Incorporation of abiotic and biotic factors for development of stage-structured predictive models of flea beetles on canola in Alberta

The Challenge

Both striped and crucifer flea beetles pose significant damage to canola. However, little is known about the effects of the interaction of both species on canola.

The Project

Develop a weather-dependent, stage-structured deterministic developmental model for both striped and crucifer flea beetles, and determine both flight capacity and interspecific competition under different biotic and abiotic conditions.  

The Results

Data and model results from this study indicate striped flea beetle adult emergence can peak between 150–200 DD using 8°C developmental threshold, while crucifer flea beetle adult activity will likely peak between 125-200 DD using a 11°C developmental threshold. Striped flea beetles will emerge about 1-2 weeks before crucifer flea beetles, with site-specific variation. It was observed that both beetles emerge simultaneously in some years. Neither feeding nor oviposition of crucifer flea beetles was affected by the presence or previous feeding of striped flea beetles.

Grower Benefits

This project will allow growers to monitor and forecast populations of both striped and crucifer flea beetles, contributing to management of flea beetle infestations in a timely and sustainable manner.