Insights and Stories on Crop Pests

Jun. 12, 2018 at 2:23 pm CDT

There are a lot of insects out there, but damage-causing pests are actually in the minority. Even a few “bad” bugs can be beneficial. 
“Crops can tolerate a certain level,” said Keith Gabert, agronomy specialist, for the Canola Council of Canada. “And even in some cases, it can benefit from a little bit of insect feeding.”


By Melanie Epp

Jun. 1, 2018 at 3:49 pm CDT

By Melanie Epp

Mar. 9, 2018 at 12:48 pm CST

As with most pests, wheat stem sawfly populations rise and fall, depending on weather and the presence of natural predators. Economic losses arise when wheat stem sawfly larvae feed inside the stem. While some of those losses are due to decreased seed weight, much of it occurs when the stems are cut and the plant falls to the ground, making harvest virtually impossible.

By Melanie Epp

Jul. 27, 2017 at 5:41 pm CDT

Soybean aphids are being found in some soybean fields near Portage la Prairie and some fields have been sprayed, while others are being monitored, Red Beard Farms aerial applicator Chris McCallister said in an interview July 27. The threshold for applying an insecticide to control soybean aphids is 250 and […]

By Allan Dawson