Novel Microbial Tools and Tactics for Cutworm Control in Wine Grapes

Andermatt Canada Inc. will partner with the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, NSERC and MITACS for a 3- year research project to explore the most efficacious and sustainable strategy for the management of winter climbing cutworms in vinegars in BC. Four promising categories of cool-adapted biocontrol tools will be employed to develop the management strategy for the complex of winter climbing cutworms in vineyards in the Okanagan Valley. Using a group of beneficial microorganisms with different modes of action to better control of winter climbing cutworms is novel and if successful, will contribute to replacing chemical insecticides with an environmentally safe alternative. Andermatt Canada plans to register the new bioinsecticide(s) in Canada and make it available to agricultural producers to manage climbing cutworms while lowering the cost of agricultural production, producing safer healthier crops, and protecting the environment. This research will ultimately assist the Canadian bioproducts producer to develop new, environmentally friendly pest management products for the Canadian market, become a leader in the Canadian bioinsecticide market, train
TBDs, new grads, and technicians, and contribute to the advancement of “green” technologies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sepideh Tahriri Adabi

Student:

Partner:

Andermatt Canada;Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Program: