Ecosystems are strange and wonderful places, and the ecosystem within canola fields is no exception. It can be easy to overlook the incredible abundance of interactions between different arthropods, including insects and spiders, happening within the canola canopy. Plus, when a farmer or agronomist sees damaged plants, it can be challenging to figure out if… Read More
Category: Pests
Alberta is known for its oil, gas, and strong agricultural industries. It has also been known as “rat-free” since the 1950s. While this does not mean that a rat is never spotted in this prairie province, it does mean that there are no resident populations of the pest. The province and organizations have made concerted… Read More
Wheat Pete wishes he didn’t have to talk about safety but he has to. More farmers are telling him that they’ve had draw pins stolen. Make sure you do a circle check and check the pins before moving wagons — you could save a life. Farmers also have to stay safe around grain bins. Pete… Read More
Fall conditions in Ontario are quite dry and that has some growers wondering if the wheat is OK. More farmers are also perhaps getting a little carried away with fall field work, because, well, there’s time and dry conditions to do some! To discuss what’s going on with the wheat crop, why it’s always the… Read More
As a young boy, Dr. Charles Vincent loved heading to the family farm just outside of Montreal, Quebec. His fascination with farming led him to start a degree in agronomy, where he instead fell in love with the study of insects, eventually leading to a 40-year career studying agriculture pests for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada…. Read More
A fungicide application can have a significant impact on final winter wheat yields. That’s according to the latest report from the Ontario Cereal Crops Committee (OCCC) which reveals that fungicides, in 2024 trials, delivered an average 12 to 13 bushels per acre yield advantage when compared to the same variety without a fungicide application. University… Read More
When growers discover soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in their fields, sudden death syndrome (SDS) may not be far behind. Those nematodes act as an enabler for SDS by creating an entry point for the disease pathogen to enter roots and infect the plant. That’s why it’s important for growers to employ an integrated management program… Read More
As tar spot continues to spread northeast across Ontario’s corn region, growers are looking to build a better defence against the yield-robbing leaf disease. Crop genetics and fungicide will likely be the one-two punch growers use to control the disease, which is characterized by tar-like speckling on the upper surface of corn leaves. The fungal… Read More
Ever since tar spot leaf disease first hit Ontario corn growers’ radar back in 2019, extension specialists and industry have been working diligently to stay a step ahead of the yield-robbing disease. Seed companies have identified hybrids in their product lineups with stronger resistance to the disease and also worked with growers to effectively manage… Read More
Corn growers in eastern Canada have a new tool in their pest management toolbox with the registration of VT4PRO with RNAi technology from Bayer Crop Science. The company says the trait will deliver the latest in corn rootworm defence, with above-ground control and effective root protection, providing a broad spectrum of defence for growers against… Read More