Reading Time: < 1 minute The Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network has “live feed maps” up and running for the province. The maps show results from traps around the province set up and overseen by co-operator farmers. As co-operators post results from the traps, they are posted immediately to the map. The five insects covered by these maps are bertha […] Read more
Crop pest survey tools up and running
‘We’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg’ when it comes to wireworms
Populations are growing and control methods shrinking, says provincial crop specialist
Reading Time: 3 minutes Wireworm damage to field crops is poised to escalate, says a provincial crop specialist. “For several decades, Lindane (Vitavax Dual, etc.) insecticide applied to crops on the Canadian Prairies kept wireworm numbers low,” said Neil Whatley, crop specialist at the Alberta Ag-Info Centre. “Since the ban of this organochlorine pesticide in 2004, wireworm damage in […] 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
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
Insect specialist Scott Meers retires
Reading Time: < 1 minute The man known as the ‘bug counter’ is stepping down. In an email he wrote to the Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring network newsletter, Scott Meers said that it has been an honour to work in this role, but it is time to move on. He also stated that he has made the decision independent of […] Read more
Expert offers tips for successful crop storage
Keeping out pests and getting rid of excess moisture are key, says provincial crop specialist
Reading Time: 2 minutes A little preparation prior to harvesting can ensure worry-free winter crop storage. “Warm or wet conditions at harvest and multi-staged crops are potential ingredients for storage problems,” said provincial crop specialist Harry Brook. “Don’t get an unpleasant surprise when selling the grain with discounts or by being rejected for heated grain or insect problems.” Clean […] Read more
Nine pests to watch for if you’re growing flax
Dr. James Tansey, Saskatchewan Agriculture’s insect specialist, reminded farmers at a Saskatchewan Agriculture conference in Weyburn, Sask., that “plants are not a passive part of the environment.” Flax produces poison in the form of cyanogenic glycoside (cyanide) that is toxic to several insects. However, your flax crop may still need some help protecting itself from[...]
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Keep watch for army worms in fields
Reading Time: < 1 minute The province’s extensive network of bertha army worm traps isn’t sounding any alarm bells yet, but producers should keep watch, says insect management specialist Scott Meers. Results from the traps are posted on the Alberta Agriculture website. If the cumulative count reaches 300 moths, Meers strongly recommends scouting starting in late July and progress through[...]
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Summertime is danger time for ticks
Check for ticks on yourself and your pets, say provincial officials
Reading Time: < 1 minute Authorities are warning Albertans to take the time and check for ticks — on themselves and their pets. The threat isn’t tick bites, but the chance a tick could transmit Lyme disease, said the registrar of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA). “There have been approximately 100 human cases of Lyme disease reported by Albertans[...]
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Tiny warriors get nasty on Canada thistle
Stem gall flies love to feed on — and breed in — the much-loathed and fast-spreading invasive weed
Reading Time: 2 minutes The West Central Forage Association has another biocontrol that can help you win the war against Canada thistle. The proud warriors are called stem gall flies and they’re available for sale. “The gall flies act on a different portion of the Canada thistle than the weevils do,” said Rachael Nay, conservation agriculture and extension program[...]
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Five insect pests for Manitoba farmers to watch
Cutworms, grasshoppers, flea beetles and bertha armyworm are all on top of the watch list for 2019, as numbers were higher in 2018. All four overwinter well in Manitoba provided there’s enough insulation for them.
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