Malteurop, which operates a malt house at the east end of Winnipeg, is one of several malting companies with a presence in Manitoba. (Dave Bedard photo)

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


Having fusarium infested wheat can cause a $10 to $65 per tonne reduction in price for wheat.

Fusarium could be a risk for Ontario growers

Heavy rain and moderate temperatures are contributing factors

Humid and wet weather this spring has created ideal conditions for fusarium head blight development in wheat.  The risk of fusarium is heavily dependent on the weather and stage of crop. High moisture nd temperatures around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius just before and during heading, is ideal for fusarium growth. Why it matters: Fusarium-infected […] Read more

Some bacteria found on corn silk are reduced, while some proliferate when exposed to fusarium.

New research finds natural bacteria in corn may help against fusarium

Certain types of bacteria multiply in corn silk when exposed to fusarium

University of Guelph researchers have found corn silks naturally contain diverse microbes, a finding that may point to a new strategy to help protect cobs from fungal infections.  Why it matters: The discovery may improve breeding and farming practices to avert costly and harmful fungal outbreaks.  The study was led by Dr. Manish Raizada, a […] Read more

A healthy wheat head at left and one with severe symptoms of fusarium head blight at right. (Keith Weller photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Alberta deregulates fusarium

Crop disease comes off province's 'zero tolerance' list

Alberta is moving to keep fusarium in check by means other than the “zero tolerance” policy it has in effect on agricultural pests such as rats, rabies and clubroot. Agriculture Minister Devin Dreeshen announced a ministerial order Wednesday to remove Fusarium graminearum from the list of pests covered by the Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation, […] Read more


wheat

Wheat fungicide timing critical

Spraying for fusarium has a short window, so scouting is critical

Wheat heads are beginning to emerge making growers think about T3 timing to spray to protect against fusarium head blight (FHB). “Fusarium head blight is still one of the most important diseases in winter wheat,” says OMAFRA cereals specialist Joanna Follings. Why it matters: For the best protection against FHB, fungicide timing is very important. […] Read more

Fusarium in wheat.

Researchers develop a quick test for DON

Science Notes: Innovation could reduce toxins harmful to both animals and humans

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre (CDC) have developed a fast and accurate method for identifying and quantifying toxins in fusarium-infected cereal grain, an innovation that could reduce toxins that are harmful to both animals and humans. It could also help farmers who have struggled with trusting the toxin tests of buyers. […] Read more