Research Projects
Each year, IRDA's R&D Team conducts more than one hundred research projects in sustainable agriculture. What's more, IRDA is working with Quebec's key agricultural stakeholders to find concrete solutions.
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Experts
The effects of crimper-rolled winter rye on striped cucumber beetle populations in spaghetti squash production
The effects of crimper-rolled winter rye on striped cucumber.
Researcher: Maxime Lefebvre
Mass trapping for flea beetle management in cruciferous crops on diversified organic farms
Trapping flea beetles in organic farming.
Researcher: Maxime Lefebvre
Determining the impact of temperature and organic fertilizer type on the soil mineral nitrogen supply and the productivity of organic cranberry crops
Flexible management of nitrogen fertilization (fertilizer type and dose) as a function of temperature for better yields in organic cranberry production.
Researcher: Christine Landry
The complementarity of commercially available predators in controlling spotted wing drosophila in organic day-neutral strawberry crops
Evaluation of the effectiveness of various predator combinations in controlling spotted wing drosophilia.
Researcher: Annabelle Firlej
Using seasonal tillage in combination with cover crops as a biological method to control cutworms in organic cruciferous crops
Evaluation of new practices to control cutworms in organic vegetable production.
Researchers: Annabelle Firlej Maxime Lefebvre
Measuring the impact of winter vs. spring cereals on profitability, soil health, and pesticide use
Ten test sites will operate over a two-year period on farms spread over ten Québec regions to compare the performance of winter and spring cereals.
Researchers: Marc-Olivier Gasser Caroline Côté Luc Belzile
Developing mass trapping strategies to control the striped cucumber beetle in organic cucurbit farming
This project aims to develop mass trapping strategies to keep damage caused by the striped cucumber beetle populations below the economic threshold, while minimizing the capture of pollinators and natural enemies.
Researchers: Annabelle Firlej Maxime Lefebvre
Assessing the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the efficacy of spring flooding as a means of controlling the blackheaded fireworm
This project assesse the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the efficacy of spring flooding to developp a strategy of control for the blackheaded fireworm
Researcher: Daniel Cormier
Developing fertilization strategies for organic garlic farming that combine green and farmyard manure, while taking their N and P supply dynamics and soil quality impacts into account
By enhancing our understanding: 1) of the nitrogen supply dynamics associated with the use of mixed green and farmyard manure applications, and 2) of the timeline of nitrogen uptake by garlic; we hope to fine-tune fertilization strategies so they meet the needs of garlic crops, while minimizing phosphorus accumulation and nitrogen leaching.
Researcher: Christine Landry
Using mating disruption to control black headed fireworm and cranberry fruitworm
Development of a mating disruption method to control two cranberry pests.
Researcher: Daniel Cormier
A biological strategy to control obliquebanded leafroller in orchards where a codling moth mating disruption program is underway
Biological control of the obliquebanded leafroller in orchards where mating disruption is being used against the codling moth.
Researchers: Daniel Cormier Gérald Chouinard
Developing strategies and methods for weeding carrots grown in rotation with field crops
Development of weeding strategies and methods that will reduce weed pressure on carrot crops, especially row-crop carrots, which appear to be the most problematic.
Researcher: Élise Smedbol
Developing a mechanical weeding strategy for narrow-row organic field and vegetable crops
Experimenting narrow-row crop weed control strategy on three crops: green beans, peas, and soybeans.
Researcher: Élise Smedbol
Optimization and use of Virosoft CP4 in a Codling moth control program
Developing a Codling moth control management tool based on an improved formulation of Virosoft CP4.
Researchers: Daniel Cormier Gérald Chouinard
Developing new shelter systems adapted to organic raspberry production that reduce pest infestations and boost crop productivity and profitability
Design and validation of a new generation of high tunnels with automatic retractable roofs, new roofing materials, and screens that will extend the harvest season.
Researcher: Annabelle Firlej
The solutions developed by IRDA aim to...
Ensure the sustainability
and quality of soil, water, and air
Protect the health and well-being
of local communities by improving the quality of crop and livestock production, with an emphasis on animal welfare
Safeguard the economic viability
of crop and livestock production