Project Abstract
Distribution and abundance of insect pests in Alberta that affect field crops is correlated with climate, weather, agronomic practices, and natural enemies.
These factors can be used to forecast insect pest populations and better understand where and when crops may be affected. Bertha Armyworm and Diamondback Moth traps/lures are the first pest Farming Smarter assesses in the spring, on our field just East of Lethbridge.
Following those is Pea Leaf Weevil notch counts, conducted throughout Lethbridge and taber counties. Next, Farming Smarter conducts canola sweeps in the Lethbridge and Taber counties, collecting the insects and sending them to Shelly Barkley for counting multiple insects, focusing on Cabbage Seedpod Weevils.
Last, but not least Farming Smarter collects soil samples for wheat midge and counts saw fly infected wheat stubble in the Lethbridge and Taber counties. Shelly Barkley promptly uploads the collected data to the Pest Monitoring website so farmers can be aware of pest population patterns and make management decisions in a timely manner each year.
This program is vital for sustaining Alberta's agriculture production.

|
Image 1: Flowering canola for the canola sweep assessments, June 28, 2021 |
|
Project Details
|
Timeline |
Ongoing |
Principal Investigator: |
Shelley Barkley Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation
|
Project Contact: |
Trevor Deering |
Funded By: |
Wheat and Barley, Pulse, & Canola Commissions (25%), CAP, Canada (75%)
|
|