Flea beetles remain the top ranked canola pest, according to the latest grower survey. The Canola Council of Canada 2024 grower survey asked respondents to name the diseases, weeds and insects of greatest economic risk to canola. Flea beetles were the most common answer in 2024, as they were in the 2022 and 2020 surveys.
While flea beetles seem to be unavoidable, growers can reduce the risk. John Gavloski, entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture, says canola crops that reach the four-leaf stage within three to four weeks of seeding are less likely to need protection from a foliar pesticide spray. Canola crops that require in-season foliar sprays are often slow-establishing and non-competitive.
Weather can be a major factor in rapid stand establishment. Canola sown in warm, moist soil will emerge quickly and uniformly. Warm conditions without moisture will often favour flea beetles over the crop. Whatever the weather, the following agronomy steps put the crop in the best possible scenario against flea beetles.
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