August 27, 2025

QUIZ – Late insects and hail

Insect feeding is, in general, down this week across the Prairies. Some agronomists and growers are still finding insects – including flea beetles and cabbage seedpod weevils from the new generation. In this quiz, we also acknowledge those unfortunate acres hit with hail.

1.

The overwintering population of flea beetles has emerged and are hanging out in canola fields. What should farmers do about them?

flea beetles on pods
The overwintering population of flea beetles emerges late in the summer. (old photo)
2.

Large numbers of cabbage seedpod weevil adults are present in some fields. These are the adults that will overwinter, growing up from the larvae that exited canola pods over the past few weeks. What should farmers do about them?

3.

Lygus may be present in some fields at this late stage of the season, but the risk of yield loss is generally low. Why?

4.

Bertha armyworms present at this late stage of the season are often lazily hanging off canola pods and stems. Why?

 
5.

Hail struck canola fields from Manitoba to Alberta over the past few days. Some fields were damaged a little. Some were flattened. At which stage of the season is hail most damaging to yield?

 

 

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