insects Archives - Page 7 of 11

Have you seen this bug?

The invasive cereal leaf beetle is heading our way. Look for damage in your wheat crop

By Leeann Minogue July 25, 2018

There’s a new pest headed our way. James Tansey, provincial pest management specialist with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture gave the audience the bad news at SaskWheat’s semi-annual meeting at the Farm Progress Show on June 20. The cereal leaf beetle is an invasive pest, common in the U.S. It has been spotted on the Prairies […] Read more

Canola, Crops

Top four pests to watch in canola

By Melanie Epp June 12, 2018

There are a lot of insects out there, but damage-causing pests are actually in the minority. Even a few “bad” bugs can be beneficial. “Crops can tolerate a certain level,” said Keith Gabert, agronomy specialist, for the Canola Council of Canada. “And even in some cases, it can benefit from a little bit of insect […] Read more

Crops

Seven beneficial insects on your farm

By Melanie Epp June 1, 2018

When making crop production management decisions, consider beneficial insect populations. These harmless bugs can provide adequate control if their populations are high enough. Some beneficial insects are hard to identify, but with some basic training producers should be able to spot them in the field. The following beneficial insects are found in most crops in […] Read more

The seedling leaf tips were notched in this Alberta producer’s wheat crop.  In addition, the leaves had holes, giving them a shredded appearance.

Cereals, Crops, Features

Crop advisor casebook: What’s taking a bite out of this producer’s wheat crop?

A Crop Advisor's Solution from the April 24, 2018 issue of Grainews

By Brianne Birch April 25, 2018

While scouting his wheat crop at the end of May last year, Alex noticed some seedling leaf tips were notched. Also, the leaves had holes, giving them a shredded appearance. Alex farms 3,000 acres of barley, wheat, canola and peas near Manning, Alta. Alex thought the damage he found in his wheat crop was caused […] Read more

Crops

Six tips for managing wheat stem sawfly

By Melanie Epp March 9, 2018

As with most pests, wheat stem sawfly populations rise and fall, depending on weather and the presence of natural predators. Economic losses arise when wheat stem sawfly larvae feed inside the stem. While some of those losses are due to decreased seed weight, much of it occurs when the stems are cut and the plant […] Read more

The Colorado potato beetle is considered a major economic pest of potato.

Crops, Features, Potatoes

Beetle-resistant potato varieties

Potato growers could soon be growing Colorado potato beetle-resistant plants

By Julienne Isaacs March 8, 2018

New potato varieties that are naturally resistant to Colorado potato beetle could be on the market in five years, according to Helen Tai, a potato breeder at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Potato Research Centre in Fredericton. Tai is the lead on the breeding project, which has been underway for 30 years, she says, since AAFC […] Read more

The diamondback moth is capable of producing as many as four generations each year. The earlier they arrive and the better the conditions, they more they reproduce.

Canola, Features

Why was 2017 an unprecedented year for diamondback moth?

Reviewing economic thresholds and  action plans to control this insect pest

By Melanie Epp February 20, 2018

Last year’s growing season was a freakish one for diamondback moth in Western Canada, and while the probability that an outbreak of this calibre will be seen in 2018 is very low, the possibility is always there. Knowing what to do and when to act can help you to get this insect pest under better […] Read more

Crops, Features

Alberta insect forecasts for 2018

Alberta’s three new pest maps can help you choose your seed varieties for 2018

By Treena Hein January 11, 2018

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has added its latest 2018 insect population forecast maps to its website. “We usually post two forecast maps in December for wheat pests — wheat midge and wheat stem saw fly — so that growers can make appropriate variety decisions,” says Scott Meers, insect management specialist in Alberta Ag’s Pest Surveillance […] Read more

White heads had popped up randomly throughout the durum field. The plants with the white heads were completely sterile and felt crispy, yet they were attached to a healthy, green plant.

Cereals, Crops, Features

Crop Advisor’s Casebook: What’s causing white heads in this durum crop?

A Crop Advisor's Solution from the October 17, 2017 issue of Grainews

By Dallas Funke October 20, 2017

Frank, who grows durum wheat, lentils, canola and soybeans south of Regina, Sask., called me mid-August in 2016 to discuss an issue with his wheat crop. He noticed white wheat heads popping up randomly throughout the field. “Could this be from heat blast, like in canola flowers?” he asked. “There are more of these heads […] Read more

Reuters

U.S. senators seek ban on pesticide chlorpyrifos

By GFM Network News July 25, 2017

New York / Reuters – A group of Democratic senators hopes to ban a pesticide the U.S. government has greenlighted for use, according to a bill unveiled on Tuesday in a challenge to Republican President Donald Trump’s push to loosen environmental regulations. The bill, introduced by Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico, would outlaw chlorpyrifos, […] Read more

Survey says Canadians support canola producers over EV tariffs

Rains slow Saskatchewan harvest: report

Beijing urges top hog producers to cut output, state media says

GFM Network News