2016 Swede Midge Pheromone Monitoring - Olfert, Mori, Vankosky

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.

Owen Olfert (AAFC-Saskatoon) 
Boyd Mori (AAFC-Saskatoon) 
Meghan Vankosky (AAFC-Saskatoon) 

John Gavloski (Manitoba Agriculture) 
Scott Hartley (Saskatchewan Agriculture) 
Scott Meers (Alberta Agriculture & Forestry) 

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.

AAFC posts new IPM video

When encountering insects found in prairie crops, I quite often don't know if I've found a 'good' or a 'bad' insect. In these instances, I feel like Glinda the Good when she asked Dorothy, 'are you a good witch, or a bad witch?' Some are 'good' insects (predators, parasitoids, pollinators, decomposers) and others are 'bad' (defoliators, sap suckers, seed eaters, root eaters, disease vectors). And of course there's also the great grey middle where some insects have a balance of good and bad traits, while others are seemingly and completely benign. Many times, you can't tell simply by their appearance which category an insect falls in (unlike Glinda in identifying a bad witch: 'Only bad witches are ugly.'). Especially when you encounter their adult form as it's often the larvae or nymphs that cause most of the damage.

AAFC entomologists study many aspects of the insects that make their home in our crops and nearby land. One of those aspects is how the 'good' insects contribute to the producers' bottom line in terms of the pest control services they provide. Economists estimate that for every $1 invested in Integrated Pest Management research, the industry gets back about $15 in benefits. For a brief look at some of the work AAFC entomologists do in Saskatchewan, make some popcorn, sit back and watch our new video.

I would be remiss if I didn't add that AAFC entomologists partner with provincial, university, industry and private entomologists in the region and across Canada to discover, monitor and publicize the latest findings and trends in crop pests and beneficials.

You might also like to take a look at 'Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and Management Guide’ for information and full colour pictures of important economic Prairie crop insects and spiders. Download links are available on the ‘Insect of Week’ page.

2016 Harvest in western Canada

The Canadian Grain Commission holds and generates a wealth of information related to harvest in Canada AND they have one of the best Stored Product Pest online resources which includes a photographic identification key plus grain management tips.  

It doesn't matter if you're an entomologist, an agrologist, or one of our hard-working growers - we all pay attention to harvest and here's what the CGC is able to share with us as of October 27, 2016:

• Quality data and statistics for western Canadian BARLEY
• Quality data for western Canadian CANOLA
• Quality data for western Canadian FLAXSEED
• Preliminary quality data for western Canadian LENTILS
• Preliminary quality data for western Canadian PEAS
• Quality data for western Canadian WHEAT (western Amber Durum or western spring Red)

Visit the Canadian Grain Commission's homepage for more!