Research & Development
Our research projects focus on all aspects of the IPM tool box, including biological, cultural, physical, and chemical controls. Our research questions are driven by industry needs and priorities. Many of our research projects include outreach materials and presentations, to share our findings.
Research results are often presented at the Lower Mainland Horticulture Growers Short Course at the Abbotsford TRADEX in January.
Research Highlights
Efficacy Trials
We design experiments and collaborate with local growers to determine the effectiveness of new pest management tools.
2019 - Evaluating thrips mass trapping in strawberries and cabbage
Using sticky traps and pheromone lures, we tested whether mass-trapping could be a viable method of thrips management in strawberries and cabbage.
Nutrient Management & Soil Health
Our soil research aims to help growers identify concerns and supplement their soils effectively.
2017 - Delta Fertilizer Trials Potatoes – Reduced Phosphorus
We conducted on-farm field trials to determine whether phosphorus fertilizer rates could be reduced in potato fields with high phosphorus soil without having a negative impact on yield.
Pest Monitoring & Surveillance
The first step to pest management is identifying which pests are present. Our research asks the questions: which pests, how many, and where?
We are collecting multiple years of pest-pressure data for cutworms in the Fraser Valley. We aim to determine the possibility of outbreak years, damage thresholds, and effects on belowground crops. This project is in year 3 of 3.
We are monitoring Spotted Wing Drosophila winter populations, along with temperature data, to develop better forecasting tools for this invasive, destructive pest. This project is in year 3 of 3.
Survey & Gap Analysis
Our research projects are driven by industry needs and priorities. We conduct surveys and analyse existing data to determine where future research is needed.
We assessed an inventory of pest-related activities in the Fraser Valley, to determine those that are a top priority. We categorised pests into the categories: pests affecting multiple commodities; pests with potential for cross-commodity research; pests affecting just one commodity; and emerging pests.
We surveyed growers in Southern British Columbia to determine future research priorities.
Variety Trials
Trying a new variety of a crop is always a risk. We conduct variety trials in the Fraser Valley, so growers can see exactly how new varieties fare in our climate.
We assessed nine varieties of cabbage for thrips and disease susceptibility, yield, density, colour and shape by performing field and storage assessments.
Since 2004, ES Cropconsult has worked with BC potato growers to grow experimental plots of various potato varieties, and evaluate them for agronomic and culinary qualities. 70 potato varieties were on display at the 2020 potato variety trial field day.