Fall field scouting in grasses grown for seed

Last week, a call related to damaged creeping red fescue growing near Bear Canyon triggered a conversation of things to keep in mind when heading out to scout grass fields in the Fall:

Several species of insects utilize grasses grown for seed. Compared to annual crops, perennial grasses grown for seed are typically left in production for 2-3 years (and even longer) so the soil profile is disturbed less frequently when it comes to tillage and seeding. The soil profile stability offers a unique habitat to soil-dwelling organisms. Cutworms, webworms, wireworms, and many species of beetles are just a handful of insect groups that can be found in grass seed production systems and spend large portions of their lifecycle below ground. Even though pest species can be present, natural enemies and pollinator species also inhabit grass fields grown for seed. 

More in-depth scouting information can be reviewed in the Alberta Forage Manual. This resource includes two sections describing (i) pest and (ii) beneficial species of arthropods typically present in western Canadian grass seed production systems. Download a searchable PDF copy.

Learn when and where to look in the field by reviewing these cutworm scouting tips published by the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network. The PPMN has multiple cutworm-related posts archived from the past  growing seasons and you can review that list here.

If you find insect larvae, determine if it has legs, where the legs are positioned and how many legs are visible. This step helps determine if it's a cutworm, fly larva, or beetle larva. Use Figure 1 below and note how many pairs of legs and where those legs are positioned. 

Figure 1. Picture key to identifying insect larvae copied from ENTFACT-017: Recognizing Insect Larval Types by Lee Townsend, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service.   https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef017

Estimate length of the larva. In the fall, all larvae can be very small and exceedingly difficult to find.  In fact, easily encountering larvae in the fall may mean a high density of overwintering individuals are present so live specimens should be examined by an expert. Mark areas of the field where larvae are present in fall. Additionally, prioritize the field for spring field scouting weekly through April, May and June! 

When it comes to cutworms, review this excellent Cutworm Field Guide. This resource is a searchable PDF guide to all things cutworms including descriptions and photos of different cutworm larvae, host-crop associations, and scouting tips.

Winter 2022 and our IPM Team!

Our field research program at Beaverlodge hinges on technical support - these are people who implement the science we are fortunate to be supported to do in the Peace River region!

This winter, our program has new people hired who are rapidly learning a LOT about how to process and begin to identify the more than 110 arthropod species that are active in annual and perennial field crops  grown throughout the region. Learn more about Jordon, Vicky, Tessa, and Tanya. They join Shelby, Amanda, and me and we're the IPM Team for the winter of 2022!

Welcome Vicky!

Hello! My name is Vicky Tang. I am a Co-Op Student at the University of Manitoba currently working with the Insect Pest Management (IPM) lab at the Beaverlodge Research Farm this winter! This is my first work placement and I am anxious and excited to learn about the ins and outs of working in a lab. 

I am a 4th year student at the University of Manitoba pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. I am pursuing a major in environmental and integrative physiology and a minor in entomology. My interest in environmental conservation opened my eyes to the importance of insects and their role in agriculture. 

Figure 1. Vicky picking tomatoes to send to the marketplace in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

I used to shiver at the thought of insects, but my first entomology course changed that fear into passionate interest! I am excited to help with processing, data entry, and data management resulting from the hard work that went into collecting samples in the crazy year that was 2021. I want to learn more about how this data is used to promote further study and benefit growers in the Peace River region.

I am looking forward to learning how to identify pest insects from this region and developing crucial lab skills. 

Welcome Tessa!

Hello! My name is Tessa Ferch and I am a new Co-Op Student with the University of Manitoba in the Insect Pest Management Program at the Beaverlodge Research Farm. I will be working in-person at the research farm from January to August 2022.

I am a fourth-year student at the University of Manitoba, where I am in the process of obtaining a Bachelor of Science. I'm pursuing a major in Evolution and Biodiversity, and a minor in Entomology. I have completed five different entomology courses as part of my studies that covered a wide range of topics including crop pests, animal pests, predators and parasites of pests, and pollinators.

Figure 1. Tessa enjoying the winter weather in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

As an undergraduate, I've been working to build my skills and experience. Prior to coming to Beaverlodge, I worked as a Co-Op Student with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Brandon Research and Development Centre. While at Brandon, I worked remotely and contributed towards building research background information related to agronomic studies focusing on crop rotations. Before that, I spent two summers working at Henteleff Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba where I was involved with maintaining the park. During this time, I witnessed a huge diversity of insects.  My work experiences, supported by my university education, have contributed to my fascination with different types of animals - especially insects. I am excited to join the IPM team!

Links from 2020 Canadian Forage Seed Conference

The following resources are available to producers and the agricultural industry working in perennial grass and legume seed production in western Canada.

Alberta Forage Manual
Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and Management Field Guide
Cutworm Pests of Crops on the Canadian Prairie: Identification and Management Field Guide
Canadian Grain Commission’s Stored Insect Pest Keys
Alberta Pest Monitoring Network
Alberta Crop Insects webpages
PRFSA’s Insect and Disease Trials
Prairie Pest Monitoring Network Blog
Insect Pest Management Program Blog
Twitter   @bugs5132  #CanForageSeed

Meet our students - Introducing Tia!

Hello! My name is Tia Malloff and I am one of the new co-op students in the Insect Pest Management program at the Beaverlodge Research Farm. I will be working the IPM for an 8-month term!

I am a fourth-year student at the University of British Columbia studying Chemical Biology.  After spending my last co-op term in the chemistry industry in California, I decided to move to the Peace River region to focus more on biology. I am looking forward to learning more about the agroecosystem of the Peace.

Growing up in the Kootenays and helping out on my grandparents’ farms has given me a great appreciation for both agriculture and the outdoors. While these farms paled in comparison to many of the farms here in northern Alberta, they instilled in me the importance of insects in agriculture.

The Peace River region is the largest producer of creeping red fescue in North America. The seed is used to grow forage, in land reclamation, and is often a filler in turf seed products. I am currently counting the seed-bearing stems found in each plant bunch (pictured above). Once counted, the stems will be threshed in order to calculate the yield of seeds per stem and per plant.

I am excited for what the next 8 months will bring and thrilled with the opportunity to explore the Peace!