Generate knowledge and control strategies for the pollen beetle Brassicogethes viridescens (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), a new invasive insect pest of canola

The Challenge

Climate models predict that the pollen beetle B. viridescens will eventually move from the Atlantic to western regions in Canada and there is currently no economic threshold or registered insecticide to manage it.

The Project

To develop economic thresholds and test the efficacy of insecticides which can contribute to its registration for pollen beetle control.

The Results

No insecticide resistance was found in the pollen beetles collected in the Maritimes. Insecticides were found to have 90-100% control when using low rates, indicating that low rates should be used if control is needed. A population of 4 beetles per plant in a sweep does not indicate significant seed loss. However, 7-9 beetles per plant indicates lower seed weight and higher number of missing pods. More research is needed to evaluate economic threshold of this insect pest.

Grower Benefits

An established pest threshold will help growers make effective decisions on when to apply insecticides to maintain canola production.