Our undergoing projects
Artificial nesting structures and overwintering sites for bumblebees in fruit crops in Quebec
Student: Lydia Millette-St-Hilaire; collaborator: Amélie Gervais
Bumblebees are excellent pollinators for many cultures, including highbush blueberries, cranberry, and apples. However, bumblebees suffer decline caused in part by the reduced availability of nesting and overwintering habitats on farms. For bumblebee’s conservation, it is important to learn more about these two critical phases of their life cycle. This study will assess the efficacy of artificial nest boxes (wooden underground, wooden aboveground, under a concrete slab, or in a terracotta pot) on apples, highbush blueberries and cranberries farms. In addition to studying the bumblebees, the nest boxes will provide nesting sites, which will help their conservation. The project will also characterize overwintering sites and bumblebee dispersal in the fall through telemetry.
Student: Lydia Millette-St-Hilaire; collaborator: Amélie Gervais
Bumblebees are excellent pollinators for many cultures, including highbush blueberries, cranberry, and apples. However, bumblebees suffer decline caused in part by the reduced availability of nesting and overwintering habitats on farms. For bumblebee’s conservation, it is important to learn more about these two critical phases of their life cycle. This study will assess the efficacy of artificial nest boxes (wooden underground, wooden aboveground, under a concrete slab, or in a terracotta pot) on apples, highbush blueberries and cranberries farms. In addition to studying the bumblebees, the nest boxes will provide nesting sites, which will help their conservation. The project will also characterize overwintering sites and bumblebee dispersal in the fall through telemetry.
Evaluation of the impact of the composition and structure of sown flower strips along the edge of fields as a tool for the conservation of bumblebees in Montérégie
Student: Amélie Morin; collaborator: Virginie Durand (UPA)
Pollinators have been declining significantly in recent decades. A frequently used conservation tool is the creation of flower strips along the edges of fields. They aim to provide quality habitat and food resources for pollinators. The maintenance of these strips, their width and their composition in floral species can influence the response of pollinators. The objective of this project is to evaluate the impact of the floral species composition and width of flower strips on the abundance and species richness of bumblebee populations in Montérégie. To do so, the project will be carried out on 24 field crop farms in this region. Different seed mixtures and different strip widths will be studied. A monthly inventory of bumblebee populations will be carried out locally and at the farm level. Finally, this project will determine the characteristics that flower strips must have to be effective conservation tools for bumblebee species in Quebec.
Student: Amélie Morin; collaborator: Virginie Durand (UPA)
Pollinators have been declining significantly in recent decades. A frequently used conservation tool is the creation of flower strips along the edges of fields. They aim to provide quality habitat and food resources for pollinators. The maintenance of these strips, their width and their composition in floral species can influence the response of pollinators. The objective of this project is to evaluate the impact of the floral species composition and width of flower strips on the abundance and species richness of bumblebee populations in Montérégie. To do so, the project will be carried out on 24 field crop farms in this region. Different seed mixtures and different strip widths will be studied. A monthly inventory of bumblebee populations will be carried out locally and at the farm level. Finally, this project will determine the characteristics that flower strips must have to be effective conservation tools for bumblebee species in Quebec.
Relationship between foraging activity and the populational structure of brood and worker bees in domestic bee swarms (Apis mellifera L.)
Student in co-supervision: Kim Ménard; collaborator: Pierre Giovenazzo (ULaval)
In the province of Québec, honeybee is the most used species for lowbush blueberry pollination services. This colony strength is established in number of bee frames and the rental cost varies depending on this evaluation. However, since a proportion of the bees evaluated are young nurse workers who take care of the brood and don’t participate in foraging activities, the number of foragers doesn’t follow a linear relation with the number of bee frames. Therefore, an evaluation of the strength only based on bee frames, not taking into account the quantity of brood, and not distinguishing the foragers from the nurses isn’t a precise representation of the pollination capacity of a colony. This study aims to determine the optimal structure of brood and bees quantity in a colony, so that the pollination and beekeeping management of apiarists are optimized. The study will be conducted during two summers (2022-2023). On the first year, we will determine the best populational structure to optimize the foragers’ number in a honeybee colony. The second year, we will test this populational structure in lowbush blueberry pollination conditions, at the Lac Saint-Jean. The pollination optimization resulting from this project will increase the fruits’ production and quality for the blueberry growers and thus their income. The beekeepers will also see an increase in their income, due to the efficiency rise of their colony management in relation with the pollination services growing demand.
Student in co-supervision: Kim Ménard; collaborator: Pierre Giovenazzo (ULaval)
In the province of Québec, honeybee is the most used species for lowbush blueberry pollination services. This colony strength is established in number of bee frames and the rental cost varies depending on this evaluation. However, since a proportion of the bees evaluated are young nurse workers who take care of the brood and don’t participate in foraging activities, the number of foragers doesn’t follow a linear relation with the number of bee frames. Therefore, an evaluation of the strength only based on bee frames, not taking into account the quantity of brood, and not distinguishing the foragers from the nurses isn’t a precise representation of the pollination capacity of a colony. This study aims to determine the optimal structure of brood and bees quantity in a colony, so that the pollination and beekeeping management of apiarists are optimized. The study will be conducted during two summers (2022-2023). On the first year, we will determine the best populational structure to optimize the foragers’ number in a honeybee colony. The second year, we will test this populational structure in lowbush blueberry pollination conditions, at the Lac Saint-Jean. The pollination optimization resulting from this project will increase the fruits’ production and quality for the blueberry growers and thus their income. The beekeepers will also see an increase in their income, due to the efficiency rise of their colony management in relation with the pollination services growing demand.
