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Category: Week 2
Week 2 and it's time to get busy with in-field scouting for insects – cutworms, wireworms, flea beetles, and more are all active! In addition to the Weekly Update, be sure to catch the Insect of the Week.
Now, more than ever, we wish everyone a safe and productive field season! Stay Safe!
Questions or problems accessing the contents of this Weekly Update? Please contact us so we can connect you to our information. Past "Weekly Updates" can be accessed on our Weekly Update page.
Weather synopsis
Since April 1, the 2021 growing season has been cooler and dryer than normal. The National Agroclimate Risk Report states that the most significant climate-related risk to agriculture is the dry conditions across the prairie region (access the Spring to April 27, 2021 report).
This past week (May 3-9, 2021), the average temperature across the prairies was 1.3 °C cooler than normal (Fig. 1). Similarly, the average 30-day temperature (April 10-May 9) was 1.7 °C less than climate normal values (Fig. 2). Temperatures have been warmest in southern Alberta (Table 1; Fig. 1-2).
Figure 1. Seven-day average temperature (°C) across the Canadian prairies for the period of May 3-9, 2021.
Figure 2. 30-day average temperature (°C) across the Canadian prairies for the period of April 10-May 9, 2021.
The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5 ºC, April 1-May 2, 2021) is provided below (Fig. 3) while the growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10 ºC, April 1-August 9, 2020) is shown in Figure 4.
Figure 3. Growing degree day map (Base 5 °C) observed across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-May 11, 2021).
Image has not been reproduced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada and was retrieved (12May2021). Access the full map at https://www.agr.gc.ca/DW-GS/current-actuelles.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=true
Figure 4. Growing degree day map (Base 10 °C) observed across the Canadian prairies for the growing season (April 1-May 11, 2021).
At this early point in the growing season, cool temperatures pose the risk of frost but the differences between low and high temperatures can exert incredible stress on newly germinating plants in field crops. The lowest temperatures recorded ranged from <-59 to >-6 °C (Fig. 5) while the highest temperatures (°C) observed across the Canadian prairies the past seven days ranged from <11 to >26 °C (Fig. 6). Wow, what an amazing range – spring is tough!
Figure 5. Lowest temperatures (°C) observed across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (May 5-11, 2021).
Figure 6. Highest temperatures (°C) observed across the Canadian prairies the past seven days (May 5-11, 2021).
Seven-day cumulative rainfall indicates that below normal rain (86% of average) was reported for the prairies (Fig. 7). Over the past seven-days rain totals across most of Alberta and the extreme southwest region of Saskatchewan was 10-20 mm. The rest of the prairies received little or no rain. Rain (30-day accumulation) amounts have been less than average for most of the prairies (81% of average). Rainfall for April 10-May 9, 2021, has been greatest for southeastern Manitoba, southwestern Saskatchewan and across most of Alberta (Table 1; Fig. 8). Average growing season (April 1 to May 9) precipitation has been well below average for most of the prairies. The two large regions (Swift Current to Prince Albert to Vegreville and the western two-thirds of Manitoba) have had less than 40 % of normal precipitation.
Figure 7. Seven-day cumulative rainfall (mm) observed across the Canadian prairies the past 30 days (May 3-9, 2021).
Figure 8. 30-day cumulative rainfall (mm) observed across the Canadian prairies the past 30 days (April 10-May 9, 2021).
The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Growers can bookmark the AAFC Current Conditions Maps for the growing season. Historical weather data can be access at the AAFC Drought Watch Historical website, Environment Canada's Historical Data website, or your provincial weather network.
Access ALL the PPMN's Wind Trajectory reports (Weekly and Daily).
Access Environment and Climate Change Canada's weather radar mapping interface.
Potential of trajectories for monitoring insect movements
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have been working together to study the potential of trajectories for monitoring insect movements since the late 1990s. Trajectory models are used to deliver an early-warning system for the origin and destination of migratory invasive species, such as diamondback moth. In addition, plant pathologists have shown that trajectories can assist with the prediction of plant disease infestations and are also beginning to utilize these same data. We receive two types of model output from ECCC: reverse trajectories and forward trajectories.
'Reverse trajectories' refer to air currents that are tracked back in time from specified Canadian locations over a five-day period prior to their arrival date. Of particular interest are those trajectories that, prior to their arrival in Canada, originated over northwestern and southern USA and Mexico, anywhere diamondback moth populations overwinter and adults are actively migrating. If diamondback adults are present in the air currents that originate from these southern locations, the moths may be deposited on the Prairies at sites along the trajectory, depending on the local weather conditions at the time that the trajectories pass over our area (e.g. rain showers, etc.). Reverse trajectories are the best available estimate of the "true" 3D wind fields at a specific point. They are based on observations, satellite and radiosonde data.
'Forward trajectories' have a similar purpose; however, the modeling process begins at sites in USA & Mexico. The model output predicts the pathway of a trajectory. Again, of interest to us are the winds that eventually end up passing over the Prairies.
Access all the Historical Wind Trajectory Reports.
Weiss1, Vankosky1, Trudel2
1 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
2 Environment and Climate Change Canada
Weekly Wind Trajectory Report (released May 13)
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have been working together to study the potential of trajectories for monitoring insect movements since the late 1990s. Trajectory models are used to deliver an early-warning system for the origin and destination of migratory invasive species, such as diamondback moth. Read a brief overview of this strategy plus the definitions and applications of both 'Reverse' and 'Forward' trajectories.
1. REVERSE TRAJECTORIES (RT)
Since May 1, 2021, the majority of reverse trajectories crossing the prairies originated from the Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Oregon and Washington). This week, an increasing number of reverse trajectories have been moving north from Kansas and Nebraska (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. The average number (based on a 5-day running average) of reverse trajectories (RTs) that have
crossed the prairies for the period of May 1-13, 2021.
a. Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Oregon, Washington) – The majority of Pacific Northwest reverse trajectories have been reported to pass over southern Alberta (Fig. 2).
Figure 2. Total number of dates with reverse trajectories originating over the Pacific Northwest (PNW including Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) that have crossed the prairies between March 24 and May 13, 2021.
b. Mexico and southwest USA (Texas, California) – Since last week there have not been any trajectories that originated in these areas that have crossed the prairies.
c. Oklahoma and Texas – Since last week there have not been any trajectories originating in Oklahoma or Texas that have crossed the prairies.
d. Kansas and Nebraska – This week reverse trajectories were reported for Alberta (Andrew, Sedgewick), Saskatchewan (Gainsborough, Grenfell, Kindersley, Regina, Yorkton) and Manitoba (Brandon) (Fig. 3).
Figure 3. The total number of dates with reverse trajectories originating over Kansas and Nebraska that have crossed the
prairies between March 24 and May 13, 2021.
2. FORWARD TRAJECTORIES (FT)
Forward trajectories, originating from Mexico and USA have crossed a number of prairie locations since May 1, 2021. Based on average totals (averaged across a five day period), the greatest number of forward trajectories were observed to originate between May 5 and 8 (blue bars) and entered the prairies between May 6-9 (Fig. 4).
Figure 4. The average number (based on a 5 day running average) of forward trajectories that have crossed the
prairies for the period of May 1- 13, 2021.
The following map presents the total number of dates (since March 24, 2021) with forward trajectories that have crossed the Canadian prairies (Fig. 5). Results indicate that the greatest number of forward trajectories entering Canada originated from the Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Oregon, Washington).
