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?

[fjlip]

Chem companies buying off plant breeders, no doubt.
Very little flea beetle damage on Helix Vibrance 7444. No cutworms. Now MUD so grow grow grow. If leaf hoppers are here they drowned in a two hour pressure wash last night!

[Hopalong]

Aster yellow leaf hoppers are difficult to see, maybe easier if you know what to look for.
Have seen report that winds were not favourable to bring them up from southern US.

[furrowtickler]

Leaf hoppers were reported in Waka 2 weeks ago

[bucket]

Nothing can be done about aster yellows?

[Hopalong]

After 2012 outbreak, was told there are no practical control measures.
Have seen low level presence fairly often, perhaps more common in late crops.
Going back in history, one year in 1950's had major asters yellow damage to flax crop, before days of large ****seed acres, have not heard if what there was was similarly affected.