This plot was left unseeded intentionally. A wide variety of weeds took hold and participants were challenged to see how many they could correctly identify.
Photo: Leeann Minogue
The economic threshold for spraying aphids in peas is two to three aphids in the top 20 cm of the plant tip. This pea plot was well over the threshold, but the plot was left unsprayed so the aphids could pose for photographs.
Photo: Leeann Minogue
Agronomists were given quizzes to test their knowledge of the diseased plants on display.
Photo: Leeann Minogue
Saskatchewan’s provincial weed specialist, Clark Brenzil, described plots that had been intentionally sprayed with the wrong product or at the wrong time, so farmers and agronomists can avoid making those mistakes at home, or at least diagnose them if they do.
Photo: Leeann Minogue
These plants were grown without adequate sulfur and are suffering the consequences. Jeff Schoenau explained that this “can look a lot like nitrogen deficiency.”
Photo: Leeann Minogue
University of Saskatchewan soil scientist Jeff Schoenau brought along plants suffering from different types of nutrient deficiency, so farmers could compare the effects and be prepared to recognize them at home.
Photo: Leeann Minogue
Scott Hartley provincial insect and vertebrae pest specialist, demonstrated the proper use of sweep nets. Make sure the area you sweep is undisturbed: sweep in front of yourself or to the side.
Photo: Leeann Minogue
On the first day of Saskatchewan Agriculture’s annual Crop Diagnostic School about 100 ag retailers, agronomists and farmers gathered in Swift Current to get a hands-on look at common real-world crop problems.
Anyone working in agriculture today has 24/7 access to online information about crop disease and pests, but there is no substitute for seeing these problems in real life. Getting up close so you can see all sides of a plant or bug, or even smelling a “new” weed can really help agronomists out in the field.
Researchers from Saskatchewan Agriculture and the University of Saskatchewan brought actual weeds and pests out to the School site. This opportunity for a good look is especially helpful when a weed or pest is extending its area — if you get a preview of a weed on the move, you’ll recognize it when it settles into fields in your area.
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