Mason, Peter, Ph.D.

• Research Publications
• Other Science Related Publications

Contact Information:

960 Carling Ave
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6
Telephone: 613-759-1908
Fax: 613-759-1926
Email: peter.mason@agr.gc.ca

Areas of Expertise:

• canola pests
• cereal pests
• biodiversity of parasitoids and predators in field crops
• host range assessment of insect parasitoids
• national insect quarantine facility
• biological control of agricultural pests
• host-insect parasitoid ecology
• cabbage seedpod weevil
• insect taxonomy
• systematics of insects and arachnids
• european corn borer
• flea beetles
• bertha armyworm
• diamondback moth
• lygus plant bugs
• insect biological control agent evaluation
• wheat midge

Current Projects:

• Assess Interactions and Impacts Between Invasive Alien Species, Agricultural Practices and Arthropod Biodiversity
• Biological Control of the Soybean Aphid, Aphis glycines, in Soybean
• Discover, develop and implement arthropor agents for biological control of arthorod pests and weeds.
• Ensure the Safety of Biological Control Agents entering Canada

Research Publications:

2013:

• Mason, P.G., Brauner, A.M., Miall, J.H., and Bennett, A.M.R. (2013). "Diadromus pulchellus in North America: field release against leek moth and new characters to distinguish it from Diadromus subtilicornis, a native diamondback moth parasitoid.", Biocontrol Science and Technology, 23(3), pp. 260-276. doi : 10.1080/09583157.2012.755613
• Murdoch, V.J., Cappuccino, A.A., and Mason, P.G. (2013). "The effects of periodic warming on the survival and fecundity of Diadromus pulchellus during long-term storage.", Biocontrol Science and Technology, 23(2), pp. 211-219. doi : 10.1080/09583157.2012.748183
• Smith, A., Fernández-Triana, J.L., Eveleigh, E.S., Gómez, J., Guclu, C., Hallwachs, W., Hebert, P.D.N., Hrcek, J., Huber, J.T., Janzen, D.H., Mason, P.G., Miller, S., Quicke, D.L.J., Rodriguez, J.J., Rougerie, R., Shaw, M.R., Várkonyi, G., Ward, D.F., Whitfield, J.B., and Zaldívar-Riverón, A. (2013). "DNA barcoding and the taxonomy of Microgastrinae wasps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae): impacts after 8 years and nearly 20 000 sequences.", Molecular Ecology Resources, 13(2), pp. 168-176. doi : 10.1111/1755-0998.12038

2012:

• Abram, P.K., Haye, T., Mason, P.G., Cappuccino, N., Boivin, G., and Kuhlmann, U. (2012). "Biology of Synopeas myles, a parasitoid of the swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii, in Europe.", BioControl, 57(6), pp. 789-800. doi : 10.1007/s10526-012-9459-x
• Abram, P.K., Haye, T., Mason, P.G., Cappuccino, N., Boivin, G., and Kuhlmann, U. (2012). "Identity, distribution, and seasonal phenology of parasitoids of the swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Europe.", Biological Control, 62(3), pp. 197-205. doi : 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2012.04.003
• Jenner, W.H., Kuhlmann, U., Cappuccino, N., and Mason, P.G. (2012). "Manipulation of parasitoid state influences host exploitation by Diadromus pulchellus Wesmael (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae).", Biological Control, 63(3), pp. 264-269. doi : 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2012.09.012

2011:

• Mason, P.G., Broadbent, A.B., Whistlecraft, J.W., and Gillespie, D.R. (2011). "Interpreting the host range of Peristenus digoneutis and Peristenus relictus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) biological control agents of Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) in North America.", Biological Control, 57(2), pp. 94-102. doi : 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2011.02.002
• Mason, P.G., Goulet, H., and Bostanian, N.J. (2011). "Effect of harvest on Euphorine (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitism of Lygus lineolaris and Adelphocoris lineolatus (Hemiptera: Miridae) in alfalfa.", Journal of the Entomological Society of Ontario, 142, pp. 3-10.
• Mason, P.G., Miall, J.H., Bouchard, P., Gillespie, D.R., Broadbent, A.B., and Gibson, G.A.P. (2011). "The parasitoid communities associated with an invasive canola pest, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Ontario and Quebec, Canada.", Canadian Entomologist, 143(5), pp. 524-537. doi : 10.4039/n11-041
• Mason, P.G., Weiss, R.M., Olfert, O.O., Appleby, M.E., and Landry, J.-F. (2011). "Actual and potential distribution of Acrolepiopsis assectella (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae), an invasive alien pest of Allium spp. In Canada.", Canadian Entomologist, 143(2), pp. 185-196. doi : 10.4039/n10-058
• Muller, F.J., Dosdall, L.M., Mason, P.G., and Kuhlmann, U. (2011). "Larval phenologies and parasitoids of two seedfeeding weevils associated with hoary cress and shepherd’s purse (Brassicaceae) in Europe.", Canadian Entomologist, 143(4), pp. 399-410. doi : 10.4039/n11-020
• Muller, F.J., Mason, P.G., Dosdall, L.M., and Kuhlmann, U. (2011). "European ectoparasitoids of two classical weed biological control agents released in North America.", Canadian Entomologist, 143(2), pp. 197-210. doi : 10.4039/n10-057
• van Lenteren, J.C., Cock, M.J.W., Brodeur, J., Barratt, B.I.P., Bigler, F., Bolckmans, K., Mason, P.G., Haas, F., and Parra, J.R.P. (2011). "Will the convention on biological diversity put an end to biological control?", Revista Brasileira de entomologia, 55(1), pp. 1-5. doi : 10.1590/s0085-56262011000100001