Figure 5. The total number of dates with forward trajectories, originating from various regions of the United States and Mexico, that crossed the prairies between March 24 and May 13, 2021.
Access a PDF version of the full WEEKLY report released May13, 2021.
'Tis the season…. to scout for cutworms! Scout fields that are "slow" to emerge, are missing rows, include wilting or yellowing plants, have bare patches, or appear highly attractive to birds – these are areas warranting a closer look. Plan to follow-up by walking these areas later in the day when some cutworm species move above-ground to feed. Start to dig below the soil surface (1-5 cm deep) near the base of a symptomatic plant or the adjacent healthy plant. If the plant is well-established, check within the crown in addition to the adjacent soil. The culprits could be wireworms, cutworms, or more!
Important: Several species of cutworms (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) can be present in fields. They range in colour from shiny opaque, to tan, to brownish-red with chevron patterning. A field guide is available to help growers scout and manage the various species of cutworms that can appear in field crops grown on the Canadian prairies. Cutworm Pest of Crops is available free in either English or French! Download a searchable PDF copy that includes great photos plus a table showing which larvae are active at different points in the growing season!
Other vital resources to scout and manage cutworms include:
● For anyone on the Canadian prairies, Manitoba Agriculture and Rural Development's Cutworms in Field Crops fact sheet includes action and economic thresholds for cutworms in several crops, important biological information, and great cutworm photos to support in-field scouting.
● For Albertans….. If you find cutworms, please consider using the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network's "2021 Cutworm Reporting Tool" then view the live 2021 cutworm map which is updated daily. Review the live map to see where cutworms are appearing then prioritize in-field scouting accordingly.
● Cutworms were featured as 2021's first Insect of the Week. Follow the links to access IOTW's descriptions of army, darksided, dingy, glassy, pale western and redbacked cutworms.
● The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network has cutworm biology, plant host range, and monitoring information available.
● The Canola Council of Canada's Canola Encyclopedia also has cutworm information posted.
Wireworms
Newly seeded fields should be scouted throughout the germination and emergence periods for a variety of insect pests – one of the most difficult to detect can be wireworms! Wireworms are the juvenile stages of a complex comprised of several species of Elateridae, commonly referred to as 'Click beetles'. On the Canadian prairies, wireworm collections from field crops indicate that three economically important species of wireworms or click beetles can be present; Selatosomus destructor, Limonius californicus, and Hypnoides bicolor. According to van Herk and Vernon (2014), a wide variety of Elateridae have been described from across the Canadian prairies; Alberta 144 species described in Alberta, 108 species described from Saskatchewan, and 109 species described from Manitoba.
Review these two wireworm posts to learn more and supplement in-field scouting:
Wireworms – Insect of the Week (2018)
Wireworm distribution map – Weekly Update (2018)
Biological and monitoring information related to wireworms in field crops is posted by Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Also, refer to the wireworm pages within the "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management field guide" (2018; accessible in either English-enhanced or French-enhanced versions).
Newly emerging Brassicaceae but especially canola is attractive to overwintered flea beetles that emerge and become active early in the spring. As canola seedlings emerge, in-field scouting becomes crucial! If flea beetle densities are high, seedling damage levels can advance quickly – even within the same day! The cotyledon stage of canola is vulnerable to flea beetle feeding. Be sure to check out the Insect of the Week – Week 2 featured flea beetles!
Several species of flea beetles are present across North America. Be on the lookout for flea beetle damage resulting from feeding on canola cotyledons but also on the stem (Fig. 1). Two species, Phyllotreta striolata (Fig. 1) and P. cruciferae, will feed on all cruciferous plants but they can cause economic levels of damage in canola during the seedling stages.
Figure 1. Flea beetle feeding damage (L) and striped flea beetle (R).
The Action Threshold for flea beetles on canola is 25% of cotyledon leaf area consumed. Watch for shot-hole feeding in seedling canola but also watch the growing point and stems of seedlings which are particularly vulnerable to flea beetle feeding.
Estimating flea beetle feeding damage can be challenging. Using a visual guide to estimate damage can be helpful. Canola Watch circulated this article but also use the two images (Figs. 2 and 3; copied below for reference) produced by Dr. J. Soroka (AAFC-Saskatoon) – take it scouting!
Figure 2. Canola cotyledons with various percentages of leaf area consume owing to flea beetle feeding damage (Photo: Soroka & Underwood, AAFC-Saskatoon).
Figure 3. Percent leaf area consumed by flea beetles feeding on canola seedlings (Photo: Soroka & Underwood, AAFC-Saskatoon).
Access biological and pest management information posted by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Saskatchewan Agriculture, or Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, or the Canola Council of Canada's Canola Encyclopedia. Refer to the flea beetle page within the "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management field guide" (Philip et al. 2018) as an English-enhanced or French-enhanced version.
Two other favourite flea beetle resources relevant to field crop protection include:
Those armed with a stereomicroscope who are keen to monitor flea beetle species may wish to bookmark the "Common flea beetles of North Dakota" (Fauske 2003) which an excellent online resource and includes many of the commonly observed species of flea beetles also present across the Canadian prairies.
Soroka, J., Grenkow, L., Otani, J., Gavloski, J., & Olfert, O. (2018). Flea beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) species in canola (Brassicaceae) on the northern Great Plains of North America. The Canadian Entomologist, 150(1), 100-115. doi:10.4039/tce.2017.60
Cereal leaf beetle development
The cereal leaf beetle (CLB) model output suggests that overwintered adults are active and that oviposition is underway across the prairies. The graphs provide a comparison of development for Saskatoon (Fig. 1) and Winnipeg (Fig. 2). The simulation indicates that first instar larvae may occur during the third week of May.
Figure 1. Predicted status of cereal leaf beetle populations near Saskatoon, SK as of May 9, 2021.
Figure 2. Predicted status of cereal leaf beetle populations near Winnipeg MB as of May 9, 2021.
Lifecycle and Damage:
Adult: Adult cereal leaf beetles (CLB) have shiny bluish-black wing covers (Fig. 3). The thorax and legs are light orange-brown. Females (4.9 to 5.5 mm) are slightly larger than males (4.4 to 5 mm). Adult beetles overwinter in and along the margins of grain fields in protected places such as in straw stubble, under crop and leaf litter, and in the crevices of tree bark. They favour sites adjacent to shelterbelts, deciduous and conifer forests. They emerge in the spring once temperatures reach 10-15 ºC and the adults are active for about 6 weeks. They usually begin feeding on grasses, then move into winter cereals and later into spring cereals.
Figure 3. Adult Oulema melanopus measure 4.4-5.5 mm long (Photo: M. Dolinski).
Egg: Eggs are laid approximately 14 days following the emergence of the adults. Eggs are laid singly or in pairs along the midvein on the upper side of the leaf and are cylindrical, measuring 0.9 mm by 0.4 mm, and yellowish in colour. Eggs darken to black just before hatching.
Larva: The larvae hatch in about 5 days and feed for about 3 weeks, passing through 4 growth stages (instars). The head and legs are brownish-black; the body is yellowish. Larvae are usually covered with a secretion of mucus and fecal material, giving them a shiny black, wet appearance (Fig. 4). When the larva completes its growth, it drops to the ground and pupates in the soil.
Figure 4. Larval stage of Oulema melanopus with characteristic feeding damage visible on leaf (Photo: M. Dolinski).
