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.

Results for 2015 Market gardening
2015-2019 • Market gardening

Selection and management of legume intercrops in organic vegetable production

This project proposes ways of using legume intercrops to control vegetable pests (insects, diseases, and weeds) while increasing soil productivity and quality and economic yields.

Researcher: Annabelle Firlej

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Annabelle Firlej
2015-2019 • Market gardening

Biological control of leek moth through the release of trichogramma wasps in organic leek production in Québec

This project as aimed at comparing the efficacy of two parasites (T. brassicae and T. ostriniae) on leek moth.

Researcher: Annabelle Firlej

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Annabelle Firlej
2014-2018 • Market gardening

Control strategies for swede midge in organic production

This project evaluated effective and economically viable control strategies for swede midge that are healthy for both humans and the ecosystem.

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2014-2018 • Market gardening

Control of the striped cucumber beetle in organic cucurbit production

This project determined the efficacy of various pest control products on the striped cucumber beetle on organic cucurbit crops.

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2015-2018 • Market gardening

Potential of a flowering plant mix to encourage natural enemies of caterpillar pests on crucifers (cabbage family)

This three-year project looked at optimal ways to use a mix of flowering plants against caterpillar pests of crucifers.

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2014-2017 • Market gardening

Assessing the potential of using granulated potato residues to produce animal feed, fertilizers, and energy

Managing potato residues is therefore a big challenge, which will only increase with the enforcement of the Québec Residual Materials Waste Management Policy.

Researcher: Christine Landry

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Christine Landry
2014-2017 • Market gardeningField crops

Effect of legumes, manure, and compost on soil nitrogen dynamics and microbial diversity under organic production

Using a split-split-plot design, this study tested three variables: soil tillage, crop rotation in organic production, and fertilization with manure or compost.

Researcher: Caroline Côté

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Caroline Côté
2013-2018 • Market gardening

NPK fertilizer trials for beets on mineral soils in Québec

This project was aimed at determining the nutrient needs of beets based on soil texture and phosphorus and potassium levels under Québec growing conditions.

Researcher: Christine Landry

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Christine Landry
2014-2017 • Market gardening

Impact of green manure and organic fertilizers on the yields and safety of organic carrots grown on muck soil

Plots were set up at the Organic Agriculture Innovation Platform in St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec.

Researcher: Caroline Côté

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Caroline Côté

Control measures to reduce clogging in a St. Lawrence River water treatment process using slow sand filtration

To manage clogging risks, the project automated pumping based on water turbidity and cover the filter to prevent light from entering the water and thus reduce algal bloom. 

Researcher: Caroline Côté

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Caroline Côté
2014-2018 • Market gardening

Control strategies against leek moth in organic production

This project aims to evaluate effective and economically viable control strategies for leek moth that are healthy for both humans and ecosystems.

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2015-2017 • Market gardening

Developing decision support tools for integrated potato irrigation management

The aim of this project was to set up a support service to equip producers and others in the industry to improve their irrigation management.

Researcher: Carl Boivin

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Carl Boivin
2014-2017 • Market gardening

Identifying the causes of strawberry decline disease with a view to developing an integrated control strategy

This project involved an exhaustive survey of viruses, phytoplasma, fungi, and nematodes in nurseries and strawberry fields to determine the exact causes of strawberry decline disease in Québec. 

Researcher: Richard Hogue

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Richard Hogue

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

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