Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

Biological control of aphids on British Columbia blueberries - Field releases: Blueberry scorch virus (BlScV) is a serious economic problem for blueberry production in British Columbia (BC). The virus causes blossom and leaf blighting and substantial yield reductions. BlScV is distributed throughout all blueberry production areas of BC. This disease is transmitted among blueberry plants by the blueberry aphid, Ericaphis fimbriata. Early-season aphid control via chemical insecticides is recommended to reduce the spread of the virus within and between blueberry fields. This project investigates the potential for using biological control products to manage blueberry aphid populations as an alternative to application of chemical insecticides. Preliminary data from fall 2013 indicates that both Micromus variegatus, a brown lacewing, and Aphidoletes aphidimyza, a predatory midge can reduce populations of blueberry aphids in the laboratory. Micromus variegatus, in particular, feeds on aphids at the low temperatures typical of spring in southwestern BC. Both insects are produced by BC biological control companies for sale to growers and pest management consultants. In this project, we will further test these products for biological control of aphids under operational conditions on blueberry farms and, as a result, develop new markets for their use. Our objective is to develop a sustainable, ecologically-based strategy for aphid control in BC's blueberry industry. This work has the potential to reduce environmental impacts of pesticides and, in turn, improve the quality and safety of BC food products.