Potential of the Rynaxypyrine Insecticide – Cyazypyr™ as a Seed Treatment on Canola for the Control of Canola Flea Beetle and its Non-target Effect on Honey Bee Foragers

Two specifies of flea beetles attack canola. Overwintering adults feed on canola seedlings, 1st generation larvae on the roots and adults on the mature crop from August to October. There is one generation a year in western Canada, and one or two in southern Ontario. Crop losses in North America as a result of crucifer flea beetle damage are estimated to exceed $300 million a year. Current control measures comprise seed treatments, often used in combination with soil applied granular or foliar insecticide applications should the seed treatment not provide sufficient control. Canola is a valuable forage crop for honey bees and there is concern that these control measures, including seed treatments, could seriously impact bee populations. Recently developed reduced risk insecticides, while highly effective against some insect pests, generally have minimal non-target impact. Applied as a seed treatment, one of these reduced risk insecticides, Cyazypyr (E.I. Dupont Canada), could provide highly effective, environmentally compatible crucifer flea beetle control.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Cynthia Scott-Dupree

Student:

Caleigh Irwin

Partner:

E.I. DuPont Canada Co.

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Fisheries and wildlife

University:

University of Guelph