Monitoring flea beetle populations in radish in organic soil and evaluating mass trapping for damage control
Student: Laurence Fleury; collaborator: Anne-Marie Fortier (Compagnie de recherche Phytodata)
The crucifer flea beetle (Phyllotreta crucifera) and the stripped flea beetle (Phyllotreta striolata) are major pests of crucifer crops. The adults feed on the leaves and the subsequent defoliation can completely destroy the young plants. The larvae also damage root crops by burrowing for food. In recent years, the damage caused by adults and larvae may have been so severe that some fields of radish and daikon had to be abandoned as a result. No relationship between the intensity of the adult populations and the damage caused by their larvae could be established so far. The project will therefore first verify the existence of a potential correlation between the screening and trapping of adults and the screening of larval damage. Secondly, the effectiveness of damage control methods such as mass trapping and the use of exclusion nets in cover and fencing will be evaluated.
Student: Laurence Fleury; collaborator: Anne-Marie Fortier (Compagnie de recherche Phytodata)
The crucifer flea beetle (Phyllotreta crucifera) and the stripped flea beetle (Phyllotreta striolata) are major pests of crucifer crops. The adults feed on the leaves and the subsequent defoliation can completely destroy the young plants. The larvae also damage root crops by burrowing for food. In recent years, the damage caused by adults and larvae may have been so severe that some fields of radish and daikon had to be abandoned as a result. No relationship between the intensity of the adult populations and the damage caused by their larvae could be established so far. The project will therefore first verify the existence of a potential correlation between the screening and trapping of adults and the screening of larval damage. Secondly, the effectiveness of damage control methods such as mass trapping and the use of exclusion nets in cover and fencing will be evaluated.
Promoting natural enemy biodiversity in greenhouses: evaluation of two banker plants
Student: Amélie Quesnel; collaborator: Geneviève Labrie (CRAM)
The use of banker plants in conservation biological control consists of the introduction of an uncultivated plant offering multiple benefits for natural enemies and biological control agents such as shelter, food, and an egg-laying site. This technique aims to sustain predator populations in the agricultural landscape leading to greater biological control potential. Among these banker plants, Lobularia maritima (Brassicales: Brassicaceae), commonly known as sweet alyssum, and Calendula officinalis (Asterales: Asteraceae) are excellent candidates, due to their long flowering period and their great source of pollen and nectar. Thus, during the summers of 2021 and 2022, these banker plants were introduced into a total of fourteen pepper and cucumber greenhouses in Quebec and an inventory of natural enemies and biological control agents was carried out.
Student: Amélie Quesnel; collaborator: Geneviève Labrie (CRAM)
The use of banker plants in conservation biological control consists of the introduction of an uncultivated plant offering multiple benefits for natural enemies and biological control agents such as shelter, food, and an egg-laying site. This technique aims to sustain predator populations in the agricultural landscape leading to greater biological control potential. Among these banker plants, Lobularia maritima (Brassicales: Brassicaceae), commonly known as sweet alyssum, and Calendula officinalis (Asterales: Asteraceae) are excellent candidates, due to their long flowering period and their great source of pollen and nectar. Thus, during the summers of 2021 and 2022, these banker plants were introduced into a total of fourteen pepper and cucumber greenhouses in Quebec and an inventory of natural enemies and biological control agents was carried out.
Inventory and study of Hirsutella sp., an entomopathogenic fungus of the cyclamen mite, in order to develop a conservation biological control strategy for strawberry production
Student: Andréa Duclos; collaborators: Joseph Moisan-De Serres (MAPAQ) and Stéphanie Tellier (MAPAQ)
The cyclamen mite is an important pest in strawberry cultivation, causing high yield losses with very few control methods available. However, some growers are doing admirably well with very low mite infestations and little or no acaricide application. During exploratory trials conducted in 2020 and 2021 to investigate this phenomenon, we discovered mites naturally mycosed by an indigenous entomopathogenic fungus on seven different strawberry farms. Sequencing of the fungus revealed that it was a fungus of the genus Hirsutella sp. We believe that the presence of entomopathogenic fungi in certain fields facilitates the control of mites and that certain farm practices (crop management, agricultural inputs, etc.) influence the presence of these fungi. The objectives of this project are therefore to determine the distribution of Hirsutella in strawberry fields in Quebec and to identify the factors affecting its distribution, but also to validate the pathogenicity of the fungus against the cyclamen mite.
