Reading Time: 2 minutes A tree needs a healthy head start and that begins with selecting the right seedlings. “Ask where the stock came from, as many trees are not adapted to Alberta’s harsher climate,” said provincial agroforestry specialist Toso Bozic. “If you don’t get a tree that suits your needs, wait for next season and order in advance.” […] Read more
Tree planting dos and don’ts
Agroforestry specialist Toso Bozic outlines the basics from buying to planting
Crop pest and disease watch for 2015
Some of the usual suspects could be back this year, especially if you are pushing your rotations
Reading Time: 6 minutes The new growing season is underway, with a combination of old and new challenges and opportunities. Alberta Farmer reporter Alexis Kienlen asked some experts about things that producers should look out for this growing season. Here’s what they had to say: Plant diseases It’s difficult for plant pathologists to predict the possibility of diseases, said Kelly […] Read more
Swede midge trap managers wanted
Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network is looking to set up 15 to 17 new sites
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network is looking for people to manage Swede midge traps in Beaver, Minburn, Wetaskiwin, Two Hills and Smoky Lake counties. Managers need to set up traps in canola fields (trapping kits provided); make weekly trap visits to change the cards (10 to 12 weeks depending on canola); and send the […] Read more
How are biocontrol agents like James Bond?
Beneficial control agents include beneficial bacteria, fungi, nematodes and insects that feed on harmful organisms
Reading Time: 2 minutes As the public grows more concerned about chemical use, many growers struggle with how to keep their product salable while using fewer pesticides. Some growers are turning to a new kind of ‘undercover operative’ to deal with crop pests. “Biological controls or biocontrol agents attack and ‘neutralize’ or reduce pests in a cropping system and […] Read more
Controlling plant pests with biocontrols on your crop
Some biocontrol agents employ very targeted means to deter pests
Reading Time: 2 minutes Competition and antibioses are two of the ways biocontrol agents can help control plant pests. “Producers are familiar with the concept of competition, as in crowding out weeds in a field using row spacing, stand density, etc.,” said Dustin Morton, commercial horticulture specialist, at the Alberta Ag-Info Centre in Stettler. “Biocontrol agents can also be […] Read more
Know the rules before using phosphine fumigants
Products such as Phostoxin, Gastoxin or Weevilcide are highly toxic and there are easier ways to deal with grain beetles
Reading Time: 2 minutes Using fumigants for grain beetle control in stored grain has become more complex, says a provincial crop specialist. “Obtaining the fumigant, whether Phostoxin, Gastoxin or Weevilcide, is only half the job, as requirements for application and record-keeping have changed,” said Harry Brook. “Products containing phosphine are highly toxic and rules have been recently updated to […] Read more
IPM: It’s all about combining pest management tools
The multi-pronged approach known as Integrated Pest Management can boost yields while reducing costs
Reading Time: 3 minutes While Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has become a catchphrase in agriculture today, there can be confusion as to what it actually is. “While the mechanics of the concept are discussed at workshops and lectures, many producers still don’t understand exactly what IPM is,” said Dustin Morton, a commercial horticulture specialist with the Alberta Ag-Info Centre […] Read more
Wild pollinators earn their keep on the farm
Wild pollinators may boost yields and help crops mature more uniformly, and also are a natural source of pest protection
Reading Time: 3 minutes It’s crop-planning season and that means it’s a good time for making plans to create a wild pollinator habitat near your crops. Having a strong pollinator population can offer a benefit to crops, said Mark Wonneck, an ecologist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Calgary. Bees are an important part of both alfalfa production and […] Read more
Crop insect forecast maps for 2015
Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network wants you to know what to watch for this upcoming crop year
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network has prepared its insect forecast maps for 2015. Among its usual suspects are names you’re likely familiar with. The links provided below include individual forecast maps for each insect (click on each insect name for a link to its page): Bertha armyworm Grasshopper Wheat midge Cabbage seedpod weevil Pea leaf weevil Wheat […] Read more
Bug forecast maps online
Reading Time: < 1 minute The first two insect forecasting maps are online, and the rest are due out in January. The wheat midge survey found none of the pests in the Peace region — a complete reversal of the previous year. Central Alberta has some hot spots, while southern Alberta has low numbers save for some irrigated fields in the […] Read more
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