There are three different European corn borer (ECB) areas in southwestern Ontario – a 1-generation (univoltine) area, a 2-generation (bivoltine) area, and an overlap area that has both univoltine and bivoltine populations (Baute, 1999). Degree Days (DD) are heat accumulations using a base temperature (i.e. a minimum temperature required for development). A DD model was validated to predict flight patterns of ECB in southwestern Ontario (Baute, 1999). This model gives us an idea when ECB flight begins, peaks and ends based on moth captures and can be used to guide scouting efforts and management decisions. Below are the estimated accumulated DD for ECB in some regions of southwestern Ontario.
Authors: Cara McCreary, Greenhouse Vegetable IPM Specialist, OMAFRA and Tracey Baute, Entomologist – Field Crops, OMAFRA
What is European Corn Borer (ECB) (Ostrinia nubilalis)?
In a nutshell, ECB is a small nocturnal brown moth. Problem is, they may choose pepper plants as hosts for egg-laying and larval development. Since larvae feed and develop inside the pepper fruit, which is the marketable portion of your plants, it’s important to be on the lookout for them. ECB overwinters as fully-grown larvae in corn stubble or other plant material and complete development the following spring. When adults emerge, they take flight to look for mates and suitable hosts such as corn, wheat, potatoes, hemp and unfortunately greenhouse peppers to feed and reproduce.
There are three different European corn borer (ECB) areas in southwestern Ontario – a 1-generation (univoltine) area, a 2-generation (bivoltine) area, and an overlap area that has both univoltine and bivoltine populations (Baute, 1999). Degree Days (DD) are heat accumulations using a base temperature (i.e., a minimum temperature required for development). A DD model was developed to predict flight patterns of ECB in southwestern Ontario (Baute, 1999). This model gives us an idea when ECB flight begins, peaks and ends based on moth captures and can be used to guide scouting efforts and management decisions. Below are the estimated accumulated DD for ECB in some regions of southwestern Ontario.
The warm weather is upon us! We will see DD’s accumulate more quickly with the increase in temperature.
Essex & Chatham-Kent Areas (2-generation/bivoltine area): As of yesterday, May 15, DD accumulations were approximately 105 in Harrow, 116 in Windsor, and 93 in Ridgetown. ECB flight of the 1st generation may begin within the next couple of weeks in these areas, depending on temperature. Populations will continue to increase until peak flight. Start planning for ECB monitoring by getting your black light traps or pheromone traps ready and training your scouts for signs of larval entry holes in the peppers.
London & Sarnia Areas (overlap area): As of May 15, the DD accumulations were approximately 93 in London, and 89 in Sarnia. For the 2-generation population, first flight of the 1st generation will likely begin within the next couple of weeks in these areas, depending on temperature. Populations will continue to increase until peak flight. Start planning for ECB monitoring by getting your black light traps ready and training your scouts for signs of larval entry holes in the peppers.
Vineland Area (1-generation/univoltine area): As of May 15, the DD accumulations were approximately 78. First flight is likely a few weeks away. Start planning for ECB monitoring by getting your black light traps ready and training your scouts for signs of larval entry holes in the peppers.
N.B. Warm, calm evenings are best for flight which usually begins shortly after sundown and ceases by midnight. High winds, thunderstorms and temperatures less than 180C (650F) can delay or stop egg-laying outdoors. Also, grassy areas or areas of dense vegetation are best for mating activities which usually begins by 10 p.m., peaks at 1 a.m., and ends at dawn. So please remember to clear the areas around the greenhouse of grass and other vegetation.
Access the recording and presentation from the GrowON lunch and learn that occurred on May 12, 2023 (12:00-1:00 PM EST) in person and online to learn about the effect of dynamic LED lighting on the circadian rhythm of crops.
Enjoy this recording of the GrowON lunch and learn that took place in person at Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers and online (March 20, 2023) and learn more about autonomous growing technologies.
We hope you enjoy this recording of the GrowON webinar about greenhouse dehumidification with Dr. Jeanine West, environmental specialist with Flowers Canada (Ontario) and Marco de Leonardis (Freeman Herbs).
Nighttime greenhouse light emissions. Photo credit – Benjamin Snow, University of Guelph.
Author: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
An increase in the use of supplemental lighting in greenhouses has been accompanied with an increase in the amount of light emitted from greenhouses at night during fall and winter months. Without proper management strategies, light emitted from greenhouses during nighttime hours can potentially be disruptive to neighbouring residents. As a result, the objective of this document is to outline the latest research in greenhouse light management for producers and to provide information on managing nuisance complaints should they arise.
This grower-friendly, pictorial key has been developed to make thrips identification easier on-farm. Recently, thrips species other than western flower thrips have become a significant problem in Ontario floriculture greenhouses. Correct identification is the first step to better control.
ONGreenhouseVegetables 