Suzanne Blatt, Ph. D.
My research program is committed to the improvement or development of pest management tools that will benefit Canadian producers of tree fruits and vegetables. Pest management tools can include biological control agents, improved traps for more efficient monitoring, sterile insect release and use of host chemical cues for mass trapping. Invasive species, such as brown marmorated stink bug and leek moth, are part of our basic monitoring program. As new pest issues arise we work closely with Perennia and industry partners to ensure that our research is relevant to producers and grounded in science.
Current research and/or projects
Current research projects:
1. Studying the impact of root maggots on crucifers. Seeking to understand which one (or two or three) of the species present in Nova Scotia is causing damage in rutabaga, radish and broccoli production.
2. Investigating the use of alternative products, e.g. biopesticides, to control apple maggot.
3. Developing degree day models for apple leaf curling midge that are effective in all apple producing regions of Canada.
Education and awards
B.Sc. (Agr.) Plant Protection, Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia Agricultural College), 1992
Ph.D. (Biology), Simon Fraser University, 1997
M.Sc. (Chemistry), Acadia University, 2011
International experience and/or work
I was awarded a post-doctoral position at Wageningen University from May 2004 - August 2005. I studied the tri-trophic interaction between a pest species (cabbage butterfly) feeding on wild mustard and its parasitoid. I also teamed up with researchers from the University of Switzerland to study the heritability of herbivore induced volatiles in white mustard.
Key publications
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Blatt, S and Plouffe, D. 2023. Apple Leaf Curling Midge Degree-Day Model FactSheet.
2023 - View publication details
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Blatt, S and Hiltz, K. 2022. Sterile insect release for control of apple maggot. Joint Annual Meeting of the ESC and ESA, Vancouver, November.
2022 - View publication details
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McMillan, L, Adamo, S, Munro, G, Freeman, EJ, Easy, R and Blatt, S. 2022. Climate change-fueled heat waves reduce the susceptibility of the agricultural pest oblique banded leaf roller (Choristoneura rosaceana) to chemical control. Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Societies of America and Canada, Vancouver, November.
2022 - View publication details
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Blatt, S. 2022. Annual Report for NC-140 Committee Meeting. Auburn, Alabama, November.
2022 - View publication details
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Blatt, S, 2022. Bug-related Research Round Up, Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Spring Workshop, virtual, March.
2022 - View publication details
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2022. Fruit and Veg Growers Canada. Horticultural Cluster 3: updates. Insert in Fresh Thinking Magazine, Spring issue.
2022 - View publication details
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Gallant B, Blatt S, Douglas HB, Labbe R, Makela K. 2021. How you can help protect Canada’s plant resources: report a plant pest. Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Canada, 53: #-#.
2021 - View publication details
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Fortier, AM. 2021. SIR for control of cabbage root maggot: an alternative to chemical control? Les vendredis horticoles de la Monteregie (lutte integree). December.
2021 - View publication details
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Blatt, S. 2021. Annual Report for NC-140 Committee Meeting, virtual Zoom meeting, November.
2021 - View publication details
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Blatt, S. 2021. Update on CHC research for Ontario Apple Growers Research Group. Virtual meeting, October.
2021 - View publication details
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Blatt, S and Hoeg, R. 2021. Apple maggot research in Nova Scotia. Maine Preseason Tree Fruit Meeting, virtual, March
2021 - View publication details
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Blatt, S, DeLong, J, Wright, H and Burgher-MacLellan, K. 2021. Research update from the Apple CAP project. Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Annual Convention, virtual, January
2021 - View publication details
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Blatt, S, Hiltz, K and Rizzato, R. 2021. Trap cropping for control of striped cucumber beetle and squash bug. Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, virtual, January
2021 - View publication details
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Blatt, S, McDonald, MR and Mlynarek, J. 2021. Entomopathogenic nematodes for control of carrot weevil: efficacy and longevity in muck and mineral soils. Pest Management Science
2021 - View publication details
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Blatt, S.E. and Barry, S. 2020. Movement and infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes in sandy loam soil from a carrot field in Nova Scotia: a laboratory study. J. Acad. Entomol. Soc. 16: 1-6
2020 - View publication details
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Gagnon A-È, Bourgeois G & Blatt S. 2020. Host plant and other volatiles for attraction of carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis. Entomological Society of America, virtual.
2020 - View publication details
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Blatt, S. 2020. Annual Report for NC-140 Committee Meeting, virtual Zoom meeting, November
2020 - View publication details
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Mlynarek, J.J., Macdonald, M., Sim, K., Hiltz, K., McDonald, M.R., Blatt, S. (2020). Oviposition, feeding preferences and distribution of delia species (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in eastern Canadian onions. Insects, [online] 11(11), 1-10. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/insects11110780
2020 - View publication details
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Blatt, S. 2020. Veg Days panel member. Webinar hosted by Perennia, September
2020 - View publication details
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Blatt, S. 2020. Video 9 – Leaf rolling and leaf curling – catching the culprits. NSFGA Virtual Orchard Tour, August
2020 - View publication details
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Contact
Research facility
ORCIDExpertise
Affiliations
I am affiliated with Acadia Univeristy and Dalhousie University and co-supervise graduate and Honors students. I am a member of the Entomological Society of Canada, the Acadian Entomological Society and the International Society for Biological Control.