Berry Crop Entomology

Title: Berry Crop Entomology

Principal Investigator: Dr. Paul Abram and Dr. Michelle Franklin, Research Scientists, AAFC’s ARDC

Duration: April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2023

Project Summary:

Development of new selections of highbush blueberry and raspberry by the BC Berry Breeding Program under Berry Germplasm Evaluation for the Fraser Valley and Berry Cultivar Development for the Fraser Valley.  Prior to release as cultivars, the most promising advanced selections are evaluated under commercial conditions through the Canadian Berry Trial Network. 

Determining genetic tolerance or resistance to arthropod pests is a vital component of these evaluations to mitigate future risks to commercial production and future global marketing of Canadian berry products.  Specifically, there is strong pressure from export markets to minimize insecticide residues on fresh fruit; and blueberry and raspberry selections that show resistance or tolerance to pests can be managed with fewer insecticide applications.  Further, reducing reliance on insecticide applications will reduce costs of production and mitigate potential risks to the environment, effectively increasing the sustainability of berry production in the Fraser Valley of BC.

Objective:

Determine the relative resistance of advanced blueberry and raspberry selections to key arthropod pests by sampling for their abundance