Pupa: Pupal colour varies from a bright yellow when it is first formed, to the colour of the adult just before emergence. The pupal stage lasts 2 – 3 weeks. Adult beetles emerge and feed for a couple of weeks before seeking overwintering sites. There is one generation per year.
Fact sheets for CLB are published by the province of Alberta and available from the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network. Also access the Oulema melanopus page from the "Field crop and forage pests and their natural enemies in western Canada – Identification and management field guide" (2018; accessible in either English-enhanced or French-enhanced versions).
Predicted grasshopper development
The grasshopper simulation model will be used to monitor grasshopper development across the prairies. Weekly temperature data collected across the prairies is incorporated into the simulation model which calculates estimates of grasshopper development stages based on biological parameters for Melanoplus sanguinipes (Migratory grasshopper).
Model simulations were used to estimate percent grasshopper embryonic (egg) development as of May 9, 2021. The simulation predicts that development has now begun across southern areas of the Peace River region. Results indicate that egg development has been greatest for Lethbridge and Regina regions. Cool conditions in Manitoba have resulted in slower development rates (Figs. 1 and 2).
Figure 1. Predicted grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes) embryological development across the Canadian prairies as of May 9, 2021.
Figure 2. Predicted percent embryonic development of overwintered grasshopper eggs across the Canadian prairies as of May 9, 2021.
Biological and monitoring information related to grasshoppers in field crops is posted by Manitoba Agriculture and Resource 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 "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management field guide" (accessible in either English-enhanced or French-enhanced versions).
Alfalfa weevil predicted development
Model simulations for alfalfa weevil (AAW) indicate that oviposition should be well underway across the prairies. The following graphs indicate, based on potential number of eggs, that development is more advanced near Lethbridge (Fig. 1) than Brandon (Fig. 2). The model predicts that hatch may occur during the last week of May.
Figure 1. Projected predicted status of alfalfa weevil populations near Lethbridge AB as of May 9, 2021.
Figure 2. Projected predicted status of alfalfa weevil populations near Brandon MB as of May 9, 2021.
Alfalfa growers are encouraged to check the Alfalfa Weevil Fact Sheet prepared by Dr. Julie Soroka (AAFC-Saskatoon). Additional information can be accessed by reviewing the Alfalfa Weevil Page extracted from the "Field crop and forage pests and their natural enemies in western Canada – Identification and management field guide" (2018; accessible in either English-enhanced or French-enhanced versions).
Provincial insect pest report links
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so link to their information:
• MANITOBA'S Crop Pest Updates for 2021 are now available! Access the May 12, 2021, report here. Be sure to bookmark their Crop Pest Update Index to readily access these reports!
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.
• 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!
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'S Alberta 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).
Crop report links
Click the provincial name below to link to online crop reports produced by:
• Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development – Subscribe to receive, or access a PDF copy of the May 12, 2021 report.
• Saskatchewan Agriculture or access a PDF copy of the May 10, 2021 report.
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry or access a PDF copy of the report released May 4, 2021.
The following crop reports are also available:
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) produces a Crop Progress Report (read a PDF copy of the May 10, 2021 edition).
• The USDA's Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (read a PDF copy of the May 11, 2021 edition).
Flea beetles active already
In canola, the most common flea beetles are either bluish black (crucifer flea beetle or Phyllotreta cruciferae) or black with two wavy yellow lines running down the length of its back (striped flea beetle or P. striolata). They overwinter as adults under plant material along field margins and females lay eggs in the soil near host plants.
Striped and crucifer flea beetles feed on canola, mustard and related cruciferous plants and weeds. Canola is highly susceptible to feeding damage at the cotyledon stage – damage appears as 'shot-holes' in cotyledon leaves. Flea beetles also feed on stems and very young seedlings may wilt or break off under windy or damp conditions. New generation adults feed on maturing pods late in the summer. Remember, the Action Threshold for flea beetles on canola is when 25% of cotyledon leaf area is consumed (see post from 2019 on estimating flea beetle damage and action threshold and the Flea Beetle Monitoring Protocol).
According Dr. Tyler Wist (@TylerWist1), who makes it his business to know, striped flea beetles are already active.
More information about these pests (lifecycle, damage, control options, etc.) and others is available in the Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and Management field guide. (en français : Guide d'identification des ravageurs des grandes cultures et des cultures fourragères et de leurs ennemis naturels et mesures de lutte applicables à l'Ouest canadien)
Crucifer flea beetle (AAFC)
Striped flea beetle (Mike Dolinski)
Wind Trajectory Report for May 10
ECCC trajectory models indicate that air trajectories, originating over the Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Oregon, Washington), have crossed one Saskatchewan location (Unity) and a number of Alberta locations including Lethbridge, Beiseker, Olds, Provost, Vegreville, Andrew, Grande Prairie, Rycroft and Fort Vermillion.
Access this DAILY one-page report to learn more. Albertans and Saskatchewanians please take note!
Areas highlighted green in this alert may receive incoming winds from the Pacific Northwest of the USA very shortly! Remember, host plants of diamondback moth include all plants in the Brassicacea family, including cruciferous weeds and volunteer canola. These plants are suitable hosts until canola emerges.
Wind trajectories
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have been working together to study the potential of trajectories for monitoring insect movements since the late 1990s.
Find the first WEEKLY report (available 11 May 2020).
Equipment is moving in fields across the prairies this week. In addition to the Weekly Update, the Insect of the Week is back for 2020's growing season. Please access the complete Weekly Update either as a series of Posts for Week 2 OR a downloadable PDF .
Questions or problems accessing the contents of this Weekly Update? Please e-mail Dr. Meghan Vankosky or Jennifer Otani. Past "Weekly Updates" can be accessed on our Weekly Update page.
Canola and Mustard Pests / Feature Entomologist: Owen Olfert
Mustard Plant cc by 2.0 Debaudh Majee
This year, we're doing things a bit differently for our Insect of the Week. Instead of focussing on a single insect (pest or natural enemy), we're looking at it from a crop perspective. Each week, we'll pick a crop and list the insects that attack it along with additional helpful information. The insect list is based on the information found in the Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and Management field guide. The field guide offers information describing lifecycle, damage description, monitoring/scouting strategies, economic thresholds (where available) and control options) for each economic pest.
In addition to an Insect of the Week, we'll also feature one of the entomologists that help support the PPMN, either directly or indirectly.
This week's feature crops are the Brassica oilseeds (mustard and canola) and Dr. Owen Olfert is our starring entomologist.
Canola Field
cc by 2.0 George Hodan
Canola has been gaining ground over wheat in terms of production area, yield and value since it was first introduced on the Prairies. In 2019, 20.4 million tons (18.5 million tonnes) were harvested from 20.4 million acres (8.3 million hectares). Mustard, typically grown in warmer and drier regions than canola, was grown on 398,000 acres (161,000 hectares) across the Prairies to produce 148,000 US tons (134,000 tonnes) across the prairies.
There are several pests that attack these crops, many are common to both crops. Monitoring and scouting protocols are found in the Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and Management and the Cutworm Pests of Crops on the Canadian Prairies: Identification and Management Field Guide. More detailed protocols exist for some of the pests. In addition, you find a Seasonal Canola Insect Scouting Chart showing when specific pests are active on our Pest Insects page. Each pest listed is hyperlinked to additional information.
