In May 2021, the Pest Management Centre (PMC) announced the selection of a new Integrated Pest Management (IPM) pilot project prioritized by stakeholders at the 2021 Canadian Pest Management Priority Setting Workshops.
The selected project was submitted by Ontario and Saskatchewan and targets root maggots (Delia radicum, D. floralis, D. planipalpis, D. platura and D. florilega) in brassica vegetables.
We are pleased to announce that this project is now set to start in spring 2022, following approval of a proposal submitted by the two lead Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) scientists, Drs. Meghan Vankosky and Ian Scott. The goal of this project is to generate evidence-based results in each of the two targeted provinces that support the adoption of economically viable IPM tools for the management of Delia spp., in brassica vegetables and rutabaga. Ideally, some tools will be combined into a systems-based approach while others may be stand alone tools. A cost benefit analysis will be part of this project, to ensure the economic viability for growers.
Over the past few months, Drs. Vankosky and Scott have been developing the project scope, objectives and milestones, with the path forward informed by collaboration with provincial partners, grower representatives and other AAFC scientists. Progress with the project work will be communicated annually.