Predictions for 2020 say be prepared for grasshoppers, wheat midge
Jim Tansey, the provincial insect and pest management specialist, had both good and bad news for producers about the insect population in Saskatchewan during his presentation at the recent SaskCanola Top Notch Farming conference. Tansey reported that based on provincial surveys, the diamondback moth, bertha armyworm, lygus, and canola flower midge populations appeared to be very low in 2019.
The cabbage seedpod weevil and pea leaf weevil populations also showed low numbers, as the invasive species is not cold hardy and likely had trouble with the lack of snow last winter, although they do appear to be present in a wide range of the province. However, grasshoppers appeared in potentially damaging numbers in the southeast portion of the province, with predicted hotspots in Estevan and Kindersley areas. Growing wheat midge populations are also a concern for the upcoming year, with a wide spread of the pest blanketing the lower half of the province and hotspots identified as Prince Albert and Lloydminster areas. Cutworms are showing a high population as well, alongside pea aphids and various quinoa pests.
Tansey also noted that last year, producers saw plenty of damage from flea beetles which could occur again this year if weather conditions are warm and dry. Increasing numbers of red bug are also a concern, as they have been known to damage fields like cutworms and have no registered insecticide products yet. They have been found in flax, canola, corn, and other cereal crops.
Saskatchewan has also seen the first appearance of spotted wing drosophila, an invasive species that can be detrimental to fruit crops.