Canola Pests
Alfalfa looper
Army cutworm
Aster leafhopper
Beet webworm
Bertha armyworm
Blister beetles
Bronzed blossom beetle
Brown marmorated beetle
Cabbage seedpod weevil
Clover cutworm
Darksided cutworm
Diamondback cutworm
Dingy cutworm
Green peach aphid
Imported cabbageworm
Lygus bug
Painted lady butterfly
Rape pollen beetle
Red turnip beetle
Redbacked cutworm
Saltmarsh caterpillar
Swede midge
Turnip aphid
Turnip maggot
Mustard Pests
Pale western cutworm
Diamondback moth – Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
ENTOMOLOGIST OF THE WEEK: Owen Olfert
Name: Owen Olfert
Affiliation: Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, Emeritus
Contact Information: owen.olfert@agr.gc.ca
How do you contribute to insect monitoring or surveillance on the Prairies?
Before I retired, I was the Chair of the PPMN. In collaboration with provincial, federal and industry colleagues, the PPMN makes decisions on insect priorities, develops standardized monitoring protocols, determines timing of surveillance activities, provides appropriate survey tools to collaborators, conducts field surveys, assembles and analyzes data, drafts and presents visual survey results to the agriculture industry. As an Insect Ecologist, I was involved in all of the field and laboratory activities mentioned above. Over the many years, the crop growing season activities have provided amazing professional opportunities in insect ecology, which overlapped strongly with my farming background. I have been fortunate to explore all of the agro-ecosystems of the Prairies in search of insect populations that threaten field crops.
In your opinion, what is the most interesting field crop pest on the Prairies?
Not to offend other insect groups, but I think grasshoppers (Acrididae) are most interesting! My interest in our prairie grasshopper complex began as a summer student with Dr. Roy Pickford (AAFC-Saskatoon) in the early 1970s. Coincidentally, my first assignment as a research scientist with AAFC involved developing surveillance and management strategies for grasshopper pest species in field crops. Over the years, my colleagues and I have published about 30 scientific papers related to grasshoppers.
What is your favourite beneficial insect?
My favourite is Macroglenes penetrans (Pteromalidae), a parasitoid of wheat midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana). It is the dominant parasitoid of wheat midge in western Canada. It is an egg-larval parasitoid; the female wasp oviposits into the egg of its host. It was discovered very early during the first major outbreak of wheat midge in the early 1980s. All of the pest management tools developed for wheat midge have taken this parasitoid into account. As a result, our estimated total saving in pesticide costs alone due to this parasitoid in the 1990's was $248.3 million.
Tell us about an important project you are working on right now.
Our most recent project is related to an important agricultural pest – parasitoid – host plant complex, involving wheat midge and its parasitoid mentioned above. The project assesses the interactive population dynamics of the host plant (wheat), wheat midge, and M. penetrans, based on their respective life cycles and weather. These simulation models helped to detail our understanding of the tri-trophic population dynamics. The models will help guide pest management decisions prior to and during the growing season.
What tools, platforms, etc. do you use to communicate with your stakeholders?
In addition to the suite of communication tools used by the PPMN, I still attend conferences and get contacted to conduct interviews by the agricultural news media.
Access the complete Weekly Update either as a series of Posts for Week 2 (April 15, 2019) OR a downloadable PDF version.
This week we share the prairie-wide risk maps to prepare for the 2019 growing season and we continue to evolve how the wind trajectory data is available.
Questions or problems accessing the contents of this Weekly Update? Please e-mail either Dr. Meghan Vankosky or Jennifer Otani. Past "Weekly Updates" can be accessed on our Weekly Update page.
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In a continuing effort to produce timely information, the wind trajectory reports will be available both DAILY and WEEKLY:
DAILY REPORTS, as they can be generated, will be put up as a downloadable PDF file on this page.
WEEKLY REPORTS will be included within the Weekly Update and can be retrieved by clicking this hyperlink.
2019 Risk and Forecast Maps for the Prairies
The 2019 Prairie-Wide Risk and Forecast Maps can be viewed and downloaded here.
Economically significant insect pests are monitored across the Canadian prairies each year, thanks to extensive networks of collaborators and cooperators. In 2018, that effort culminated in 5764 survey stops across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the BC Peace!
Here's what's included in the PDF file:
Average tempature, average precipitation, and modeled soil moisture for 2018.
A series of geospatial maps are included for each of the target species; the current map is followed by the previous 4 years.
For some species, the geospatial maps represent 2018 distributions used to infer risk in the coming 2019 growing season. Data is included for bertha armyworm, cabbage seedpod weevil, pea leaf weevil, wheat stem sawfly and diamondback moth.
For wheat midge and grasshoppers, the geospatial maps forecast or predict expected populations or risk for the 2019 growing season.
The historical Risk and Forecast Maps (2015-2019) are available for review.
These maps help the agricultural industry prepare to manage insect pests across the prairies and helps growers make crop choices and anticipate scouting priorities within their growing region. From May to July, the Weekly Updates will provide in-season updates, predictive model outputs plus scouting tips and links to relevant information.
Thank you to the many people who monitor each growing season!
2018 Swede Midge Pheromone Monitoring Results
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.
Boyd Mori and Meghan Vankosky
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research and Development Centre
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.
Access the complete Weekly Update either as a series of Posts for Week 02 (May 17, 2018) OR a downloadable PDF version. Also review the "Insect of the Week" for Week 2!
Subscribe to the Blog by following these three steps!
Weather synopsis – This past week (May 6-13), the average temperature was approximately 2 °C cooler than long term average (Fig. 1). The warmest weekly temperatures occurred across Alberta. The 30-day average temperature (April 13-May 13) was very similar to long term average temperatures with the warmest conditions occurring across Alberta (Fig. 2).
Figure 1. Average temperatures across the Canadian prairies these past seven days (May 6-13, 2018).
Figure 2. Average temperatures across the Canadian prairies this past month (April 13-May 13, 2018).
Weekly precipitation was well below average and 30-day total rainfall is approximately 50% less than average (Figs. 3 and 4). The lowest precipitation amounts have occurred across eastern Saskatchewan and most of Manitoba.
Figure 3. Cumulative precipitation (mm) these past seven days (May 6-13, 2018).
Figure 4. Cumulative precipitation (mm) this past month (April 13-May 13, 2018).
The map below reflects the Highest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days across the prairies.
The map below reflects the Lowest Temperatures occurring over the past 7 days across the prairies.
The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – May 13, 2018) is below:
The growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – May 13, 2018) is below:
The maps above are all produced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Growers may wish to bookmark the AAFC Drought Watch Maps for the growing season.
Scouting Charts – Canola and Flax
Field scouting is critical – it enables the identification of potential risks to crops. Accurate identification of insect pests PLUS the application of established monitoring methods will enable growers to make informed pest management decisions.
We offer TWO generalized insect pest scouting charts to aid in-field scouting on the Canadian prairies:
1. CANOLA INSECT SCOUTING CHART
2. A NEW FLAX INSECT SCOUTING CHART
These charts feature hyperlinks directing growers to downloadable PDF pages within the "Field crop and forage pests and their natural enemies in western Canada: Identification and management field guide".
Whenever possible, monitor and compare pest densities to established economic or action thresholds to protect and preserve pollinators and beneficial arthropods. Economic thresholds, by definition, help growers avoid crop losses related to outbreaking insect pest species.
Good luck with your scouting!
Cutworms (Noctuidae) – A field guide is now available to help growers scout and manage Cutworms! Cutworm Pest of Crops is available for free in either English or French and is posted on the Cutworm Field Guide page! Also be sure to check the Insect of the Week through May – it highlights cutworms.
