Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes: Update for the AAFC Biological Control Working Group, 2021

Citation

Fernandez-Triana, J, Douglas, HB, Brunke, A, Bouchard, P, Huber, JT, Gibson, GAP, Bennett, AMR, Lonsdale, O. 2021. Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes: update for the AAFC Biological Control Working Group, 2021. November 5, 2021.

Résumé en langage clair

This is a report for the AAFC Biological Control Working Group, summarizing the research activities done in 2020 by the scientists of the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes. It details projects, publications identifications of samples sent to the collection and collaboration with biocontrol scientist and projects at a national and international level.

Résumé

The entomology/nematology group located on the Central Experimental Farm (AAFC, Ottawa Research and Development Centre) is the largest group of invertebrate systematists in Canada, with internationally recognized expertise in most major taxonomic groups. The Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes (CNC) maintains collections of more than 18 million specimens and associated literature. The taxonomists at the CNC provide expert identifications and collaboration with biological control researchers in Canada and abroad. Current staff include 17 research scientists and one biologist, as well as 11 affiliated scientists (Canadian Forest Service, Canadian Food and Inspection Service, Visiting Scientists and Honorary Research Associates, see Appendix below); there are a roughly equal number of technicians. The centre also manages the National Arthropod Containment Facility that receives shipments of live insects and mites from overseas. Research is concentrated on systematics, to solve agricultural and forestry problems and related biodiversity issues.