Student: Andréa Duclos; collaborators: Joseph Moisan-De Serres (MAPAQ) and Stéphanie Tellier (MAPAQ)
The cyclamen mite is an important pest in strawberry cultivation, causing high yield losses with very few control methods available. However, some growers are doing admirably well with very low mite infestations and little or no acaricide application. During exploratory trials conducted in 2020 and 2021 to investigate this phenomenon, we discovered mites naturally mycosed by an indigenous entomopathogenic fungus on seven different strawberry farms. Sequencing of the fungus revealed that it was a fungus of the genus Hirsutella sp. We believe that the presence of entomopathogenic fungi in certain fields facilitates the control of mites and that certain farm practices (crop management, agricultural inputs, etc.) influence the presence of these fungi. The objectives of this project are therefore to determine the distribution of Hirsutella in strawberry fields in Quebec and to identify the factors affecting its distribution, but also to validate the pathogenicity of the fungus against the cyclamen mite.
Optimisation of lowbush blueberry pollination by honey bees and bumblebees
Student: Ana María Quiroga Arcila; collaborator: Pierre Giovenazzo (ULaval)
Canada is the world's leading producer of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) and Quebec is the main producing province. The rental of honey bee colonies is the main source of pollination services. The cost of this service has been increasing over the last 20 years and represents an expense of more than $4 million for lowbush blueberry producers in Quebec. However, the recommendations concerning the density of honeybee hives and bumblebee hives to be used in lowbush blueberries are still unclear. The goal of this research is to optimize the pollination services of lowbush blueberries by increasing the density of honeybee colonies and to compare the efficiency of pollination by honeybee colonies and bumblebee colonies. The research will be developed entirely in situ in nine typical blueberry fields in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region for four consecutive years starting in the summer of 2022. This study will allow the development of a model to estimate the optimal honey bee colony density for the pollination of lowbush blueberries according to the cultural context. The model will also be used to evaluate the pollination efficiency of commercial bumblebee hives.
Student: Ana María Quiroga Arcila; collaborator: Pierre Giovenazzo (ULaval)
Canada is the world's leading producer of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) and Quebec is the main producing province. The rental of honey bee colonies is the main source of pollination services. The cost of this service has been increasing over the last 20 years and represents an expense of more than $4 million for lowbush blueberry producers in Quebec. However, the recommendations concerning the density of honeybee hives and bumblebee hives to be used in lowbush blueberries are still unclear. The goal of this research is to optimize the pollination services of lowbush blueberries by increasing the density of honeybee colonies and to compare the efficiency of pollination by honeybee colonies and bumblebee colonies. The research will be developed entirely in situ in nine typical blueberry fields in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region for four consecutive years starting in the summer of 2022. This study will allow the development of a model to estimate the optimal honey bee colony density for the pollination of lowbush blueberries according to the cultural context. The model will also be used to evaluate the pollination efficiency of commercial bumblebee hives.
Identification of novel optical plant signals for the early detection of cannabis pests
Student: Simon-Pierre Tchang; collaborators: Davoud Torkamaneh (ULaval) and Xavier Maldague (ULaval)
Cannabis is a plant with a wide range of pests including several insects, diseases and fungi that can cause stress, sometimes resulting in economic yield losses. In this study, we will determine the impact of stress on cannabis inflicted by pests such as onion thrips (Thrips tabaci (Lindeman)), two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and an aphid species. Observations will be made using multispectral cameras to provide a description of the early optical and visual symptoms of plant stress for each type of pest. These results will be used to create a machine learning algorithm to correlate the presence of a pest based on plant stress signals with an appropriate treatment in terms of economic risk.
Student: Simon-Pierre Tchang; collaborators: Davoud Torkamaneh (ULaval) and Xavier Maldague (ULaval)
Cannabis is a plant with a wide range of pests including several insects, diseases and fungi that can cause stress, sometimes resulting in economic yield losses. In this study, we will determine the impact of stress on cannabis inflicted by pests such as onion thrips (Thrips tabaci (Lindeman)), two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and an aphid species. Observations will be made using multispectral cameras to provide a description of the early optical and visual symptoms of plant stress for each type of pest. These results will be used to create a machine learning algorithm to correlate the presence of a pest based on plant stress signals with an appropriate treatment in terms of economic risk.
Biology of the elm zigzag sawfly in its new range in Quebec and North America
Student: Julien Lafrenière; collaborator: Véronique Martel (Natural Resources Canada)
In August 2020, the CFIA confirmed the presence of a new invasive alien species: the elm zigzag sawfly, Aproceros leucopoda Takeuchi (Hymenoptera: Argidae). Its presence was first reported in Sainte-Martine, in the Montérégie region, but was subsequently recorded throughout Quebec. The elm zigzag sawfly is a multivoltine species that is endemic in China and Japan. Aproceros leucopoda was first identified in Europe in 2003 and since then it is present in almost all countries of the continent. The elm zigzag sawfly can be a risk for elm populations that are already ravaged by Dutch elm disease. In order to assess the risk that this species represents in Quebec and Canada, and to develop a management strategy, it is important to first know its life history traits in this new habitat. The traits studied are seasonality, physiognomic characteristics and the characterization of natural enemies.
