Cereals:  Much of the winter wheat is now in the first node stage, with very little disease present. the majority of the crop insurance claims for Western Ontario were in north Huron and Bruce county area and were often related to  water damage. There have been a few reports of chafer damage and winter kill in Simcoe County area.  Chickweed is in full flower and it is now late for achieving good control.

Corn:  Supply of some varieties particularly early maturity hybrids may be tight.

Bees Death Reports:  Subsequent to the meeting,  three instances of bee deaths have been reported.  An excellent resource of information can be found at www.beehealth.ca.  Syngenta has produced an excellent slide deck on best management practices that is located as a link on right hand side of website.   If there are any incidences of affected bee hives this year please contact

Linda McIntosh Regional Manager Pesticide Compliance Program – Health Canada 255 Woodlawn Rd W, Unit 109 Guelph ON, N1H 8J1 Phone: 519-826-2895

Other:

• The greatest number of alfalfa winter survival damage claims are in the Ottawa area.
• Agricorp has sent  growers an Authorization customer contact form for Agricorp to exchange and discuss program information with specific individuals including any family member not already associated with that Agricorp Id.
• In replant situations where the grower is changing crops, that crop needs have been designated in election form or have been previously grown to qualify for insurance on the crop being planted.
• some early maturity varieties of soybeans are in tight supply due to low germination.

Crop Insurance deadlines:

• June 15: Last day to report unseeded acreage
• June 30: Spring seeded final acreage reports due.
• July 10: Premiums

Resources

• Weed Pro website– www.weedpro75.com or smart phone version m.weedpro75.com
• Weed Info website – www.weedinfo.ca or smart phone version m.weedinfo.ca
• CropLine – 1-888-449-0937
• CropPest Website –http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/field/news/news_croppest.html

Palmerston OMAF & MRA Contacts

Brian Hall, Stratford, email: brian.hall@ontario.ca. Phone: 519-271-0083
Ian McDonald, Guelph, email: ian.mcdonald@ontario.ca. Phone: 519-824-4120 ext 5-6707

Next Meeting

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 7:30 am
Agricoach [Felix Weber], Palmerston
# 5929 Road 178, 1^st road west of Palmerston on highway # 23

Thanks to Brad Garlough, Syngenta for providing refreshments for this week’s meeting.

Cereals: Western Ontario wheat is in good condition. Late planted wheat is living off the seminal root system and tillering would be encouraged from immediate nitrogen applications.  Some very late plantings are just starting to emerge. Eastern Ontario wheat has more challenges.  Less than 10% of nitrogen has been applied to date.  Some growers who planned on split N application are switching back to one application; others are waiting until end of April before deciding. In situations where target is 150 lb N/ac on hard red, overall rate can be reduced with split application or by using  blended N types to achieve some extended availability.  Trials show that a 50% blend with ESN will increase protein by 0.4% on average. There is no evidence that demonstrates that nitrogen rate can be reduced by split application.  The amount of loss(if any) following the initial application will determine the rate required for the second application to achieve the overall target N rate.   A few are also experimenting with 40:60 % split in nitrogen.  Split N needs to be economic but it allows opportunity to evaluate the wheat stand and adjust the second application based on yield potential. C & M seeds and OMAF are each conducting trials with N and Sulphur strategies to help provide answers.  In theory the first application of N fertilizer is utilized by plants for growth and second N application is used by wheat during reproductive stage in seed protein production. In practice, total N rate is the most important factor in both yield and protein: if there is not enough total N, increased protein will not be achieved.

Discussion on value of ammonium thiosulphate as nitrification inhibitor to reduce potential N loss. ATS has nitrification and urease inhibiting properties . It is not as effective generally as the nitrification inhibitors – nitrapyrin or DCD, or the urease inhibitor – NBPT  Conclusion-Ammonium thiosulfate is a limited use nitrification and urease inhibitor due to the rate of mineralization of the fertilizer. It may be of some value if used at the correct rate, but other products(eg. Agrotain) appear to be more consistent in their activity (Bonnie Ball, OMAF & MRA).  Some thought on using ATS for second application to extend N supply through reproductive stage for protein development, but if sulphur is required this timing is too late and yield will be impacted.

