The Northern Horizon, May 27, 2022
mpacted by seed size, seeding of two
supporting that large seed sizes may have an advantage over small in surviving fleabeetle herbivory. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that canola can be high yielding if grown later in the season, but results are still debatable with previously conducted research. However, emergence and maturity are impacted by time of seeding and number of seed sown per square foot. Fleabeetle populations tend to increase in the early cotyledon stages and slowly decrease afterwards and damage seems to be alleviated by the four-leaf stage, simultaneously, as fleabeetle populations are dropping. Fleabeetle populations and leaf damage may be influenced by dry, warmer temperatures as greater number of individuals and more leaf damage was observed in early to mid-June, when fleabeetle counting and leaf damage visual ratings were conducted.
Figure 3b. Emergence, Fluorescence and Maturity of Canola (Brassica napus L.) stands subjected to fleabeetle herbivory sown based on small, large, and mixed sizes at 3.7, 7.4 and 11.1 lb ac-1 on two different dates in 2020 (May 28, 12, 21 and June 3, May 18 and 28) and 2021 (May 15, 21, 18 and May 26, June 2, and 3) in Falher, Fort Vermillion and North Star, Alberta
Figure 4a. Yield values of canola (Brassica napus L.) from stands exposed to flea beetle herbivory sown on May 12, 2020 and May 17,2021 (‘Normal’ seeding date and May 18, 2020 and June 03, 2021 (‘Early’ seeding date), at 3.7, 7.4 and 11.1 lb ac-1, using different seed sizes 1.4-1.7 mm (small) and 1.8-2.2 mm (large) as well as unsorted
Figure 3c. Emergence, fluorescence and maturity of canola (Brassica napus L.) stands subjected to fleabeetle herbivory sown based on small, large and mixed sizes at 3.7, 7.4 and 11.1 lb ac-1 on two different dates in (May 28, 12, 21 and June 3, May 18 and 28) and 2021 (May 15, 21, 18 and May 26, June 2, and 3) in Falher, Fort Vermillion and North Star, Alberta Yield Data from the North Peace Applied Research Association farm was compiled for both 2020 and 2021 growing seasons. Yield in canola differed in 2020 and 2021. Differences were expected as yield in 2020 was minimal compared to that obtained in 2021. However, statistical analysis conducted by year showed no difference in seeding date, seeding rate and seed size or any of the interactions. Since there was no significance in treatments by year, Figure 4a shows the yields reported across all treatments for both seasons with no significance across main and split block effects. The fleabeetle experimental design at the NPARA research station had canola buffers. These buffers were composed of an insecticide treated canola variety. Buffers were placed to keep each plot as an isolated system from the others. However, this may have done very little to prevent fleabeetle migration to other plots. Yield therefore may have been compromised and there is very little impact from seeding date, seeding rate, and seed size. The region where the NPARA farm is located has a very short growing season. This makes it impracticable to seed canola before early May. Even though we had and “early” and a “normal” seeding date, all dates are still within the mid-May to early-June ideal seeding window for canola. This may explain why there was no difference in yield despite the date. Yield data compiled from all research stations was affected by the interaction between seeding rate and seeding date (P=0.0122). As such, yield was greater in canola stands sown later (May 18, 28 and June 3 as well as May 26, June 2, and 3 for 2020 and 2021 respectively at each research station) at 7.4 lb ac-1 and lowest at 3.7 lb ac-1 in early sown (May 12, 21, 28 and May 15, 18, and 21 for 2020 and 2021 respectively at each research station) canola stands (Figure 4b). Moreover, yield at 7.4 and 11.1 lb ac-1 was statistically the same on both early and normal seeding dates but canola stands sown earlier at 3.4 lb ac-1 were less yielding than those sown at the same seeding rate later in the season (Figure 4b). It can be inferred that there is no difference in seeding date in canola sown at medium to high seeding rates. Canola stands sown earlier at sparser sowing rates on the other hand, may have difficulty to compensate for fleabeetle leaf consumption as well as harsher temperatures and temperature changes in the early season. Moreover, yield was the only parameter affected by seed size (P=0.0251) where those plots with large and mixed seed size had a greater yield compared to those canola stands that emerged out of small seeds (Figure 4c). This agrees with previous research