Student: Julien Lafrenière; collaborator: Véronique Martel (Natural Resources Canada)
In August 2020, the CFIA confirmed the presence of a new invasive alien species: the elm zigzag sawfly, Aproceros leucopoda Takeuchi (Hymenoptera: Argidae). Its presence was first reported in Sainte-Martine, in the Montérégie region, but was subsequently recorded throughout Quebec. The elm zigzag sawfly is a multivoltine species that is endemic in China and Japan. Aproceros leucopoda was first identified in Europe in 2003 and since then it is present in almost all countries of the continent. The elm zigzag sawfly can be a risk for elm populations that are already ravaged by Dutch elm disease. In order to assess the risk that this species represents in Quebec and Canada, and to develop a management strategy, it is important to first know its life history traits in this new habitat. The traits studied are seasonality, physiognomic characteristics and the characterization of natural enemies.
Phenology and biology of the blueberry maggot in the context of Lac-Saint-Jean
Research professional: Frédéric McCune
The newly recorded presence of blueberry maggot (Rhagoletis mendax) in the lowbush blueberry fields of Lac-Saint-Jean is of concern to the industry and could cause significant economic losses. To adopt an integrated management strategy against this new pest, it is essential to study its biology in this new environment. This project aims to study the phenology of the blueberry maggot under the climatic conditions of the region, its use of local wild hosts, and its presence in different types of habitats (natural, in vegetation and in production). To achieve the objectives of the project, wild plant fruits are harvested to detect the presence of larvae and a trapping device is established to monitor the presence of the fly in different habitats throughout the season and to establish the time of sexual maturity of the insect. Finally, a projected bioclimatic model based on thermal cumulation (degree days) will be adapted to local data.
Research professional: Frédéric McCune
The newly recorded presence of blueberry maggot (Rhagoletis mendax) in the lowbush blueberry fields of Lac-Saint-Jean is of concern to the industry and could cause significant economic losses. To adopt an integrated management strategy against this new pest, it is essential to study its biology in this new environment. This project aims to study the phenology of the blueberry maggot under the climatic conditions of the region, its use of local wild hosts, and its presence in different types of habitats (natural, in vegetation and in production). To achieve the objectives of the project, wild plant fruits are harvested to detect the presence of larvae and a trapping device is established to monitor the presence of the fly in different habitats throughout the season and to establish the time of sexual maturity of the insect. Finally, a projected bioclimatic model based on thermal cumulation (degree days) will be adapted to local data.
Development of an integrated pest management strategy against western bean cutworm in corn crops in Quebec
Student: Stéphanie Gervais; collaborator: Julien Saguez (CÉROM)
Western bean cutworm (Striacosta Albicosta) is an emerging pest in Quebec. The first observations of this pest insect on Quebec territory date back to 2009 and the first economic damage in 2016. Western bean cutworm mainly attacks various corn crops, causing considerable yield losses while reducing grain quality through development mycotoxin potential. Since 2010, the Réseau d’avertissement phytosanitaire (RAP) Grandes culture has monitors its population using pheromone traps to catch butterflies and in recent years scouting of egg masses and larvae has been done. Like the majority of Lepidoptera, there is no correlation between the presence of butterflies and damage, which makes it more difficult to predict the time of struggle. This project aims to determine an integrated pest management strategy with a specific intervention threshold for Quebec with different approaches including: the use of Bt corn, the presence of natural enemies and the use of low-risk insecticides, in order to carry out good integrated management of this pest and to limit the use of pesticides while respecting the health of producers and the environment.
Student: Stéphanie Gervais; collaborator: Julien Saguez (CÉROM)
Western bean cutworm (Striacosta Albicosta) is an emerging pest in Quebec. The first observations of this pest insect on Quebec territory date back to 2009 and the first economic damage in 2016. Western bean cutworm mainly attacks various corn crops, causing considerable yield losses while reducing grain quality through development mycotoxin potential. Since 2010, the Réseau d’avertissement phytosanitaire (RAP) Grandes culture has monitors its population using pheromone traps to catch butterflies and in recent years scouting of egg masses and larvae has been done. Like the majority of Lepidoptera, there is no correlation between the presence of butterflies and damage, which makes it more difficult to predict the time of struggle. This project aims to determine an integrated pest management strategy with a specific intervention threshold for Quebec with different approaches including: the use of Bt corn, the presence of natural enemies and the use of low-risk insecticides, in order to carry out good integrated management of this pest and to limit the use of pesticides while respecting the health of producers and the environment.
Knowledge development on leafhoppers in strawberry and their role as vectors of viral and bacterial diseases
Student in co-supervision: Nicolas Plante; principal investigator: Edel Pérez-López (Université Laval)
Leafhoppers are small insects that attack a multitude of different plants and crops. In recent years, the incidence of leafhoppers in strawberry fields has increased dramatically due to climate change. These small homoptera are causing increasingly worrying damage for strawberry producers in Quebec. Leafhoppers damage plants as they feed, but they are also vectors of bacterial and viral diseases such as phytoplasmas. Presently, there are not much information about the inventory of leafhoppers present in strawberry fields in Quebec and also about their role as vectors of phytoplasma. Thus, the results of this project will provide knowledge on the diversity and abundance of leafhoppers present in strawberry fields and will also make it possible to know which ones are vectors of phytoplasmas. Improved knowledge will also make it possible to optimize the time of intervention in the fields to avoid yield losses and reduce the overuse of pesticides.
