Abstract
The use patterns and role of insecticide seed treatments, with focus on neonicotinoid insecticides, were examined for canola/oilseed rape production in Canada and the EU. Since nearly all planted canola acres in Western Canada and, historically, a majority of planted oilseed acres in the EU, use seed treatments, it is worth examining whether broad use of insecticidal seed treatments (IST) is compatible with principles of integrated pest management (IPM). The neonicotinoid insecticide (NNI) seed treatment (NNI ST) use pattern has risen due to effective control of several early season insect pests, the most destructive being flea beetles (Phyllotreta sp.). Negative environmental impact and poor efficacy of foliar applied insecticides on flea beetles led growers to look for better alternatives. Due to their biology, predictive models have been difficult to develop for flea beetles, and, therefore, targeted application of seed treatments, as part of an IPM program, has contributed to grower profitability and overall pollinator success for canola production in Western Canada. Early evidence suggests that the recent restriction on NNI may negatively impact grower profitability and does not appear to be having positive impact on pollinator health. Further investigation on impact of NNI on individual bee vs. hive health need to be conducted. Predictive models for flea beetle emergence/feeding activity in canola/oilseed rape need to be developed, as broad acre deployment of NNI seed treatments may not be sustainable due to concerns about resistance/tolerance in flea beetles and other pest species.
Highlights
This workshop was held as part of the 14th International Rapeseed Congress (IRC) held at TCUPlace (Saskatoons’s Art and Convention Centre) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, 5–9 July 2015.The conference was co-organized by Ag-West Bio Inc. and the Canola Council of Canada
It’s important note to that note that the with thefrom planting of neonicotinoid-treated have been to limited the risks associated of neonicotinoid-treated have limited to corn and corn and soybeans;with therethe areplanting no reports of any issues with the seeds planting of been canola or oilseed rape
Flüh (Head, Chemicals Unit, EU Health and Consumers Directorate, EC) stated “the recent suspension of certain uses of neonicotinoid insecticide (NNI) insecticides was not imposed because they are the main threat to bee health but because they were the only factor that could be quickly regulated by the EC” [38]
Summary
This workshop was held as part of the 14th International Rapeseed Congress (IRC) held at TCU. The workshops provided opportunity for researchers to present their findings, discuss and debate their work, and exchange viewpoints and information This workshop examined the use patterns of insecticide seed treatments, with focus on neonicotinoid insecticides (hereafter referred to as NNI or NNI ST), in canola/oilseed rape production in Western Canada and the EU. A description and tools for implementation of IPM in canola for western Canada is found at http://www.canolacouncil.org/crop-production/canola-grower’s-manual-contents/chapter-10integrated-pest-management/chapter-10#canolaintegratedpestmanagement. In absence of these models, it is an infringement of IPM principles to limit growers’ access to the only tool that can protect the crop This forces growers to use more costly and less efficacious foliar insecticides that have higher toxicity to non-target species
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