Which insects to watch for in 2025

Jun 20, 2025

To help refresh your insect management knowledge this growing season, this blog will review learnings from last year’s survey results, highlight 2025 monitoring efforts to watch for and take part in and showcase resources to simplify insect identification and decision making. Ongoing research efforts working to generate new knowledge and investigating new solutions are also noted.

Insect survey results

Prairie-wide monitoring outcomes
In an effort to provide farmers, agronomists and agricultural extension staff accurate, reliable insect population distribution data to help inform crop management decisions, the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN) was created. The network includes field crop entomologists and researchers, along with input from industry stakeholders. Inspired by the success of the PPMN, the Prairie Crop Disease Monitoring Network and Prairie Weed Monitoring Network were also established and provide valuable insights on disease and weed pest concerns across the Prairies.

The PPMN was first established through the Coordinated surveillance, forecasting and risk warning systems for field crop insect pests of the Prairie ecosystem project, then continued to expand and improve through a subsequent project and will continue to be supported in the Insect response to climate change and ag inputs across the Prairies project. In 2024, the PPMN surveyed 6111 sites (shown in the map below) and reported values for seven key field crop insect pest species, including bertha armyworm, cabbage seedpod weevil diamondback moth and grasshopper.

Check out the 2024 insect distribution maps generated from their dataset, to see how the insect populations were in your region. Then use the guides below to help identify them and review their economic thresholds.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.