Prairie Pest Monitoring Network
WHY WE EXIST
The concept of a coordinated insect surveillance program for the prairies first took shape in 1997. Since then, the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN) has been involved in developing monitoring protocols and in coordinating and conducting insect population monitoring of pests of field crops. The distribution and abundance of insect pests that affect field crops is correlated with climate, weather, agronomic practices, and natural enemies. These factors can be utilized to forecast insect pest populations and better understand where and when crops may be affected.
WHO WE ARE
The PPMN is comprised of field crop entomologists who conduct research and actively monitor insect pest populations to support crop protection programs on the Canadian prairies. It includes researchers from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and university researchers. Industry stakeholders provide regular input and valuable insight at annual PPMN working group meetings.
Dr. Owen Olfert (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research and Development Centre) led the development of the PPMN, beginning in 1997 and served as Chair of the PPMN until he retired from AAFC in June 2018. Dr. Meghan Vankosky (AAFC, Saskatoon Research and Development Centre) and Jennifer Otani (AAFC, Beaverlodge Research Farm) are the current co-Chairs of the PPMN.
The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network is currently funded (2018-2023) by the Integrated Crop Agronomy Cluster, as part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Integrated Crop Agronomy Cluster is supported by the Western Grains Research Foundation, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association, Prairie Oat Growers Association, Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission (SaskCanola), Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission, Alberta Wheat Commission, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, and the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers. In addition, the PPMN is and has been supported by many other industry stakeholders not listed here. The activities of the PPMN would not be possible without the support of our diverse stakeholders.
Visit the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network site to subscribe to their weekly updates, link to full colour digital field guides, maps and more.
Alberta’s Insect Pest Monitoring Network
The Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network coordinates, manages and carries out 7 insect surveys province-wide in Alberta’s field crops to assess presence, abundance and impact to the agriculture industry. The Network also conducts smaller targeted surveys on new and emerging pests working with Universities, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The success of the network depends on its dedicated partners that assist with surveillance, including:
- Agriculture fieldmen
- Applied research associations
- agronomists
- producers
- Alberta government staff
Visit Alberta’s Insect Pest Monitoring Network page on the Alberta.ca website for links to the latest information or to get involved.
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