While the most important action farmers can take to protect their crops is to be aware of the most current insect monitoring information from provincial ag departments, says Dan Johnson, an environmental science professor at the University of Lethbridge. the best in-field tip remains the same year after year: know the difference between grasshoppers that […] Read more
Changing grasshopper species
The difference between grasshoppers that damage crops, those that don't, and when to check
Alternaria dust no cause for concern
While swathing napus canola last year, some Prairie farmers reported an odd phenomenon: blackish-green dust was covering their swathers. The cause, says Clint Jurke, a Canola Council of Canada agronomy specialist, was more than likely alternaria black spot, and more of a curiosity than cause for concern. “The windows of their swathers were turning blackish-green. As far […] Read more
Protect your weapons in the fight against blackleg
New information and tools are in the works to help growers protect the durability of current resistant canola varieties
Last year’s record canola harvest of nearly 18 million tonnes was a significant achievement for Canadian producers and industry stakeholders, far surpassing the goal set by the sector of 15 million tonnes by 2015. On the heels of this accomplishment, canola disease experts warn blackleg could take a large bite out of future production if […] Read more
Synergy and the four Rs
To get the most from your fertilizer plan, consider the relationships between variables
It’s important to evaluate all four Rs of fertility collectively when considering the nutrient requirements of your crop. Changing any one R — right time, right place, right rate and right source — can profoundly alter the management of the others, says Dan Orchard, an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada. “Adhering to […] Read more
Diversify rotations to slow resistance
Diversify canola-wheat rotations to save profit margins and slow weed resistance, before it’s too late
Scientists warn that a serious threat to sustainable crop production in Canada continues to grow. Surveys indicate the number of western Canadian fields containing Group 1 and Group 2 herbicide-resistant weeds has jumped dramatically. In addition, glyphosate-resistant kochia continues to spread rapidly in the west, while glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed, Canada fleabane and common ragweed carry […] Read more
Five tips for controlling weeds in canola
At the top of Angela Brackenreed’s list of key weed management tactics are tried and true practices familiar to all growers, but this Canola Council of Canada’s agronomy specialist stresses these strategies, however familiar, deserve serious consideration when fighting weeds. 1. Scouting is key for any agronomic issue in production, says Brackenreed. “If you’re not in […] Read more
Herbicide resistant weeds and pulse crops
Researchers are providing options to control the most challenging Group 2 herbicide-resistant weeds in pea and lentil crops
The use of Group 2 herbicides for controlling broadleaf weeds in pulse crops has been widespread across the Prairies primarily due to the limited number of in-crop herbicides registered for use on pulses. As a result of the pressure placed on the weed spectrum by this reliance on Group 2 herbicides, weeds have developed resistance to […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
