This project evaluated several crop and non-crop species commonly found in the Canadian Prairies as possible hosts for aster leafhopper development or phytoplasma infection or both. Alfalfa, sow thistle, stinkweed and dandelion were found to harbour aster yellows phytoplasma and are likely acting as reservoirs for the phytoplasma in Western Canada. “Investigating the role of...

Clubroot continues to spread, but improved monitoring and methodologies allow for more pathotype characterization to better identify, quantify and eventually manage clubroot-causing pathotypes going forward. “Canadian canola clubroot cluster pillar 4: Surveillance and pathotype monitoring” Stephen Strelkov, University of Alberta Alberta Canola To find the full report, go to the Canola Research Hub at canolaresearch.ca...

Although impact varied among species, predatory nematodes belonging to the Steinernema genus provided significant mortality of diamondback moth, lygus bug, cabbage root maggots and black cutworms. “Biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) against selected key insect pests of canola in Alberta” Shabeg Briar and Paul Tiege, Olds College Alberta Canola Crop losses and the economic...

The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN) provides forecasts, risk maps and monitoring protocols for crop pest insects across Western Canada. It also provides a free weekly update during the growing season. Anyone can subscribe at prairiepest.ca. “Coordinated monitoring of field crop insect pests in the Prairie Ecosystem” Meghan Vankosky, AAFC Saskatoon SaskCanola, Manitoba Canola Growers,...

The range in on-target spray deposition volume across the width of sprayers was unexpectedly large for this study. With each sprayer pass, some targets only received one third of the intended dose while others received triple the intended dose. “Characterizing turbulent spray deposition from self-propelled sprayers” Tom Wolf, Agrimetrix SaskCanola, Alberta Canola To find the...