Updated Nov. 6, 2019 Western bean cutworm is now the most economically significant pest of corn in Ontario, and its rise took seed companies by surprise. As a result, genetically engineered resistance to western bean cutworm (WBC) has been slow moving into the market. WBC larvae feed on the silk of corn ears, and also […] Read more
Tag Archives Agricultural pest insects — page 2
Western bean cutworm trait availability slowly expanding
Other than trait owner Syngenta, few companies have released a wide range of hybrids
Crop pests more widespread than previously known
Finding where pests exist in the early stages of movement into an area are key to control
Insects and diseases that damage crops are probably present in many places thought to be free of them, new research shows. Pests that have not been reported in a certain area are usually assumed to be absent, but analysis by the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, shows many pests are “currently unobserved, but probably present” […] Read more
Crop pest insects descend on Ontario fields
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of August 5
Western bean cutworm (WBC) Peak moth flight is likely taking place this week for many regions of Ontario, putting both corn and dry beans at risk. WBC moths prefer pre-tassel to full tassel corn to lay eggs in so scout these fields first. If corn has passed these stages in the immediate area, moths will choose […] Read more
Supporting beneficial insects during lean times
Researchers find ways to perpetuate beneficial insect populations in greenhouses
At one time a citizen militia made up the core of Canada’s armed land forces. Effective as it was fighting our more southerly neighbour, though, it was eventually replaced by a more professional standing army. In the war against pests, researchers are trying to help greenhouse growers do the same. That is, introduce pest-fighting beneficial […] Read more
Western Bean Cutworm trapping network expands
Western Bean Cutworm Trap Network includes more pests, larger geographic coverage and new name
The growing success of the Western Bean Cutworm Trap Network, and issues with other corn pests across Eastern Canada, led to the expansion and renaming of the network, now known as the Great Lakes and Maritimes Pest Monitoring Network. Why it matters: The trap network enables OMAFRA and participants to monitor peak flight timing of […] Read more
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