Top Crop Manager

Features Agronomy Insect Pests
Flea beetle and cutworm sightings increase in Manitoba

Flea beetles and cutworms continue to be the main insect concerns, according to John Gavloski in the latest Manitoba Insect and Disease Update. 

Foliar insecticide applications are occurring in many canola fields and some second insecticide applications to control flea bettles. There are also more reports of reseeding of canola because of feeding by flea beetles, particularly in the Southwest and Central regions.

There are also reports of insecticide use for cutworm in oats, wheat, canola, corn, sunflower and dry beans. Now is the time for cutworm feeding to intesify as cutworms get larger and their feeding more noticeable. Some of the heaviest feeding seems to be in the Central region and southwest Manitoba. 

The update also warns of early season infection of blackleg in canola, especially if the crop endured damage from hail, wind, frost or insect feeding. The question for growers is whether or not to use fungicide at the herbicide timing to protect their crop from blackleg infection. The update cites studies that show early fungicide application can reduce disease and increase yield. However, the growing conditions present in the studies are specific and there are other factors to consider. | READ MORE

June 8, 2018  By John Gavloski Manitoba Agriculture


Advertisement

Stories continue below