Reading Time: < 1 minute There is good news from a survey of swede midge larvae this summer. The survey was conducted at 42 canola sites in central Alberta in July. “Bottom line is that the survey found very low numbers of swede midge,” said insect management specialist Scott Meers. “As an example, we would typically find between one and […] Read more
Swede midge numbers low in Alberta
Keep watch because pests got an early start
The mild winter and warm start to spring have given pests an ideal start
Reading Time: 3 minutes Here’s the bad news: The dry, hot start to spring means more insect pests this year. And even the bit of rain received during the May long weekend won’t make a difference. “Insects respond to the heat and it’s been hot — their life cycles are all moved forward and the crops are not thriving under […] Read more
Take precautions to minimize risks of tick exposure
Blacklegged ticks are known to carry three serious illnesses
Reading Time: 2 minutes May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and people need to remember that tick-borne diseases are completely preventable. People can protect themselves by performing regular tick checks after spending time outdoors, knowing where blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks) are located, minimizing the risk of exposure, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases. […] Read more
Hot spots for wheat stem sawfly in 2016
Only a few areas are at high risk but one of them is much farther north than usual
Reading Time: 2 minutes The risk of economically significant sawfly populations in 2016 will be limited to only a few areas, according to the province’s new wheat stem sawfly forecast map. “For the wheat stem sawfly, we go into the wheat fields after harvest, look at four spots and count the number of stems that is intact and the […] Read more
Soil scientist offers recipe for better soil health
More earthworm slime and protozoa excretions? You betcha!
Reading Time: 3 minutes You can’t control Mother Nature, but you can have some control over the health of your soil. At a recent workshop, soil scientist Jill Clapperton outlined some visible indicators of soil health, and described a few things producers could do to improve their soil. “If you have healthy plants, you have an excellent indicator that […] Read more
New field guide for Prairie pests in Western Canada
Reading Time: < 1 minute Agriculture Canada has a new 152-page full-colour illustrated field guide for managing more than 90 crop and forage pests in Western Canada. Along with diagnostic information for pest species, the guide also helps to identify over 30 natural enemies that prey on or parasitize these pests. The book includes identification characteristics, life cycle, damage or […] Read more
Keep watch for drought stress in trees, says specialist
Toso Bozic said several pests are adding to the stress on trees this year, and recommends weekly monitoring
Reading Time: < 1 minute Recent dry conditions are putting a lot of pressure on trees, says a provincial woodlot extension specialist. “It’s an invitation for insect and disease problems, not just for this year, but for upcoming years as well,” said Toso Bozic. There are several insects to keep an eye out for. “Yellow-headed spruce sawfly has been a […] Read more
Good news on berthas but watch for hoppers
Reading Time: < 1 minute In his weekly Call of the Land report, Alberta Agriculture insect management specialist Scott Meers says there is good news on bertha armyworm in the province this year. “We’re finding very few bertha armyworm moths, which means we’re not expecting any trouble with them this year,” he said. Only three traps have been found with […] Read more
Alberta weekly pest update
Conditions as of July 16, 2015
Reading Time: < 1 minute Grasshoppers love the heat and so far this summer they’ve had more than their share. According to Scott Meers, insect management specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, all the additional heat has allowed grasshoppers to reach their adult stage two weeks earlier than normal. If grasshoppers are attacking your crop, Meers offers some advice about […] Read more
Greenhouse growers have new fact sheet on integrated pest management
Reading Time: < 1 minute A new fact sheet is available to help greenhouse growers with their integrated pest management programs. “By taking appropriate steps, such as the ones outlined in this new publication, greenhouse growers can ensure a quality crop and a reduction in pest-related problems during the growing season,” said commercial horticulture specialist Dustin Morton. Entitled Greenhouse Sanitation, […] Read more
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