Manitoba Agriculture

Weeds and crops shift gears in dry weather. Weed spectrums can be different in hot, dry years, with green foxtail, kochia and redroot pigweed likely to be more abundant. As well, herbicides should be chosen carefully because some withstand dry weather better than others. General weed control guidelines for dry periods: Remove weeds early to […] Read more

Fall harvest management of alfalfa can affect the crop’s chances for winter survival, says Donald Green, a provincial forage specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. Harvesting alfalfa between Aug. 15 and the first killing frost results in depletion of root reserves and increases the chance of winter injury. After alfalfa is cut, root reserves are used to […] Read more

While producers in wetter areas of the Prairies have been on the lookout for cereal leaf diseases and fusarium head blight, they might also look for lesser known diseases. Powdery mildew and wheat streak mosaic rarely grab the headlines, but they are more prevalent this year. You’ll have to get close to ground level in […] Read more

It is time to eliminate sources of late blight inoculum that could infect this year’s potato and tomato crops. Late blight infected potatoes and tomatoes in many areas last year. The disease can overwinter only in infected living potatoes. Cull piles, volunteer potatoes, and seed trimmings that are capable of sprouting are possible sources of […] Read more

Cases of wild mustard resistant to Muster are starting to appear. A number of growers in Manitoba’s Red River Valley noticed persistent wild mustard infestations in 2000 after one, and in some cases two, Muster applications. Even though environmental conditions were variable, herbicide resistance was considered possible. As a result, Muster manufacturer DuPont Canada collected […] Read more

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that under warm, moist conditions can significantly reduce edible bean yields and seed quality by staining the beans. The pathogen responsible for anthracnose in edible beans is Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, and has more than 15 races or strains. Anthracnose in lentils is caused by a different species of Colletotrichum and will […] Read more

Entomosporium leaf and berry spot is a serious disease of saskatoons with the potential to cause significant and possibly complete yield loss. This happened in many orchards in 1999. Many growers applied fungicides this spring to protect their crop. The disease can be confused with other leaf spots or damage. Symptoms may first appear as […] Read more

Recent heavy rains favor fungal spore production and development of diseases such as tan spot, septoria leaf blotch and leaf rust. Fusarium head blight is also a looming threat but the decision to spray a fungicide depends on the condition of the individual field. For example, a waterlogged field with standing water or crops flatted […] Read more

Many canola fields have seen heavy rainfall in recent weeks. Some are starting to show signs of water damage in the form of yellow to brown discoloration. Under extreme water pressure, canola plants will bolt and attempt to flower. There are also reports of purpling of leaf margins and stems. This could be a symptom […] Read more

Tan spot is being reported on winter and spring wheat fields in southern Manitoba. Highest levels have been seen in wheat on wheat rotations, with infestation mostly on lower leaves. A long wet period is needed before tan spot or septoria will spread to upper leaves. Monitor fields before the flag leaf stage. A fungicide […] Read more