Moist Soils Brings Forth Different Kinds of Pests

Gaps in the stand are starting to show this week.  Aside from the typical culprits, moist soils can promote the less often accused. Millipedes are typically a beneficial arthropod that breaks down crop debris and decaying plant material.  However, in the last few years, we’ve been seeing more direct feeding by them.  What is happening?  […]

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Pest Alerts for this Week

It was a busy weekend for pest activity. Flea beetles in canola continue to be a problem in some areas of the province, particularly Owen Sound, New Liskeard and Meaford.   This hot weather is ideal for them to get ahead of the crop.  Scout frequently to determine if thresholds have been reached. The Ontario […]

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WBC Trap Supply Pick Up Days Next Week

Attention WBC Trap Participants – Pick up your trap supplies next week Supply pick up dates have been set for next week.   Those who have contacted us and agreed to monitor WBC traps this year can pick up their supplies at the following locations. Please bring a cooler with you or plan to go home […]

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Cereal Leaf Beetle Activity in Clinton Area

Leanne Freitag (of Cargill) informed me this afternoon of some cereal leaf beetle activity in the Clinton area.  Adults and eggs were easily found recently and larvae are expected to be feeding soon.  Given that the wheat is already near or in the boot stage, it is very important to protect the flag leaf from […]

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Cereal Leaf Beetle Activity in Ohio

Ohio colleagues report finding cereal leaf beetle adults and eggs in wheat at various locations there.  Ontario usually sees a few hot spots with CLB infestations around the same time that Ohio does so be on the look out. Best way or worst way to scout, depending on who does your laundry at home, is […]

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Expect Early Activity

What a spring so far.  Things are happening fast.  Given the warm start to the season, we should expect an early start for many of our early season insect pests too.  Consider scouting at least 2 weeks earlier than norm.  Alfalfa weevils should be active shortly if they are not already (anyone find any yet?).  […]

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Fun with Insects and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Hi Everyone.  I realize that I haven’t been blogging lately but I didn’t want to bog you down with frivolous things during busy times.  That said, I did want to take the time to wish you all a wonderful and safe Holiday.   And I wish you nothing but the best for 2010.  If you have […]

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More Western Bean Cutworm Damage Sightings to Add to the List

More reports of WBC damage are coming in.  Here is an updated list of sites with damage and or larvae found in Ontario: Chatham- Kent (Dover Centre, Bothwell) Lambton (Petrolia) Middlesex (Wardsville, Appin, Glencoe) Elgin (Rodney) Huron (Blyth, Clinton, Exeter, Dashwood, Holmesville, Belgrave) Bruce (Walkerton, Kincardine) Simcoe (Alliston, Barrie, Stayner) Durham (Kinsale, Lindsay, Brooklin) Victoria […]

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More Western Bean Cutworm Damage Being Found

  We visited the Newbury WBC site last week and it was concerning to see so many plants infested with WBC larvae.  There were no external entry holes from the outside of the ear which could fool those who think the ears are clean.  Pay extra attention to those ears that are slightly opened at the ear tip (husk […]

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