University of Manitoba on-farm study: flowering habitats for pollinators and natural enemies of pests

Pollinators and natural enemies of pests may improve the health of agroecosystems. Have you considered practices to enhance them on your farm? If so, the University of Manitoba wants to partner with you for an on-farm project.

Project

Establish flowering plants at crop field margins to determine if this habitat increases crop productivity by increasing pollinators and natural enemies of pests.

Farmer’s Role

• Engage with project staff in decision making to:
  • select fields that work for you
  • seed (provided) and maintain the flowering habitat
• Maintain your crop rotation and regular management practises.

Experiment Objectives

• Study flowering habitat effects for duration of project
• Collect insects throughout the growing season
• Measure the impact of the habitat across the field on:
  • Pollinators and natural enemies of pests
  • Pest insects, weeds and diseases
  • Crop yield and quality

Benefits

• Learn if your flowering habitat increased pollinators, natural enemies of pests, and crop productivity.
• Field-specific results will be communicated directly to you throughout the project
• Seed for the flowering habitat will be provided

If you are interested or have further questions, please contact:

Dr. Jason Gibbs, Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba: Jason.Gibbs@umanitoba.ca

Dr. Yvonne Lawley, Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba: Yvonne.Lawley@umanitoba.ca