Dr. Éric Lucas and Didier Labarre, along with their team, are evaluating the performance and cost-effectiveness of innovative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for organic cranberry production. Strategies include spray delivery of parasitic Trichogramma wasps; dispensing methods for pheromone mating disruptors; use of Herbivory Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPV) to attract predators and parasitoids; and application of select strains of baculoviruses and Bacillus thuringiensis.
Research Objectives
- Develop a readily accessible spraying device for the mass release of Trichogramma
- Identify an effective Trichogramma strain/species to control the cranberry fruitworm (Acrobasis vaccinii)
- Identify the optimal application rate and timing of Trichogramma to control the blackheaded fire-worm (Rhopobota naevana)
- Evaluate (efficacy, rentability, feasibility) mating disruption using two different dispensers and the feasibility of applying organic microencapsulated (MEC) formulation through chemigation.
- Evaluate the biological control potential of natural enemies attracted by the diffusion of herbivory induced plant volatiles (HIPV).
- Evaluate novel baculovirus isolates and assess the potential of new granulovirus isolates; screen for new Bt strains
- Evaluate the compatibility, complementarity, and profitability of different methods of pest control
Progress and Results
Research Update (March 2026)
KEY TAKEAWAYS (PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS)
- A new spraying device for applying Trichogramma to cranberry fields is commercially available and being used on six organic cranberry farms in Quebec.
- Data to support registration of a new mating disruption product (microencapsulated pheromones) has been shared with industry partner, Trécé.
- Field studies are underway to determine whether Herbivory Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs) can enhance biological control by attracting natural enemies of blackheaded fireworm.
- A study on the compatibility of pheromones and Trichogramma is complete; a journal publication is expected soon.
- Researchers in BC are identifying promising baculovirus isolates to support development of a new biopesticide for blackheaded fireworm control.
Research Update (March 2025)
KEY TAKEAWAYS (PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS)
- A new spraying device was tested for large-scale release of Trichogramma in cranberry fields.
- Two methods for dispensing fireworm mating disruption pheromones were tested: microencapsulation (MEC) and fixed dispensers.
- The compatibility of integrating pheromones and releasing Trichogramma was evaluated.
Additional Links and Resources
Video FR (Mar 2025) Release of Trichogramma Wasps in Cranberry (use YouTube transcript translate for EN subtitles)
Video FR (Mar 2025) Mating Disruption in Cranberry (use YouTube transcript translate for EN subtitles)
Background Information
From the research activity proposal:
The blackheaded fireworm (Rhopobota naevana) and the cranberry fruitworm (Acrobasis vaccinii) are two major pests in cranberries. They can cause between 60% and 95% yield loss. Only two organically certified insecticides are registered for the control of these pests in Canada. Because of their lower efficacy, between three and nine applications of these insecticides are necessary each year to maintain the damages levels low enough to maintain farm profitability. New options are necessary to prevent risks of resistance development and to ensure the sustainability of organic cranberry production.
Recently, multiple projects have studied alternative methods against fireworms and fruitworms compatible with organic production, including physical control with bed flooding, and biological control methods with parasitoid Trichogramma spp., and mating disruption. Newer techniques including the use of insect-specific baculoviruses, and Herbivory Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPV) to recruit predators and parasitoids are at the early stages of development but preliminary results are promising. The development, compatibility, complementarity, and profitability of these methods need to be assessed to ultimately create a performant and cost-effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for Canadian organic cranberry growers.
The project will address the overarching organic research priority 5 and the organic fruit priority F3, as the IPM strategy will reduce the reliance on bio-insecticides at risk of losing efficacy and increase environmental performance as it lowers pesticide risks.
The project is divided into five main development phases:
1) Trichogramma: Survey and bioassays of indigenous Trichogramma wasps to control the fruitworm and development of a readily accessible spraying device for the parasitoids,
2) Mating disruption: Comparison of two dispensing methods of pheromones; microencapsulation (MEC) and fixed dispensers,
3) Herbivory Induced Plant Volatiles: Investigation of the predators and parasitoids attracted by HIVP and their potential as biological control agents,
4) Baculovirus and Bacillus thuringiensis: Screening for new baculoviruses and Bt strains against the blackheaded fireworm, and
5) Compatibility and Complementarity: Trials mixing Trichogramma, mating disruption and HIPV (in lab and on the field in QC).
Finally, Profitability of each method will be assessed and compared with current management strategy to ultimately develop a cost effective and completely organic IPM approach to control these pests. This strategy will increase the resilience of organic cranberry farming as it is currently extremely vulnerable, and the project will offer economically competitive and efficient options.
Contributing Partners
Meet the Research Team
Dr. Éric Lucas
Dr. Eric Lucas is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Quebec at Montreal and directs the biological control laboratory. His research focuses on the ecology of entomophagous (insect-eating) arthropods and their use in integrated pest control programs.
Didier Labarre
Didier Labarre is the Executive and Scientific Director of the Cranberry Research and Innovation Centre located in Quebec.
Activity 10 Research Team
Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
Daniel Cormier | Institut de recherche et développement en agroenvironnement (IRDA) |
Michelle Franklin | Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) – Agassiz |
Daniel Chapdelaine | UQAM |
Marc Fournier | UQAM |
We asked Didier Labarre
What got you interested in this research project?
Canada is the second most important cranberry producing country, but the vast majority of the organic production comes from here. More specifically, Quebec is, by far, the World’s leader in organic cranberry production. It therefore appears natural for us to be innovators in terms of biological control. This project aims to bind multiple research initiatives we had in the last few years in order to create an integrated management approach for insect pests in organic cranberry production.
Where is your research taking place?
The project will take place in BC and Quebec, the two main cranberry producing regions in Canada.
What drew you to organic agriculture research?
As an ecologist by training, I’ve always been interested in biodiversity and nature, but I also had a strong interest in having concreate applications to my work. I also grew up on a small dairy farm so joining my formation in ecology and my childhood on a farm, there was an interesting and motivating convergence of my past and present interest that could be found in organic agriculture.
How are you encouraging or training the next generation of scientists?
We aim to involve students from a variety of levels of training within our research. From undergrad to PhD students, we hope to awaken some passion in some and consolidate the formation and begin careers in the field for others. Even myself, as a young researcher, this project represents one of the biggest projects I have undertaken and will hopefully have a positive impact on the rest of my career.
Outside of your research pursuits, what is an activity you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am a big sport fan. I play multiple sports (soccer, badminton, volleyball, etc.) and I also love hiking and backpacking. Whenever I get some time off, you will find my somewhere along a trail!
