The swede midge has been the main pest of crucifers (cabbage family) in Québec since 2003. Its presence throughout the season, the difficulty of detecting the damage it causes, and its cryptic behaviour make controlling this pest very complicated. Organic producers currently rely on pest exclusion nets, which are expensive to use. It is important, therefore, to develop other effective ways of controlling this pest.
From 2014 to 2018
Project duration
Market gardening
Activity areas
Pest, weed, and disease control, Organic farming
Services
This work will lead to the development of a strategy to help control the cauliflower plant’s most formidable insect pest.
Growing Forward 2
This project will compare the ability of various pheromone mixes to prevent male swede midges from locating females.
Evaluation of new practices to control cutworms in organic vegetable production.
Researchers: Annabelle Firlej Maxime Lefebvre
This project will provide a better understanding of interactions between a vegetable polyculture system and hedges composed of shrubs and perennials in order to enhance the impact of beneficial insects on vegetable crops.