Biological control of leek moth through the release of trichogramma wasps in organic leek production in Québec
Annabelle Firlej
Description
An initial laboratory phase was aimed at comparing the efficacy of two parasites T. brassicae and T. ostriniae on leek moth. The purpose of a second, two-year phase, conducted at the Organic Agriculture Innovation Platform in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, is to test the ability of both parasites to reduce leek moth damage in the field compared to a control. A technical and economic analysis will look at the costs and benefits of trichogramma releases.
Objective(s)
- Determine in the lab and the field the capacity of two species of trichogramma wasps raised commercially in Québec (T. brassicae and T. ostriniae) to parasitize leek moth eggs and reduce larval populations and the damage they cause on organic leeks
- Develop a cost-effective, ecofriendly control strategy that protects natural enemies
From 2015 to 2019
Project duration
Market gardening
Activity areas
Ecosystem protection, Pest, weed, and disease control, Organic farming
Services
This project will pave the way for a strategy for controlling leek moth that harms neither the environment nor beneficial wildlife.
Partners
Growing Forward 2 | Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec - Innov'Action Programme | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | Université du Québec à Montréal | Anatis Bioprotection | Pleine Terre | Pôle d'excellence en lutte intégrée - CLD Jardins de Napierville | Coopérative des agriculteurs de proximité écologique
Publications
Summary sheet • Daniel Cormier
Lafrenaye, A., J. Boisclair, D. Cormier, E. Lucas. 2019. Lutte biologique contre la teigne du poireau à l'aide de lâchers de trichogrammes dans la culture biologique du poireau au Québec (1/2). IRDA well represented at the 2017 annual meeting of Québec’s entomology association. 2 p. DownloadThis may interest you
Selection and management of legume intercrops in organic vegetable production
This project proposes ways of using legume intercrops to control vegetable pests (insects, diseases, and weeds) while increasing soil productivity and quality and economic yields.
Researcher: Annabelle Firlej
A status report on the labile carbon to total organic carbon ratio of Saguenay–Lac-St-Jean soils
A labile carbon input would displace some phosphorus into the soil solution, thus making it available again for assimilation into growing plants.
Researcher: Christine Landry
Adapting pest and disease monitoring to climate change: towards a better understanding of the factors affecting European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) abundance in Québec in order to better adapt monitoring practices and manage the future risks associated with this pest
Analyzing the factors influencing European corn borer abundance in Québec to improve monitoring methods and better manage future risks associated with this pest.
Researchers: Annabelle Firlej Daniel Cormier
