Weekly Update (Jul 13, 2017; Wk 11) - Predicted Grasshopper Development

Grasshopper Simulation Model Output – Compared to last week, grasshopper development has progressed by approximately one instar (Fig. 1).  Based on model output, grasshopper development is slightly ahead of long term averages (Fig. 2).  

Figure 1. Predicted Melanoplus sanguinipes development across 
the Canadian prairies (July 4, 2017).

Figure 2. Predicted Melanoplus sanguinipes development prepared 
using Long Term Normal (LTN) data.

Across the prairies, grasshoppers should be predominantly in the third and fourth instar stages with more rapid development across southern Alberta (Fig. 3 and 4). This is the first week where the model has predicted appearance of adults. The greatest development was predicted to be across southern regions in all three provinces, particularly southern Alberta.  Current developmental rates are well behind last year.

Figure 3.  Predicted percent of Melanoplus sanguinipes at fourth instar 
development stage (July 10, 2017).

Figure 4.  Predicted percent of Melanoplus sanguinipes at fifth instar 
development stage (July 10, 2017).

Grasshopper Scouting Steps: 

● Measure off a distance of 50 m on the level road surface and mark both starting and finishing points using markers or specific posts on the field margin.

● Starting at one end in either the field or the roadside and walk toward the other end of the 50 m making some disturbance with your feet to encourage any grasshoppers to jump. 

● Grasshoppers that jump/fly through the field of view within a one meter width in front of the observer are counted. 

● A meter stick can be carried as a visual tool to give perspective for a one meter width.  However, after a few stops one can often visualize the necessary width and a meter stick may not be required. Also, a hand-held counter can be useful in counting while the observer counts off the required distance. 

● At the end point the total number of grasshoppers is divided by 50 to give an average per meter. For 100 m, repeat this procedure. 
● Compare counts to the following damage levels associated with pest species of grasshoppers:

0-2  per m² - None to very light damage

2-4  per m² - Very light damage

4-8  per m² - Light damage

8-12 per m² - Action threshold in cereals and canola

12-24 per m² - Severe damage 

>24 per m² - Very severe damage

* For lentils at flowering and pod stages, >2 per m² will cause yield loss.

* For flax at boll stages, >2 per m² will cause yield loss.

Reminder:  Biological and monitoring information related to grasshoppers in field crops is posted by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, the BC Ministry of Agriculture and the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network.  Also refer to the grasshopper pages within the new "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management field guide" as an English-enhanced or French-enhanced version.