Grasshoppers, pea aphids greatest concern over past week: Crop Pest Update

Insects: Grasshoppers and pea aphids in peas were the insects of greatest concern from the past week. High levels of armyworms were found in a wheat field in the Eastern region. There were some additional findings of soybeans aphids near Carman, but still just at low levels. Bertha armyworm larvae have been found feeding on canola and lambsquarters in the Central region, but so far just at low and not economic levels.

Diseases: Our annual disease surveys began this week with visits to winter wheat fields. These are at about the ideal stage for evaluation of Fusarium Head Blight, that is 10 days to two weeks following the completion of flowering. Trace amounts of FHB were evident 2 of 3 fields that had fungicide applied. One field which had not been sprayed had a Fusarium index of 2%. In the only field with no FHB, another disease - Take-all - was causing white heads on all tillers of scattered plants. Reports from agronomists and my surveying in the southwest region indicate that fungicide spraying in spring crops is in full swing. Later-seeded crops where stands have the potential for good yields are candidates for applications in the coming weeks.

Weeds: Herbicide applications have wrapped up for the season with generally good results. Frequent rains have led to new weed growth, but many weeds are heading now, making them easier to identify! Provincial weed survey starts this week.