Spring wheat acreage is expected to slip by 15-25%.  Very little spring cereals planted. In spring wheat, increased attention to seeding depth to achieve quick, uniform emergence and use of a fungicide has improved management of fusarium.   Incidence of fusarium in spring wheat in New Liskeard area appears to have followed increased acres of corn. Differences in fusarium tolerance between spring wheat varieties is small; eg Norwell – is rated moderately susceptible, Wilkin is moderate, several others are rated moderately resistant. Agricorp reports receiving mixed messages on risks of planting wheat following corn silage.  Wheat following corn silage has highest risk of fusarium, and if a grower decides to plant they must use moderately resistant variety and a fungicide to be eligible for production insurance.  In these situations, Agricorp may adjust a claim based on general fusarium levels in the surrounding area.  There appears to be more interest in winter cereals because of the benefits in the rotation.

Wheat Marketing:  Growers are fustrated with consistently achieving protein in hard red wheat. Protein premium can change during harvest depending on overall market supply and quality of crop.   Individual millers may offer different pricing methods for protein. Falling number is a concern for growers and milling industry has expressed concerns about Ontario’s quality reputation.  Falling numbers can be managed by harvest timing. When it rains just before harvest, wheat kernals can swell or start to germinate in the the head.  After wetting kernels swell and develop microscopic “ridges” in the pericarp during drying cycles, resulting in reduced test weight. In addition initiation of sprouting increases the alpha amylase enzyme that breaks down starch which affects baking quality.  Falling number is used to measure alpha amylase activity. Harvesting wheat during the first drying cycle, even at higher moisture contents (18%) is preferred to reduce risk. Despite drying costs, harvesting at higher moisture and drying often makes the most $ents.

Corn: Some planting may start around Ayr area (April 23rd). Supply of some varieties particularly early maturity hybrids may be tight.  Concern about early seed stress and risk of needing to replant given tight supply on some hybrids/maturities.

Bees and Neonicitinoids(Exeter Ag Breakfast) :    More information can be found at www.beehealth.ca  A number of growers are considering planter deflector technology but large equipment manufacturers are not interested in pursuing deflectors.  There are smaller companies perusing this technology.  There are some deflectors being used in Quebec. Last spring was a unique set of environmental circumstances that exacerbated the situation.  One message that needs to get out to growers is that excess talc should not be used in vacuum planters.  This adds to the amount of spent dust entering the air.  These seed treatments are designed to remain on the seed and put in the ground.  New lubricant technology may significantly reduce the problem.  If there are any incidences of affected bee hives this year please contact

Linda McIntosh Regional Manager Pesticide Compliance Program – Health Canada 255 Woodlawn Rd W, Unit 109 Guelph ON, N1H 8J1 Phone: 519-826-2895

Other:

• Some alfalfa fields cut late last year are questionable
• OMAF Field Crop Unit placing increased emphasis on two themes
  • WANTED: 30% residue cover all the time, dead or alive. 30% residue cover has been demonstrated to significantly reduce soil erosion
  • Phosphorus and Potash management.  Evidence that soil levels of both are decreasing in Ontario fields. At same time Nutrient loading of Phosphorus in Great Lakes & Lake Simcoe are increasing and contributing to algae blooms is reinforcing the need to manage P and reduce soil erosion. A meeting with Conservation authorities serving Lake Huron/Erie watersheds reinforced need to work jointly on conservation efforts. Conservation staff report loss of woodlots, increased tillage, loss of buffer strips & grass waterways as some of the contributing factors.
• Variety Registration office and Minister Ritz are requesting comments on modernizing current system to reduce barriers to market access of new varieties, increase competitiveness and innovation  and reduce regulatory hurdles. Submissions need to be received by May 23rd.
• Long term rotation studies: Growers are showing increased interest in maintaining good rotations. Few long term rotation studies exist. Concern was expressed about value of these trials and potential loss of these. University of Guelph has one long term study ongoing that is yielding valuable information.

