchewan (james.tansey@gov.sk.ca) ◦ Alberta (shelley.barkley@gov.ab.ca)
Option 3: Another alternative is to consider documenting your query using iNaturalist.ca (read more here). The basic steps involved are: ◦ Create an account at iNaturalist.ca (https://inaturalist.ca/signup) ◦ Watch your Inbox for a basic how-to guide. ◦ Upload photos or videos (e.g., bird calls) to create an “Observation” ◦ iNaturalist subscribers considered to be experts will help identify your observation.
SASKATCHEWAN’SCrop Production News is available. Access Issue #5 online which includes information describing supporting pollinators in an agriculture habitat. Be sure to bookmark their insect pest homepage to access important information! • PLEASE participate in the fall wheat midge soil core survey by registering fields at the pest survey sign-up webpage! – Producers need to sign up to allow access to their land to help build the 2022 forecast map! • PLEASE volunteer to monitor bertha armyworm in 2022 by emailing pestsurveys@gov.sk.ca – Please state that you would “like to participate in the BAW survey”.
ALBERTA’SInsect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and 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 or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am (through the growing season). • Consider getting involved with annual insect surveying by signing up to allow access to your land– Producers who participate help build population maps of pest insects. Email shelley.barkley@gov.ab.ca to sign up for 2022!
ALBERTA’SInsect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and 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 or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am. • Wheat midge pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map.
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
MANITOBA’SCrop Pest Updates for 2021 are now available – access the August 4, 2021 report here. Be sure to bookmark their Crop Pest Update Index to readily access these reports! Bookmark their insect pest homepage to access fact sheets and more! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data is available here. Cumulative counts are categorized as “low risk” so far (i.e., 0-300 moths). • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Trapping has drawn to a close for 2021. Access the summary here. Only 65 traps intercepted moths and the highest cumulative count was 171 moths near Selkirk. Access the summary (as of June 30, 2021). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important.
SASKATCHEWAN’SCrop Production News is available. Access Issue #4 online which includes a crop protection lab update, and describes thrips in cereals. Be sure to bookmark their insect pest homepage to access important information! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data is available here. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Monitoring has drawn to a close for 2021. Review the final DBM counts. Extremely low numbers have been intercepted. Province-wide, <65 moths have been intercepted (2021Jun28 Carter, pers. comm.). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important.
ALBERTA’SInsect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and 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 or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am. • Wheat midge pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. • Cabbage seedpod weevil sweep-net monitoring update for AB – In-field counts can be entered here to populate the Live Map. Some sites in southern Alberta are reporting densities at or above the economic threshold in canola (22Jul2021). • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data have begun so refer to the Live Map. Cumulative counts throughout the province report “low risk” numbers of moths so far (22Jul2021). • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Trapping has drawn to a close for 2021. Refer to the Live Map which reports extremely low numbers of moths intercepted so far (<50 province-wide as of 01Jul2021). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important. • Cutworm reporting tool – Refer to the Live Map which now reports seven sites with cutworms (as of 01Jul2021).
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
MANITOBA’SCrop Pest Updates for 2021 are now available – access the July 28, 2021 report here. Be sure to bookmark their Crop Pest Update Index to readily access these reports! Bookmark their insect pest homepage to access fact sheets and more! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available here. Cumulative counts are categorized as “low risk” so far (i.e., 0-300 moths). • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Trapping has drawn to a close for 2021. Access the summary here. Only 65 traps intercepted moths and the highest cumulative count was 171 moths near Selkirk. Access the summary (as of June 30, 2021). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important.
SASKATCHEWAN’SCrop Production News is available. Access Issue #4 online which includes a crop protection lab update, and describes thrips in cereals. Be sure to bookmark their insect pest homepage to access important information! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data is available here. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Monitoring has drawn to a close for 2021. Review the final DBM counts. Extremely low numbers have been intercepted. Province-wide, <65 moths have been intercepted (2021Jun28 Carter, pers. comm.). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important.
ALBERTA’SInsect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and 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 or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am. • Wheat midge pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. • Cabbage seedpod weevil sweep-net monitoring update for AB – In-field counts can be entered here to populate the Live Map. Some sites in southern Alberta are reporting densities at or above the economic threshold in canola (22Jul2021). • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data have begun so refer to the Live Map. Cumulative counts throughout the province report “low risk” numbers of moths so far (22Jul2021). • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Trapping has drawn to a close for 2021. Refer to the Live Map which reports extremely low numbers of moths intercepted so far (<50 province-wide as of 01Jul2021). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important. • Cutworm reporting tool – Refer to the Live Map which now reports seven sites with cutworms (as of 01Jul2021).
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
MANITOBA’SCrop Pest Updates for 2021 are now available – access the July 7, 2021 report here. Be sure to bookmark their Crop Pest Update Index to readily access these reports! Bookmark their insect pest homepage to access fact sheets and more! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available here. The initial counts are categorized as “low risk” so far (i.e., 0-300 moths). • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Trapping has drawn to a close for 2021. Access the summary here. Only 65 traps intercepted moths and the highest cumulative count was 171 moths near Selkirk. Access the summary (as of June 30, 2021). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important.
SASKATCHEWAN’SCrop Production News are available. Access Issue #2 online which includes information on cabbage seedpod weevil, grasshoppers in Saskatchewan, and wheat midge. Be sure to bookmark their insect pest homepage to access important information! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data is anticipated to be available here. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Monitoring has drawn to a close for 2021. Review the final DBM counts. Extremely low numbers have been intercepted. Province-wide, <65 moths have been intercepted (2021Jun28 Carter, pers. comm.). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important.
