Alberta’s agriculture ministry has begun posting 2022 insect population maps and 2023 forecast information.
The counts are based on extensive sampling by agricultural fieldmen and applied research groups across the province last year, and the reports from Alberta Agriculture highlight survey findings by region. They also provide info on identification, life cycle, damage and pest management.
The reports can be found at the Government of Alberta website.
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Here are some highlights of recent postings.
Grasshoppers
Grasshopper numbers have been increasing in the south and along the Saskatchewan border since 2021, and the affected area is expanding. “There is potential for outbreaks in the southern region and along the eastern border region in 2023,” the report states. “Grasshoppers tend to lay their eggs near areas of green growth in the fall that will provide potential food sources for emerging young the following spring.
“Areas with early green plant growth such as field margins, fence lines and roadsides are also areas that will give early indications of potential grasshopper problems.”
Wheat midge
Nearly 300 samples were taken across the province and the only hot spot for wheat midge was east and southeast of Edmonton. But the report notes “individual fields can be — and often are — highly variable.”“Producers should plan to monitor their fields when the midge adults are flying and their wheat is in the susceptible stage, from the boot leaf until anthers are visible on the heads,” it states.
Wheat stem sawfly
The survey was conducted in southern and south-central Alberta and while fewer fields had a high percentage of cutting, there were more fields with a moderate rating.“Cutting was found in all the municipalities traditionally known for wheat stem sawfly,” the report states. “In addition, damage of 10 to 25 per cent cutting was found in the M.D. of Pincher Creek as well as on the south side of Kneehill County.”
In all, cut stem counts were conducted in 81 fields in 20 municipalities and “overall, sawfly is a real risk in 2023.”
