Continuing to watch the winds: the origin and arrival of migrant aster leafhoppers and diamondback moths

Term: 4 years, beginning in 2021
Status: Ongoing
Researcher(s): Tyler Wist, University of Saskatchewan
SaskCanola Investment: $138,325
Total Project Cost: $276,650
Funding Partners: Western Grains Research Foundation

Project Description

This project will directly benefit the Saskatchewan agriculture industry, in particular, canola growers.

1. The knowledge of aster yellow index with dates of leafhopper arrival will lead to improved risk determination for aster yellow outbreaks, more robust (area wide) sampling recommendations and better prediction of ester yellow outbreaks. Moreover, a fast communication of the Aster yellow indexes to growers will allow growers to decide whether spray or not.

2. Evaluation of the origins of source populations of diamondback moth will have great value to Saskatchewan agriculture, primarily as this information indicates potential insecticide resistance issues. When this pest occurs at outbreak levels, intensive insecticide application occurs. Ensuring efficacy of the products used will reduce costs, preserve yields, and minimize environmental effects.

Objectives

  1. Assess the genetic variations of migrant and new generation of diamondback moth and aster leafhopper to pinpoint their southern origins.

  2. Evaluate aster leafhopper movement from alfalfa to canola to determine if alfalfa is a ‘green bridge’ reservoir that maintains the aster yellows phytoplasma in Saskatchewan.

  3. Develop aster yellows risk index and transmission risk in Saskatchewan.

  4. Use of wind trajectories, and stable isotopes to continue gathering data on diamondback moth and aster leafhopper migration flights and origin.

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Enhanced understanding of cleavers populations in Western Canada

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Application of hyperspectral imaging for detection and mapping of small patch clubroot infestations in commercial canola fields