ALBERTA’SInsect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and 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 or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am. • Wheat midge pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. Some sites in central Alberta are beginning to report “high risk” adult counts so synchrony with anthesis will need to be carefully monitored(08Jul2021). • Cabbage seedpod weevil sweep-net monitoring update for AB – In-field counts can be entered here to populate the Live Map. Some sites in southern Alberta are reporting densities at or above the economic threshold in canola (08Jul2021). • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data have begun so refer to the Live Map. Cumulative counts throughout the province report “low risk” numbers of moths so far (08Jul2021). • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Trapping has drawn to a close for 2021. Refer to the Live Map which reports extremely low numbers of moths intercepted so far (<50 province-wide as of 01Jul2021). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important. • Cutworm reporting tool – Refer to the Live Map which now reports seven sites with cutworms (as of 01Jul2021).
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
MANITOBA’SCrop Pest Updates for 2021 are now available – access the June 30, 2021 report here. Be sure to bookmark their Crop Pest Update Index to readily access these reports! Bookmark their insect pest homepage to access fact sheets and more! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available here. The initial counts are very low so far. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Trapping has drawn to a close for 2021. Access the summary here. Only 65 traps intercepted moths and the highest cumulative count was 171 moths near Selkirk. Access the summary (as of June 30, 2021). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important.
SASKATCHEWAN’SCrop Production News have begun to roll out for 2021 and are accessible now! Access Issue #1 online which includes a crop protection laboratory update including how to submit samples, information on curculios on fruit crops, and information for scouting flea beetles and assessing damage. Be sure to bookmark their insect pest homepage to access important information! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data will be available here shortly. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Monitoring has drawn to a close for 2021. Review the final DBM counts. Extremely low numbers have been intercepted. Province-wide, <65 moths have been intercepted (2021Jun28 Carter, pers. comm.). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important.
ALBERTA’SInsect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and 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 or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am. • Wheat midge pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available so refer to the Live Map. • Cabbage seedpod weevil sweep-net monitoring update for AB – In-field counts can be entered here to populate the Live Map. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data have begun so refer to the Live Map. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Trapping has drawn to a close for 2021. Refer to the Live Map which reports extremely low numbers of moths intercepted so far (<50 province-wide as of 01Jl2021). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important. • Cutworm reporting tool – Refer to the Live Map which now reports seven sites with cutworms (as of 01Jul2021).
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
MANITOBA’SCrop Pest Updates for 2021 are now available – access the June 23, 2021 report here. Be sure to bookmark their Crop Pest Update Index to readily access these reports! Also, bookmark their insect pest homepage to access fact sheets and more! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are available here. Happily, the initial counts are very low so far. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Trapping has drawn to a close for 2021. Access the summary here. Only 59 traps intercepted moths and the highest cumulative count was 142 moths near Selkirk. Access the summary (as of June 22, 2021). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important.
SASKATCHEWAN’SCrop Production News have begun to roll out for 2021 and are accessible now! Access Issue #1 online which includes a crop protection laboratory update including how to submit samples, information on curculios on fruit crops, and information for scouting flea beetles and assessing damage. Be sure to bookmark their insect pest homepage to access important information! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data will be available here shortly. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Monitoring has drawn to a close for 2021. Review the final DBM counts. Extremely low numbers have been intercepted. Province-wide, <45 moths have been intercepted so far (2021Jun10 Carter, pers. comm.). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important.
ALBERTA’SInsect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and 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 or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am. • Wheat midge pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data will be available shortly so refer to the Live Map. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data have begun so refer to the Live Map. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Trapping is drawn to a close for 2021. Refer to the Live Map which reports extremely low numbers of moths intercepted so far (<45 province-wide as of 24Jun2021). At this point, in-field scouting for larvae remains important. • Cutworm reporting tool – Refer to the Live Map which still reports only four sites with cutworms (as of 17Jun2021).
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
MANITOBA’SCrop Pest Updates for 2021 are now available – access the June 16, 2021 report here. Be sure to bookmark their Crop Pest Update Index to readily access these reports! Also, bookmark their insect pest homepage to access fact sheets and more! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data will soon be available. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Refer to the summary updated twice a week. So far, only 59 traps have intercepted moths and the highest cumulative count is 135 moths near The Pas. Access the summary (as of June 8, 2021).
SASKATCHEWAN’SCrop Production News have begun to roll out for 2021 and are accessible now! Access Issue #1 online which includes a crop protection laboratory update including how to submit samples, information on curculios on fruit crops, and information for scouting flea beetles and assessing damage. Be sure to bookmark their insect pest homepage to access important information! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data will soon be available. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – follow this link to find current DBM counts. At this point, extremely low numbers have been intercepted but monitoring continues. Province-wide, <45 moths have been intercepted so far (2021Jun10 Carter, pers. comm.).
ALBERTA’SInsect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and 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 or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cumulative counts arising from weekly data are starting to roll in so refer to the Live Map as data becomes available. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Refer to the Live Map which still reports extremely low numbers of moths intercepted so far (<45 province-wide as of 17Jun2021). • Cutworm reporting tool – Refer to the Live Map which still reports only four sites with cutworms (as of 17Jun2021).
