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Tag Archives crop diseases

Canola growers eye longer rotations to counter clubroot
Soil-borne disease has ‘exploded’ in northeast, says canola growers chair
Clubroot in canola is a growing problem in north-eastern Ontario, says the chair of Ontario Canola Growers.

Cereal leaf disease minimal in Alberta but be aware of blown-in stripe rust
The province received variable precipitation this spring which had pathologists and producers expecting the arrival of members of the leaf spot complex. However, Kelly Turkington with the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lacombe Research and Development Centre said they may have been scorched by the July heat wave.

Survey an opportunity to learn about potato diseases
Goal is to uncover more about soft rots and blackleg
A provincial survey aims to establish a baseline of data on bacterial soft rots in potato storage and blackleg in fields during the 2024 growing season. The two diseases are common yet the bacterial species responsible are becoming more aggressive, particularly with the Dickeya genus, one of the newer species responsible for blackleg and soft […] Read more

Relative humidity and leaf wetness impact tar spot growth
The southern Ontario situation in 2023 provided more insight on management strategies
A look at tar spot in Canada and the U.S. shows the vital role of humidity in fostering the disease. In 2023, the big difference between the U.S. and Ontario was dryness; Michigan and other parts of the Midwest were dry compared to much of southern Ontario. The provincial corn crop was also planted later, […] Read more

Clubroot pathotypes overcoming resistance, research finds
University of Guelph researcher says number of resistant pathotypes is expanding
Clubroot pathotypes are evolving past first-generation canola resistance, which will require new management and monitoring techniques to keep its spread in check. “Once you have clubroot in your field, it’s pretty much there for good,” said University of Guelph professor Mary Ruth McDonald, because the resting spores have incredible soil longevity and zoospores can swim […] Read more

Phytophthora root rot still a concern
It’s been eclipsed, but it’s still a challenge to growers in Ontario
Phytophthora root rot was major concern to growers in the province 25 to 30 years ago, when Roundup Ready soybeans were just emerging on the marketplace, Bt corn was in its infancy, and GPS-based yield monitors were available primarily as after-purchase combine enhancements. Why it matters: Agronomists noted there were hot spots in the province […] Read more

Mycotoxin situation returns in 2023
The good news is that it wasn’t as bad as other years
Before the planter or drill rolls into a field, there’s hope that rain and sun will be timely and sufficient, that weeds, diseases and insects will be minimal and commodity prices will provide the right finish to the growing season. Then reality sets in. That’s the scenario in most years and 2023 was no different. […] Read more

Biological control could help reduce tar spot challenges
Recent work studies the impact of Alternaria on impeding disease
Researchers and plant breeders have been working to develop ways to overcome tar spot in corn, but there three primary factors confound the search. For starters, the disease pathogen (Phyllachora maydis) only grows on living tissue. Recreating the ideal conditions under which the disease flourishes (temperatures between 16 C and 23 C and relative humidity […] Read more

Disease management, higher yields focus for seed development
What new directions and new technologies are in the offing for 2024
The challenge of keeping pace with weeds, diseases and insects isn’t only an issue for growers. It affects seed dealers and plant breeders as well. They search for hybrids and varieties that combine superior yield with in-field performance relating to standability, test weights, durability and quality. Farmtario has invited seed companies across the province to […] Read more

CMBTC study finds new malting barley lines a fit for Manitoba
Agronomic traits in new varieties overcome disease issues that held crop back
Manitoba farmers have improved prospects to access the more-lucrative malting barley market, according to a recent study. The report by the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC), in collaboration with the Manitoba Crop Alliance, says new Canadian malting barley varieties can be grown successfully in Manitoba. With yields and quality comparable to the check variety […] Read more