VIDEO: Manitoba’s cabbage seedpod weevil explosion

Crop pest could pose a problem for Manitoba canola growers in 2026 if last year’s population jump wasn’t a fluke

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Published: February 7, 2026

An adult cabbage seed pod weevil. Photo: Abi Benson/Manitoba Agriculture

(Multi-use permission granted, maintain photo credit)

As provincial entomologist for Manitoba Agriculture, it’s safe to say that insects are pretty much always on John Gavloski’s mind. But there’s one bug in particular that he’ll be watching closely in 2026: the cabbage seedpod weevil.

Survey numbers of the cabbage seedpod weevil exploded in 2025 in some canola growing areas of Manitoba.

It could be a blip. If not though, this insect could pose a big problem for Manitoba canola growers in 2026. At Manitoba Ag Days 2026, Gavloski spoke about how canola growers can meet this challenge and what other bugs Manitoba producers need to watch for this upcoming growing season.

Read Also

Young crop seedlings emerging from dark soil with white fertilizer granules visible at the soil surface, illustrating 4R nutrient stewardship practices. Photo: file

4R compliance comes up short

Most Canadian farmers think they follow 4R practices, but a Fertilizer Canada survey found far fewer acres actually meet the standard.

About the author

Greg Berg

Greg Berg

Digital Editor

Greg Berg was born and raised in the potash capital of the world of Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. Greg helped out on the family homestead farm near Stockholm, Sask., for a number of years in his youth. Greg graduated from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 2011 and joined Glacier FarmMedia in 2014. He specializes in video production and is a songwriter in his spare time.

explore

Stories from our other publications