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Predicted grasshopper development, presented as the average instar, across the Canadian prairies as of June 27, 2021

From heat to hail in some areas – now insect infestations

Jul 7, 2021 | 2:49 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — Record breaking heat, and drought in some areas, have already had an impact on prairie crops. The average 30-day (May 29 – June 27) temperature was almost 3 °C warmer than climate normal values.

Now, there’s concern about insect infestations. Everything from bertha armyworms to Wheat midge, grasshoppers, seedpod weevils and lygus bugs.

Grasshoppers in Alberta — Credit Alberta Agriculture

The unusually hot weather is something the prairie doesn’t normally see until August. By that time, most crops have matured and can withstand some extra heat or pests. However, the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPM network), notes hot weather stretching over the Canadian prairies is making it difficult for plants to tolerate insect pest pressure!

For that reason, the PPM Network encourages scouting as being critical. Farmers need to be in their fields checking for infestations.

This week, the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network provides updates and predictive models for wheat midge, grasshoppers, bertha armyworm, and diamondback moth, plus a lot more to help prepare for in-field scouting!

Provincial insect pest monitoring networks in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are compiling cumulative insect counts from baited traps of adults intercepted from the pheromone-baited green unitraps in fields across the prairies. Biological and monitoring information (including tips for scouting and economic thresholds) related to various insects is also provided for farmers on the net work.

Bertha Armyworms as of June 27 — Agriculture Canada