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
MANITOBA’SCrop Pest Updates for 2021 are now available! Access the June 9, 2021 report here. Be sure to bookmark their Crop Pest Update Index to readily access these reports! Also, bookmark their insect pest homepage to access fact sheets and more! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Cooperators are deploying pheromone traps and weekly data will soon be available. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Refer to the summary updated twice a week. So far, only 38 traps have intercepted moths and only double-digit cumulative counts! Access the summary (as of June 8, 2021).
SASKATCHEWAN’SCrop Production News will soon be available. Be sure to bookmark their insect pest homepage to access important information! • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Cooperators are deploying pheromone traps at sites across the province. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – follow this link to find current DBM counts. At this point, extremely low numbers have been intercepted but monitoring continues. Province-wide, <45 moths have been intercepted so far (2021Jun10 Carter, pers. comm.).
ALBERTA’SInsect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and 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 or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am. • Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cooperators are deploying pheromone traps so refer to the Live Map as data becomes available. • Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Refer to the Live Map which reported extremely low numbers of moths intercepted so far (<45 province-wide as of 10Jun2021). • Cutworm reporting tool – Refer to the Live Map which reported four sites with cutworms (as of 10Jun2021).
Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Cooperators will soon deploy pheromone traps according to details provided on page 7 of the June 2, 2021, report.
Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – Cooperators will soon deploy pheromone traps at sites across the province.
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – follow this link to find current DBM counts. At this point, extremely low numbers have been intercepted but monitoring continues. Seven moths were reported across the entire province so far (2021May19 Carter, pers. comm.).
Bertha armyworm pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Cooperators will soon deploy pheromone traps so refer to the Live Map starting next week.
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Refer to the Live Map which still reports extremely low numbers of moths intercepted so far (as of 03Jun2021).
Cutworm reporting tool for AB – Refer to the Live Map which reports three sites with cutworms (as of 03Jun2021).
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Refer to the summary updated twice a week. So far extremely low numbers have been intercepted in only sixteen traps (e.g., when present, only max. of 8 moths per site) in Manitoba. Read the details on page 5 of the May 26, 2021, report.
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – follow this link to find current DBM counts. At this point, extremely low numbers have been intercepted but monitoring continues. Seven moths were reported across the entire province so far (2021May19 Carter, pers. comm.).
• ALBERTA’SAlberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and insect trap set-up videos and more. Reminder – NEW for 2021 – AAF’s Shelley Barkley has gathered and streamlined information into a Major Crops Insect webpage. The new webpage does not replace the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network page. However, the new Major Crops Insect webpage serves as a table of contents, connecting users to crop insect pest information on alberta.ca. It offers links to specific insect identification, life cycle, damage, monitoring and management. Users will hopefully find pertinent insect information with fewer clicks! Remember, AAF’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Refer to the Live Map which reports 12 sites, each with extremely low numbers, for a total of only 15 moths intercepted (as of 27May2021).
Cutworm reporting tool for AB – Refer to the Live Map which reports two sites with cutworms (as of 27May2021).
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – Refer to the summary updated twice a week. So far extremely low numbers have been intercepted at only 8 sites (e.g., when present, only max. of 2 moths per site) in Manitoba. Read the details towards the end of the May 19, 2021, report.
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – follow this link to find current DBM counts. At this point, extremely low numbers have been intercepted but monitoring continues. Two moths were reported (2021May13 Tansey, pers. comm.); one moth near Shaunavon (RM78) and one moth near Raymore (RM 278).
• ALBERTA’SAlberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and insect trap set-up videos and more. Reminder – NEW for 2021 – AAF’s Shelley Barkley has gathered and streamlined information into a Major Crops Insect webpage. The new webpage does not replace the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network page. However, the new Major Crops Insect webpage serves as a table of contents, connecting users to crop insect pest information on alberta.ca. It offers links to specific insect identification, life cycle, damage, monitoring and management. Users will hopefully find pertinent insect information with fewer clicks! Remember, AAF’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Refer to the Live Map which reports six sites with very low numbers of moths intercepted (as of 19May2021).
Cutworm reporting tool for AB – Refer to the Live Map which reports two sites with cutworms (as of 20May2021).
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for MB – So far (as of 12May2021). only one moth has been intercepted on a pheromone trap deployed near Austin.
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for SK – two moths were reported (2021May13 Tansey, pers. comm.); one moth near Shaunavon (RM78) and one moth near Raymore (RM 278).
• ALBERTA’SAlberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network webpage links to insect survey maps, live feed maps, and insect trap set-up videos and more. Additionally, NEW for 2021 – AAF’s Shelley Barkley has gathered and streamlined information into a Major Crops Insect webpage. The new webpage does not replace the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network page. However, the new Major Crops Insect webpage serves as a table of contents, connecting users to crop insect pest information on alberta.ca. It offers links to specific insect identification, life cycle, damage, monitoring and management. Users will hopefully find pertinent insect information with fewer clicks! Remember, AAF’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring update for AB – Refer to the Live Map which reports zero moths (as of 13May2021).
Cutworm reporting tool for AB – Refer to the Live Map which reports two sites with cutworms (as of 13May2021).
• Saskatchewan‘s Crop Production News will soon be available. Access the new Crops Blog Posts and review Saskatchewan’s 2020 insect pest surveying results in order to prepare for 2021. Be sure to bookmark their insect pest homepage to access important information! Also, diamondback moth pheromone trap monitoring has begun in the province. To date, no moths have been intercepted (2021May06 Tansey, pers. comm.).
