The University of Saskatchewan has launched the Insect Research Facility (USIRF), the first of its kind at a western Canadian university. The new facility will also be one of only a few facilities in Canada specifically designed to conduct research on arthropod plant pests and beneficial insects. Funding for the design and construction of USIRF… Read More
Environmental conditions this year are certainly conducive to grasshopper population growth, and some areas of the Prairies are finding this pest a major cause for concern. Dr. James Tansey, provincial entomologist for Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, joins host Shaun Haney in this episode of the Pests & Predators Podcast, to chat about the common species… Read More
Why is it important to conserve beneficial insects? When is it time to “pull the trigger” on an insecticide application, and how does choice of insecticide influence populations of beneficial insects? John Gavloski, provincial entomologist at Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, says that to farm most economically and efficiently, the way insects are viewed and reacted… Read More
Surprise! Shaun Haney is hosting this episode after Lyndsey’s internet decided to give up the ghost. On this episode of The Agronomists, Haney is joined by Steph Berlett with Brussels Agromart, Ont., and Jennifer Otani with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Beaverlodge, Alta., to talk about current insect issues, integrated pest management, scouting tips, and… Read More
National Insect Appreciation Day, which falls on June 8 this year, is an online celebration for insect enthusiasts, amateurs, and entomology professionals, promoted by the Entomology Society of Canada. John Gavloski, provincial entomologist for Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, recently joined Lyndsey Smith to talk about the day and how to show your appreciation (and… Read More
In an ideal situation, farmers could identify field pests, look up a predator or parasitic foe of that pest, and make an order for delivery. While that isn’t exactly the case currently, bringing predatory or parasitic insects into an area does happen, and the practice is likely to gain traction as the knowledge of beneficial… Read More
There are secret, mysterious agents lurking in crop stubble. But have no fear, they’re on your side. Many are familiar with wheat midge and the damage the insect can cause, but you might be less familiar with the parasitoid that attacks this crop pest. Host Shaun Haney is joined by Jennifer Otani, pest management biologist… Read More
Pea leaf weevil is an invasive pest of Western Canada and attacks field peas and faba beans. The larval stage damages nodules on roots of both these crops, which can hinder biological nitrogen fixation happening in those nodules. In this episode of the Pests & Predators podcast, host Shaun Haney is joined by Dr. Meghan… Read More
Wheat head armyworm doesn’t only affect wheat; it can also affect barley, rye, oats, native and forage grasses like timothy, and even gets into wild oats — it’s got a wide host range to say the least. The impact of wheat head armyworm isn’t well documented, and part of the problem with researching them is… Read More
We’re likely biased, but entomology might be the most fascinating aspect of agronomy. To celebrate our tiny friends in the field — beneficial insects — this episode of The Agronomists features not two but three guests: Meghan Vankosky and Tyler Wist, both of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and John Gavloski with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource… Read More
This past growing season seemed to be the year for insects. Pea leaf weevils, grasshoppers, and of course, flea beetles, all made the “hot list”. Curious about which insects were prevalent, and which ones should be on your mind for next year? Dr. Boyd Mori, assistant professor of agriculture and ecological entomology at the University… Read More
Hot, dry weather isn’t letting up for many areas of Ontario, and the impact of heat is showing up in wheat yields. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has got some timely reminders for farmers as we head into the middle of summer. From leafhoppers in alfalfa, to peak flight of western… Read More
A good parasite doesn’t kill its host, but a good parasitoid does. What’s the difference and why? In this episode of the Pests & Predators podcast, host Shaun Haney is joined by Tyler Wist, research scientist and field crop entomologist with Agriculture Agri-food Canada at Saskatoon, Sask., to explore the role of parasitoids in field… Read More
While you’re out scouting your peas, lentils, or faba beans for disease at early flowering, have a look for pea aphids too. “Flowering is a good time to be scouting for aphids in peas,” says John Gavloski, provincial entomologist with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development. “The most damage they can do is going to occur… Read More
The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN) has launched a new website to help farmers and agronomists predict insect risks, monitor insect populations, and find information to help scout for pests, time their scouting activities, and to make decisions about using chemical controls. The site, Prairiepest.ca, expands the functionality of the previous PPMN blog, says Jennifer… Read More