Several species of cutworms can be present in fields. They range in colour from shiny opaque, to tan, to brownish-red with chevron patterning. Cutworm biology, species information, plus monitoring recommendations are available in the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network's Cutworm Monitoring Protocol. Also refer to Manitoba Agriculture cutworm fact sheet which includes action and economic thresholds for cutworms in several crops.
Scout fields that are "slow" to emerge, are missing rows, include wilting or yellowing plants, have bare patches, or appear highly attractive to birds – these are areas warranting a closer look. Plan to follow-up by walking these areas later in the day when some cutworm species move above-ground to feed. Start to dig below the soil surface (1-5 cm deep) near the base of a symptomatic plant or the adjacent healthy plant. If the plant is well-established, check within the crown in addition to the adjacent soil. The culprits could be wireworms or cutworms.
For Albertans….. If you find cutworms, please consider using the Alberta Pest Surveillance Network's "2018 Cutworm Reporting Tool". Once data entry occurs, growers can view the live 2018 cutworm map which is updated daily (see below for the map retrieved May 15, 2018).
Flea Beetles (Chrysomelidae: Phyllotreta species) – Be on the lookout for flea beetle damage resulting from feeding on canola cotyledons but also on the stem. Two species, Phyllotreta striolata and P. cruciferae, will feed on all cruciferous plants but they can cause economic levels of damage in canola during the seedling stages.
Remember, the Action Threshold for flea beetles on canola is 25% of cotyledon leaf area consumed. Watch for shot-hole feeding in seedling canola but also watch the growing point and stems of seedlings which are particularly vulnerable to flea beetle feeding.
Estimating flea beetle feeding damage can be challenging. Using a visual guide to estimate damage can be helpful. Canola Watch circulated this article but also use the two images (copied below for reference) produced by Dr. J. Soroka (AAFC-Saskatoon) – take it scouting!
Figure 1. Canola cotyledons with various percentages of leaf area consume owing to
flea beetle feeding damage (Photo: Soroka & Underwood, AAFC-Saskatoon).
Figure 2. Percent leaf area consumed by flea beetles feeding on canola seedlings
(Photo: Soroka & Underwood, AAFC-Saskatoon).
Refer to the flea beetle page from the "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.
Cereal leaf beetle
Cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus) – Model output indicates that CLB oviposition has begun in many locations, and that larvae may begin to appear in the next 7-10 days. As of May 13th, CLB model runs indicated that oviposition was similar Lethbridge, Swift Current, Saskatoon and Brandon (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Predicted cereal leaf beetle (O. melanupus) oviposition at four prairie locations. Values represent
predicted values based on 2018 weather and for model predictions based on long term average
weather (model simulations for April 1-May 13, 2018).
Adult: Adult cereal leaf beetles (CLB) have shiny bluish-black wing-covers (Fig. 2). The thorax and legs are light orange-brown. Females (4.9 to 5.5 mm) are slightly larger than the males (4.4 to 5 mm). Adult beetles overwinter in and along the margins of grain fields in protected places such as in straw stubble, under crop and leaf litter, and in the crevices of tree bark. They favour sites adjacent to shelter belts, deciduous and conifer forests. They emerge in the spring once temperature reaches 10-15 ºC and are active for about 6 weeks. They usually begin feeding on grasses, then move into winter cereals and later into spring cereals.
Egg: Eggs are laid approximately 14 days following the emergence of the adults. Eggs are laid singly or in pairs along the mid vein on the upper side of the leaf and are cylindrical, measuring 0.9 mm by 0.4 mm, and yellowish in colour. Eggs darken to black just before hatching.
Figure 3. Larval stage of Oulema melanopus with characteristic feeding
damage visible on leaf (Photo: M. Dolinski).
Fact sheets for CLB are published by the province of Alberta and available from the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network. Also access the Oulema melanopus page from the new "Field crop and forage pests and their natural enemies in western Canada – Identification and management field guide".
Alfalfa Weevil (Hypera postica) – Degree-day maps of base 9°C are produced using the Harcourt/North Dakota models (Soroka et al. 2015). Models predicting the development of Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) across the prairies are updated weekly to help growers time their in-field scouting for second-instar larvae. Compare the following predicted development stages and degree-day values from Soroka (2015) to the map below.
The alfalfa weevil model predicts that oviposition is well underway in southern Saskatchewan. Figure 1 shows model output for Swift Current where first instar larvae should appear early next week.
Figure 1. Predicted alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) phenology at Swift Current SK.
Values are based on model simulations for April 1-May 6, 2018.
The larval stage of this weevil feeds on alfalfa leaves in a manner that characterizes the pest as a "skeletonizer". The green larva featuring a dorsal, white line down the length of its body has a dark brown head capsule and will grow to 9mm long.
Use the photo below as a visual reference to identify alfalfa weevil larvae. Note the white dorsal line, the tapered shape of the abdomen and the dark head capsule.
Alfalfa growers are encouraged to check the Alfalfa Weevil Fact Sheet prepared by Dr. Julie Soroka (AAFC-Saskatoon). Additional information can be accessed by reviewing the Alfalfa Weevil Page extracted from the "Field crop and forage pests and their natural enemies in western Canada – Identification and management field guide" (Philip et al. 2015). The guide is available in both a free English-enhanced or French-enhanced version.
Pea leaf weevil
Pea Leaf Weevil (Sitona lineatus) – The PLW model predicts that adults are beginning to fly. This is similar to model output based on long term (climate) data. Model output estimates that oviposition should begin in late May or early June (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Predicted PLW phenology at Swift Current based on long term climate data.
Values are based on model simulations (April 1 – May 6).
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. 2, 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 2. 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.
Reminder – The 2017 risk map for pea leaf weevils was released in March 2018. The map is based on the number of feeding notches observed in peas (Fig. 3).
Figure 3. Estimates of pea leaf weevil (S. lineatus) densities based on feeding notches observed in
peas grown in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2017.
Biological and monitoring information related to pea leaf weevil in field crops is posted by the province of Alberta and in the PPMN monitoring protocol.
Also refer to the pea leaf weevil page within the "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management field guide" – both English-enhanced or French-enhanced versions are available. A review of this insect was published in 2011 in Prairie Soils and Crops by Carcamo and Vankosky.
Grasshopper Simulation Model Output – The grasshopper simulation model will be used to monitor grasshopper development across the prairies. Weekly temperature data collected across the prairies is incorporated into the simulation model which calculates estimates of grasshopper development stages based on biological parameters for Melanoplus sanguinipes (Migratory grasshopper).
As of May 13, 2018, predicted mean egg development was 68% (62% last week) and model output indicates that embryological development was 5% greater than long term average. Greatest development was predicted to be across southern Alberta with potential for hatch occurring near Medicine Hat and Bow Island (Fig. 6).
Figure 1. Grasshopper (M. sanguinipes) embryological development (%) based on
model simulations for April 1-May 13, 2018.
Reminder – The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network's 2018 Grasshopper Forecast Map was released in March (Fig. 2). Spring temperatures, soil moisture conditions, and precipitation all have an impact on survival of overwintered grasshopper eggs. Growers in areas highlighted orange or red in the map below should be vigilant this spring.
Figure 2. Grasshopper forecast map (M. sanguinipes) for 2018 growing season.
Biological and monitoring information related to grasshoppers in field crops is posted by Manitoba Agriculture, 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.
