Pea Leaf Weevil in Central Alberta - May 22, 2015

Previous reports and surveys performed by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development's Meers and Barkley confirmed the presence of Pea leaf weevil (Sitona lineatus) in the Red Deer region recently.

This week, faba bean plots at AAFC-Lacombe were observed to have suffered feeding damage from this introduced weevil species (note notching of leaves in photos below).  The damage was characterized by P. Reid as <10% foliage consumed which isn't expected to affect yield according to H. Carcamo (AAFC-Lethbridge) who also posited that faba beans may tolerate more PLW feeding damage than peas owing to the fact that they produce more nodules and are recognized as the best nitrogen-fixing pulse crop.

***See Insect of the Week from June 1 for more information (description, damage, management options, etc) on the pea leaf weevil from the new Field Crop and Forage pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada***

Wind Trajectories for the Canadian Prairies (May 25, 2015)

Wind trajectories Related to Diamondback Moth (DBM) and Aster Leafhopper Introductions to the Canadian Prairies in 2015

BACKGROUND:  Potential wind events capable of carrying insect pests from source areas in the USA can be identified by following trajectories for air parcels through time. High altitude air masses, originating from southern locations, frequently move northerly to Canadian destinations. Insect pest species such as Diamondback moth and Aster leafhoppers, traditionally unable to overwinter above the 49th parallel, can utilize these air masses in the spring to move north from Mexico and the United States (southern or Pacific northwest).

Wind trajectory data processing by AAFC-Saskatoon Staff (Weiss & Olfert) began in April.  Reverse Trajectories track air masses arriving across the prairies back to their point of origin.  Forward Trajectories predict favorable winds expected to arrive across the Canadian Prairies.  

Updated: May 23-25, 2015

1.  Reverse trajectories (RT)

This week, RTs are originating over the Arctic, tracking south to pass over South and North Dakota and tracking north into the Canadian prairies.

2.  Forward trajectories (FT) 

This week, Environment Canada models project that FTs crossing the prairies are expected to originate from the following sites:

Location	Projected Arrival Dates
BOZEMAN_MONTANA	25/05/2015
EASTERN_WASHINGTON	25/05/2015
MOSCOW_IDAHO	25/05/2015
EASTERN_WASHINGTON	24/05/2015
MANHATTAN_KANSAS	24/05/2015
MOSCOW_IDAHO	24/05/2015
BROWNSVILLE_TEXAS	23/05/2015
EASTERN_WASHINGTON	23/05/2015
MOSCOW_IDAHO	23/05/2015

Insect of the Week (May 25, 2015) - Diamondback moth

In follow-up to Scott Hartley's observations, this week's Insect of the Week highlights diamondback moth (from the new Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada - Identification and Management Field Guide). See also Insect of the Week from May 11 for flea beetle description, scouting and management options.

Saskatchewan Field Notes - May 22, 2015

Thanks to Scott Hartley for forwarding these quick observations....

Flea beetles:  On Thursday received a report of intense flea beetle feeding on a young crop at cotyledon stage.  It was reported as striped flea beetles in high numbers with plenty of stem girdling - very damaging for a seedling crop.  They are considering re-seeding some of the (substantial) acres affected. 

Diamondback moths (DBM):  So far, no significant numbers of DBM picked up in pheromone traps reporting from Saskatchewan.

Predicted Alfalfa Weevil Development - May 14, 2015

Degree-day maps of base 9°C are now being produced by Soroka, Olfert, and Giffen (2015) using the Harcourt/North Dakota models predicting the development of Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) across the Canadian prairies.  The model output is mapped below to help alfalfa growers time their in-field monitoring.

Watch this map for the predicted occurrence of second-instar alfalfa weevil larvae.  The economic threshold for alfalfa weevil targets third- and fourth-instar larvae but, in the event that second-instar larval densities exceed either the forage or seed production thresholds, control is appropriate to prevent third-instar peaks.

The model predicted egg hatch began the week of May 14, 2015, in the Brooks AB area (note area below shaded brown corresponding to 165 DD base 9°C).  Growers in that area should be monitoring for alfalfa weevil this week.

Please contact julie.soroka@agr.gc.ca for information pertaining to this map.

Wind Trajectories for the Canadian Prairies (May 20, 2015)

Wind trajectories Related to Diamondback Moth (DBM) and Aster Leafhopper Introductions to the Canadian Prairies in 2015

BACKGROUND:  Potential wind events capable of carrying insect pests from source areas in the USA can be identified by following trajectories for air parcels through time. High altitude air masses, originating from southern locations, frequently move northerly to Canadian destinations. Insect pest species such as Diamondback moth and Aster leafhoppers, traditionally unable to overwinter above the 49th parallel, can utilize these air masses in the spring to move north from Mexico and the United States (southern or Pacific northwest).

Wind trajectory data processing by AAFC-Saskatoon Staff (Weiss & Olfert) began in April.  Reverse Trajectories track air masses arriving across the prairies back to their point of origin.  Forward Trajectories predict favorable winds expected to arrive across the Canadian Prairies.  

Updated: May 20, 2015

1.  Reverse trajectories (RT)

During the early part of May, reverse trajectories (RTs) were originating over the Arctic, but have recently shifted southward.  This week a number of RTs, originating from California, Texas and Mexico have passed over a number of prairie locations. The following table provides an overview of were RTs originating across southwest USA and Mexico have crossed the prairies.

