crop pests Archives - Page 8 of 9

The latest buzz on bees and neonics

Ontario government proposes restricted use of neonic-treated seed

By Lilian Schaer April 30, 2015

The Ontario government has released its proposed regulatory changes to the provincial Pesticides Act to restrict the sale and use of corn and soybean seed treated with neonicotinoids in the province — and to say Ontario’s grain farmers aren’t pleased would be an understatement. According to provincial agriculture minister Jeff Leal, the intent is to […] Read more

Canola, Crops

Crop rotation impacts canola yields

A new Ag Canada study finds that increasing the number of years in your rotation between canola crops can raise your average canola yields

By Michael Flood March 11, 2015

Canola is one of the biggest crops in Canada and it’s only getting bigger. In the five years from 2008 to 2013 Canadian farmers went from growing 10 million to 18 million metric tonnes, nearly doubling the canola harvest. With market demand anticipated to only increase in years to come, driven by a rising global […] Read more

Crops

Beetle insecticide resistance on the rise

Colorado potato beetle resistance to Group 4  insecticides, neonicotinoids, is spreading west

By Julienne Isaacs February 17, 2015

It should come as no surprise to Prairie potato growers that Colorado Potato Beetle (CPB) insecticide resistance is increasing. The trend of resistance to neonicotinoids (the Group 4 class of insecticides which includes Admire, Actara, Poncho and Calypso) has long been noted in Eastern Canada, and is now spreading west. Ian Scott, a research scientist […] Read more

Corn, Crops, Features

Corn could be your 2015 cash crop

If you thought you lived on the fringe of the corn-growing area,  it may be time to take a look at today’s varieties

By Michael Flood November 19, 2014

Farmers in Alberta are planting more and more corn. From 5,000 acres in 1990 the area under cultivation has expanded to over 40,000 in 2014. Alberta agriculture professionals expect this trend to continue, driven by increased demand from domestic livestock producers. Though corn requires high inputs, it can produce very high per acre yields, and […] Read more

Crops, News

Wheat head armyworms appear in Alberta

By Alberta Agriculture August 28, 2014

In his final regular weekly Call of the Land interview, Alberta Agriculture pest management specialist Scott Meers says there have been some reports of wheat head armyworms, with one “pretty major hotspot” in Wheatland County and into Kneehill County, with some reports from the Peace. Meers says the insect is difficult to spot as it is […] Read more

Lady beetle larva (shown) and adults feed on soybean aphids. These and other natural pests can keep soybean aphid population in check.

Crops, Soybeans

Soybean aphids found near Morden, but don’t panic

They've finally arrived, but the pest isn't likely to cause economic damage this season

By Allan Dawson August 15, 2014

The first soybean aphids of the season have been found near Morden but there are so few and it’s so late they are unlikely to be an economic pest this season, says Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development’s entomologist John Gavloski. “It’s happening very late so there could be some later-seeded fields that are still […] Read more

Crops, News

Bugs helping to control bugs in Alberta

By Grainews Staff July 10, 2014

In his weekly Call of the Land interview, Alberta Agriculture insect specialist Scott Meers says wheat midge are now emerging across the province. “Interestingly enough, they’re actually coming out first in the Peace and just this week they’re starting to come out across the rest of the province,” Meers said. Recent warm weather should mean a […] Read more

Crops, Features

Integrated pest management

Integrated techniques offer farmers a bigger toolbox for pest control

By Julienne Isaacs June 23, 2014

Integrated pest management (IPM) involves a range of pest control methods. According to Pierre Petelle, vice-president of chemistry for CropLife Canada, IPM is “a process that uses all necessary techniques to suppress pests in an effective, economical and environmentally friendly manner.” In IPM, “pests” are broadly defined as weeds, insects and diseases. IPM techniques can […] Read more

man in field with net for catching grasshoppers

Crops, Features

Taking the count

The first part of deciding whether or not you need  to spray your field is getting an accurate pest count

By Leeann Minogue June 20, 2014

Most recommendations about pesticides include an economic threshold — if you have more than the specified number of pests per square metre, spraying could be an effective option for you. So before you can make your decision, you’re going to need to take a census. At Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Crop Diagnostic School at Indian Head in […] Read more

Canola, Features

How to find lygus bugs

Lygus bugs can cause extensive crop damage. Scout for them in your canola crops

By Melanie Epp June 20, 2014

In recent years, high populations of lygus bugs have been reported in a large portion of Alberta, as well as in some fields in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. While lygus bugs are always present in canola fields, outbreaks of high populations can cause extensive crop damage. For the most part, canola can compensate for much of […] Read more

GFM Network News

U.S. livestock: Cattle make small gains, hogs fall

U.S. grains: Soybeans touch seven-week low on broad sell-off

Public consultations open on four international trade deals

Tag Archives crop pests