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Tag Archives crop diseases — page 3

The Spornado, shown here in a potato field, uses specialized filters to trap fungal spores from water and air. The filters are then analyzed for the presence of fungal pathogen spores, allowing for early detection and management.
Crops, News

Canadian early alert system expands services for fungal crop diseases

Spornado can detect fungal spores in many crops and help growers make targeted spraying decisions

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Last year, a made-in-Canada system to alert farmers to the presence of airborne crop pathogens was showcased as one of Canada’s top 101 Most Innovative Predictive Analytical Companies.  The Spornado is a simple and low cost in-field tool that passively traps air- and waterborne spores on specialized filters. Those filters are then analyzed for the […] Read more
A critical first step in managing tar spot is predicting the risk of it developing. Experts say growers should keep up to date on the presence of tar spot in their fields and in the general area.
Crops

Learning to live with tar spot

Know what decisions to make, and when to make them, are key to controlling the disease

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Tar spot, the latest corn disease to cross the border, is in Ontario to stay.  Knowing when the risk of tar spot development is high, how to identify the pathogen, and when to take remedial action is now the name of the game.  Why it matters: A new fungal infection in corn could create the […] Read more
The four-channel electromagnetic flowmeter system helps to push down product, reduce drift and allow for better application.
Crops, Machinery

Can drones replace self-propelled spraying equipment?

Drones can help improve product application and provide better results

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Drones are quickly becoming a preferred tool for growers across the globe. Some drones offer high-concentration, small-volume spraying technology with the same efficacy of coverage as typical agricultural equipment, allowing producers to use less product. As well, the flight ability and down-facing fan action allow growers to ensure timely applications independent of soil conditions, with […] Read more
A new study argues that a co-ordinated global reporting mechanism could minimize the risk of spread of plant diseases such as Ug99, a rust that has devastated cereal crops around the world.
Crops, News

Researchers warn about plant pandemics

New report calls for more pathogen surveillance and monitoring systems and better strategies to address plant diseases

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Glacier FarmMedia – The world is preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic, but plant pandemics are also a threat. Sixteen researchers published a paper in May urging action to prevent the spread of plant pathogens such as rust, which affects a variety of plants, and Panama disease in bananas. Why it matters: Establishing a global reporting […] Read more
Top: The fisheye lesion is one indication of tar spot. Bottom: Tar spot has expanded across the midwestern United States and now into Ontario.
Crops

Learning to scout corn for tar spot

U.S. weather could play a role in spread of new fungal infection

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Corn technician Jonathan Brinkman noticed unusual symptoms on his field plot at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown campus last September.  Several crop leaves displayed a raised, black, tar spot type lesion, similar to those found on ornamentals and maple trees.  He suspected tar spot. Why it matters: Tar spot is an emerging fungal threat in […] Read more
Sudden death syndrome is easy to identify as the leaves remain green around the main vein and major lateral veins.
Crops

High disease pressure, low impact

Late onset of soy sudden death syndrome should mean fewer yield challenges

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Sudden death syndrome (SDS), a common disease found in soybeans, is showing up across the province but should be of limited yield impact this year due to its late onset. “We have seen a higher instance of sudden death syndrome than most years. We had quite a bit of it in 2018. Last year we […] Read more
Crops, News

Testing soil for soybean cyst nematode

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for September 17

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Soybean harvest has begun, and many growers have asked if they could sample for soybean cyst nematode this fall. For many growers, managing soybean cyst nematode (SCN) means planting SCN resistance varieties BUT effective SCN management does not end when you have selected your soybean varieties! It is imperative to not only know your SCN […] Read more

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