Predicted bertha armyworm development
Bertha armyworm (Lepidoptera: Mamestra configurata) – Bertha armyworm pupal development is predicted below. The map illustrates that overwintered BAW are beginning to develop within their pupa located in the soil but are still several weeks away from emerging as moths.
Biological and monitoring information related to bertha armyworm in field crops is posted by the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network. Also refer to the bertha armyworm pages within the new "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management field guide" – both English-enhanced or French-enhanced versions are available.
Crop protection guides
Crop Protection Guides – If you don't have a copy of your province's Crop Protection Guide, please make use of these links to access:
• Saskatchewan's Crop Protection Guide
• Manitoba's Guide to Crop Protection Guide
• Alberta's Crop Protection or Blue Book
• Western Committee on Crop Pests Guidelines for the Control of Crop Pests
Provincial Insect Pest Reports
Provincial entomologists provide insect pest updates throughout the growing season so we have attempted to link to their most recent information:
Manitoba's Insect and Disease Update for 2018 will be posted soon. Watch for updates prepared by John Gavloski.
Saskatchewan's Crop Production News for 2018 will be posted soon. Watch for updates prepared by James Tansey and Carter Peru.
Watch for Alberta Agriculture and Forestry's Call of the Land for insect pest updates from Scott Meers. The most recent Call of the Land (posted on May 15, 2018) highlights the importance of wireworms in field crops and describes how growers can collaborate with AAFC entomologists (Dr. Haley Catton) by baiting grain fields in an effort to obtain wireworm specimens to further their research efforts.
Crop reports are produced by:
• Manitoba Agriculture, Rural Development (May 14, 2018)
• Saskatchewan Agriculture Crop Report (May 1-7, 2018)
• Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Crop Report (May 8, 2018)
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) produces a Crop Progress Report (view the May 14, 2018 edition).
• The USDA's Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin (view the May 15, 2018 edition).
Insect of the Week – Darksided cutworm
It's spring, so it's cutworm season. This week's insect is the darksided cutworm. Mature larvae are hairless, greyish with a prominent white stripe on either side just above their legs. It is a climbing cutworm with feeding occurring at night. They have a broad host range including cereals, canola, corn, flax, sunflower, vegetables berry and tree fruits.
Find out more about the darksided cutworm at the Insect of the Week page. Other important species include dingy, army, redbacked and pale western cutworms (See Insect of the Week: 2017 – May 1, 8, 15 and 29).
Photocredit John Gavloski, Manitoba Ministry of Agriculture
In addition, Cutworm Pests of Crops on the Canadian Prairies – Identification and Management Field Guide was recently published (2017). This new handy manual has chapters on general biology, history of outbreaks, scouting techniques, natural enemies and general control options. The meat of the manual is descriptions of 24 cutworm species, their lifecycle, hosts, damage, monitoring and economic thresholds. To download a copy, go to the Cutworm Field Guide page.
Background. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) have been working together to study the potential of trajectories for monitoring insect movements since the late 1990's. Trajectory models are used to deliver an early-warning system for the origin and destination of migratory invasive species, such as diamondback moth. In addition, plant pathologists have shown that trajectories can assist with the prediction of plant disease infestations and are also beginning to utilize these same data.
We receive two types of model output from ECCC: reverse trajectories (RT) and forward trajectories (FT):
(i) Reverse trajectories refer to air currents that are tracked back in time from specified Canadian locations over a five-day period prior to their arrival date. Of particular interest are those trajectories that, prior to their arrival in Canada, originated over northwestern and southern USA and Mexico, anywhere diamondback moth populations overwinter and adults are actively migrating. If diamondback adults are present in the air currents that originate from these southern locations, the moths may be deposited on the Prairies at sites along the trajectory, depending on the local weather conditions at the time that the trajectories pass over our area (e.g. rain showers, etc.). RTs are the best available estimate of 3D wind fields at a specific point. They are based on observations, satellite and radiosonde data.
(ii) Forward trajectories have a similar purpose; however, the modelling process begins at sites in USA and Mexico. The model output predicts the pathway of a trajectory. Again, of interest to us are the winds that eventually end up passing over the Prairies.
Pacific Northwest (PNW) – The number of RTs, predicted to cross the prairies, has increased over the past week (Fig. 1). Though there has been an increase, results for May 1-14 predicted that 38 PNW reverse trajectories (RT) have crossed the prairies. This total is less than the average number 107 (based on 2007-2017) and well below last year's results (155).
Figure 1. Daily total of reverse trajectories (RT) originating over the Pacific Northwest that
have entered the prairies during April 2018.
Weather forecasts (7 day):
Winnipeg: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/mb-38_metric_e.html
Brandon: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/mb-52_metric_e.html
Saskatoon: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/sk-40_metric_e.html
Regina: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/sk-32_metric_e.html
Edmonton: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-50_metric_e.html
Lethbridge: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-30_metric_e.html
Grande Prairie: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-31_metric_e.html
Insect of the Week – Redbacked cutworm
For many, seed isn't even in the ground yet, but the cutworms are ready for it when it is. So the time to start scouting for cutworms is now! Even if it is too wet to seed, consider checking volunteer plants for cutworms or feeding damage. General cutworm monitoring protocols can be found on the Monitoring Protocols page. Species-specific protocols can be found in the new Cutworm Pests of Crops on the Canadian Prairies (see below for download details).
There are over 20 cutworm species that may cause economic damage to your crop, each with different feeding behaviour, preferred hosts and lifecycle. This is why species identification is so important: it helps growers understand what they are up against: determining how and when to scout, knowing whether the cutworm species is found above-ground (climbing) or below-ground, recognizing damage, choosing control options. Species also impacts the most appropriate time of day for monitoring and applying controls.
Action and economic thresholds do exist for many of the cutworm species – please use them. This will help control costs by eliminating unnecessary/un-economic sprays and reduce your impact on non-target insects – insects that include cutworm natural enemies that work in the background to control cutworm populations.
This week's Insect of the Week is the redbacked cutworm. This is an above ground species. Young larvae feed on newly-emerging shoots and furled leaves, creating small holes. Older larvae cut off leaves and sever plants just below the soil surface. Occasionally, the larvae pull the plants underground to feed on them.
For more information about Redbacked Cutworms, go to the Insect of Week page.
Redbacked cutworms – John Gavloski, Manitoba Agriculture
Remember the NEW Cutworm Field Guide is free and downloadable in 2017!
Weekly Update – Greetings!
A downloadable PDF version of the complete Weekly Update for Week 2 (May 11, 2017) can be accessed here.
Questions or problems accessing the contents of this Weekly Update? Please e-mail either Dr. Owen Olfert or Jennifer Otani. Past "Weekly Updates" can be accessed on our Weekly Update page.
Subscribe to the Blog by following these easy steps!
Weekly Update – Weather Synopsis
Weather synopsis – Many locations across southern Saskatchewan and Alberta experienced temperatures above 25°C this week. Average temperatures were warmest across southeastern Saskatchewan from May 1-8, 2017.
