Manitoba producers in several areas should expect to scout and in some cases treat for grasshoppers in 2008.
In that province’s most recent grasshopper forecast, the insects are shown to be a potential economic threat in the black soil zone, stretching from the Red River Valley in the east to Russell in the west.
The greatest concentrations of the insects are around the communities of Morris, Portage la Prairie, Austin, Holland, Birtle and Russell.
In those areas infestations of eight to 12 grasshoppers per sq. metre are expected. In the Austin area, severe infestations of 12 to 24 per sq. metres are anticipated, according to the report.
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Stretching in a fork from Emerson to Arborg and Neepawa, with the exception of the region just north of Winnipeg, levels could reach four to eight per sq. metre.
Grasshopper populations last peaked in 2003 and then declined until last season when they began to increase again.
Rainfall was below normal in all locations of Manitoba in August and September, providing good conditions for egg laying.
“It was nearly optimal for the grasshoppers. Not so good for farmers,” said John Gavloski, Manitoba provincial agriculture department entomologist.
“We will have to see what spring brings for weather conditions to know what will actually happen,” he said.
Warm, dry spring and summer weather favours rapid, early development, resulting in the greatest crop damage.
This also promotes earlier egg laying, building the problem for the next season.