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry – NEW for 2021 – AAF’s Shelley Barkley has gathered and streamlined information into a Major Crops Insect webpage. The new webpage does not replace the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network page (where insect survey maps, live feed maps, and insect trap set-up videos can be found). However, the new Major Crops Insect webpage serves as a table of contents, connecting users to crop insect pest information on alberta.ca. It offers links to specific insect identification, life cycle, damage, monitoring and management. Users will hopefully find pertinent insect information with fewer clicks! Remember, AAF’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
An abbreviated synopsis is provided for the final Weekly Update of the 2020 growing season. It was a warm week for most of the prairies! The highest temperatures the past seven days across the prairies are represented in Figure 1 and ranged from <22 to >35 °C.
All those high temperatures advanced the accumulation of heat units across the prairies. The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-August 17, 2020) is below (Fig. 2) while the growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-August 17, 2020) is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 2. Growing degree day map (Base 5 °C) observed across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-August 17, 2020). Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (20Aug2020). Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true&reset=1588297059209Figure 3. Growing degree day map (Base 10 °C) observed across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-August 17, 2020). Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (20Aug2020). Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true&reset=1588297059209
So far this growing season, the number of days above 25 °C ranges from 0-10 days in the northwest of the prairies then increases up to 61-70 days in southern Manitoba (Fig. 4). In comparison, the number of days above 30 °C ranges up to 25-27 days in southern Saskatchewan and southern Manitoba (Fig. 5)
Figure 4. Number of days above 25 °C observed across the Canadian prairies this growing season (April 1-August 19, 2020). Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (20Aug2020). Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true&reset=1588297059209Figure 5. Number of days above 30 °C observed across the Canadian prairies this growing season (April 1-August 19, 2020). Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (20Aug2020). Access the full map at http://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true&reset=1588297059209
As fields continue to mature in late August and in to September, growers will be watching for cool evenings. The lowest temperatures the past seven days across the prairies are represented in Figure 6 and ranged from <1 to >13 °C.
Cumulative rainfall for the past 7 days was lowest across central and southern regions of Alberta and Saskatchewan while western and northern areas of the Peace River region AND eastern Saskatchewan plus much of Manitoba received more moisture (Fig. 7). Cumulative 30-day (Fig. 8) and rainfall for the growing season (April 1-August 19, 2020; Fig. 9) are below.
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
• Manitoba‘s Crop Pest Updates for 2020 are available. Access the August 18 2020 report. The summary indicates that, “Grasshoppers continue to be the insect of greatest concern. Some have also commented on the high levels of flea beetles being observed in canola currently.”
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
• Manitoba‘s Crop Pest Updates for 2020 are available. Access the August 11 2020 report. The summary indicates that, “Grasshoppers continue to be the insect of greatest concern. The diamondback moth populations in eastern Manitoba that were of concern in some fields a couple of weeks ago seem to have diminished. Spider mites are being noticed in some soybean fields, but no insecticide applications for them have been reported yet.”
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
• Manitoba‘s Crop Pest Updates for 2020 are available. Access the August 5, 2020 report. The summary indicates that, “Grasshoppers are currently the biggest insect concern. Some sunflower midge has been observed in sunflowers in the Eastern region, mainly around field edges, which is typical for this insect. Lygus bugs have also been noted in sunflower fields. Diamondback moth larvae in canola remains a concern for growers and agronomists in the Eastern region, with lots of scouting and some limited insecticide applications occurring.”
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
• Manitoba‘s Crop Pest Updates for 2020 are available. Access the July 29, 2020 report. The summary indicates that, “Grasshoppers are the insect of greatest concern to field crops in Manitoba currently. Some populations of diamondback moth above economic threshold have been found in eastern Manitoba recently.”
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
• Manitoba‘s Crop Pest Updates for 2020 are available. Access the July 22, 2020 report. The summary indicates that, “Grasshoppers and armyworms continue to be the insects of greatest concern. Twostriped grasshopper is mainly into the later nymph stages with some adults present; clearwinged grasshopper adults are present. Lots of reports of Cotesia pupal clusters in some of the cereals, resulting from parasitized armyworm populations. Armyworms seem to be turning to pupae and levels dropping in some areas. Jack pine budworm, a moth whose larvae feed on pines trees, is very abundant this year, and agronomists are noticing the moths around farmyards are enquiring regarding what it is and what it feeds on.”
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
• Manitoba‘s Crop Pest Updates for 2020 are available. Access the July 15, 2020 report. The summary indicates that, “Armyworms and grasshoppers continue to be the biggest insects concern on crops in Manitoba. Scouting for diamondback moth continues, with just one report of spraying for diamondback moth. Spraying for goosefoot groundling moth and a stem borer maggot has been reported from quinoa. Green cloverworm has been found on soybeans in eastern Manitoba, but not at levels that would be economical. Pupal clusters of Cotesia, a parasitoid of armyworms and other caterpillars, have been reported to be quite abundant in some of the fields that had armyworms.”
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
Once diamondback moth is present in the area, it is important to monitor individual canola fields for larvae. Warm growing conditions can quickly translate into multiple generations in a very short period!
Wind Trajectory Updates – Completed for 2020 growing season as of Week 09 (released June 22, 2020).
Weekly Pheromone-baited Trapping Results – Early season detection of diamondback moth is improved through the use of pheromone-baited delta traps deployed in fields across the Canadian prairies. Click each province to access moth reporting numbers observed in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba as they become available. Check these sites to assess cumulative counts and relative risk in your geographic region.
