2006 Canola Disease and Insect Survey for North Dakota and Minnesota
Carl Bradley, North Dakota State University - $10,863
Paul Porter, University of Minnesota - $1,200

Canola acreage has increased very rapidly in North Dakota and Minnesota, with 1,016,000 harvested acreage in both states. With the increase in acreage, shorter rotations of canola are common in some areas and disease and insect pest problems might increase. Careful monitoring of changing problems is essential. Data on the effect of shortened canola rotations on disease and insect pest buildup is needed. Data to support the Sclerotinia Risk Map is also essential to provide maximum accuracy for grower decisions on the use of fungicides. The crucifer flea beetle survey data will also help support development of a risk forecasting system on canola. Forecasting “Pest Alerts” are an important tool of pest management, and producers need to know when the beetles are emerging from their overwintering sites and moving into fields.

Objectives:
1. Provide information on the incidence of blackleg, Sclerotinia stem rot, aster yellows and severity of blackspot on pods in the major canola growing areas of Minnesota and North Dakota.
2. Provide specific information on fields near NDAWN weather stations to provide end of the season validation of the Sclerotinia Risk Map.
3. Provide information on the incidence, distribution and severity of crucifer flea beetle throughout North Dakota.
4. Monitor for and provide pest alerts for Bertha armyworm (Mamastra configurata) and migratory Diamondback moth (Plutella xyostella) using insect pheromone traps.