Monitoring Insect Diversity and Parasitism Levels in Alfalfa Seed Production Fields in Western Canada

Monitoring Insect Diversity and Parasitism Levels in Alfalfa Seed Production Fields in Western Canada PDF Author: Michelle Reid (Student at University of Alberta)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Alfalfa
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Alfalfa, Medicago sativa (L.) (Fabales: Fabaceae), is an excellent source of high protein feed for livestock. Canada is the second largest producer of alfalfa seed (4.2 M kg/year) in the world, with the vast majority of production concentrated in the province of Alberta. The productivity of these fields is threatened by an invasive insect, the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) as well as a myriad of other potential insect pests. Recently, insecticide resistance was confirmed in several alfalfa weevil populations in Alberta, and few other management options exist. Many natural enemies of alfalfa insect pests are present in Alberta, including biological control agents of alfalfa weevil, Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Oomyzus incertus (Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae); however, the distribution of these species and their parasitism levels are currently unknown. Here, we assessed the current diversity and distribution of insects in alfalfa seed production fields, with special emphasis on parasitism levels of B. curculionis and O. incertus throughout southern Alberta. A survey was conducted to collect insects, including alfalfa weevil larvae, from seed production fields in 2020 and 2021. During this survey, insect collections were taken from fields at three crop stages: bud, flower and seed, these insects were sorted to guild (pest of alfalfa or natural enemy of pests) and identified to genus and species. In addition, alfalfa weevil larval samples were collected weekly from the end of May to the beginning of July to assess the activity period of these parasitoids, finding parasitism activity throughout the month of June and into July. Parasitism levels based on the multiplex PCR assay were comparable to live rearing and ranged from 0-90% across sites. Assessing when and where these parasitoids occur, as well has how the two guilds interact will allow growers to better utilize these biological control agents and, ultimately, reduce spray applications.

Monitoring Insect Diversity and Parasitism Levels in Alfalfa Seed Production Fields in Western Canada

Monitoring Insect Diversity and Parasitism Levels in Alfalfa Seed Production Fields in Western Canada PDF Author: Michelle Reid (Student at University of Alberta)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Alfalfa
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
Alfalfa, Medicago sativa (L.) (Fabales: Fabaceae), is an excellent source of high protein feed for livestock. Canada is the second largest producer of alfalfa seed (4.2 M kg/year) in the world, with the vast majority of production concentrated in the province of Alberta. The productivity of these fields is threatened by an invasive insect, the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) as well as a myriad of other potential insect pests. Recently, insecticide resistance was confirmed in several alfalfa weevil populations in Alberta, and few other management options exist. Many natural enemies of alfalfa insect pests are present in Alberta, including biological control agents of alfalfa weevil, Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Oomyzus incertus (Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae); however, the distribution of these species and their parasitism levels are currently unknown. Here, we assessed the current diversity and distribution of insects in alfalfa seed production fields, with special emphasis on parasitism levels of B. curculionis and O. incertus throughout southern Alberta. A survey was conducted to collect insects, including alfalfa weevil larvae, from seed production fields in 2020 and 2021. During this survey, insect collections were taken from fields at three crop stages: bud, flower and seed, these insects were sorted to guild (pest of alfalfa or natural enemy of pests) and identified to genus and species. In addition, alfalfa weevil larval samples were collected weekly from the end of May to the beginning of July to assess the activity period of these parasitoids, finding parasitism activity throughout the month of June and into July. Parasitism levels based on the multiplex PCR assay were comparable to live rearing and ranged from 0-90% across sites. Assessing when and where these parasitoids occur, as well has how the two guilds interact will allow growers to better utilize these biological control agents and, ultimately, reduce spray applications.

