University of Manitoba entomologist Tharshi Nagalingam breaks down the flea beetle threat at CanoLAB March 15, including what she says is a shift to more striped flea beetles in the province.

CanoLAB speaker: It’s time to check your flea beetle species

Striped flea beetles haven’t seen the dramatic rise here as they have in Alberta, but one of the CanoLAB speakers in Dauphin says the insects are still more common than they were decades ago

There’s a new flea beetle in town, at least according to some datasets. University of Manitoba entomologist Tharshi Nagalingam says striped flea beetles are on the rise in the province, something that may impact farmer choices on early management. “It affects them a lot because striped flea beetles are less susceptible for seed treatments… we

A lygus bug prepares to wreak havoc on a canola plant.

Be on the watch for insect-issue bleed over

Manitoba Agriculture’s 2017 insect summary may give 
producers an idea of what to scout for, as well as any rotation changes to avoid pest woes next season

Last year’s pest problems may give an idea of what to be on watch for next season. The insect summary for 2017 is in, and Manitoba Agriculture entomologist John Gavloski says the report may give producers valuable insight when planning scouting and, in some cases, rotations. Aphids unknown Not all insects carry over in the


Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus on spring wheat.

Wheat streak mosaic virus found in spring wheat, fusarium maps available

Manitoba Insect & Disease Update for June 7

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus has been detected in the Wawanesa area (read more below) and Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) Risk Maps area also now available. Flea beetles in canola, and cutworms continue to be the main insects of concern. A hatch of the potential pest species of grasshoppers has started, but so far levels are quite low. Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus There was a

It was an early frost last week — likely too early to cause frost damage like this, since most of the canola was still in the ground when it hit.

Minimal frost damage on canola after mercury dips

Canola-growing regions in Manitoba will largely recover from any damage suffered 
during a mid-May period of frost, agronomists say

The third week of May was a frosty one, but so far it seems the canola crop is largely fine. Producers are reporting minimal damage after temperatures dropped below freezing across the province for several successive nights. “Certainly, at this point it’s not a big concern,” David Van Deynze, MASC vice-president of insurance operations, said.


flea beetles

Insect numbers low, flea beetles requiring some control in canola

Manitoba Insect & Disease Update for May 31

Insect pest concerns are currently low overall. There have been some insecticide applications for cutworms on corn and soybeans in the Central Region, and on peas and lentils in the Northwest. Some species of cutworms, such as dingy cutworm, have started to turn to pupae in some field. Cutworm staging can be quite variable depending on the dominant species

While forest tent caterpillars are high in number this year, they are not a direct a threat to most crops.

Cutworms growing larger, stripe rust detected

Manitoba Insect & Disease summary for June 8

Insects Cutworms are getting larger and have been an issue in some fields. The highest level of damage appears to be in the Northwest, where there has been some reseeding because of cutworm feeding. Flea beetle feeding continues, although foliar use of insecticides for flea beetle management has not been widespread. In many fields plants are now getting to stages more tolerant to feeding by flea beetles. Plant Pathogens Stripe rust has been detected


Canola under pressure from cutworms, flea beetles

Manitoba Insect & Disease Update summary for June 1

Insects Cutworms and flea beetles on canola continue to be the insects of greatest concern. The cool, damp weather from the last few days would have slowed cutworm feeding, and the soil moisture, where not excessive, may help the plants compensate for feeding. Cutworm levels are quite variable, hard to find in some fields, more

Cutworms, flea beetles a concern for canola growers

Cutworms, flea beetles a concern for canola growers

Manitoba Insect & Disease Update for May 25

Insects Cutworms and flea beetles on canola are the insects of greatest concern currently. Seed treatments should still be effective against flea beetles in most canola fields, although scouting for feeding damage is encouraged, especially in the earlier seeded fields where seed treatments may soon start losing effectiveness. Cutworm levels are quite variable, hard to



Thirsty Alta. crops could use a drink, analyst says

CNS Canada — Alberta’s dry weather and cooler nights have hit some crops in the province hard, but one specialist says he isn’t worried yet. Neil Whatley, a crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry in Stettler, said only some parts of the province have seen rain. “There’s no general rain, just showers. Where there’s