Rome | Thomson Reuters Foundation — Insects have great potential as an alternative source of protein, but further research is urgently needed before mass production begins in order to avoid environmental disaster, Swedish researchers warned Monday. There is currently an “overwhelming lack of knowledge” on basic questions such as suitable species, their housing and feed […] Read more
Farming insects may solve one problem, create others
Some close calls, but invasive mussels kept at bay this year
Eleven boats were found to be carrying the fast-breeding and highly destructive aquatic invaders
Reading Time: 3 minutes The massive effort to keep quagga and zebra mussels out of Alberta’s waterways once again paid dividends. “This year, inspectors surveyed 31,000 boats and found 11 carrying invasive mussels,” said Janine Higgins, an official with the Community Engagement Branch of Alberta Environment and Parks. In 2017, 35,000 boats were inspected and 19 were found to […] Read more
Deadly pest marching towards Alberta’s borders
The emerald ash borer has travelled halfway across the continent and has now reached Manitoba
Reading Time: 3 minutes Another highly destructive invasive pest has breached the boundary of the eastern Prairies and Albertans are being asked to keep watch — and not unwittingly aid its spread. The emerald ash borer, which attacks and kills all species of ash, was found in Winnipeg this winter. The beetle is on a steady invasive march across […] Read more
Battling invasive mussels comes with a high cost
New report outlines control methods — but it will take a massive, and expensive, effort every year
Reading Time: 5 minutes *[UPDATED, May 15, 2018] Winter may be the best weapon if zebra and quagga mussels invade Alberta’s waterways, says a new report. The two species, members of the dreissenid family of mussels, have spread across North America since being found in the Great Lakes more than three decades ago. And while they haven’t invaded Alberta waters […] Read more
Goats and beetles used to fight invasive species
Leafy spurge is found across Alberta and its creeping root system makes it very difficult to control
Reading Time: < 1 minute Pull, mow, burn, and spray. These are common ways that Ducks Unlimited Canada manages invasive plant species on projects located on agricultural land. But there’s a new management tool in the mix now being used by the organization. It has started using goats and flea beetles to help combat leafy spurge at its Frank Lake […] Read more
Efforts to keep out invasive mussels working — for now
A dozen contaminated boats have been found so far this year and officials warn zebra and quagga mussels are cunning hitchhikers
Reading Time: 3 minutes Zebra and quagga mussels are not in Alberta yet, but the threat continues to grow. “This is becoming a huge issue in our world — the more we travel and carry things around — whether we know it or not,” said Janine Higgins, community engagement lead with Alberta Environment and Parks. The two invasive species, […] Read more
Giant hogweed is one big and scary weed
Noxious weeds: Giant hogweed can reach heights of six metres
Reading Time: 2 minutes It’s not often a weed grabs the attention of both urban and rural landowners across the province, yet in 2015, giant hogweed was a weed everyone had an eye out for. As we wrap up the growing season in 2017, this prohibited noxious short-lived perennial is still on folks’ minds and is often mistaken for […] Read more
Devil’s trumpet is a potentially deadly invader
Noxious Weeds: Jimsonweed
Reading Time: < 1 minute Although its exact origin is unknown, devil’s trumpet — otherwise known as jimsonweed — is found in many countries around the world in both agricultural and ornamental settings. Introduced to this province as a contaminant of agricultural seed, this smelly weed is under review by the provincial Agriculture Ministry and it has been recommended to […] Read more
Keep watch for this potential new invader
Noxious Weeds: Puncturevine
Reading Time: < 1 minute So far uncommon to Alberta, puncturevine has all the makings of a potential headache to you and me, alike. What started as an annual herb in southern Europe has started spreading into Canada (in British Columbia and Ontario). Like most other weeds, this plant prefers areas of disturbed, bare ground and grows as a summer […] Read more
Don’t be fooled by this weed’s pretty flower
Noxious weeds: Field scabious
Reading Time: < 1 minute Field scabious was introduced as an ornamental from Europe and is now taking over roadsides and pastures. It can be found throughout central Alberta and has the ability to invade even undisturbed plant communities, such as hayfields. Once established it is very difficult to control. Flowers can be a purple- to blue-coloured clustered head, resembling […] Read more
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