Crop Insurance deadlines:

• May 1: New applications and coverage changes
• June 15: Last day to report unseeded acreage
• June 30: Spring seeded final acreage reports due.
• July 10: Premiums

Resources

• Weed Pro website– www.weedpro75.com or smart phone version m.weedpro75.com
• Weed Info website – www.weedinfo.ca or smart phone version m.weedinfo.ca
• CropLine – 1-888-449-0937
• CropPest Website –http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/field/news/news_croppest.html

 Palmerston OMAF & MRA Contacts

Brian Hall, Stratford, email: brian.hall@ontario.ca. Phone: 519-271-0083
Ian McDonald, Guelph, email: ian.mcdonald@ontario.ca. Phone: 519-824-4120 ext 5-6707

Next Meeting

Tuesday, May 7th, 2013, 7:30 am
Agricoach [Felix Weber], Palmerston
# 5929 Road 178, 1^st road west of Palmerston on highway # 23

Canola Insect/ Disease Watch – June 28, 2012

Brian Hall, OMAFRA, Stratford

 Diamond Back Moth now evident in Canola fields

Diamond back moth has occasional been an issue in Ontario canola, and is present in a number of fields that are in flowering and pod stage.  It will be important to watch fields because of the increased insect activity this season and wide variation in planting dates. Damage to canola is caused by larvae that feed on leaves, flower buds and pods.  Infestation is difficult to predict because the adult moths do not over winter inOntario, but arrive on storm fronts from theUSAin May-June. The diamond back normally takes about 32 days to develop from egg to adult, but this can vary between 21-52 days depending on weather. There can be more than one generation a year, but usually only one generation will cause a problem, because canola will be too mature for the next generation. The larvae can feed for 10-21 days. Initially the larvae mine into the leaf but shortly after emerge and feed on undersides of leaves causing shot holes. Later the larvae move to flower buds and pods where most of the damage occurs. On pods they strip green tissue, so pods are more prone to shattering and disease, and seed yield is reduced. Larvae are light green, and at end of their body have forked tail. They can be distinguished by the fact that they wiggle violently backwards when disturbed. On plants when they are disturbed they will hang by silk thread. Damage is usually first evident on ridges and knolls in the field.  Scouting involves removing plants from about a 1 foot square area, beating the plants on white cloth to dislodge the larvae and counting the number found. At the pod stage if 20-30 larvae per 1 square foot (approximately 2- 3 larvae per plant depending on plant density) are found, control is warranted. At flowering stage the threshold is 10-15 larvae per sq foot. There are several natural enemies and with bee activity in canola fields it is important to only spray if thresholds are reached. Matador/Silencer and Decis are registered for control.  

Tarnished Plant bugs

Tarnished plant bugs are another pest that could threaten the canola crop during pod fill. The pest can affect a number of crops, and we are finding higher numbers with the hot, dry weather of late. Plant bugs are attracted to canola during flowering and pod fill. Adult plant bugs feed during flowering and pod fill and cause damage by piercing the pod and feeding on individual seeds. This year we are catching more plant bugs, although no fields to date have been at threshold for spraying. The only practical way to scout for the pest is using a sweep net. Tarnished plant bugs have rarely been a problem in Ontario canola, but in some years in Western Canada has caused significant yield losses. The threshold for control is 2 bugs per sweep after pedal fall but prior to pod maturity.

Apply Fungicides Early to Beat Sclerotinia (White mould)

The hot, dry conditions recently and open canopies in many fields have not been favourable for sclerotinia to develop, but conditions can change quickly.

If a fungicide is going to be applied the most critical thing decision is to apply a fungicide early before sclerotinia gets established.  Fungicides only offer protectant activity. Correct timing is at 20 – 50% flower stage with optimum being 20 -30% flower. This is when there is near maximum number of flowers open and before pedal drop.

Predicting the occurrence of severe sclerotinia is difficult but good soil moisture leading up to flowering and showery weather coincides with inoculums production.  High risk conditions occur when several dry days follow that allow for spore release are followed by a day with light showers. Spores are spread easily by wind, and infected petals which drop and stick to wet stems and leaves are the food source for sclerotinia spores.  Petal stick is favoured by light rains and heavy dews, whereas heavy rains will wash pedals off.  Moderate temperatures (22⁰ C) and humidity in the canopy for 2-3 days in the canopy are important for the fungus to gain a foot hold.  A thin canopy or temperatures of over 28⁰ C reduce risk of infection.

It is important not to apply too early. The goal with a sclerotinia fungicide is to achieve maximum flower petal coverage. Petals are an essential part of the infection process, providing nutrients for sclerotinia spores to germinate.  The wide range in stages of the crop this year means it is important to assess each field on its own and for the weather at the time.  In some fields, there is considerable variation in canola plant stage, which will present challenge in timing fungicide application. Last year we had a lot of wet weather towards the end of flowering when early fungicide timings would have run out.

Keep water volumes up as good coverage is important to cover as many flower pedals as possible.

