On March 12, 2026, the Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) joined growers, researchers and industry partners from across the Prairies at the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN) Annual General Meeting. The goal was simple: look back at the 2025 season and share what farmers need to watch for going forward.
One message came through clearly: pest pressure is shifting and Manitoba is starting to see some changes worth paying attention to.
The Cabbage Seedpod Weevil has Arrived in Manitoba Fields
Cabbage seedpod weevil (CSPW) has been moving across the prairies for years, slowly spreading from southern Alberta since the late 1990s. In 2025, it reached a new point, showing up at levels that caused economic concern in Manitoba canola for the first time.
The PPMN activities showed hotspots across the province where weevil counts were at or above economic threshold levels. That’s important because we’re getting to levels in Manitoba where a foliar insecticide application targeting CSPW needs to be considered and has potential to provide a return on investment.
Here’s the number to keep in mind when you’re out scouting:
- 62–100 weevils per 25 sweeps
(or 25–40 per 10 sweeps, based on Canola Council of Canada guidelines)
If you’re seeing counts in that range, it’s time to start thinking about management decisions.
It’s Not Just One Pest
While CSPW got a lot of attention this year, it’s not the only insect on the radar. PPMN continues to track a number of pests that canola farmers deal with every season, including:
- Flea beetles
- Bertha armyworm
- Grasshoppers
Regular updates on these pests help you anticipate what’s coming and when to scout, rather than reacting after damage is already done.
Why This Matters on Your Farm
The value of PPMN comes down to timing and better decisions. The more up-to-date information you have, the easier it is to:
- Prioritize scouting in higher-risk areas
- Avoid unnecessary sprays
- Act quickly when thresholds are reached
With pests such as cabbage seedpod weevil now appearing in Manitoba at higher levels, staying ahead of the curve will matter more each season.
Stay Ahead This Growing Season
PPMN puts out weekly updates during the growing season so you can track what’s happening across the Prairies and in your area.
MCGA is proud to support this work so Manitoba farmers have access to practical, in-season information they can actually use in the field.
If you haven’t already, you can sign up for updates here: prairiepest.ca/subscribe.
Survey map credit: Dr. Meghan Vankosky.