The map below reflects the Accumulated Precipitation for the Growing Season so far for the prairie provinces (i.e., April 1-May 10, 2017):
Whereas the seven-day precipitation accumulations were greatest across Saskatchewan:
The map below shows the Lowest Temperatures the Past 7 Days (May 4-10, 2017) across the prairies:
Whereas the map below shows the Highest Temperatures the Past 7 Days (May 4-10, 2017):
The updated growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 5ºC, March 1 – May 7, 2017) is below:
While the growing degree day map (GDD) (Base 10ºC, March 1 – May 7, 2017) is below:
2017 Wind Trajectories
THE WEEK OF MAY 1, 2017: Wind trajectory data processing by AAFC-Saskatoon Staff began in April. Reverse Trajectories track arriving air masses back to their point of origin while Forward Trajectories predict favourable winds expected to arrive across the Canadian Prairies for the week of May 9, 2017:
Reverse trajectories (RT)
Wind trajectories have been monitored since April 1 this year. This week there was an increase in the number of RT winds that crossed the prairies from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) of USA. In Alberta, Grande Prairie and Beiseker had a significant increase in the number of RT winds over this past week (Fig. 1 and 2). In addition to the PNW, there were three prairie locations (Selkirk MB, Unity SK and Olds AB) that had winds originating from California and Texas.
Figure 1. Weekly cumulative counts of Reverse Trajectories (RT) from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) from May 3-9, 2017 (2017 Olfert et al.).
Figure 2. Total number of RT winds from the Pacific Northwest from April 1-May 9, 2017.
Forward trajectories (FT)
Similar to Reverse Trajectories, most of the model output of Forward Trajectories (FT) have originated from the Pacific Northwest (PNW). However, a few winds have been forecasted to cross the prairies from the southern USA since April 1, 2017 (Fig. 3).
Figure 3. Source destinations and number of FT winds originating from the USA between April 1-May 9, 2017.
Diamondback moth (Plutellidae: Plutella xylostella) – Pheromone traps attracting male Diamondback moths are being deployed across the prairies. High altitude air masses are tracked by AAFC-Saskatoon Staff (forward and backward trajectories). These wind events have the potential to aid the movement of diamondback moth and aster leafhoppers northward on to the Canadian prairies from Mexico, southern and central USA as well as the Pacific Northwest. Diamondback moth pheromone traps deployed across the prairies confirm their arrival – many thanks to the people who deploy and do the weekly monitoring!
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has a live 2017 map reporting Diamondback moth pheromone trap interceptions. Watch for updates from Manitoba and Saskatchewan as growing season progresses.
Biological and monitoring information for DBM is posted by Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network.
More information about Diamondback moths can be found by accessing the pages from the new "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and Field Guide". View ONLY the Diamondback moth page but remember the guide is available as a free downloadable document as both an English-enhanced or French-enhanced version.
Weekly Update – Flea beetles
Flea Beetles (Chrysomelidae: Phyllotreta species) – Be on the lookout for flea beetle damage resulting from feeding on canola cotyledons but also on the stem.
Remember, the Action Threshold for flea beetles on canola is 25% of cotyledon leaf area consumed. Shot-hole feeding is the traditional damage in seedling canola but watch the growing point and stems of seedlings.
Refer to the flea beetle page from 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.
Weekly Update – Cutworms
Cutworms (Noctuidae) – NEW – Just in time for spring scouting! A new field guide is now available to help growers scout and manage Cutworms! Cutworm Pest of Crops is now available for free in either English or French and is featured at our new Cutworm Field Guide! Also be sure to check the Insect of the Week throughout May – it highlights cutworms! Be sure to read more about Redbacked cutworms.
Figure 1. Redbacked cutworms retrieved from a Manitoban field (Photo: J. Gavloski)
Several species of cutworms can be present in fields. They range in colour from shiny opaque, to tan, to brownish-red with chevron patterning. Cutworm biology, species information, plus monitoring recommendations are available in the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network's Cutworm Monitoring Protocol. Also refer to the Manitoba Agriculture cutworm fact sheet which includes action and economic thresholds for cutworms in several crops.
Keep an eye on fields that are "slow" to emerge, are missing rows, include wilting or yellowing plants, have bare patches, or appear highly attractive to birds – these are areas warranting a closer look. Plan to follow-up by walking these areas later in the day when some cutworm species move above-ground to feed. Start to dig below the soil surface (1-5 cm deep) near the base of a symptomatic plant or the adjacent healthy plant. If the plant is well-established, check within the crown in addition to the adjacent soil. The culprits could be wireworms or cutworms.
For Albertans….. If you find cutworms, please consider using the Alberta Pest Surveillance Network's "2017 Cutworm Reporting Tool". Once data entry occurs, growers can view the live 2017 cutworm map which is updated daily.
Weekly Update – Cereal leaf beetle
Cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus) – As
of May 8, 2017, CLB model output predicted that oviposition is underway in populations
that may be present in the Lethbridge, Swift Current and Brandon areas. Compared
to 2016, phenological development in 2017 is approximately 1 week later.
Figure 1. Adult Oulema melanopus (~4.4-5.5 mm long).
Figure 2. Larval stage of Oulema melanopus with characteristic feeding damage visible on leaf.
Weekly Update – Alfalfa weevil
Alfalfa Weevil (Hypera postica) – The larval stage of this weevil feeds on alfalfa leaves in a manner that characterizes the pest as a "skeletonizer". The green larva featuring a dorsal, white line down the length of its body has a dark brown head capsule and will grow to 9mm long. Alfalfa growers are encouraged to check the Alfalfa Weevil Fact Sheet prepared by Dr. Julie Soroka (AAFC-Saskatoon).
Degree-day maps of base 9°C are now being produced by Soroka, Olfert, and Giffen (2016) using the Harcourt/North Dakota models. The aim or the modelling is to predict the development of Alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) across the prairies and to help growers time their in-field scouting as second-instar larvae are predicted to occur. Compare the following predicted development stages and degree-day values copied below (Soroka 2015) to the map below.
This week, alfalfa growers in southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan (areas of the map highlighted tan) are on the verge of predicted egg hatch of the alfalfa weevil.
Use the figure below as a visual reference to identify alfalfa weevil larvae. Note the white dorsal line, the tapered shape and the dark head capsule.
Weekly Update – Pea leaf weevil
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).
Biological and monitoring information related to pea leaf weevil in field crops is posted by the province of Alberta. Also refer to the pea leaf weevil page within the "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management field guide" – both English-enhanced or French-enhanced versions are available. A review of this insect was published in 2011 in Prairie Soils and Crops by Carcamo and Vankosky.
Weekly Update – Crop protection guides
Manitoba's Insect and Disease Update for 2017 will be posted soon. Watch for updates prepared by John Gavloski and Pratisara Bajracharya).
Saskatchewan's Crop Production News for 2017 will be posted soon. Watch for updates prepared by Scott Hartley and Danielle Stephens.
Watch for Alberta Agriculture and Forestry's Call of the Land for updates from Scott Meers who recently provided an update (posted on May 11, 2017). Cutworms, flea beetles and alfalfa weevil were noted as being insects to watch at this point in Alberta.
• Manitoba Agriculture, Rural Development (May 8, 2017)
International reports are produced by:
• The United States Department of Agriculture's Crop Progress Report (May 8, 2017)
• The European Commission's Agriculture Balance Sheets and Production Details by Member States (Excel file retrieved May 11, 2017).
Weekly Update – Predicted Grasshopper Development
As of May 8, 2017, predicted mean embryological development was 62% (56% last week); the greatest development was predicted to be across southern Saskatchewan. Embryological development was very similar to long term averages (60%) though well behind 2016 (74%). Hatch was not predicted for any locations.
Reminder – The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network's 2017 Grasshopper Forecast Map (Figure 1) was released in January. While spring temperatures, soil moisture conditions, and precipitation can all have an impact on overwintered grasshopper eggs, growers in areas highlighted orange or red in the map below should be vigilant as nymphs begin to hatch this season.