Number of Dates Reverse Trajectories Were Tracked to these Prairie Sites (between May 13-20, 2015)
Location	Latitude	Longitude	Number of Dates
BRANDON_MB	49.8	-99.9	3
SELKIRK_MB	50.1	-96.9	3
YORKTON_SK	51.2	-102.4	2
RUSSELL_MB	50.8	-101.3	2
CARMAN_MB	49.5	-98	2
GRENFELL_SK	50.4	-102.9	2
PORTAGE_MB	50	-98.3	2
LETHBRIDGE_AB	49.7	-112.8	1
KINDERSLEY_SK	51.5	-109.1	1
DAUPHIN_MB	51.1	-100	1
GAINSBOROUGH_SK	49.2	-101.4	1
PROVOST_AB	52.4	-110.3	1

2.  Forward trajectories (FT)

Environment Canada models indicate that most of the forward trajectories crossing the prairies are expected to originate over northwestern USA (Pacific).

Insect of the week (May 19, 2015) - Aster and potato leafhoppers

See this week's Insect of the Week for descriptions and pictures of the aster and potato leafhoppers (Macrosteles quadrilineatus and Empoasca fabae) from the new Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada - Identification and Management Field Guide

Ongoing Monitoring Efforts for 2015

In 2014, the PPMN compiled data for the following sites highlighted in the map below.  The monitoring data collected from these sites forms invaluable sources of information both now and into the future.

Agricultural people from federal, provincial, regional and industry sectors all contribute to this tremendous effort!  Monitoring at sites like these below provides crucial information on insect pest risk before and during the growing season.  Some sites are visited annually while others are checked weekly and all that data enables the synthesis and generation of risk and forecast maps like those posted here.

THANK YOU to all who contribute!

Please contact Dr. Owen Olfert at AAFC-Saskatoon for more information about this map.

Wind Trajectories for the Canadian Prairies (May 13, 2015)

   Wind trajectories Related to Diamondback Moth (DBM) and Aster Leafhopper Introductions to the Canadian Prairies in 2015

BACKGROUND:  Potential wind events capable of carrying insect pests from source areas in the USA can be identified by following trajectories for air parcels through time. High altitude air masses, originating from southern locations, frequently move northerly to Canadian destinations. Insect pest species such as Diamondback moth and Aster leafhoppers, traditionally unable to overwinter above the 49th parallel, can utilize these air masses in the spring to move north from Mexico and the United States (southern or Pacific northwest). 

Wind trajectory data processing by AAFC-Saskatoon Staff began in April.  Reverse Trajectories track air masses arriving across the prairies back to their point of origin.  Forward Trajectories predict favourable winds expected to arrive across the Canadian Prairies.  

    Updated: May 13, 2015

    1. Reverse trajectories (RT) - During April and early May, reverse trajectories winds were originating over the Pacific Ocean and tracking in a west to east direction across North America.  Since May 8th most are now originating over the Arctic.

    a. Pacific Northwest (PNW) - Nothing to report.

    b. Mexico and southwest USA (SW) - Nothing to report.

    2. Forward trajectories (FT)

    There are a number of forward trajectories from southern USA and Mexico predicted to cross the prairies over the next five days. The Imperial Valley and Mexicali FTs are predicted to cross southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  The Santa Maria FT is predicted to cross into central Alberta. 

Seasonal canola scouting chart

Field scouting is critical because it enables the identification of potential risks to crops.  Canola production systems across the Canadian prairies will suffer insect pest outbreaks.  However, the identification of these insect pests PLUS the application of established monitoring methods will enable growers to make informed pest management decisions.

This year we offer a generalized canola scouting chart to aid in-field scouting on the Canadian prairies. Two versions are offered below – the first version contains hyperlinks to help growers learn more about some of our insect pests and how to monitor while the second version may be easier to view or print.  

Whenever possible, monitor and compare to established economic thresholds so pollinators and beneficial arthropods are preserved.  Economic thresholds, by definition, can help growers avoid crop losses due to an insect pest.

Good luck with the growing season!

Insect of the Week (May 11, 2015) - Crucifer and striped flea beetles

See this week's Insect of the Week for descriptions and pictures of the crucifer and striped flea beetles (Phyllotreta cruciferae and P. striolata) from the new Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada - Identification and Management Field Guide

Wind Trajectories for the Canadian Prairies (May 5, 2015)

Wind trajectories Related to Diamondback Moth (DBM) and Aster Leafhopper Introductions to the Canadian Prairies in 2015

BACKGROUND:  Potential wind events capable of carrying insect pests from source areas in the USA can be identified by following trajectories for air parcels through time. High altitude air masses, originating from southern locations, frequently move northerly to Canadian destinations. Insect pest species such as Diamondback moth and Aster leafhoppers, traditionally unable to overwinter above the 49th parallel, can utilize these air masses in the spring to move north from Mexico and the United States (southern or Pacific northwest). 

Wind trajectory data processing by AAFC-Saskatoon Staff began in April.  Reverse Trajectories track air masses arriving across the prairies back to their point of origin.  Forward Trajectories predict favourable winds expected to arrive across the Canadian Prairies.  

Updated: May 4-5, 2015

1. Reverse trajectories

a. Pacific Northwest (PNW) - Between May 1-3, 2015, the predominate air mass source is continues to be the Pacific Northwest.  Reverse trajectories model output for 10 prairie locations and indicated that winds arriving to the Canadian prairies originated from northwest USA between April 25-27, 2015.  

2. Forward trajectories

Between may 1-3, 2015, there were five forward trajectories originating over Texas and California that are predicted to cross over the prairies over the 2-3 days.  An example of forward trajectories for the Santa Maria CA example is below.  Note how air masses are predicted to land in northeast Saskatchewan, northern Manitoba, and into Ontario.