2010:

• Andreassen, L.D., Kuhlmann, U., Whistlecraft, J.W., Soroka, J.J., Mason, P.G., Akinremi, O.O., and Holliday, N.J. (2010). "Spring emergence of Canadian Delia radicum and synchronization with its natural enemy, Aleochara bilineata.", Canadian Entomologist, 142(3), pp. 234-249. doi : 10.4039/n09-060
• Cock, M.J.W., van Lenteren, J.C., Brodeur, J., Barratt, B.I.P., Bigler, F., Bolckmans, K., Cônsoli, F.L., Haas, F., Mason, P.G., and Parra, J.R.P. (2010). "Do new access and benefit sharing procedures under the convention on biological diversity threaten the future of biological control?.", BioControl, 55(2), pp. 199-218. doi : 10.1007/s10526-009-9234-9
• Haye, T., Mason, P.G., Dosdall, L.M., and Kuhlmann, U. (2010). "Mortality factors affecting the cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham), in its area of origin: A life table analysis.", Biological Control, 54(3), pp. 331-341. doi : 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2010.06.004
• Jenner, W.H., Kuhlmann, U., Cappuccino, N., and Mason, P.G. (2010). "Pre-release analysis of the overwintering capacity of a classical biological control agent supporting prediction of establishment.", BioControl, 55(3), pp. 351-362. doi : 10.1007/s10526-009-9264-3
• Jenner, W.H., Mason, P.G., Cappuccino, N., and Kuhlmann, U. (2010). "Native range assessment of classical biological control agents: impact of inundative releases as pre-introduction evaluation.", Bulletin of Entomological Research, 100(4), pp. 387-394. doi : 10.1017/S0007485309990368
• Mason, P.G., Appleby, M.E., Juneja, S., Allen, J.K., and Landry, J.-F. (2010). "Biology and development of Acrolepiopsis assectella (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae) in eastern Ontario.", Canadian Entomologist, 142(4), pp. 393-404. doi : 10.4039/n10-026
• Van Driesche, R.G., Carruthers, R.I., Center, T., Hoddle, M.S., Hough-Goldstein, J., Morin, L., Smith, L., Wagner, D.L., Blossey, B., Brancatini, V., Casagrande, R., Causton, C.E., Coetzee, J.A., Cuda, J., Ding, J., Fowler, S.V., Frank, J.H., Fuester, R., Goolsby, J.A., Grodowitz, M., Heard, T.A., Hill, M.P., Hoffmann, J.H., Huber, J.T., Julien, M.H., Kairo, M.T.K., Kenis, M., Mason, P.G., Medal, J., Messing, R.H., Moore, A., Neuenschwander, P., Newman, R., Norambuena, H., Palmer, W.A., Pemberton, R., Perez Panduro, A., Pratt, P.D., Rayamajhi, M., Salom, S., Sands, D., Schooler, S., Schwarzländer, M., Sheppard, A., Shaw, R., Tipping, P.W., and van Klinken, R.D. (2010). "Classical biological control for the protection of natural ecosystems."
• Whistlecraft, J.W., Haye, T., Kuhlmann, U., Muth, R., Murillo, H., and Mason, P.G. (2010). "A large-scale rearing method for Peristenus digoneutis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a biological control agent of Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae).", Biocontrol Science and Technology, 20(9), pp. 923-937. doi : 10.1080/09583157.2010.492209

2009:

• Andreassen, L.D., Kuhlmann, U., Mason, P.G., and Holliday, N.J. (2009). "Host range testing of a prospective classical biological control agent against cabbage maggot, Delia radicum, in Canada.", Biological Control, 48(2), pp. 210-220. doi : 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2008.10.006
• Dosdall, L.M., Gibson, G.A.P., Olfert, O.O., and Mason, P.G. (2009). "Responses of Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera) parasitoids to invasion of the cabbage seedpod weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in western Canada.", Biological Invasions, 11(1), pp. 109-125. doi : 10.1007/s10530-008-9323-1
• Douglas, H., Dang, P.T., Gill, B.D., Huber, J.T., Mason, P.G., Parker, D.J., and Sinclair, B.J. (2009). "The importance of taxonomy in responses to invasive alien species.", Biodiversity, 10(2-3), pp. 92-99.
• Jenner, W.H., Kuhlmann, U., Mason, P.G., and Cappuccino, N. (2009). "Comparative life tables of leek moth, Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae), in its native range.", Bulletin of Entomological Research, 100(1), pp. 87-97. doi : 10.1017/S0007485309006804

Other Science Related Publications:

2013:

• Haye, T., Mason, P.G., Gillespie, D.R., and Kuhlmann, U. (2013). "Progress and problems in host specificity testing of arthropod biological control agents.", in Mason, P.G., Gillespie, D.R., and Vincent, C. (eds.) - Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods. Pucón, Chile, March 4-8, 2013, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA), Chile and Universidad de Chile.
• Mason, P.G. and Gillespie, D.R. (Eds.) (2013). Biological Control Programmes in Canada 2001-2012., CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK. (Book)
• Mason, P.G., Gillespie, D.R., and Vincent, C. (Eds.) (2013). Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods. Pucón, Chile, March 4-8, 2013., Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA), Chile and Universidad de Chile. (Book)

2012:

• Abram, P.K., Haye, T., Mason, P.G., Cappuccino, A.A., Boivin, G., and Kuhlmann, U. (2012). "La biologie de Synopeas myles, un parasitoïde de la cécidomyie du chou, Contarinia nasturtii, en Europe.", 139e réunion annuelle de la Société d’entomologie du Québec, Boucherville, QC, Canada, November 1-2, 2012.
• Abram, P.K., Haye, T., Mason, P.G., Cappuccino, N., Boivin, G., and Kuhlmann, U. (2012). "The biology of Synopeas myles, a parasitoid of the swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii.", Entomological Society of Canada and the Entomological Society of Alberta 2012 Joint Annual Meeting, Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, Edmonton, AB, Canada, November 4-7, 2012, #2. (Abstract)
• Bourchier, R.S., Floate, K.D., and Mason, P.G. (2012). "Biocontrol Data: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.", National Invasive Species Forum, Delta Ottawa Hotel & Suites, Ottawa, ON, Canada, Februrary 28-March 1, 2012. (Presentation)
• Bourchier, R.S., Mason, P.G., and Floate, K.D. (2012). "Agriculture Information and IAS Management National Invasive Species Forum.", National Invasive Species Forum, Delta Ottawa Hotel & Suites, Ottawa, ON, Canada, Februrary 28-March 1, 2012. (Presentation)
• Bourchier, R.S., Mason, P.G., and Floate, K.D. (2012). "Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Invasive Species.", National Invasive Species Forum, Delta Ottawa Hotel & Suites, Ottawa, ON, Canada, Februrary 28-March 1, 2012. (Presentation)
• Haye, T., Hohman, L., Zhang, J.X., Gillespie, D.R., Mason, P.G., and Gariepy, T.D. (2012). "Egg parasitism of brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, in China and Europe and implications for biological control.", Entomological Society of Canada and the Entomological Society of Alberta 2012 Joint Annual Meeting, Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, Edmonton, AB, Canada, November 4-7, 2012, #79. (Abstract)
• Mason, P.G. (2012). "Empire of the Beetle: How Human Folly and a Tiny Bug Are Killing North America's Great Forests. Nikiforuk, A. 2011. Greystone Books, D & M Publishers Inc., Vancouver/Toronto/Berkeley, co-published with the David Suzuki Foundation, 230 pp. ISBN 978-1-55365-510-7. Book Review.", Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Canada, 44, pp. 55-56.
• Mason, P.G. (2012). Canada country report. Report to the North American Plant Protection Organization Biological Control Panel, Newark, Delaware, USA (February 29-March 1, 2012). (Report)
• Mason, P.G. (2012). Release of Diadromus pulchellus for Biological Control of Leek Moth in Canada. PRR10-030 Progress Report, March 31, 2012, 172 pp. (Report)
• Mason, P.G. and Brauner, A.M. (2012). "Biological control programs against invasive pests.", 10th Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC 2012), Niagara Falls, ON, Canada, February 22-23, 2012. (Presentation)
• Mason, P.G. and Brauner, A.M. (2012). "The leek moth in Canada: an IPM solution.", Garlic Grower Workshop, Carp, ON, Canada, February 17, 2012. (Presentation)
• Mason, P.G. and Brauner, A.M. (2012). "Update on leek moth research.", can, Woodstock OMAFRA Office, Woodstock, NB, March 24, 2012. (Presentation)
• Mason, P.G., Floate, K.D., Brooks, S.E., Buddle, C.M., and Bennett, R.G. (2012). "Cambridge University Press – ESC’s new partner for publication of The Canadian Entomologist.", Bulletin of the Entomological Society of Canada, 44(1), pp. 36.
• Mason, P.G., Haye, T., Gillespie, D.R., Miall, J.H., Gibson, G.A.P., Dosdall, L.M., Kuhlmann, U., and Bouchard, P. (2012). "Risk assessment of biocontrol agents: the case of cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus.", Entomological Society of Canada and the Entomological Society of Alberta 2012 Joint Annual Meeting, Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, Edmonton, AB, Canada, November 4-7, 2012, #126. (Abstract)
• Mason, P.G., Haye, T., Gillespie, D.R., Miall, J.H., Gibson, G.A.P., Kuhlmann, U., and Bouchard, P. (2012). "Environmental risk assessment of biological control agents in Canada: the cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, case study.", 24th International Congress of Entomology (ICE 2012) and International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC) Global Symposium, Daegu, South Korea, August 19-25, 2012. (Presentation)

