Insects comprise the vast majority of animal life on earth. They are also a foundation of every terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem. But how much do we really know about Earth’s […] Read more
Tag Archives insects
Entomologist says insects are cool. Here’s why we should care
AAFC entomologist Lauren Des Marteaux works on Living Labs project about insects and agriculture
Firm wants to turn insects into livestock feed
A protein facility looks to take black soldier fly opportunities to next level
When thinking of sustainable protein for livestock feed, insects aren’t the first ingredient that comes to mind. But a new facility coming to Saskatchewan aims to change that. In late […] Read more
May-June sees low pest pressure in Southern Ontario
Mild winter and wet spring make weeds and varroa mite a higher concern
A mild winter increased concerns about increased pest pressures for spring and early summer, but according to several agronomists, harmful insects have not been a widespread issue. Aphids and spider […] Read more
New plant-based bee health treatment shows promise
Research results show treatment has efficacy against foulbrood viruses and varroa mites
The challenges facing bee health have become well-known in recent years as bee deaths have made headlines in many countries. According to the Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists, honeybee losses […] Read more
Research suggests canola flower midge are native species
Ontario is the only province to deal with two canola midge pests
Ontario has the dubious honour of being the only province that battles both swede midge and canola flower midge. Worse yet, the two species may work together. “It’s possible there […] Read more
How a parasitoid wasp might address fruit fly pest issue
B.C. and Michigan State research shows promising results
Spotted wing drosophila is a diminutive but prolific fruit fly pest with a penchant for fresh and ripening fruit. It lays its egg within soft fruit, causing it to decompose […] Read more
What drought means after early season
How will dry conditions affect winter wheat, spring seeded crops and pest pressure?
Drought conditions are persisting across many parts of Ontario, despite recent rain events. From uneven emergence to the potential for increased pest pressure, continuation of dry, hot weather will not […] Read more
Spider mites bugging your soybeans?
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of July 3
Dimethoate resistant two-spotted spider mite populations in Ontario soybeans Results from bioassays conducted on two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) populations collected in soybean fields across Ontario show the prevalence of dimethoate […] Read more
Management of potato virus Y enters new stage
Researcher indicates seed potato producers are at greater risk
Potato growers in Ontario are under constant pressure to manage blight and rhizoctonia. Long-term research shows that potato virus Y, or PVY, is another disease of concern, particularly to potato […] Read more
Province’s major crops, forages faring well
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of June 19
Across much of Ontario major crops and forages are progressing well. Evidence of moisture stress is present on various crops, but some relief came over the period of June 11-14th with […] Read more