Identification of Flowering Stage of Canola

Pictorial Guide to flowering stage is available from Bayer CropScience or on line at Ontario Canola Growers website http://www.ontariocanolagrowers.ca/grower_info.html

 Canola is advancing rapidly with April planted canola now bolting to 70% flower stage. Some canola stands are thin and uneven in growth which has growers questioning need or timing for fungicide. The biggest risk factors for sclerotinia are adequate soil moisture, rainfall during flowering, 48-72 hours of wetness in canopy for infection to occur and a dense canopy. Cabbage seedpod weevil is at threshold (2-4 per sweep) in a number of early flowering canola fields.

Emerging Issues

Cabbage Seedpod Weevil (CSPW)

Cabbage seedpod weevil can be found in canola that has started to bolt to bud stage.  Weevil migration into canola begins at bud stage and peaks at early to mid flowering stage.

Scouting should focus on the adults (4mm long), since only the adults can be controlled. Scout on warm, sunny days when weevils are more active. Weevil adults are easiest to locate on the uppermost flower bud cluster.  The presence of Finches in the field is sign that weevils are also in the field.

It is important not to spray too soon, as the weevil will typically continue to invade fields for 7 – 10 days after the first flowers open. A sweep net is the only practical way to determine the need to spray.  If there are 2-4 weevils per sweep when the crop is in the early bloom stages (10 to 20% bloom stage, 2-4 days after flowering starts) control is necessary. Spraying at this time will allow the weevils enough time to move into the crop, while still early enough to prevent them from laying any significant number of eggs in pods. Weevils begin laying eggs in pods that are 3 cm (1.25”) long.  Matador & Silencer are the only insecticide registered for control. Decis is registered in the western Canadafor CSPW. Spray at dusk is best timing or dawn to minimize the risk of bee kills.  Notify local beekeepers in your area. Do not apply when bees are foraging. The larvae cost the greatest damage, consuming 3-5 seeds. Holes created in pods can also be source of fungal infection if conditions are wet

 Tarnished plant bugs will also flourish in hot, dry weather and can cause problems with canola crops. Sweep net swipes will also provide information for monitoring for tarnished plant bugs and control is also provided by Matador/Silencer or Decis. The threshold for control is 2 per sweep after pedal fall.

Swede Midge

Swede midge development is 2 weeks ahead of normal, and is of concern in canola fields that have not bolted.  Populations have increased this week as the second generation emerges. Heat and rain triggers Swede midge emergence. The adults are very tiny (1-2 mm) and can only be detected using Jackson traps. Swede midge adults lay eggs on growing point in canola, and developing larvae mine into the growing point causing malformed growth. In counties know to have the pest; canola that has not bolted is at the greatest risk. Research at University of Guelph showed that protecting the bud stage with Matador (or equivalent product) or Decis just prior to stem elongation has the best opportunity to protect plants long enough to allow them to bolt.  No products are registered in canola for Swede midge.

malformed growth caused by swede midge

swede midge damage

Apply Fungicides Early to Beat Sclerotinia (White mould)

The clear message is that growers need to apply fungicides early before sclerotinia gets established.  Fungicides only offer protectant activity and timing is at 20 – 50% flower stage with optimum being 20 -30% flower when there is near maximum number of flowers open and before pedal drop.

Predicting the occurrence of severe sclerotinia is difficult but good soil moisture leading up to flowering and showery weather coincides with inoculums production.

High risk conditions:

• Good soil moisture
• Rainfall at flowering creating high moisture conditions in canola canopy. Spores are spread easily long distances by wind Infected petals which drop and stick to wet stems and leaves are the food source for sclerotinia spores.  Petal stick is favoured by light rains and heavy dews, whereas heavy rains will wash pedals off.
• Moderate temperatures (22⁰ C) and humidity in the canopy for 2-3 days in the canopy are important for the fungus to gain a foot hold. Heavy overnight dews aid this.
• Dense canola canopy

A thin canopy or temperatures of over 28⁰ C reduce risk of infection. The wide range in stages of the crop this year means it is important to assess each field on its own and for the weather at the time.  In some fields, there is considerable variation in canola plant stage, which will present challenge in timing fungicide application and make control more difficult.

It is important not to apply too early. The goal with a sclerotinia fungicide is to achieve maximum flower petal coverage. Petals are an essential part of the infection process, providing nutrients for sclerotinia spores to germinate.  Last year we had a lot of wet weather towards the end of flowering when early fungicide timings would have run out. Fungicides provide 10 -14 days of protection.

