Four questions on insects active this week. Pod feeders can cause a lot of yield loss if they pass thresholds and are not controlled. Two of the following pests are being managed this week in some areas of the Prairies.

1. Look closely. What insects are eating the outside of this canola pod?

Cabbage seedpod weevil larvae

Canola flower midge larvae

Swede midge larvae

Thrips larvae

2. This larva just exited a canola pod. What is it?

Cabbage seedpod weevil larva

Canola flower midge larva

Swede midge larva

Thrips larva

3. This big eater is at thresholds in parts of Saskatchewan this week.

Bertha Armyworm

Cabbage seedpod weevil larva

Cabbage worm

Diamondback moth larvae

4. Lygus bugs, like this nymph, are also eating canola this week. The threat generally ends when most pods become “leathery” and when seeds inside are firm. Why?

 

Canola pod tissue at this stage contains higher levels of a natural repellent.

Around that same time, lygus become lethargic and go into reproductive mode.

Seeds and pods no longer contain much of the sticky sap that lygus like.

Lygus can no longer penetrate the pods or seeds with their mouthparts.

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