Apple pest research and pest pressure – affect by climate change?

Citation

Blatt, S. 2019. Apple pest research and pest pressure – affect by climate change? Apple Information Exchange, Charlottetown, PEI, November
B

Plain language summary

Research on apple pests is funded by the Canadian Horticulture Council program and the Canadian Agricultural Partnerships program. The target pests are apple maggot, leafrollers and apple leaf curling midge. For leaf curling midge, degree day models are being developed to predict emergence of adults during the growing season. Initially, only one model was thought to be required, but after 2 years of data collection, modellers are developing 4 models, one for each of the apple growing regions in Canada (Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Nova Scotia). A final year of data should be sufficient to refine the models which will be ready for validation starting in 2021. Control of apple maggot remains the top priority for apple producers across Canada. Evaluation of a sterile insect release program for apple maggot is in its initial stages. New attractants for leafroller species are being tested in orchards across Canada, which could be used in a mass trapping strategy. The impact of climate change on insect pests is highly speculative. Changes in temperature and humidity, and when these occur during the insects' life cycle, will determine whether the change is positive or negative for the insect and the grower.

Abstract

Research on apple pests is funded through the Canadian Horticulture Council and the Canadian Agricultural Partnerships programs. Target pest species are apple maggot, leafrollers and apple leaf curling midge. The impact of climate change on this species is highly speculative. Observations on changes in apple maggot and leafroller life history were reported. A general overview of how changes in temperature and when can have both positive and negative impacts on insect pests.

Publication date

2019-11-19

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