New study finds increase in crop protection R&D
Mar. 3, 2010 -A new study by CropLife America has determined that investments in research and development in the past decade have increased nearly 40 percent, particularly those in the development and registration of new pest and disease prevention products in the US and Europe. READ MORE
Clubroot management plans implemented
Clubroot researchers are throwing a huge effort into understanding the
disease, and while new clubroot-resistant canola varieties from Pioneer
Hi-Bred give producers an option, canola growers are encouraged to
understand the Clubroot Management Plans that have been implemented by
the Saskatchewan and Alberta agricultural departments.
Wheat midge-tolerant varieties depend on refuge for longevity
The development of wheat midge-tolerant varieties took more than 15
years and a significant financial investment, but it could be all gone
in as little as 10 years after widespread commercial production without
proper stewardship of the varieties. That is because the resistance is
based on a single gene, which could be rapidly overcome by naturally
occurring resistant midge insects.
New formulation helps pulse growers in Western Canada
Feb. 15, 2010 -Recent registration of the seed care treatment, Cruiser Maxx Pulses, means Western Canadian pulse growers now have access to the formulation for all pulse crops, for protection against a host of diseases and insect pests.
Western bean cutworm continues to spread
Western bean cutworm continues to expand its range throughout the
eastern Great Lakes region and has now been found as far northeast as
south-central Quebec. This is a concern for corn and dry bean growers
because larval feeding can cause serious damage in these crops.
Although economic damage has not yet occurred in Ontario, growers are
wondering what to expect in 2010 and beyond.
Potatoes in PEI rotting in storage
Jan. 11, 2010 -Some potato growers on Prince Edward Island are losing large portions of their potato crop to rot in storage, following a wet October, yet the province's agriculture minister George Webster told CBC News last week that he does not consider it serious enough to warrant government compensation. READ MORE
New soybean pest begins moving north
Jan. 4, 2010 -The red-banded stink bug has been found in Missouri, and joins the list of soybean aphids and Asian soybean rust as prominent threats to US production. Researchers will continue to monitor its northward progress towards the Midwest in the coming growing season. READ MORE
Biopesticides beyond organics
Dec. 16, 2009 – The long-held perception that biopesticides are only for organics is being challenged by one biopesticide developer, who notes the sector is the fastest-growing segment of the agchem industry.
University scientists find weapon to fight fungal poison
Dec. 7, 2009 – University of Guelph researchers have found a potential weapon against deoxynivalelnol (DON), the toxin produced by the fusarium fungus which infects cereal crops, and cost farmers in North America billions of dollars in separate outbreaks during the 1990s.
