Posted: March 1, 2010

The upcoming year promises to be a low risk one for many of the key crop pest concerns, according to new insect forecast maps just released for Alberta.

"Weather is always the driving factor for insect populations; however it is anticipated that Alberta will experience low numbers of many of the usual insect pests in 2010," says Scott Mears, insect management specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, in the departments latest Agri-News newsletter.

The forecast maps can be viewed and downloaded from the Ropin' the Web website.

Among the information for key pests:

Cabbage seedpod weevil – Slightly enhanced populations may be seen in the traditional range and locations.
Wheat midge – Much lower populations than in previous years.
Pea leaf weevil – Higher populations anticipated.
Grasshoppers – A few extreme hotspots in the Peace and Northwest Alberta and a few areas of potential problems in the Special Areas and Taber area.
Wheat stem sawfly – Still pockets of concern but trend over last four to five years have been a return to traditional levels.
Bertha army worm – Very low numbers expected this year.

Posted: March 1, 2010

Canadian spring wheat growers have a new option to control both grassy and broadleaf weeds in one pass.

Arysta Lifescience has launched Everest GBX, the company announced in a release. This spin-off of Everest herbicides provides both Group 2 and Group 4 activity in one product.

"The advantage of Everest GBX is its ability to be customized, based on individual wee spectrum and pressure," says Craig Brekkas, marketing and key account manager in Western Canada for Arysta. "Rates are flexible and can be changed based on your weed concerns providing a wide weed spectrum and economy at the same time"

View the complete release information on the Arysta Lifescience website.