VEGREVILLE, Alta. – Scientists are looking back in time for ways to control insects.
Ancient Egyptians knew sulfur controlled leaf-eating insects and scientists at the Alberta Research Council in Vegreville hope to add some modern technology to the ancient practice.
When extremely small particles of sulfur are seeded with the canola crop, the sulfur reduces damage from root maggots, said Lloyd Dosdall.
As a bonus, the micronized elemental sulfur can be used by the canola crop the same year. Until recently, agriculture sulfur only came in granules, about the same size as the canola seed, and it took at least two years before the sulfur could be used by the plant.
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Many Alberta farms are sulfur deficient, limiting the canola yield.
“If the particle size is small, it should be made available in the same year,” said Dosdall.
It’s estimated root maggots cause about $100 million in damage in Alberta canola crops each year, and the problem is getting worse, he said.
Polish canola is more susceptible than Argentine canola.
Scientists are also doing experiments with seeding rates to control the maggot. The root maggot prefers big, healthy canola leaves. By doubling the seeding rate from five to 10 pounds per acre the canola leaves don’t grow as big and are not as attractive to the maggot.
Increasing row spacings from eight to 12 inches from four inches seems to reduce damage as well.
