It’s bigger and it’s hairier than Swede midge, but there’s a lot more to be learned about a new species of midge recently identified in Saskatchewan and Alberta canola fields. Researchers know the midge can damage canola flowers, but more study is planned to determine whether that damage is economically significant and whether the insect […] Read more
Tag Archives insects
Producers improve ’hopper forecast
It is hard to find producers concerned about grasshoppers this season. The conditions for the pests have not been ideal and where populations are significant, there is more than enough plant material to share with farmers. Being able predict pest populations and potential costs to growers across the Prairies is based on studies carried out […] Read more
Online network helps farmers get jump on pests
Farmers who subscribe to the Prairie Pest Monitoring Network (PPMN) can get year-long information on what is predicted for their fields. The online prairie-wide monitoring system forecasts insect threats, monitors insect populations and offers advice on the best way to scout for pests and keep them under control. Owen Olfert is a research scientist with […] Read more
It’s a slow year for crop pests … unless you live in Foremost
Alberta’s annual insect forecasts show few worrisome areas, with one notable exception
Alberta farmers may have fewer issues with cabbage seedpod weevil this year, except for those near Foremost. Grasshopper forecasts also indicate limited threat, except for those near Foremost. And as for wheat stem sawfly? Yes, Foremost could see greater numbers. The County of Forty Mile in southeastern Alberta has potential to be the insect hot […] Read more
Been there, dung that
What if ranchers could find a way to increase grazing, recycle nitrogen, reduce the number of pest flies, increase forage yield, improve soil water retention and ground aeration, lower animal disease rates and beautify landscapes? What would such combined services be worth? Regardless of the number, the dung beetle does it all and does it […] Read more
Is it going to storm? Check for flying beetles
It’s a lot of work for one insect species, but the dung beetle aphodius distinctus is thought by some to be a weather forecaster as well as a manure handler. H.L. Seamans of the Dominion Entomological Laboratory in Lethbridge studied flights of the dung beetle in the early 1920s. In a 1934 paper published in […] Read more
Bugs don’t get recognition they deserve
Hector Carcamo once kept a carabid beetle as a pet. Ground beetles and spiders are among the Agriculture Canada entomologist’s favourite insects as many of them do battle against pests that damage crops. Those battles aren’t pretty. Beneficial insects bore holes into the eggs or bodies of insects and lie in wait to attack or […] Read more
Wheat midge poses big risk for eastern Sask.
Increased moisture to blame | Cabbage seed pod weevil in canola is also expected to cause major problems this year
Wheat growers in eastern Saskatchewan will likely face significant wheat midge infestation this year, according to the provincial forecast. Surveys done last fall found that the regions of greatest risk will be the black and dark brown soil zones in east-central and southeastern areas. Wheat midge is commonly a problem in these regions but is […] Read more
Watch out for wireworms
A handful of rolled oats, a bit of water and a dollop of honey makes bait that is irresistible to wireworms. Not that anyone wants to attract them, but it is useful for farmers to know whether wireworms are a factor in their fields. A bait ball can help them find out. The pests, which […] Read more
Tiny insects, big problems
Fleas: 1 Control: 0 | Flea beetles developed a tolerance to the latest pesticides in just seven years. How did that happen and what does it mean for crops?
Pest management experts have determined that neonicotinoid seed treatments are becoming less effective against flea beetles. As a result, new chemistries and approaches will soon be needed to control flea beetles in Western Canada, said Bob Elliott, an Agriculture Canada entomologist. “We have certainly seen weaknesses in our current registered products,” said Elliott from his […] Read more