Student in co-supervision: Nicolas Plante; principal investigator: Edel Pérez-López (Université Laval)
Leafhoppers are small insects that attack a multitude of different plants and crops. In recent years, the incidence of leafhoppers in strawberry fields has increased dramatically due to climate change. These small homoptera are causing increasingly worrying damage for strawberry producers in Quebec. Leafhoppers damage plants as they feed, but they are also vectors of bacterial and viral diseases such as phytoplasmas. Presently, there are not much information about the inventory of leafhoppers present in strawberry fields in Quebec and also about their role as vectors of phytoplasma. Thus, the results of this project will provide knowledge on the diversity and abundance of leafhoppers present in strawberry fields and will also make it possible to know which ones are vectors of phytoplasmas. Improved knowledge will also make it possible to optimize the time of intervention in the fields to avoid yield losses and reduce the overuse of pesticides.
Osmia tersula, an indigenous pollinator of the Côte-Nord region, as an alternative to commercial beehives for the pollination of fruit and greenhouse crops
Student: Mathilde Bouchard; collaborator: Ève-Catherine Desjardins (CEDFOB)
Northern communities are reluctant to exotic pollinators introduction on their territory. It is of great interest to put in place pollination systems involving indigenous bees that will support communities in their desire to develop the agri-food sector without introducing exotic pollinators. Osmia tersula (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), a solitary bee well adapted to the Côte-Nord northern climate, demonstrates a great potential to serve as pollinator in greenhouse crops. Indeed, characteristics such as its potential to live in a closed environment, to withstand significant temperature differences and to live in groups allow to consider its use in greenhouse crops. The research project will help to document Osmia tersula biology, as well as its behavior in greenhouses and its ability to gather pollen from different plant species. Results should provide a local and effective alternative to commercial pollinators, in addition to the development of a breeding protocol and an introduction schedule for greenhouse crops.
Student: Mathilde Bouchard; collaborator: Ève-Catherine Desjardins (CEDFOB)
Northern communities are reluctant to exotic pollinators introduction on their territory. It is of great interest to put in place pollination systems involving indigenous bees that will support communities in their desire to develop the agri-food sector without introducing exotic pollinators. Osmia tersula (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), a solitary bee well adapted to the Côte-Nord northern climate, demonstrates a great potential to serve as pollinator in greenhouse crops. Indeed, characteristics such as its potential to live in a closed environment, to withstand significant temperature differences and to live in groups allow to consider its use in greenhouse crops. The research project will help to document Osmia tersula biology, as well as its behavior in greenhouses and its ability to gather pollen from different plant species. Results should provide a local and effective alternative to commercial pollinators, in addition to the development of a breeding protocol and an introduction schedule for greenhouse crops.
Improving the performance and resilience of urban ecosystems through the biodiversification of ground covers
Student in co-supervision: Anaïs Grenier; principal investigator: Guillaume Grégoire (Université Laval)
Lawn areas, generally composed of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), are ubiquitous in urban areas. They constitute a simplified ecosystem with low plant biodiversity. Considering their spatial importance, these areas have great potential for improving biodiversity which could increase their services to the ecosystems. The search for alternatives with lower maintenance is also very interesting for municipalities. Thus, this project focuses on the introduction of herbaceous plants, their resilience to trampling and through an established lawn while trying to promote the attraction of urban pollinators. It takes place more particularly in the parks of Quebec and Montreal.
Student in co-supervision: Anaïs Grenier; principal investigator: Guillaume Grégoire (Université Laval)
Lawn areas, generally composed of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), are ubiquitous in urban areas. They constitute a simplified ecosystem with low plant biodiversity. Considering their spatial importance, these areas have great potential for improving biodiversity which could increase their services to the ecosystems. The search for alternatives with lower maintenance is also very interesting for municipalities. Thus, this project focuses on the introduction of herbaceous plants, their resilience to trampling and through an established lawn while trying to promote the attraction of urban pollinators. It takes place more particularly in the parks of Quebec and Montreal.
Impact of in-rows perennial cover crops on auxiliary arthropods in vineyard
Student in co-supervision: Patricia Denis; principal investigator: Caroline Halde (Université Laval)
Perennial in-row cover crops, although not widespread in Quebec, is a practice used by organic winemakers to compete with weeds, improve soil health and attract beneficial insects. However, there are no scientific studies characterizing the effects of perennial in-row cover crops in Quebec vineyards. The objective of this project is therefore to fill this gap by evaluating the effects of perennial cover crops on the ecosystem under the vine’s canopy. The results of this research will reveal whether perennial cover crops could be effective in promoting beneficial insects and weed control in vineyards. Even more, if it will be a relevant and usable in biological control.
