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 mites – maybe? In the southwest, pest pressure is minimal or at least not above what is normally expected. “The thing about a mild winter […] Read more
Tag Archives insects
May-June sees low pest pressure in Southern Ontario
Mild winter and wet spring make weeds and varroa mite a higher concern
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 in Canada were estimated at 32 per cent nationwide last year, with provincial losses ranging from 11.7 to 46.2 per cent. A British Columbia company […] 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 is a competitive interaction, and one midge will displace the other in terms of successful development,” Rebecca Hallett told attendees of the Ontario Canola Growers […] 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 and resulting in an estimated $623 million loss in the B.C. soft and thin-skinned fruit export market. Most fruit fly research is in British Columbia, […] 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 be friendly to much of the province’s staple grain crops. In the Dundalk area, winter wheat has been grievously affected by dry weather. Deb Campbell, […] 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 (Cygon or Lagon) resistance is high in some areas. Through a collaborative project with Dr. Vojislava Grbic, Professor at Western University, Dr. Ian Scott at […] 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 growers with both seed and processing crops. PVY isn’t new to Ontario, but research shows strains are evolving. That is the finding of a study […] 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 scattered rainfall periods. Keeping appraised of incoming rainfall is at the back of everyone’s mind. Be aware of various networks and stations where weather data […] Read more
Bt-resistant corn borer concern grows
Critical tools for controlling corn borer could be lost
Bt-resistant populations of European corn borer pose a significant risk to Canadian crop producers. With multiple resistance uncovered, it’s possible Bt-based control technologies will cease to work for the problem pest, say extension staff at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Older and more environmentally costly methods of pest control – including […] Read more
Grain grading guide to tighten definition of ‘severely’ sprouted wheat
More changes, clarifications on deck for Aug. 1
A laboratory review of the end-use quality of sprouted wheat will lead to changes in how wheat is graded starting Aug. 1 this year. The Canadian Grain Commission on Tuesday announced changes in store effective Aug. 1 for how Canadian wheat is graded, along with a list of clarifications and new housekeeping rules for the […] Read more
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