Publications

Spotted alfalfa aphid

Description

Presents a description of the spotted alfalfa aphid, describes the type of damage it can cause to alfalfa crops, and looks at biological and chemical methods of controlling the insect. This... More ≫

Description

Presents a description of the spotted alfalfa aphid, describes the type of damage it can cause to alfalfa crops, and looks at biological and chemical methods of controlling the insect. This species of aphid can be more serious on alfalfa than the pea aphid because it not only sucks out the juice of the plant, but it also injects a toxin into it.

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Economic thresholds for insects attacking cereals and corn

Description

Presents economic thresholds for insects attacking cereals and corns. A common problem for agricultural producers is deciding whether or not to treat a crop for a specific insect pest. Economic... More ≫

Description

Presents economic thresholds for insects attacking cereals and corns. A common problem for agricultural producers is deciding whether or not to treat a crop for a specific insect pest. Economic thresholds can help producers make these decisions by providing guidance as to whether insect control can be expected to have an economic benefit.

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Aster yellows and aster leafhopper

Description

Aster yellows is a phytoplasma organism. Phytoplasmas are specialized wall-less bacteria that are parasites known only to multiply in plant phloem tissue and insect vectors. There are 28 groups... More ≫

Description

Aster yellows is a phytoplasma organism. Phytoplasmas are specialized wall-less bacteria that are parasites known only to multiply in plant phloem tissue and insect vectors. There are 28 groups of phytoplasmas worldwide and seven known groups in Canada. In Canada, approximately 20 insect species can transmit aster yellows to more than 200 plant species. In Alberta, the most common insect vector is the aster leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus), also known as the six-spotted leafhopper. The leafhopper species Amplicephalus inimicus is also an important aster yellows vector in cereals.

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Bertha armyworm

Description

Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) is one of the most significant insect pests of canola in Canada. The pest occurs throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the interior of British... More ≫

Description

Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) is one of the most significant insect pests of canola in Canada. The pest occurs throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the interior of British Columbia. Severe infestations can occur throughout most of this area, but are usually (but not always) limited to the Parkland area of the Prairies and the Peace River region of British Columbia and Alberta. This document provide background, Life cycle, damage description and monitoring and control recommendations for the Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata).

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Cabbage seedpod weevil

Description

The cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) was introduced to North America from Europe about 70 years ago. The weevil was discovered in British Columbia in 1931, and from there, it... More ≫

Description

The cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) was introduced to North America from Europe about 70 years ago. The weevil was discovered in British Columbia in 1931, and from there, it dispersed south and eastward, so it now occurs throughout most of the United States. It was first found infesting canola in southern Alberta in 1995, and since then, the weevil has spread to central Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan. In 2000, it was found in Québec for the first time.

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Lesser grain borer

Description

The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) is a grain-feeding insect found sporadically in southern Alberta. It is distributed worldwide, and in Canada, it has been reported from British... More ≫

Description

The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) is a grain-feeding insect found sporadically in southern Alberta. It is distributed worldwide, and in Canada, it has been reported from British Columbia, across the prairies and into Ontario and Quebec. However, this insect is rare in Canadian stored grain, and it is unlikely the insect can survive the entire winter in farm bins in western Canada.

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Diamondback moth

Description

Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), was introduced to North America from Europe about 150 years ago. The insect now occurs throughout North America, wherever its host plants are grown.... More ≫

Description

Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), was introduced to North America from Europe about 150 years ago. The insect now occurs throughout North America, wherever its host plants are grown. Diamondback moth larvae feed on all plants in the Brassicaceae family, and in Alberta, canola and mustard are its primary targets.

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Wireworm

Description

Wireworms are destructive insect pests of grain crops in western Canada. The pest prefers cereal crops, but also feeds on potatoes, pulses and canola. The wireworm larva feed below ground on seeds... More ≫

Description

Wireworms are destructive insect pests of grain crops in western Canada. The pest prefers cereal crops, but also feeds on potatoes, pulses and canola. The wireworm larva feed below ground on seeds and shoots.

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Potato psyllid

Description

The potato psyllid is a small, winged insect and is one of approximately 100 species of psyllids in North America. It reproduces mostly on the potato and other members of the nightshade family... More ≫

Description

The potato psyllid is a small, winged insect and is one of approximately 100 species of psyllids in North America. It reproduces mostly on the potato and other members of the nightshade family including tomatoes and peppers, and can cause psyllid yellows in potatoes, resulting in chlorosis, stunted plants and small misshapen tubers. This fact sheet provides information on the life cycle of the insect, its host plants and potential crop damage it can cause, monitoring practices, advice on when to take action, and best management practices to mitigate the damage caused by the beetle.

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Cereal leaf beetle

Description

The cereal leaf beetle is an invasive insect from Europe that feeds on cereal crops, including wheat, barley and oats. It was first discovered in Alberta in 2005 and is now widespread throughout... More ≫

Description

The cereal leaf beetle is an invasive insect from Europe that feeds on cereal crops, including wheat, barley and oats. It was first discovered in Alberta in 2005 and is now widespread throughout the southern part of Alberta. A new population was reported south of Edmonton in 2011. This fact sheet provides background information on the beetle, including its life cycle, host plants and crop damage. It includes information on determining when to take action, what types of action can be taken to control the beetle, and best management practices.

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