Student in co-supervision: Patricia Denis; principal investigator: Caroline Halde (Université Laval)
Perennial in-row cover crops, although not widespread in Quebec, is a practice used by organic winemakers to compete with weeds, improve soil health and attract beneficial insects. However, there are no scientific studies characterizing the effects of perennial in-row cover crops in Quebec vineyards. The objective of this project is therefore to fill this gap by evaluating the effects of perennial cover crops on the ecosystem under the vine’s canopy. The results of this research will reveal whether perennial cover crops could be effective in promoting beneficial insects and weed control in vineyards. Even more, if it will be a relevant and usable in biological control.
Citizen science to study landscape impact on biodiversity and community compositions of indigenous bees in Québec
Student: Anne Leboeuf; co-principal investigators: Sabrina Rondeau (University of Guelph) and Amélie Gervais; collaborators: Maxim Larrivée (Insectarium de Montréal), Marc Bélisle (Université de Sherbrooke) and Véronique Martel (Natural Resources Canada)
Abeilles citoyennes is a participatory science project aimed at inventorying the biodiversity of wild pollinating insects (bees and syrphids) across Québec. Led by a research team from Université Laval, the project calls on the public for help in collecting data on the distribution and abundance of pollinating species in the main agricultural regions of Québec. It aims to describe and study their diversity according to the characteristics of the landscape.
Project's website : http://abeillescitoyennes.ca/
Student: Anne Leboeuf; co-principal investigators: Sabrina Rondeau (University of Guelph) and Amélie Gervais; collaborators: Maxim Larrivée (Insectarium de Montréal), Marc Bélisle (Université de Sherbrooke) and Véronique Martel (Natural Resources Canada)
Abeilles citoyennes is a participatory science project aimed at inventorying the biodiversity of wild pollinating insects (bees and syrphids) across Québec. Led by a research team from Université Laval, the project calls on the public for help in collecting data on the distribution and abundance of pollinating species in the main agricultural regions of Québec. It aims to describe and study their diversity according to the characteristics of the landscape.
Project's website : http://abeillescitoyennes.ca/
Development of a biological control strategy against the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, using the complementarity of natural enemies in fall-bearing raspberries in Québec
Student: Phanie Bonneau; collaborator: Annabelle Firleij (IRDA)
The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), or SWD, is an invasive pest and is considered a major economic threat to berries in North America and Europe. Unlike other fruit flies that prefer decaying fruit, SWD causes damage to ripe fruits just before harvest, making them unmarketable. In Canada, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, blueberry and cherry crops have been the main crops affected by SWD since its invasion in 2009. Synthetic insecticides are currently the main control method used against this pest. However, the preharvest intervals between repeated applications, the risk of pesticide residues on fruit and the rotation of available products have created a real headache for Canadian growers struggling with SWD. This PhD research project aims to develop a biological control strategy against SWD, which will provide a promising and sustainable solution for berry growers in Canada.
Student: Phanie Bonneau; collaborator: Annabelle Firleij (IRDA)
The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), or SWD, is an invasive pest and is considered a major economic threat to berries in North America and Europe. Unlike other fruit flies that prefer decaying fruit, SWD causes damage to ripe fruits just before harvest, making them unmarketable. In Canada, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, blueberry and cherry crops have been the main crops affected by SWD since its invasion in 2009. Synthetic insecticides are currently the main control method used against this pest. However, the preharvest intervals between repeated applications, the risk of pesticide residues on fruit and the rotation of available products have created a real headache for Canadian growers struggling with SWD. This PhD research project aims to develop a biological control strategy against SWD, which will provide a promising and sustainable solution for berry growers in Canada.
Controversy about neonicotinoids pesticides and environmental ethics
Student in co-supervision: Charles Belhumeur-Roberge; principal investigator: Alain Létourneau (Université de Sherbrooke).
Student in co-supervision: Charles Belhumeur-Roberge; principal investigator: Alain Létourneau (Université de Sherbrooke).
Towards value of urban gardens as habitats refuges for wild pollinators and the ecosystemic services they provide in urban environments: case study of Québec City
Student in co-supervision: Viviane Rivard; principal investigator: Nathalie Gravel (Université Laval)
Student in co-supervision: Viviane Rivard; principal investigator: Nathalie Gravel (Université Laval)
Our recently completed projects
Trophic network of the spruce budworm
Student: Valentine Glaus; collaborator: Véronique Martel (Natural Resources Canada)
The aim of the study is to understand the factors affecting the interactions between the spruce budworm (SBW) parasitoids and their lepidopteran hosts. To do this, a sampling of caterpillars and parasitoids was carried out in Quebec in 2020, making it possible to harvest more than 2,000 caterpillars. Another sampling of more than 700 caterpillars was carried out in New Brunswick in 2018 and 2019 at sites where the early intervention strategy (EIS) is applied. These data will make it possible to quantify the interactions according to the following factors: level of SBW population, type of forest, presence of disturbances and use of EIS against SBW. The harvested caterpillars are analyzed by a molecular approach combining TaqMan and qPCR technologies to identify them and detect parasitoids. These data will make it possible to provide a complete portrait of the SBW food web according to the habitat and the context and to better understand the interactions between parasitoids and alternative hosts.
