Crop Management
Biological partners | Inoculants co-operate with natural soil microflora instead of competing for supremacy
Two new liquid rhizobial inoculants, the first of their kind to be registered in Canada, are available for soybeans, peas and lentils. Developed by the Winnipeg bioresearch company XiteBio Technologies, these inoculants differ from conventional products in the way they form co-operative, synergetic partnerships with background rhizobia that have inhabited the soil for millions of […] Read more
Crop Management
Trials show early spraying boosts canola yields
Early weed control in canola results in yield advantages at no extra cost to producers. Canola Council of Canada agronomist Kristen Phillips said canola typically emerges within seven to 10 days and gains a leaf every five to seven days. “Spraying before that two-to-three-leaf stage gives you the biggest yield benefit,” she said. “Once you […] Read more
Weed of the Week: wild oats
Many of the top weed pests in Western Canada are showing resistance to herbicides, according to research led by Agriculture Canada. Hugh Beckie at Ag Canada’s Saskatoon Research Centre classifies wild oats as one of the 10 worst annual weeds in the temperate agricultural regions of the world. Research indicates that more than 10 million […] Read more
Website offers pest info, maps
A Prairie-wide initiative will once again offer guidance to farmers about the spread of insect pests. The first update from the Insect Pest Monitoring Network was published online at the start of June. Weekly updates will follow. With the support of industry, producer and government groups, the organization provides risk warnings for pests like flea […] Read more
Manitoba bugs bugged by cold, late spring
Manitoba farmers are cautiously optimistic that the bad spring weather might reduce input costs if they can skip one or two insecticide applications. But it’s still too early to make that determination, according to Manitoba Agriculture entomologist John Gavloski. Cold weather and frozen ground prevented seeding in April. Nearly all the seeding was completed before […] Read more
Trials show early spraying boosts canola yields
Two-to-three leaf stage ideal | Spraying glyphosate on Roundup Ready varieties after the six-leaf stage can reduce yields
Early weed control in canola results in yield advantages at no extra cost to producers. Canola Council of Canada agronomist Kristen Phillips said canola typically emerges within seven to 10 days and gains a leaf every five to seven days. “Spraying before that two-to-three-leaf stage gives you the biggest yield benefit,” she said. “Once you […] Read moreManitoba crop sees good emergence
Seeding progress in Manitoba is estimated to be 94 percent complete, according to Manitoba Agriculture’s weekly crop report issued Monday. Seeding in some areas in the southwest and central regions is not as advanced. However, progress was made over the past week and favourable weather conditions will allow producers to continue seeding. Stand establishment is […] Read more
Eyes in the skies better than feet in the field
The science of crop scouting is reaching new heights, with remote control helicopters flying at altitudes from 10 feet to 100 feet. Although battery powered RC fixed wing planes are gradually gaining acceptance by crop consultants, these aircraft require speed to stay in the air. They can’t slow down or stop and hover to focus […] Read more
Timing critical when deciding when to spray for flea beetles
Spending a toonie to prevent a loonie’s worth of damage doesn’t make sense. The same principle applies when deciding whether to spray flea beetles in young canola crops. The visual signs of leaf decimation can be enough to make even the most seasoned veteran canola grower call in the sprayer. Conventional wisdom says to start […] Read more
Weed of the Week: wild buckwheat
Wild buckwheat, or polygonum convolvulus becomes a problem when later season rain interferes with post emergent spraying or arrives after spraying. In those years, the weed can make seed and interfere with crops and harvestability. Its wiry stems rise up through the crop seeking sunlight. Unless treated with glyphosate or another preharvest herbicide, it can […] Read more
