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Cover crops for flea beetle management

Posted on 27.09.2023 | Last Modified 27.09.2023
Lead Researcher (PI): Yvonne Lawley
Institution: University of Manitoba
Total WGRF Funding: $151,225
Co-Funders: Manitoba Canola Growers Association
Start Date: 2023
Project Length: 3 Years
Objectives:

Evaluate the impact of overwintering and spring planted cover crops on flea beetle damage to canola seedlings. Quantify the impact of overwintering and spring planted cover crops on canola yield and quality. Evaluate the impact of overwintering and spring planted cover crops on the abundance of ground predators known to provide biological control of flea beetles. Compare cover crop management strategies (cover crop species, termination date, seeding rate) to maximize flea beetle control while minimizing negative canola crop impacts. Evaluate the effectiveness of the most promising cover crop strategies for flea beetle control in on-farm experiments.