Student: Valentine Glaus; collaborator: Véronique Martel (Natural Resources Canada)
The aim of the study is to understand the factors affecting the interactions between the spruce budworm (SBW) parasitoids and their lepidopteran hosts. To do this, a sampling of caterpillars and parasitoids was carried out in Quebec in 2020, making it possible to harvest more than 2,000 caterpillars. Another sampling of more than 700 caterpillars was carried out in New Brunswick in 2018 and 2019 at sites where the early intervention strategy (EIS) is applied. These data will make it possible to quantify the interactions according to the following factors: level of SBW population, type of forest, presence of disturbances and use of EIS against SBW. The harvested caterpillars are analyzed by a molecular approach combining TaqMan and qPCR technologies to identify them and detect parasitoids. These data will make it possible to provide a complete portrait of the SBW food web according to the habitat and the context and to better understand the interactions between parasitoids and alternative hosts.
Influence of climate and floral resource on pollinator diversity in boreal forest clear-cuts
Student: Léonie Carignan-Guillemette; collaborator: Mathieu Bouchard (MFFP / Université Laval)
A growing number of studies from the United States and Europe have found a positive effect of clear-cuts on pollinators. In Quebec, a great climatic and environmental variability is visible on the territory where this type of silvicultural treatment is applied. With climate change, the ability of this anthropogenic disturbance to support our native populations of forest pollinators raises many questions. Mainly, what is the current influence of the climatic gradient and the resulting availability of the floral resource on the diversity of hoverflies and wild bees in recent clear-cuts in Quebec? This project will also allow us to identify which species will be the most vulnerable to future changes according to their distribution on the studied territory. As one of the first studies on the subject in the province, this project constitutes a considerable entomological contribution to the field of sustainable forestry in the face of climate change.
Student: Léonie Carignan-Guillemette; collaborator: Mathieu Bouchard (MFFP / Université Laval)
A growing number of studies from the United States and Europe have found a positive effect of clear-cuts on pollinators. In Quebec, a great climatic and environmental variability is visible on the territory where this type of silvicultural treatment is applied. With climate change, the ability of this anthropogenic disturbance to support our native populations of forest pollinators raises many questions. Mainly, what is the current influence of the climatic gradient and the resulting availability of the floral resource on the diversity of hoverflies and wild bees in recent clear-cuts in Quebec? This project will also allow us to identify which species will be the most vulnerable to future changes according to their distribution on the studied territory. As one of the first studies on the subject in the province, this project constitutes a considerable entomological contribution to the field of sustainable forestry in the face of climate change.
Adaptation of a Controlled Atmosphere and Temperature Treatment (CATT) technique developed in the Netherlands to control cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus) in strawberry transplants
Student: Virginie Bernier; collaborators: Justin Renkema (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Mohamed Khelifi (Université Laval), Stéphanie Tellier (MAPAQ), and Nicholas Lefebvre (Université Laval)
Cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus) has become a major pest in Québec’s strawberry fields in recent years. As control methods remain limited since the removal of endosulfan-based pesticides in 2016, the objective of this study is to adapt a controlled atmosphere technique developed and now used at large-scale in the Netherlands. By exposing strawberry plants for 48hrs to an atmosphere enriched in CO2, depleted in O2 and to high temperatures, cyclamen mite mortality rates could be greater than 99% without negative effects on plant growth.
To evaluate the efficacy of this technique, trials have been separated in two sections. First, we verified the treatment’s effect on mite mortality with two series of greenhouse trials. For both Yambu and Albion cultivars, a reduction of 99.9% in the number of tarsonemid mites was measured after four weeks growth for plants that were exposed to controlled atmosphere prior to planting in comparison to control plants. Secondly, we wanted to validate whether the disinfection technique would affect strawberry plant growth. Trials with different types of plants (day-neutrals, short-days and mother plants) and cultivars are currently underway on two farms. Final results should be presented in 2022.
Student: Virginie Bernier; collaborators: Justin Renkema (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Mohamed Khelifi (Université Laval), Stéphanie Tellier (MAPAQ), and Nicholas Lefebvre (Université Laval)
Cyclamen mite (Phytonemus pallidus) has become a major pest in Québec’s strawberry fields in recent years. As control methods remain limited since the removal of endosulfan-based pesticides in 2016, the objective of this study is to adapt a controlled atmosphere technique developed and now used at large-scale in the Netherlands. By exposing strawberry plants for 48hrs to an atmosphere enriched in CO2, depleted in O2 and to high temperatures, cyclamen mite mortality rates could be greater than 99% without negative effects on plant growth.
To evaluate the efficacy of this technique, trials have been separated in two sections. First, we verified the treatment’s effect on mite mortality with two series of greenhouse trials. For both Yambu and Albion cultivars, a reduction of 99.9% in the number of tarsonemid mites was measured after four weeks growth for plants that were exposed to controlled atmosphere prior to planting in comparison to control plants. Secondly, we wanted to validate whether the disinfection technique would affect strawberry plant growth. Trials with different types of plants (day-neutrals, short-days and mother plants) and cultivars are currently underway on two farms. Final results should be presented in 2022.
