Insect Infestations/Aster Leaf Hoppers

[charliep]

Just wondering what everyone is seeing in terms of insect infestations/challenges. This warm dry are likely perfect conditions for insects. I had a friend send a me a picture of what he thought was a aster leaf hopper. Not the bug guy (all look the same to me) so I forwarded to Scott Meers but I thought I would ask here.

For those not already aware, Scott does on Call of the Land.

[URL="http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/newslett.nsf/all/cotl23809"]Call of the Land[/URL]

[TraderJoe]

I talked to a guy yesterday that said cutworms took out 400ac of his Oats!! I really had never heard of them affecting oat crops like that... anyone??

[TraderJoe]

I talked to a guy yesterday that said cutworms took out 400ac of his Oats!! I really had never heard of them affecting oat crops like that... anyone??

[freewheat]

Lost two cucumbers to cutworms. But seriously, not much pressure here yet at least. Never saw a lick of flea beetle pressure, but a four year rotation helps with that, IMO.

Bottom line is to keep vigilant as the crop moves thru its stages.

I have heard of some nasty infestations of cutworms in canola.

[Braveheart]

Cutworms are reported to be serious around Notre Dame, Somerset, Manitou area.

In our area, so far just hordes of flea beetles. A lot of them are the yellow striped mothers. We've also observed the yellow ones mating with crucifers. Not the kind of porn I'm into.

[boarderbloke]

Brave, if they're inter breeding like that, by next year ALL flea beetles will be resistant to the seed coat treatment.

[bucket]

I thought these new seed treatments were like via grain for flee beetles.

[bucket]

Viagra. Is what I meant to say.

[Braveheart]

Boarderbloke, yes, that's the big concern with these critters. If the seed companies put more emphasis on developing hairy canola they'd be on a better track. Because they haven't, they've put the future of a lot of canola acres at risk. Not as much from flea beetles, but, from farmers switching to soybeans.

[rook]

Yes, hairy canola would be great and it should have been commercialized by now. But how would they sell us insecticides then?