Parasite, Predator and Disease Management Strategies in Alfalfa Leafcutting Bees

Parasite, Predator and Disease Management Strategies in Alfalfa Leafcutting Bees PDF Author: Goerzen, D. Wayne
Publisher: Regina : Canada-Saskatchewan Agri-Food Innovation Fund
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 37

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Book Description


Insects in Relation to Alfalfa-seed Production

Insects in Relation to Alfalfa-seed Production PDF Author: Charles James Sorenson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Alfalfa
Languages : en
Pages : 36

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Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee Management in Western Canada

Alfalfa Leafcutter Bee Management in Western Canada PDF Author: K. W. Richards
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Agriculture
Languages : en
Pages : 64

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Insects Associated with Alfalfa Seed Production

Insects Associated with Alfalfa Seed Production PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 8

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Ecology and Management of Lygus and the Distribution and Species Composition of Peristenus Spp. in Washington

Ecology and Management of Lygus and the Distribution and Species Composition of Peristenus Spp. in Washington PDF Author: Timothy D. Waters
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Alfalfa
Languages : en
Pages : 75

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Book Description


Genetically Engineered Crops

Genetically Engineered Crops PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309437385
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 607

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Book Description
Genetically engineered (GE) crops were first introduced commercially in the 1990s. After two decades of production, some groups and individuals remain critical of the technology based on their concerns about possible adverse effects on human health, the environment, and ethical considerations. At the same time, others are concerned that the technology is not reaching its potential to improve human health and the environment because of stringent regulations and reduced public funding to develop products offering more benefits to society. While the debate about these and other questions related to the genetic engineering techniques of the first 20 years goes on, emerging genetic-engineering technologies are adding new complexities to the conversation. Genetically Engineered Crops builds on previous related Academies reports published between 1987 and 2010 by undertaking a retrospective examination of the purported positive and adverse effects of GE crops and to anticipate what emerging genetic-engineering technologies hold for the future. This report indicates where there are uncertainties about the economic, agronomic, health, safety, or other impacts of GE crops and food, and makes recommendations to fill gaps in safety assessments, increase regulatory clarity, and improve innovations in and access to GE technology.

Status of Pollinators in North America

Status of Pollinators in North America PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309102898
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 327

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Book Description
Pollinators-insects, birds, bats, and other animals that carry pollen from the male to the female parts of flowers for plant reproduction-are an essential part of natural and agricultural ecosystems throughout North America. For example, most fruit, vegetable, and seed crops and some crops that provide fiber, drugs, and fuel depend on animals for pollination. This report provides evidence for the decline of some pollinator species in North America, including America's most important managed pollinator, the honey bee, as well as some butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds. For most managed and wild pollinator species, however, population trends have not been assessed because populations have not been monitored over time. In addition, for wild species with demonstrated declines, it is often difficult to determine the causes or consequences of their decline. This report outlines priorities for research and monitoring that are needed to improve information on the status of pollinators and establishes a framework for conservation and restoration of pollinator species and communities.

Intermountain Alfalfa Management

Intermountain Alfalfa Management PDF Author: Steve B. Orloff
Publisher: UCANR Publications
ISBN: 9781879906242
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 152

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Book Description
This comprehensive guide for western alfalfa growers brings together the most current information and recommendations in nearly all areas of alfalfa management, including stand establishment, fertilization, irrigation, pest management, and harvesting

Conservation Biological Control

Conservation Biological Control PDF Author: Pedro A. Barbosa
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080529801
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 420

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Book Description
This volume is a comprehensive treatment of how the principles of ecology and conservation biology can be used to maximize biological control. Conservation Biological Control presents various means to modify or manipulate the environment to enhance the activities of natural enemies of pests. It establishes a conceptual link between ecology and the agricultural use of agents for biological control, and discusses both theoretical issues as well as practical management concerns. Certain to be interesting to ecologists and entomologists, this volume will also appeal to scientists, faculty, researchers and students interested in pest management, horticulture, plant sciences, and agriculture. - Contains chapters by an international team of leading authorities - Establishes a conceptual link between ecology and the agricultural use of agents for biological control - Discusses both theoretical issues as well as practical management concerns - Provides specific examples of how conservation principles are used to maximize the biological control of pests