Monitoring:Remove the plants in an area measuring 0.1 m² (about 12″ square), beat them on to a clean surface and count the number of larvae (Fig. 1) dislodged from the plant. Repeat this procedure at least in five locations in the field to get an accurate count.
Figure 1. Diamondback larva measuring ~8 mm long.Note brown head capsule and forked appearance of prolegs on posterior.
Figure 2. Diamondback moth pupa within silken cocoon.
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).
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
• Manitoba‘s Crop Pest Updates for 2020 are available. Access the July 8, 2020 report. The summary indicates that, “Armyworms are being found at high levels in many cereal and forage grass fields in the Eastern, Interlake, Central, and Southwest regions. High levels of grasshoppers continue to be found and controlled in some areas.”
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Agri-News occasionally includes insect-related information or Twitter users can connect to #ABBugChat Wednesdays at 10:00 am.
In 2018, swede midge pheromone traps were deployed at 41 sites across the Prairie region of Canada to monitor adult populations of this brassica pest. Of the 41 trap sites, 16 were located in Alberta, 19 in Saskatchewan (where positive swede midge identifications were made in 2007 and 2009), and 6 in Manitoba.
None of the traps were positive for swede midge in 2018.
We are grateful to all of the producers, agronomists, and cooperators who participated in the 2018 swede midge monitoring project. Without your assistance, we could not have supported such a thorough and widespread pheromone monitoring program.
We also extend our thanks to Jonathon Williams for organizing the program, distributing trapping materials, and processing returned sticky cards for adult swede midge.
Because of the serious threat that swede midge poses to canola production, it is vital that monitoring for swede midge continues across the Prairies. At this time, plans are being made for the 2019 swede midge monitoring program. We hope that we can count on your support and cooperation in 2019.
At this time, plans are being made for the 2019 swede midge monitoring program. Agrologists or growers interested in performing weekly monitoring in 2019 are encouraged to contact Jonathon Williams, Boyd Mori, or Meghan Vankosky for more information.
Reminder – Last week turned out to be our wireworm blitz! This complicated group of insect species was featured in the Insect of the Week AND we include the survey results again this week!
The following maps summarize the main results of a survey of pest species of wireworms of the Canadian Prairie Provinces. Samples (both larvae and beetles) were submitted to Dr. Bob Vernon’s lab in Agassiz, BC, from 2004 to 2017, and identified by Dr. Wim van Herk (Fig. 1). Species identifications were confirmed with barcoding.
Figure 1. Sampling locations for click beetles and wireworm larvae (Coleoptera: Elateridae) submitted for wireworm surveying from 2004-2017.
Approximately 600 samples were submitted, with the number of larvae per sample typically less than five (Fig. 1). More samples are welcome, particularly from areas currently not well represented on the maps.Please provide either the legal land description or latitude and longitude coordinates with a sample. Any information on the cropping history or whether fields were irrigated is helpful.
Review the complete survey summary posted in Week 05 (for Jun 7, 2018).
Disclaimer: Please do not distribute or use the contents of this post, including any maps, without obtaining prior permission.
Obtain further information or arrange shipment of wireworm or click beetle samples by contacting: Dr. Wim van Herk Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Agassiz Research and Development Centre 6947 Highway 7, Agassiz, BC, V0M 1A0 wim.vanherk@agr.gc.ca
The following maps summarize the main results of a survey of pest species of wireworms of the Canadian Prairie Provinces. Samples (both larvae and beetles) were submitted to Dr. Bob Vernon’s lab in Agassiz, BC, from 2004 to 2017, and identified by Dr. Wim van Herk (Fig. 1). Species identifications were confirmed with barcoding.
Figure 1. Sampling locations for click beetles and wireworm larvae (Coleoptera: Elateridae) submitted for wireworm surveying from 2004-2017.
Approximately 600 samples were submitted, with the number of larvae per sample typically less than five (Fig. 1). More samples are welcome, particularly from areas currently not well represented on the maps.Please provide either the legal land description or latitude and longitude coordinates with a sample. Any information on the cropping history or whether fields were irrigated is helpful.
The main findings of this survey are that: 1. Wireworms are re-emerging as primary pests of cereals and other crops, particularly in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. This can be attributed to several factors, including changes in seeding and cultivation resulting in higher soil moisture and increased food availability, and therefore greater wireworm survival; the elimination of effective insecticides such as lindane and the decline of organochlorine residues in the soil; and the present lack of insecticides that actually kill wireworms.
2. Limonius californicus is generally the predominant pest species in fields reporting heavy wireworm damage, occasionally building up to very high populations and resulting in complete crop wrecks (Fig. 2). This was not the case when Glen et al. (1943) or Doane (1977) conducted their surveys; L. californicus was considered a minor species at those times. Selatosomus destructor (Fig. 3) and Hypnoidus bicolor (Fig. 4) are still the most common species. The pest status of another commonly found species, the predaceous Aeolus mellillus (Fig. 5), is unclear. The following species listed by Glen et al. (1943) as pests of agriculture in the Prairie Provinces were found also, but infrequently: Agriotes mancus, A. criddlei, A. stabilis, Hemicrepidius memnonius, L. pectoralis, and various Dalopius sp.
