GrainsWest Spring 2021

Spring 2021 Grains West 6 Inside the insect civilwar UNTIL RECENTLY, URBAN gardeners were much more likely than farmers to discuss the pest fighting potential of beneficial insects. This is no longer the case. Agricultural researchers now seriously study the use of insect soldiers at field scale. From their work to identify the players and processes in this insect civil war, new control options emerge as have the economic benefits. Scientists engaged in this pest-bust- ing pursuit include Haley Catton whose ambitious studies at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lethbridge Research and Development Centre include the creation of a guide to all Prairie insects that dine on pests and weeds. This will contribute to a greater understanding of the ecosystem services insects perform free of charge. The assignment of dollar values to these activities will additionally give farmers the information they need to employ integrated pest management (IPM) techniques tailored to western Canadian fields. Catton and others cite the Western Grains Research Foundation’s Field Heroes campaign as a major inspiration for the ag industry’s broadening embrace of beneficial bug research. In this special insect issue of GrainsWest , farmers and entomologists alike speculate on the pest wrangling potential of beetles, wasps and other insects. While “Friends with benefits” (pg. 24) examines the rise of beneficials in Western Canada, “International insect management” (pg. 30) features interviews with farmers who have put IPM to work around the globe. This insectivorous edition also features a swarm of additional stories on this theme. In “Bughouse for entomology” (pg. 29), we pay a visit to Canada’s biggest insect repository. A key resource for scientists who study agricultural pests and partners, the Canadian National Collec- tion of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes holds a whopping 17 million specimens. Closer to home, wet conditions in spring 2020 favoured the proliferation of wheat midge in certain areas of the Prairies. “Possible pest outbreak” (pg. 28), addresses the implications for midge management in the coming crop year. Insects aside, you’ll also find the usual wide variety of topics in these pages. Among these are the recent dip in malt- ing barley pricing relative to feed, the refurbishment of oil and gas well sites for the collection of solar energy and the hard white wheat varieties that have inspired a resurgence in interest in this underutilized category. EDITOR’S MESSAGE Identificationof insect pestsandpalsapriority The insect ecosystem is now being more closely examined by farmers and scientists. A clear accounting of their activities and appetites will measure the economic benefits they provide for free. Can you identify this handful of beneficial insects and pernicious pests found in Alberta farm fields? Answers appear below. A)Hoverfly (theS yrphidae family) larvaeeataphids.B)Painted ladybutterfly ( Vanessacardui )eatsCanada thistle,soybeansandsunflowers.C)Commongroundbeetle ( Poecilus lucublandus )eatsmany insectpestsandweedseeds Photos:Hoverflyandpainted ladycourtesyofDan Johnson,groundbeetlecourtesyofHenriGoulet.