Be on the Lookout for New Pests in BC

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One might think Benjamin Franklin was a farmer facing down insects when he said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” While farming wasn’t part of Franklin’s list of occupational achievements, his quote certainly applies to today’s growers and their need to be aware of insects that can create damage and crop losses.

BC Ministry of Agriculture entomologist Tracy Hueppelsheuser echoes that quote when she says it’s easier to prevent and control new pests before their populations become a serious problem.

“It is important to stay up to date on what growers in other regions are facing, and keep watch in BC for any new or suspicious damage,” she says. “Any new bugs that you haven’t seen before or suspicious damage of concern can be submitted to the [ministry’s] plant health lab. We do encourage growers to contact us at the Ministry with any questions about pests and pest management.”

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, which was first detected in Chilliwack in 2015, is currently wreaking havoc in urban areas of the Lower Mainland and Okanagan. Unfortunately, it’s not a matter of whether this pest will hit crops like apples and berries, but when. The pest causes deformities and discolouration to fruit and kernel damage in hazelnuts. Hazelnut damage is on the radar because the brown marmorated stink bug has become a significant pest for this crop in Oregon and there is concern hazelnuts, which have already been challenged by Eastern filbert blight, will be impacted in BC as well.

Japanese Beetle, which was first detected in Vancouver in 2017. In 2018, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency instituted movement control in addition to the treatment of turf for this beetle’s grubs by the City of Vancouver, Ministry of Agriculture and the landscape industry. These pests feed on leaves, flowers and fruits causing reduced yields and plant death.

“This pest is of great concern to the nursery and landscape industry as well as any grass crops, berries and other perennial crops,” says Hueppelsheuser. “Our hope is that with these collaborative efforts… we can eradicate the pest from Vancouver and prevent its movement into the agriculture production areas of BC”

Spotted Wing Drosophila continues to be an issue for berry and soft-skinned fruit growers. Harvesting early, often and thoroughly are Hueppelsheuser’s recommendations to use alongside monitoring, trapping and insecticide. See the story on page 26 to learn more about studies into methods to control this pest.

Western Corn Rootworm was first detected in Sumas in 2016. This major corn pest is well established and growers need to plan for it with prevention and control programs which will reduce damage. Hueppelsheuser notes controls like rotating out of conventional corn every three years, use of Bt-traited corn and use of seed treatments and in-furrow applications at planting are working. These insects eat corn roots, clip silks and can lead to poor pollination and even disease.

European Chafer, which was detected in Metro Vancouver in 2001, is like Japanese Beetle in that it has been present in urban turf.

“These grubs are known to primarily feed on turf roots, but can also be problematic in perennial crops such as berries and fruit,” Hueppelsheuser explains. “Though not known to be present in agriculture lands at this time, growers should remain vigilant and watch for and report any suspicious damage or insects.”

True Army worm was “devastating” to grass and corn crops on Vancouver Island and in the Fraser Valley in 2017 she says. Researchers are learning more about the pest’s migratory habits and fortunately, there were few of the insects found in fields or traps in 2018.

Potato/Tomato Psyllid hasn’t caused major concerns since 2008, but if not monitored, can quickly become an issue for field and greenhouse crops, leading to direct damage to plants and fruits, contamination and vectors disease.

Hueppelsheuser notes that all of the insects noted here are direct pests – they feed on the leaves, roots or fruits of the plant and can affect various crops in BC with a variable range of damage. Crop-specific biosecurity is recommended including buying plant materials from clean sources, ensuring selection of the best varieties for the location and using preventative tools like crop rotation and clean equipment. As always, pests are best controlled when caught early, so the fields must be scouted regularly and all team members need to know what to look for.  

“For all these insects, we are striving to provide timely and updated information to the sectors at risk,” she notes. This is being done by keeping webpages up to date, attending events, sharing factsheets or updates via web or in person and encouraging growers to report any suspicious damage or insects.

Find information about these insects and other crop pests as well as ways to manage them at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops

Navigate through the crop production and plant health sections for a wide range of information.

The ministry’s plant health lab can be reached at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/plant-health/plant-health-laboratory

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PreSpring Issue 2024