Figure 1. Prairie Pest Monitoring Network's 2017 Grasshopper Forecast Map.
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.
Weekly Update – Scouting Charts (Canola and Flax)
Field scouting is critical – it enables the identification of potential risks to crops. Field crop 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.
For 2017, we offer TWO generalized insect pest scouting charts to aid in-field scouting on the Canadian prairies:
Growers can access biological information about the pest and its natural enemies, the type of damage it causes, how to monitor, and what pest management strategies might apply to help protect yield and quality (Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Example of Bertha armyworm pages from the above field guide:
Weekly Update – Monarch migration
We again track the migration of the Monarch butterflies and they move north by checking the 2017 Monarch Migration Map! A screen shot of the map has been placed below as an example (retrieved 11May2017) but follow the hyperlink to check the interactive map! They're getting closer to Canada!
Across the prairies, meteorological conditions for the period of May 1-8, 2016, continued to be warm and dry.
The average temperature was 12.2 C and was 5 C warmer than the average temperature for May 1-8.
This past week rainfall amounts were well below normal. Average rainfall (prairie wide) was less than 1 mm.
Normal weekly rainfall is 8.7 mm. Rainfall amounts for the past 30 days (average =21 mm) were also below average (average= 28 mm).
Compared to last week, soil moisture levels were predicted to be lower.
2016 Wind Trajectories – High altitude air masses originate from southern locations and continuously 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). Data acquired from Environment Canada is compiled by Olfert et al. (AAFC-Saskatoon) to track and model spring high altitude air masses with respect to potential introductions of insect pests onto the Canadian prairies.
Reverse Trajectories track arriving air masses back to their point of origin while Forward Trajectories predict favourable winds expected to arrive across the Canadian Prairies.
As of May 9, 2016, Reverse Trajectories (RTs) originating from Mexico and southwest USA have crossed most prairie locations:
Whereas Reverse Trajectories (RTs) originating from northwest USA have arrived over a greater area of the prairies with more RTs arriving in Alberta and the BC Peace:
Review the 2016 Wind Trajectory Updates in PDF format.
Cutworms (Noctuidae) – Keep an eye on fields that are "slow" to emerge, are missing rows, include wilting or yellowing plants, have bare patches, or appear highly attractive to birds – these are areas warranting a closer look. Plan to follow-up by walking these areas later in the day when some cutworm species move above-ground to feed. Start to dig below the soil surface (1-5 cm deep) near the base of a symptomatic plant or the adjacent healthy plant. If the plant is well-established, check within the crown in addition to the adjacent soil. The culprits could be wireworms or cutworms.
Several species of cutworms can be present in fields. They range in colour from shiny opaque, to tan, to brownish-red with chevron patterning. Cutworm biology, species information, plus monitoring recommendations are available in the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network's Cutworm Monitoring Protocol. Also refer to Manitoba Agriculture and Rural Initiatives cutworm fact sheet which includes action and economic thresholds for cutworms in several crops.
More information about cutworms can be found by accessing the pages from the new "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and Field Guide". An excerpt of ONLY Cutworm pages from 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.
For ALBERTANS….. If cutworms are spotted in Albertan fields, please consider using the Alberta Pest Surveillance Network's "2016 Cutworm Reporting Tool". Once data entry occurs, your growers can view the live 2016 cutworm map.
A screen shot of the live map has been retrieved (10May2016) below for your reference.
Weekly Update – Cereal leaf beetle predictions
Cereal leaf beetle (Oulema melanopus) – Based on last week's warm weather, our bioclimate model predicted rapid development of cereal leaf beetle (CLB) populations.
As of May 8, 2016, model indicated that oviposition is well underway and that larvae should be appearing across southern Alberta and a week later in southern Saskatchewan. Larval populations are predicted to peak in mid-June in southern Alberta and one to two weeks later at the Saskatchewan and Manitoba locations.
Predicted dates of peak emergence of CLB eggs and larvae:
Output suggests that it's parasitoid, Tetrastichus julis, should be emerging during the period when CLB eggs are most abundant. The model run for Swan River MB showed potential symmetry for both species, though phenologies would be two weeks later than for southern Alberta.
Fact sheets for CLB are published by the province of Alberta and by the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network. Also access the Oulema melanopus page from the new "Field crop and forage pests and their natural enemies in western Canada – Identification and management field guide".
Grasshoppers (Acrididae) – Warm conditions over the past seven days have resulted in rapid grasshopper development. Predicted mean embryological development was 74% (last week was 62%) with greatest development predicted to be in southern AB. Embryological development is predicted to be 16% ahead of long term average values (prairie wide). The model predicts that 4% of the hatch is complete (AB, SK and MB).
Recall that the 2016 Grasshopper Forecast Map circulated in January predicted the following risk areas.
Biological and monitoring information related to grasshoppers in field crops is posted by the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia 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" – both English-enhanced or French-enhanced versions are available.
Weekly Update – Crop protection guide
Saskatchewan's Crop Protection Guide
Manitoba's Guide to Crop Protection Guide
Alberta's Crop Protection or Blue Book
Western Committee on Crop Pests Guidelines for the Control of Crop Pests
Weekly Update – Crop reports
Manitoba Agriculture, Rural Development (May 9, 2016)
Saskatchewan Agriculture Crop Report (April 26-May 2, 2016)
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (for May 3, 2016)
The United States Department of Agriculture's Crop Progress Report (May 9, 2016)
The European Commission's Agriculture and Rural Development report on Short-term Outlook for EU Arable Crops, Dairy and Meat Markets.
Subscribe to the Blog by following the instructions posted here! You can receive automatic updates in your inbox through the growing season.
Pea Leaf Weevil (Sitona lineatus) – 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.
The pea leaf weevil resembles the sweet clover weevil (Sitona cylindricollis) yet the former is distinguished by three light-coloured stripes extending length-wise down thorax and sometimes the abdomen (Access the Pea leaf weevil monitoring protocol). All species of Sitona, including the pea leaf weevil, have a short snout.
Information related to Pea leaf weevil in Alberta and the forecast for 2016 is posted here.
Predicted Alfalfa Weevil Development
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 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.
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.
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 –
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 – 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


text:
Q: Why can't MAMP start apache server? When I start MAMP, apache turns green for a second, turns back off then the MySQL server starts. MAMP was the first server I've tried to download on this pc. I had it on another PC a few months ago, and I had no problems.
I've checked the ports, but nothing else is running on 80. I also tried changing the port to 9999, 8000, 8080, and 8888.
I saw that
    LoadModule perl_module modules/mod_perl.so
in MAMP/conf/apache/httpd.conf can cause this problem in windows 10, but commenting it out didn't fix it.
I also saw that it could be caused by "distro breaking up ssl directives"
I don't know much about ssl or virtual hosts so I'm reluctant to make changes to something controlling security. Plus it doesn't give the name of the file. It also says to check the server status, but the server isn't running, so I can't.
This is the error log
[Fri Oct 04 11:44:24 2019] [warn] Init: Session Cache is not configured [hint: SSLSessionCache]
[Fri Oct 04 11:44:25 2019] [warn] pid file C:/MAMP/bin/apache/logs/httpd.pid overwritten -- Unclean shutdown of previous Apache run?
[Fri Oct 04 11:44:25 2019] [notice] Digest: generating secret for digest authentication ...
[Fri Oct 04 11:44:25 2019] [notice] Digest: done

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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