Pest Activity For Early August

There are a few pests to keep an eye on over the next few weeks. Western Bean Cutworm We likely reached peak moth flight either last week for most of the southern counties or this week for the rest of the province, except Northern Ontario, based on the Degree Day Prediction Model and trap counts […]

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Preventing and Extinguishing Hay Fires

Key Points: What Causes Fires? The process of forage heating up and then burning is typically called spontaneous combustion. Spontaneous combustion for hay usually occurs within the first two months of storage. Unusual growing conditions, such as an early harvest window or immature crop, can complicate the drying process and increase the risk of fire. […]

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Potato Leafhopper In Alfalfa

This article was originally written by Joel Bagg in 2012. It was edited June 27, 2023 by Christine O’Reilly to reflect current insecticide options to control potato leafhopper and the cessation of third-party alfalfa variety trials in Ontario. Potato leafhopper (PLH) is the most damaging alfalfa insect pest in Ontario in most years. While the […]

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Managing Winter Wheat Quality

Co-authored with Albert Tenuta, Pathologist, Field Crops and Peter Johnson, Agronomist, RealAgriculture Fusarium Head Blight Management Managing Fusarium head blight (FHB), also known as scab, in wheat is crucial to prevent yield loss, reduce mycotoxin contamination and maximize grain quality. Identification Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) symptoms are noticeable soon after flowering. Diseased spikelets (glumes and […]

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Is your winter canola ready to be harvested?

Winter canola harvest will be happening soon in the southern counties of Ontario. Some producers and the researchers at AAFC Harrow have already applied a pre-harvest herbicide last week. Here are some resources on staging the crop for harvest. Resources from Canola Council of Canada and Kansas State U have been used to develop this […]

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Anticipated Soil Nitrogen Supply for 2024’s Corn Crop

Field corn at 3 leaf stage, growing despite wet conditions.

Summary: Background: Throughout the growing season, microbes within the soil break down organic nitrogen contained in soil organic matter and crop residues and release it as plant-available ammonium.  This process is known as nitrogen mineralization. Nitrogen mineralization is favoured by warm soil temperatures with adequate soil moisture and aeration.  Excess moisture can slow mineralization or […]

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