Figure 4b. Yield collected in 2020 (September 30, October 15 and October 2, 15) and in 2021 (September 29, October 1 and September 7, and September 29, October 1 and 5) of canola (Brassica napus L.) stands sown in 2020 (May 12, 21 and May 18, 28) and in 2021 (May 15, 21, 18 and May 26, June 2, and 3) in Falher, Fort Vermillion and North Star, Alberta
Figure 4c. Yield collected in 2020 (October 3, September 30, October 15 and October 3, 2, 15) and in 2021 (September 29, October 1 and September 7 and September 29, October 1 and 5) of canola (Brassica napus L.) stands sown as per various seed sizes sown at at 3.7, 7.4 and 11.1 lb ac-1 in Falher, Fort Vermillion and North Star, Alberta
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The Northern Horizon, May 27, 2022
45
Developing new Miticides for Varroa destructor control in honey bees
How will this research impact Albert’s agriculture industry? Despite the wide diversity of plant pollinators, the honey bee is the world’s most important managed pollinator of agricultural crops and natural habitats. Canadian beekeepers produced 89.8M lb of honey from over 800,000 colonies in 2021 alone, valued at $278.0 million (Statistic Canada,2021). Varroa is estimated by many beekeepers and scientists to be the single most important threat to this industry, particularly in light of failing current control measures. The lack of novel Varroacides is therefore not only threatening the sustainability of the beekeeping industry but also causes concerns for beekeepers, consumers, and the environment due to potential unregulated, off-label use of other chemical products.
because of increasing resistance to varroa treatments. Beekeepers will require higher doses or more frequent applications or varroa treatments which researchers anticipate in time, will eventually become entirely ineffective. This research project’s proposed development of a novel Varroacide would relief the pressure on the current varroa treatments and slow the build-up of resistance. The direct benefits of this successful project would therefore not only be a novel treatment options that can be quickly brought onto the market by adopting products from other agricultural commodities, but also a better development of a more comprehensive IPM plan for Varroa to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the apicultural industry in Alberta and beyond.
Why did RDAR invest in this research project?
Immediate, short-term benefits of this research will also be an increased awareness of the dangers and discouragement of off-label miticide use by the knowledge transfer aspects of our program. Indirectly, the protection of honey bee health by enhancing Varroa control measures will also benefit agricultural crops that are dependent on honey bee pollination and the quality of life of Albertan citizens that consider beekeeping an important hobby.
Currently the costs associated with aiming to control varroa are projected to increase
How will research knowledge be transferred and shared with producers?
Both principal investigators of this project: Olav Rueppell and Rassol Bahreini are active in community outreach and partners of the Alberta Beekeepers. As such, they regularly present at beekeeper meetings and conventions. They will continue to do so for the duration of this project to keep the relevant stakeholders up-to-date on their progress and findings. They also belong to the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists (CAPA) and will distribute their research findings through this organization and thus to all provincial apiculturists, as well as through the Canadian Honey Council directly to producers. In particular, they are in close collaboration with the Alberta Beekeepers Commission and will use the existing communication channels, including the Tech-Transfer Team under the leadership of Dr. Renata Borba, to communicate relevant knowledge gained to the beekeepers. Valley Realty, Peace River, AB
Buying or selling a farm or ranch in the Peace Country? Call for a free consultation today!
Henry Vos
780.835.1992 • henryvos1@gmail.com www.PeaceRiverFarmsandRanches.com
R0011892465
Varroa is estimated by many beekeepers and scientists to be the single most important threat to this industry. The development of a novel varroacide and producer toolkit could support producers in controlling varroa and guarantee the long-term sustainability of the apicultural industry in Alberta and beyond
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