Flea Beetles, Cutworms Main Insect Concerns Right Now

 

Flea beetles are a concern in many Manitoba canola fields.

 

Provincial Entomologist John Gavloski says foliar insecticide applications are underway in many areas.

 

Some farmers have also had to reseed canola fields due to the high numbers of flea beetles.

 

"It's almost a chronic thing to have, at least potentially damaging levels," said Gavloski. "There's just such an abundance of food for them across the Prairies that their levels have been built up."

 

He adds most seed treatments only last about three weeks, so if it's been longer than that, now is the time to scout.

 

As a guideline, when about 25% of the surface area of the cotyledons and true leaves have been damaged, and flea beetles are present, an insecticide would likely be economical. Once the third and fourth true leaves are expanded, the canola will likely be able to compensate for any remaining flea beetle feeding. Flea beetles feed most actively on canola when the weather is sunny, warm, and dry. Cool, damp weather reduces the intensity of feeding and aids plant growth.

 

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.