2011:

• Mason, P.G., Haye, T., Gillespie, D.R., Dosdall, L.M., Kuhlmann, U., Broadbent, A.B., and Gibson, G.A.P. (2011). "Parasitoid communities of cabbage seedpod weevil: are native species enough?", Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of Canada and Acadian Entomological Society, Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, Halifax, NS, Canada, November 6-9, 2011. (Presentation)
• Mason, P.G., Weiss, R.M., and Olfert, O.O. (2011). "Predicting insect distributions: CLIMEX as a tool, Better Models – Better Asessments: The Use of Models in Plant Health and Biotechnology Risk Assessment.", Plant and Biotechnology Risk Assessment Unit, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Workshop, Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa, ON, Canada, February 22-23, 2011.
• Peach, D.A.H., Abram, P.K., Haye, T., Mason, P.G., Cappuccino, N., Boivin, G., and Kuhlmann, U. (2011). "Is more really merrier? Superparasitism of swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii by Synopeas myles.", Entomological Society of Canada and Acadian Entomological Society 2011 Joint Annual Meeting, Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, Halifax, NS, Canada, November 6-9, 2011.

2010:

• Dosdall, L.M. and Mason, P.G. (2010). "Key pests and parasitoids of oilseed rape or canola in North America and the importance of parasitoids in integrated management.", in Williams, I.H. (ed.) - Biocontrol-Based Integrated Management of Oilseed Rape Pests, Springer, Chapter 6, pp. 167-214.
• Mason, P.G. (2010). "Fang-Ho Wan, Jian-Ying Guo, and Feng Zhang: Research on biological invasions in China. Science Press, Beijing, 2009, ISBN 978-7-03-025799-4 (Book Review).", Biological Invasions, 13(2), pp. 527-529.

2009:

• Broadbent, A.B., Haye, T., Mason, P.G., Appleby, M.E., Fisher, P., Fraser, H., and Kuhlmann, U. (2009). "Classical Biocontrol of Tarnished Plant Bug in Strawberries.", Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Biological Control Seminar, Guelph, ON, Canada, March 4, 2009. (Presentation)
• Broadbent, A.B., Mason, P.G., and Haye, T. (2009). "Implementing biological control of Lygus lineolaris in strawberries in Ontario, Canada.", Journal of Insect Science, 8(49). (Abstract)
• Cass, L. and Mason, P.G. (2009). "An Integrated Approach to Management of Leek Moth.", published by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)/Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada (AAC), Pesticide Risk Reduction Program/Programme de réduction des risques liés aux pesticides, pp. 1-2. (Technology transfer)
• Gillespie, D.R., Mason, P.G., Haye, T., Jenner, W.H., Andreassen, L.D., Broadbent, A.B., Holliday, N.J., and Kuhlmann, U. (2009). "Defining non-target communities in Canadian arthropod biological control programs: approaches and solutions.", Entomological Society of Canada and Manitoba Entomological Society 2009 Joint Annual Meeting, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, October 18-21, 2009. (Poster)
• Haye, T., Mason, P.G., Broadbent, A.B., Appleby, M.E., Fisher, P., Fraser, H., and Kuhlmann, U. (2009). "Can Boundary Habitats Contribute to Control of Tarnished Plant Bug?", Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Biological Control Seminar, Guelph, ON, Canada, March 4, 2009. (Presentation)
• Haye, T., Mason, P.G., and Broadbent, A.B. (2009). "Plant bug parasitoid established in Ontario strawberry production areas.", Ontario Berry Grower, 2009(January), pp. 5.