Figure 2. Distribution of Limonius californicus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) submitted for wireworm surveying from 2004-2017.Figure 3. Distribution of Selatosomus destructor (Coleoptera: Elateridae) submitted for wireworm surveying from 2004-2017.Figure 4. Distribution of Hypniodes bicolor (Coleoptera: Elateridae) submitted for wireworm surveying from 2004-2017.Figure 5. Distribution of Aeolus mellillus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) submitted for wireworm surveying from 2004-2017.
3. Multiple pest species are frequently found in the same fields where damage is reported (i.e. about 25% of the time, despite the small number of larvae per sample). This is particularly important as pest species can vary considerably in the type of damage they cause (e.g. it remains unclear if H. bicolor is damaging to potato), their life history (e.g. duration of the larval stage), and susceptibility to insecticides.
Acknowledgements: These maps are only possible thanks to the collections done by a large team of local entomologists and agrologists. We are extremely grateful to them; thank you to everyone who participated! A special thank you to Ted Labun and colleagues at Syngenta Crop Protection (Canada), and to Bayer CropScience, for providing the bulk of the samples.
Disclaimer: Please do not distribute or use the contents of this post, including any maps, without obtaining prior permission.
Obtain further information or arrange shipment of wireworm or click beetle samples by contacting: Dr. Wim van Herk Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Agassiz Research and Development Centre 6947 Highway 7, Agassiz, BC, V0M 1A0 wim.vanherk@agr.gc.ca
Further wireworm reading: Burrage RH (1964) Trends in damage by wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in grain crops in Saskatchewan, 1954–1961. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 44: 515–519. https://doi.org/10.4141/cjps64-102
Doane JF (1977) Spatial pattern and density of Ctenicera destructor and Hypolithus bicolor (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in soil in spring wheat. The Canadian Entomologist 109: 807–822. https://doi.org/10.4039/Ent109807-6
Doane JF (1977) The flat wireworm, Aeolus mellillus: studies on seasonal occurrence of adults and incidence of the larvae in the wireworm complex attacking wheat in Saskatchewan. Environmental Entomology 6: 818–822. https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/6.6.818
Glen R, King KM, Arnason AP (1943) The identification of wireworms of economic importance in Canada. Canadian Journal of Research 21: 358-387. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjr43d-030
van Herk WG, Vernon RS (2014) Click beetles and wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. In: Arthropods of Canadian Grasslands (Volume 4): Biodiversity and Systematics Part 2. (Edited by D.J. Giberson and H.A. Carcamo). Biological Survey of Canada, pp. 87-117. https://biologicalsurvey.ca/monographs/read/17
Zacharuk RY (1962) Distribution, habits, and development of Ctenicera destructor (Brown) in western Canada, with notes on the related species C. aeripennis (Kby.) (Coleoptera: Elateridae). Canadian Journal of Zoology 40: 539–552. https://doi.org/10.1139/z62-046
In 2017, swede midge pheromone traps were deployed at 46 sites across the Prairie region to monitor for populations of this brassica pest. Of the 46 trap sites, two were located in BC, 19 in Alberta, 16 in Saskatchewan, and nine in Manitoba. Figure 1 illustrates trap site locations in 2017. Two pheromone traps were deployed at each site.
All of the traps were negative for swede midge in 2017.
Figure 1. Pheromone trap site locations for swede midge (Continarinia nasturtii) in 2017.
We are grateful to all of the producers, agronomists, and cooperators who participated in the 2017 swede midge monitoring project. Without your assistance, we could not have supported such a thorough and widespread pheromone monitoring program.
We also extend our thanks to Nancy Melnychuk (AAFC-Saskatoon) for organizing the program and distributing trapping materials, and to Jonathon Williams and Shane Hladun (AAFC-Saskatoon) for examining the returned sticky cards.
Because of the serious threat that swede midge poses to canola production, it is vital that monitoring continues across the Prairies. At this time, plans are being made for the 2018 swede midge monitoring program. Agrologists or growers interested in performing weekly monitoring in 2018 are encouraged to contact Jonathon Williams, Boyd Mori, or Meghan Vankosky for more information.
Boyd Mori and Meghan Vankosky Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research and Development Centre
More information about swede midge can be found by:
Pea Leaf Weevil (Sitona lineatus) – Oviposition is predicted to have peaked across central and southern regions of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Hatch should be underway in pea fields near Lethbridge while hatching is predicted to occur this week near Saskatoon.
Pea Leaf Weevil (Sitona lineatus) – This week, weevil oviposition is predicted to be occurring across central and southern regions of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The PLW Blitz continues this week and features: – The Insect of the Week from June 1st, – ANEWLY UPDATED Monitoring Protocol (Vankosky et al. 2017), AND – The current Insect of the Week features a group of beetles recognized as general predators but one species is an egg predator associated with Pea leaf weevil.
Remember – Pea leaf weevils emerge in the spring primarily by flying (at temperatures above 17ºC) or they may walk short distances. Pea leaf weevil movement into peas and faba beans is achieved primarily through flight. Adults are slender, greyish-brown measuring approximately 5 mm in length (Fig. 3, Left). The pea leaf weevil resembles the sweet clover weevil (Sitona cylindricollis) but the former is distinguished by three light-coloured stripes extending length-wise down thorax and sometimes the abdomen. All species of Sitona, including the pea leaf weevil, have a short snout.
Figure 3. Comparison images and descriptions of four Sitona species adults including pea leaf weevil (Left).
