A recently published analysis of data on tagged monarch butterflies migrating from the United States to Mexico emphasizes the importance of creating new habitat to ensure the future of the species’ iconic migratory pattern. The study, published recently in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, drew on data collected on 1.4 million monarch butterflies […] Read more
Tag Archives insects
Milkweed key to building monarch butterfly numbers
Science Notes: Monarchs appear to successfully migrate, but there’s concern about declining numbers
VIDEO: Western Bean Cutworm
Field Talk with Matt Rundle: Ideal timing for scouting of WBC is now
On this edition of Field Talk, Farmtario reporter Jennifer Glenney, speaks with Matt Rundle, sales agronomist with Harriston Agromart, about Western Bean Cutworm scouting. Rundle says the ideal timing to scout this nasty pest is now. Peak moth flight, and egg masses are the best things to look for within grower’s fields. Western Bean Cutworm […] Read more
Large cricket farm coming to London
Aspire Food Group says it will be the largest of its kind in the world
The world’s largest food-grade cricket production facility will be built in London, Ont. Aspire Food Group says the new facility will be “one of the most technologically advanced and energy efficient protein production systems in the world”. It will employ 60 people. Construction is expected to start in August 2020 in London’s Innovation Park, where […] Read more
Resistant trees found to resist ash borer
Science Notes: Gene editing could place resistance genes into ash species currently affected by EAB
An international team of scientists have identified candidate resistance genes that could protect ash trees from the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a deadly pest that is expected to kill billions of trees worldwide. In the new study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, […] Read more
Genetically engineered moth could help control pest populations
Science Notes: The diamondback moth damages brassica crops such as cabbage and broccoli
A newly published study reports a first-ever open-field release of a self-limiting, genetically engineered diamondback moth, stating that it paves the way for an effective and sustainable approach to pest control. The diamondback moth, also known as Plutella xylostella, is highly damaging to brassica crops such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and canola. This new strain […] Read more
Pest lessons learned in the 2019 Ontario crop year
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of September 23
We all agree that this has been one of the most challenging cropping years in Ontario, but there were some pest lessons learned from the experience. Effect of delayed planting Delayed planting can reduce the risk of some early season pests. Pests like bean leaf beetle (BLB) move into the earliest emerging fields first. With […] Read more
Is mowed milkweed better for monarchs?
Science Notes: Research shows that monarch butterflies prefer younger milkweed plants
As odd as it may seem, mowing down milkweed can help monarch butterflies. University of Guelph researchers have found that cutting down milkweed where monarch butterflies lay their eggs and where caterpillars feed benefits the vulnerable insects — but only if mowing is timed strategically. According to a new paper published in the journal Global […] Read more
Supporting beneficial insects during lean times
Researchers find ways to perpetuate beneficial insect populations in greenhouses
At one time a citizen militia made up the core of Canada’s armed land forces. Effective as it was fighting our more southerly neighbour, though, it was eventually replaced by a more professional standing army. In the war against pests, researchers are trying to help greenhouse growers do the same. That is, introduce pest-fighting beneficial […] Read more
Canadian neonic, metabolite research shows insecticide effect on insect navigation
Locusts in wind tunnels exposed to neonics lost their ability to move themselves where they wanted
Drunk drivers are more likely to get in an accident because the alcohol in their blood impairs vision and delays reaction time. University of Saskatchewan biologists have identified a comparable phenomenon in locusts, when the insects are exposed to a small dose of insecticide. Why it matters: Farmers require a wide range of pesticides to […] Read more
Farming insects may solve one problem, create others
Rome | Thomson Reuters Foundation — Insects have great potential as an alternative source of protein, but further research is urgently needed before mass production begins in order to avoid environmental disaster, Swedish researchers warned Monday. There is currently an “overwhelming lack of knowledge” on basic questions such as suitable species, their housing and feed […] Read more
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