Pollinator’s response to an agricultural intensification gradient in flood plains around the Lac-Saint-Pierre
Student: Olivier Slupik; collaborator: Raphaël Proulx (UQTR)
I study abundance and biodiversity of wild bees and pollinating flies as a response to different types of landscape that represent an agricultural intensification gradient in four regions around the Lac-Saint-Pierre. This lake is a unique and important ecosystem in Québec with respect to its biodiversity, thanks in part to its wetlands, but agriculture has many negative effects on it. This project takes part in a large research axis lead by McGill, UQTR and Université Laval, and whose projects focus together on restoring the ecosystem of the Lac-Saint-Pierre.
Student: Olivier Slupik; collaborator: Raphaël Proulx (UQTR)
I study abundance and biodiversity of wild bees and pollinating flies as a response to different types of landscape that represent an agricultural intensification gradient in four regions around the Lac-Saint-Pierre. This lake is a unique and important ecosystem in Québec with respect to its biodiversity, thanks in part to its wetlands, but agriculture has many negative effects on it. This project takes part in a large research axis lead by McGill, UQTR and Université Laval, and whose projects focus together on restoring the ecosystem of the Lac-Saint-Pierre.
Optimisation of monitoring techniques for the True armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta)
Student: Sandrine Lemaire-Hamel; collaborator: Julien Saguez (CÉROM)
The larvae of true armyworm, a migrant Noctuidae (Lepidoptera), feeds on many crops and can cause major economic losses. The monitoring of Québec's populations is realized with pheromones traps by the ''Réseau d'Avertissement Phytosanitaire - Grandes cultures'' (RAP) in order to enable its scientists to predict future crop damages. This approach is therefore part of a complete Integrated Pest Management Program. Unfortunately, there is not always a link between the moths captures and crop damages, making it difficult to precisely predict the need for future treatments. It is important to document the true armyworm’s biology and behavior because little recent information is available. To study the possible impacts of climate changes on the insect, many techniques will be used (captures, behavioral studies, flight tunnels tests, etc.). These results will enable the RAP to better inform the provinces' farmers about the scale of the insect’s threat as well as advise pertinent protection measures.
Student: Sandrine Lemaire-Hamel; collaborator: Julien Saguez (CÉROM)
The larvae of true armyworm, a migrant Noctuidae (Lepidoptera), feeds on many crops and can cause major economic losses. The monitoring of Québec's populations is realized with pheromones traps by the ''Réseau d'Avertissement Phytosanitaire - Grandes cultures'' (RAP) in order to enable its scientists to predict future crop damages. This approach is therefore part of a complete Integrated Pest Management Program. Unfortunately, there is not always a link between the moths captures and crop damages, making it difficult to precisely predict the need for future treatments. It is important to document the true armyworm’s biology and behavior because little recent information is available. To study the possible impacts of climate changes on the insect, many techniques will be used (captures, behavioral studies, flight tunnels tests, etc.). These results will enable the RAP to better inform the provinces' farmers about the scale of the insect’s threat as well as advise pertinent protection measures.
Exploratory trials to evaluate the benefits of sunflowers on pollinator abundance, nutrition and health in Quebec blueberry fields
Postdoctoral researcher: Mathilde Tissier; research assistant: Aurélie Demers
Several species of wild pollinators, including bees and bumblebees, which are essential for the pollination of many crops, are in steep decline in Canada. Habitat loss, nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections have been identified as major causes of this decline. The main objective of this project is to improve the nutritional health of pollinators through the integration of sunflowers in Quebec blueberry fields. To this end, we will conduct trials of sunflower flower strips in blueberry fields in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region and evaluate the associated benefits on pollinator abundance, diversity and bumblebee health. Sunflower has important nutritional and medicinal properties for bumblebees, making it a plant of choice for this type of trial. Considering the high nutritional and medicinal values of sunflower pollen for bumblebees, and the results of a field trial in Montérégie, we predict that the presence of sunflower strips in blueberry fields will have a favourable effect on the various indices measured. The results of these exploratory trials will allow us to establish a first set of recommendations on the interest of sunflowers to improve the habitat, health and status of bumblebee populations in Quebec.
Postdoctoral researcher: Mathilde Tissier; research assistant: Aurélie Demers
Several species of wild pollinators, including bees and bumblebees, which are essential for the pollination of many crops, are in steep decline in Canada. Habitat loss, nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections have been identified as major causes of this decline. The main objective of this project is to improve the nutritional health of pollinators through the integration of sunflowers in Quebec blueberry fields. To this end, we will conduct trials of sunflower flower strips in blueberry fields in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region and evaluate the associated benefits on pollinator abundance, diversity and bumblebee health. Sunflower has important nutritional and medicinal properties for bumblebees, making it a plant of choice for this type of trial. Considering the high nutritional and medicinal values of sunflower pollen for bumblebees, and the results of a field trial in Montérégie, we predict that the presence of sunflower strips in blueberry fields will have a favourable effect on the various indices measured. The results of these exploratory trials will allow us to establish a first set of recommendations on the interest of sunflowers to improve the habitat, health and status of bumblebee populations in Quebec.
