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This project is still in progress, but aims to initiate a new monitoring program for canola flower midge across the Prairies using pheromone traps and to continue monitoring for swede midge. This will help determine the degree of threat canola flower midge poses to canola production in Western Canada.
Project Summary
Two species of midge pose a threat to canola production in western Canada. These species are the newly discovered canola flower midge, which is present across the Prairies and the swede midge, an invasive species to Canada that is not yet established on the Prairies.
This project will initiate a new monitoring program for canola flower midge across the prairie region using pheromone traps and ensure the continuation of the existing monitoring program for swede midge. These monitoring programs will be repeated annually, with maps developed to visualize the monitoring results shared by the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network.
The project will also continue to build upon our current knowledge of the newly discovered canola flower midge and help to quantify how big of a threat canola flower midge poses to canola production in western Canada.
The specific objectives are:
- Use a network of pheromone traps to monitor for swede midge in western Canada, to ensure early detection of a possible invasion.
- Use a network of pheromone traps to monitor for canola flower midge, to detect changes in its population density and geographic range in western Canada.
- Determine the seasonal population dynamics and potential for canola flower midge to impact canola yields.
This research will help to: protect canola yields from emerging pests, find solutions to pest management using pest monitoring systems and by studying pest biology and potential impact, and ensure efficient use of inputs and pest management practices.
