Reading Time: 3 minutes The province has gained one new entomologist but has lost its best-known bug specialist. Boyd Mori, a new assistant professor in the University of Alberta’s agriculture department, paid tribute to provincial insect management specialist Scott Meers in his presentation at FarmTech — and urged his audience to lobby the government for a replacement. “Scott Meers […] Read more
New insect expert introduces himself and advises on key pests for 2020
Cabbage seed pod weevils, bertha army worms and pea leaf weevils the insects to watch for in 2020
Smartphone app for aphid control in cereal crops
Reading Time: < 1 minute Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has released a smartphone app called the Cereal Aphid Manager to help producers control the pest. Producers count both aphids and beneficials that eat them (at a minimum of five locations), and the app predicts what the aphid population will be in seven days and recommends whether to spray or not. […] Read more
Grain beetles appear to be on the rise this winter
A jump in inquiries about pesticide certificate program is a sign that grain pests are an issue, says crops specialist
Reading Time: 2 minutes Provincial officials have been fielding more requests this winter for the Farmer Pesticide Certificate Program for renewals or issuing new certificates, and grain beetles are the reason why. “We see it almost every year in southern Alberta, but it’s creeping up to central Alberta, too,” said crop specialist Harry Brook. “That is telling me that people are […] Read more
There could be some gain from the bone-chilling pain
Record cold temperatures provide silver lining by killing off bertha army worms and alfalfa weevils
Reading Time: 2 minutes Last month’s cold weather snap could pay some dividends for crop producers. “It could be good news. The bad news is that we got snow at the beginning of it, so snow tends to insulate,” said Scott Meers, insect pest management specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. The deep freeze gripped the entire province, with […] Read more
Pea leaf weevils an issue in 2018
Reading Time: < 1 minute Three insect forecast maps are now available at the Alberta Agriculture website. Wheat stem sawfly and wheat midge forecasts help producers make varietal decisions, said insect management specialist Scott Meers, adding, “we’ve also released the pea leaf weevil maps early because a lot of producers are seed treating for that pest.” Pea leaf weevils are […] Read more
Keep watch for these tree-attacking insects
Provincial woodlot management specialist offers tips for controlling pests and improving tree health
Reading Time: 2 minutes When it comes to trees, there are a few different insects to keep an eye out for this year. “The yellow-headed spruce sawfly has been a problem for spruce the last few years, as well as spider mites,” said provincial woodlot management specialist Toso Bozic. “White pine weevil has also been a problem for young […] Read more
Prevention is the best cure when managing greenhouse pests
Greenhouse crop growers need to start with clean cuttings, prevent infestations, and monitor pest levels to guarantee a successful biocontrol program
Reading Time: 3 minutes For greenhouse crop growers, moving away from chemical pest control to biological controls can be a big investment — but one that’s worth it, if done right. “You have to change your mindset from pesticides to biocontrol,” said Veronica Cervantes, technical adviser at Biobest USA. “The first year you start your biocontrol program is the […] Read more
Get the lowdown on spud pests
Workshops run March 1 to March 3
Reading Time: < 1 minute A series of upcoming workshops will provide fresh market potato growers with information on current and up-and-coming diseases and pests in the province. “Participants will receive information on the importance, impact and management of a number of disease/pest issues in Alberta, including late blight, potato psyllid/zebra chip, fusarium dry rot and blackleg and several skin […] Read more
Check for insects in stored grain
Here are some tips for protecting the quality of stored grain
Reading Time: < 1 minute Be on the lookout for insects in any grain stored over the summer or in areas around storage bins, says the Canadian Grain Commission. These insects could move easily between bins and infest the new harvest. To protect the quality of grain currently in storage, the commission recommends the following: Sample the grain from the […] Read more
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