I’m seeing a lot of pics on Twitter of recent WBC moth catches in traps, which I think is great. The more people that are trapping, the more data we have to work with to determine when peak flight takes place and when scouting is required. But trap counts do not indicate if a spray […]
Despite the wet weather, potato leafhoppers (PLH) are thriving in many areas of the province. Hopperburn is evident in the second crop of alfalfa, though dry bean fields are also at risk, especially once insecticide seed treatments are no longer present in the plants. Unfortunately, once hopperburn is noticed, yield and quality has already been […]
It has been a few years since soybean aphids have been noticed in fields this early in the season. This is in part, because many fields were treated with insecticide seed treatments and were assumed to be protecting the crop early in the season. However, very recently published research across several US states has shown […]
True armyworm have been found in a few fields this weekend. Cereals, corn (especially, though not exclusive those fields planted into rye) and mixed forages are at risk and should be scouted every three or four days over the next three weeks. True armyworm identification was covered in a previous blog this spring (here). Scouting […]
With delayed planting, slower crop emergence and frequent rain events, early season pests get a longer period of time to feed on the seed and seedlings. There are a number of pests causing problems right now. Seedcorn maggots are causing injury in both corn and soybean fields. Although higher risk fields include those that have […]
Some field scouts are finding alfalfa weevil above threshold in Niagara and Haldimand counties, though there are likely more fields in other counties at levels of concern. Alfalfa weevil activity usually coincides with first cut but in some years when the crop is slower to develop, the weevil damage gets ahead, causing significant damage before […]
Two more pests deserve our attention over the next month. Cereal leaf beetle (CLB) is starting to show up in some fields in Ontario. Levels are still low but both adults, eggs and/or larvae are being found by scouts at various locations during routine scouting trips. A few locations tend to experience a higher frequency […]
The storm fronts that pushed up from the southern states over the last month not only carried rain with them but also carried in black cutworm moths. Trap catches have been higher than normal this year in neighbouring states, indicating a higher risk this spring for Ontario. Once they arrive, the adult moths look for […]
Calling all WBC Trap Participants! The WBC Trap Network website is now up and running and ready for you to add your trap sites and join our trapping network. Anyone wishing to join must login and create a new user account at www.cornpest.ca. Click on the “Login” menu from the top left of the page […]
Soil temperatures are at 10 degrees C which means that wireworms and grubs are active near the soil surface. So it is also a great time to set up wireworm baits or dig for grubs. For the 2017 planting season, growers wanting to purchase and plant neonic treated corn and soybean seed require a pest […]
This is the last year of the four year on-farm study investigating early season insect pests and efficacy of neonicotinoid and/or diamide seed treatments in corn or soybeans. University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus are looking for participants again this year. The full trial protocol can be found here. Any growers planting neonic, diamide or both […]
Learn, participate and have your say The proposed Plant and Animal Health Strategy for Canada was drafted together by governments, industry and others who play a role in safeguarding plant and animal health. The strategy will protect plants and animals from new and emerging risks by focusing efforts more on prevention and increasing partner collaboration […]
The dry season is leaving the edible bean and soybean crops susceptible to two-spotted spider mites, especially now that wheat harvest is wrapping up. In some years, spider mites will also feed on corn leaves. Spider mite damage and management are very similar for soybeans and edible beans. Because of the dry conditions and likely […]
The 2016-2017 version of OMAFRA Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide, and can be downloaded here or by clicking on the the book cover thumbnail below. Publication 812 is the source of pest control information for field crops. The easy to read tables provide information and comments on insect and disease control products for the major field crops […]
An infosheet has been created that contains information on the swede midge life cycle, scouting for the pest in canola, and control options relevant to Ontario producers. Please click the link below to view the PDF. Swede Midge Infosheet Final 2016 […]