LACOMBE, Alta. – A common fungus found in soil has potential to control fusarium in peas. Peas infected with fusarium oxysporum seemed to manage better when a fungus called trichoderma was present in the soil. “We noticed one year in some of the plots that had the trichoderma in it, the plants were actually healthier […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Electro fishing keeps tabs on tally
CLARESHOLM, ALTA. – A creek that can support fish is probably in good shape. Fish counts can be done with electro fishing, a technique in which an electric current is sent through the water to make the fish swim in one direction. They are caught in a net, checked for species, numbers, size and health […] Read more
United effort saves creek
Co-operation and an inventive spirit were the inspiration for southern Alberta ranchers as they restored a meandering creek that flows through their property west of Claresholm. The Lyndon Creek Conservation Partnership consists of Jack and Merry Vandervalk, Gerald and Patricia Vandervalk, Wayne and Judy Lucas and David and Lisa Baptie, who have a long-term goal […] Read more
Soil fungus benefits peas
LACOMBE, Alta. – A common fungus found in soil has potential to control fusarium in peas. Peas infected with fusarium oxysporum seemed to manage better when a fungus called trichoderma was present in the soil. “We noticed one year in some of the plots that had the trichoderma in it, the plants were actually healthier […] Read more
Biocontrols take on weed
CLARESHOLM, Alta. – When persistent patches of leafy spurge threatened to take over his pastures west of Claresholm, Wayne Lucas decided he needed help. He agreed to try a targeted herbicide program and biological controls using an imported weevil on the noxious, invasive weed. He also took some preventive steps. “We have gone into strictly […] Read more
Alta. polishes up flu season plans
Alberta health officials say they are ready for this year’s flu season, including any widespread outbreaks of H1N1. “We are readier than we have ever been. There is still some polishing up to do for some specific details of our preparations for the fall and things that need to be adjusted because we are still […] Read more
Researchers use biotech to improve plant breeding
LACOMBE, Alta. – Teams of biotechnologists at the Lacombe Research Centre are working to develop crosses for disease resistance in cereals such as wheat and barley. But genomic sequencing, tracing molecular markers and genetic transfers isn’t all there is to it. “Unless we are able to apply this to the breeding program, it is of […] Read more
Feed varieties examined
LACOMBE, Alta. – Livestock and poultry feeds are not created equal. A group of Alberta scientists is studying the variation in forage quality available to animals to figure out how fibre and starch are digested. If feed can be matched more closely to the animal’s nutritional needs, farmers could theoretically get paid more for providing […] Read more
Ag expo puts varieties to the test
DIDSBURY, Alta. – If two similar crops were planted side by side on the same day with varying levels of nitrogen and herbicide treatment, would there be a noticeable difference at harvest? That “what if” scenario was the theme of a two day agriculture expo sponsored by Parkland Agri-Services, a private retailer with outlets across […] Read more
Good canola best option for biodiesel
LACOMBE, Alta. – Vegetable oil best suited for human nutrition may also be the best selection for good grade biodiesel. Scientists at Agriculture Canada’s research centre in Lacombe are using federal and provincial funding to experiment with oilseed varieties in an attempt to find the right kind for efficient biodiesel production. “Most of the oil […] Read more