Adults feed upon the leaf margins and growing points of legume seedlings (alfalfa, clover, dry beans, faba beans, peas) and produce a characteristic, scalloped (notched) edge (Fig. 4). Females lay 1000 to 1500 eggs in the soil either near or on developing pea or faba bean plants from May to June.
Figure 4. Scalloped notching along leaf margins of pea plant (Photo: L. Dosdall).
Pea Leaf Weevil (Sitona lineatus) – This week is our PLW Blitz featuring this pest with: -The Insect of the Week, -Updated model outputs and phenological predictions for 2017 (as of May 29, 2017), and – A NEWLY UPDATED Monitoring Protocol (Vankosky et al. 2017)!
The PLW model was run for Lethbridge AB and Saskatoon SK.Current weather data was used then extended by Long Term Normal climate data (May 30-Jun 30) in order to predict pea leaf weevil phenology. Compared to last week, model output indicated that oviposition has been delayed by ~5-7 days. As of May 29th, phenologies for eggs and larvae were predicted to be similar for both locations (Fig. 1-2).
Figure 1. Pea leaf weevil model predicting phenology for 2017 near Saskatoon SK.
Figure 2. Pea leaf weevil model predicting phenology for 2017 near Lethbridge AB.
Pea leaf weevils emerge in the spring primarily by flying (at temperatures above 17ºC) or they may walk short distances. Pea leaf weevil movement into peas and faba beans is achieved primarily through flight. Adults are slender, greyish-brown measuring approximately 5 mm in length (Fig. 3, Left). The pea leaf weevil resembles the sweet clover weevil (Sitona cylindricollis) but the former is distinguished by three light-coloured stripes extending length-wise down thorax and sometimes the abdomen. All species of Sitona, including the pea leaf weevil, have a short snout.
Figure 3. Comparison images and descriptions of four Sitona species adults including pea leaf weevil (Left).
Adults will feed upon the leaf margins and growing points of legume seedlings (alfalfa, clover, dry beans, faba beans, peas) and produce a characteristic, scalloped (notched) edge. Females lay 1000 to 1500 eggs in the soil either near or on developing pea or faba bean plants from May to June.
Pea Leaf Weevil (Sitona lineatus) – The pea leaf weevil simulation model will be used to monitor weevil development across the prairies. Weekly temperature data collected across the prairies is incorporated into the simulation model which calculates estimates of weevil development stages based on biological parameters for Sitona lineatus.
The PLW model was run for Lethbridge AB and Saskatoon SK. Meteorological data (April 1 – May 15, 2017) and climate data (May 16- June 30) were used to predict PLW phenology. Output indicates that PLW oviposition in Lethbridge is approximately one week earlier than Saskatoon.Reminder – Access last week’s PLW model output predictions here.
Pea leaf weevils emerge in the spring primarily by flying (at temperatures above 17ºC) or they may walk short distances. Pea leaf weevil movement into peas and faba beans is achieved primarily through flight. Adults are slender, greyish-brown measuring approximately 5 mm in length (Fig. 1, Left). The pea leaf weevil resembles the sweet clover weevil (Sitona cylindricollis) but the former is distinguished by three light-coloured stripes extending length-wise down thorax and sometimes the abdomen. All species of Sitona, including the pea leaf weevil, have a short snout.
Figure 3. Comparison images and descriptions of four Sitona species adults including pea leaf weevil (Left).
Adults will feed upon the leaf margins and growing points of legume seedlings (alfalfa, clover, dry beans, faba beans, peas) and produce a characteristic, scalloped (notched) edge. Females lay 1000 to 1500 eggs in the soil either near or on developing pea or faba bean plants from May to June.
Pea Leaf Weevil (Sitona lineatus) – The pea leaf weevil simulation model will be used to monitor weevil development across the prairies. Weekly temperature data collected across the prairies is incorporated into the simulation model which calculates estimates of weevil development stages based on biological parameters for Sitona lineatus.
Model output predicted that flight of pea leaf weevil adults was significantly earlier in Lethbridge than Saskatoon in 2017. In the figure below, note the red line predicting adults emerging from overwintering then the yellow line predicting overwintered adults taking flight this spring for Lethbridge AB (Fig. 1, Upper) and Saskatoon SK (Fig. 1, Lower).
Figure 1. Model output predicting development of pea leaf weevil in Lethbridge AB (Upper) and Saskaton SK (Lower) in the spring of 2017.
Reminder – In 2016, the distribution of pea leaf weevil increased dramatically based on both damage assessments AND collection of adults in 2016 (Fig. 2).
Figure 2. Distribution of pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) based on surveying conducted in 2016 (Olfert et al. 2017).
Pea leaf weevils emerge in the spring primarily by flying (at temperatures above 17ºC) or they may walk short distances. Pea leaf weevil movement into peas and faba beans is achieved primarily through flight. Adults are slender, greyish-brown measuring approximately 5 mm in length (Fig. 3, Left). The pea leaf weevil resembles the sweet clover weevil (Sitona cylindricollis) but the former is distinguished by three light-coloured stripes extending length-wise down thorax and sometimes the abdomen. All species of Sitona, including the pea leaf weevil, have a short snout.
Figure 3. Comparison images and descriptions of four Sitona species adults including pea leaf weevil (Left).
Adults will feed upon the leaf margins and growing points of legume seedlings (alfalfa, clover, dry beans, faba beans, peas) and produce a characteristic, scalloped (notched) edge. Females lay 1000 to 1500 eggs in the soil either near or on developing pea or faba bean plants from May to June.
