Effect of hairiness in brassica lines on the abundance, feeding and oviposition behavior of flea beetles, DBM and aster leafhopper

The Challenge

There are currently no canola cultivars that exhibit any level of resistance to flea beetles, diamondback moths, and/or aster leafhoppers.

The Project

Determine if non-transgenic hairy canola lines and Brassica villosa (a highly hairy relative of canola) will significantly lower damage caused by flea beetles and diamondback moth larvae, and reduce the transmission of aster yellows by leafhoppers.

The Results

Aster leafhopper showed no deterrence or preference for hairy or non-hairy canola plants, but leaf damages at the 4 leaf stage were lesser in the more hairy canola species.

Grower Benefits

The potential of hairy canola lines could offer new resistance to pests.