The Canadian Entomologist (2003) 135, 405-413

P.G. Mason, O. Olfert, L. Sluchinski, R.M. Weiss, C. Boudreault, M. Grossrieder and U. Kuhlmann (2003)
Actual and potential distribution of an invasive canola pest, Meligethes viridescens (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), in Canada
The Canadian Entomologist 135 (3), 405-413
Abstract: Meligethes viridescens (Fabricius), bronzed or rape blossom beetle, is a widespread and common pest of oilseed rape [Brassica napus L. and Brassica rapa L. (Brassicaceae)] in the western Palaearctic subregion. The establishment of M. viridescens in eastern North America has raised concern that its presence is a potential risk to the Canadian canola industry, especially to the prairie ecozone of western Canada where up to 4 million ha of summer canola (B. napus and B. rapa) are grown annually. Study of museum specimens indicated that M. viridescens was first recorded in Nova Scotia in 1947. Field surveys indicated that, as of 2001, M. viridescens was established as far west as Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. A CLIMEX^TM model for M. viridescens in Europe was developed and validated with actual distribution records. In Canada the model predicted that once introduced, M. viridescens would readily survive in the canola-growing areas. The actual distribution of M. viridescens in eastern Canada matched the predicted distribution well. The westward dispersal to and establishment of M. viridescens in canola-growing areas of Ontario and western Canada, particularly southern Manitoba, appear to be inevitable. Establishment in these areas presents the risk of substantial production losses to canola producers.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Peter G. Mason, Owen Olfert, Ulrich Kuhlmann

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
surveys/sampling/distribution
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Brassicogethes viridescens	Rape/canola (Brassica napus)	Canada (east)
	Brassicogethes viridescens	Rape/canola (Brassica napus)	Canada (west)
	Brassicogethes viridescens	Brassica - other species	Canada (west)