Pea Leaf Weevil (Sitona lineatus) – This species was one of the “big” insects of 2016’s field crop growing season. The distribution of pea leaf weevil increased dramatically based on both damage assessments AND collection of adults in 2016 (Fig. 1) compared to previous years (Fig. 2).
Figure 1. Distribution of pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) based on surveying conducted in 2016 (Olfert et al. 2017).
Figure 2. Distributions of pea leaf weevil based on surveying conducted between 2012-2015 (Olfert et al. 2017).
Pea leaf weevils emerge in the spring primarily by flying (at temperatures above 17ºC) or they may walk short distances. Pea leaf weevil movement into peas and faba beans is achieved primarily through flight. Adults are slender, greyish-brown measuring approximately 5 mm in length (Fig. 3, Left). The pea leaf weevil resembles the sweet clover weevil (Sitona cylindricollis) but the former is distinguished by three light-coloured stripes extending length-wise down thorax and sometimes the abdomen. All species of Sitona, including the pea leaf weevil, have a short snout.
Figure 3. Comparison images and descriptions of four Sitona species adults including pea leaf weevil (Left).
Adults will feed upon the leaf margins and growing points of legume seedlings (alfalfa, clover, dry beans, faba beans, peas) and produce a characteristic, scalloped (notched) edge. Females lay 1000 to 1500 eggs in the soil either near or on developing pea or faba bean plants from May to June.
All the Saskatchewan Insect Survey and Forecast Maps and more can be found on Saskatchewan.ca ! To view all our agriculture maps check out our Maps for Farmers and Agribusiness section.
Researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Saskatoon Research and Development Centre (SRDC), along with colleagues at the University of Guelph, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found a new insect damaging canola in northeastern Saskatchewan and east-central Alberta. The new species, a midge, which has yet to be named and scientifically described, belongs to the genus Contarinia. It is similar in appearance to the swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii, commonly found in Ontario.
Currently, the only confirmed symptom of damage by this insect are “bottle”-shaped galled flowers that form as a result of larval feeding inside flowers. Damaged flowers do not produce pods or seeds.
How the new species was confirmed
For years there have been accounts of differences between swede midge populations in Saskatchewan and Ontario, including adult size, the number of generations per year, and the type and amount of damage reported. These hints, combined with extremely low capture rates of adult swede midge in pheromone-baited traps in Saskatchewan despite apparently high rates of adult swede midge emergence caught the attention of Dr. Boyd Mori, a trained chemical ecologist and new research scientist at the SRDC.
Dr. Mori collected adult midges from soil emergence cages and reared larvae found in infested flowers. The resulting adult midges were sent to preeminent North American swede midge researchers at the University of Guelph, Dr. Rebecca Hallett and James Heal who immediately noticed differences between the midge from Saskatchewan and swede midges from Ontario: midges from Saskatchewan were more robust, had hairier wings and had slight differences in the antennae and genitalia compared to the swede midge.
These differences were confirmed by midge expert Dr. Bradley Sinclair with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Ottawa who also found several other physical differences. Using morphological differences, and DNA sequencing, the researchers concluded that the Saskatchewan midges were a separate species from the swede midge.
Economic Importance
While midge damage observed in Saskatchewan in 2016 appeared to be low in most fields, the economic impact of the new Contarinia midge is not known. Understanding pests and pest management is a priority of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and work is underway to formally describe and name this new species.
In 2016, swede midge pheromone traps were deployed at 62 sites across the Prairie region to monitor adult populations of this brassica pest. Of the 62 trap sites, two were located in BC, 13 in Alberta, 29 in Saskatchewan (where positive swede midge identifications were made in 2007 and 2009), and 13 in Manitoba. The map below illustrates trap site locations in 2016.
None of the traps were positive for swede midge in 2016.
We are grateful to all of the producers, agronomists, and cooperators who participated in the 2016 swede midge monitoring project. Without your assistance, we could not have supported such a thorough and widespread pheromone monitoring program.
We also extend our thanks to Nancy Melnychuk (AAFC-Saskatoon) for organizing the program, distributing trapping materials, and processing returned sticky cards for adult swede midge.
Because of the serious threat that swede midge poses to canola production, it is vital that monitoring for swede midge continues across the Prairies. At this time, plans are being made for the 2017 swede midge monitoring program. Agrologists or growers interested in performing weekly monitoring in 2017 are encouraged to email either your provincial entomologist or the survey researchers hyperlinked below for more information.
More information about swede midge can be found by: • Referring to the Canola Watch article by Dr. Julie Soroka or accessing a new Ontario fact sheet produced by Baute et al. 2016. • Accessing the swede midge pages within the new Field Guide which is available as a free download in either English or French.
Thanks to Scott Hartley who provided this update – Forest tent caterpillars have been reported in
high numbers across the province of Saskatchewan, primarily in urban areas, parks and
shelterbelts. Trees are the main host to this insect. Although there have been reports
of the caterpillars in alfalfa and canola, feeding damage will not be
significant.
Bacillus thuringiensis
var. kurstaki (Btk) is the recommended control product as it is specific to
moth and butterfly larvae (caterpillars). It is not considered dangerous to
pollinators due to the ingestion mode of action and as they are in a different
insect order the kurstaki strain of Bt is not toxic to the bees that may be
foraging in flowering trees. Although other chemical insecticides are
registered, they tend to affect a broad spectrum of insects including foraging
pollinators.