Products Registered:   Include Proline (Bayer CropScience), Astound (Syngenta), Vertisan (DuPont), Quash (Nufarm), Serenade (UAP), Lance (BASF). Lance. Apply Proline only once per year.  A second application of Lance may be made 7-14 days later if weather conditions are favourable for sclerotinia.

Keep water volumes up as good coverage is important to cover as many flower pedals as possible.

Identification of Flowering Stage of Canola

Pictorial Guide to flowering stage is available from Bayer CropScience or on line at Ontario Canola Growers website http://www.ontariocanolagrowers.ca/grower_info.html

Examples of canola sensitivity to herbicide residues in the spray tank:

Canola sensitivity to mesotrione (Trade Name: Callisto) photo by: Mike Cowbrough

Canola injury from metribuzin (Trade Name: Sencor) Photo by: Mike Cowbrough

Crucifer Flea Beetle

Once canola starts to emerge, start scouting for flea beetles. Flea beetles are now very active and present in emerged canola.  Canola will emerge quickly with forecast temperatures in high teens for the next week. Flea beetle damage is most severe the first two weeks after canola  after canola seedling emergence. At the 3-4 leaf  stage the  plants can generally outgrow the feeding damage.

Striped Flea Beetle

Early Planted Canola may need early control.  Very early planted canola stands may be thin and have been stressed by cold temperatures/frost and slow emergence. Stressed canola stands will be less tolerant of added stress from flea beetle damage. In addition  seed treatments may no longer be providing protection.

Seed treatments provide 14 -21 days protection against low to moderate flea beetle pressure. Flea beetles must take a bite from the plant to die, so expect to see some feeding damage. However under heavy or sustained pressure, seed treatment may not provide adequate control. Flea beetle damage at threshold levels can occur before weed control timing depending on how quickly the crop develops.

Damage: appears as shot holes or pitting in leaves and stem feeding leading to reduced and weaker stands.

Scout field margins and early emerging weeds like stinkweed, wild mustard, pennycress and lambsquarter, where flea beetles usually appear first. When scouting, it is important to understand that flea beetles generally invade canola fields from the field edges. Under cool temperatures flea beetles stay close to soil surface, but become active and fly in search of food on warm sunny days. Under cool, cloudy weather look for damage on underside of leaves and stem below the cotyledon where flea beetles will be more active.

25 % Leaf feeding damage

Scout every 2-3 days in warm and sunny weather, because threshold levels can be quickly reached.

Control: 

Control is warranted when there is 25% of the surface leaf area damaged. Foliar products have  a short residual and may only give 3- 4 days of protection. Multiple applications may be necessary high infestations.  If damage exceeding threshold numbers are reached in only field margins, a foliar spray may only be required for that are. However under warm, calm weather, flea beetles take flight and may cause damage further into the field.

For information on control options, refer to Ontario Field Crop Protection Guide-Publication 812: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub812/6flea.htm

Related applied research articles:

1. Growing degree day modelling for spring canola

2 Days following heavy frost. Note new growth

 Canola seedlings can with stand a considerable frost (-5 to -8 ⁰ C) if plants have become acclimatized following a few days of cold temperatures.  However, canola seedlings growing under warm conditions will be tender, and can be killed by even a f few degrees frost. Ice crystals will form on the leaf surface before they form within cells causing damage.

Prior to taking any action, wait four to five days to assess any damage.

• Check the growing point for green colour at the centre of the leaf rosettes.  Although the cotyledons or other leaves may be black, re-growth can occur in 4-10 days depending on weather conditions.
• Assess stand survival prior to making application of any weed control product.  Allow a minimum of 1-2 days for plants to recover, before applying any product. If frost damage to canola plants is significant, wait at least 4-5 days to assess survival and for new growth to emerge. Plants that have new leaf area are better able to handle (metabolize) the herbicide, even if they are herbicide tolerant. Herbicide activity on weeds will be improved when application is made to weeds that have resumed growth.Libertyworks best when applied during the heat of the day.
• Check fields for flea beetle activity.    Action threshold is 25% leaf feeding damage.

For further information on assessing frost damaged canola, refer to Canola Council Factsheet:  Tips for Assessing spring frost damage to canola @ http://www.canola-council.org/canola_resources/product37.aspx