The Rural Voice, 2002-06, Page 544
Advice
Oh those prolific aphids
From Pioneer Hi -Bred Limited
With the Soybean Aphid (SBA)
coming into Ontario so quickly,
much has been learned about the
pest, but new information will need
to be gathered.
1. The ability of the Soybean Aphid
to reproduce is tremendous. We are
familiar with two generations of
European corn borer, one generation
a season for corn rootworms, and
two generations of bean leaf beetles.
However, the Soybean Aphid has
approximately 16 generations. The
capacity for increases in population
is tremendous.
2. Soybean Aphids have the ability
to move great distances. University
of Minnesota studies showed the east
to west movement occurred at a rate
of 23-44 miles per week, or 3.3 to
6.3 miles per day. We can move
three to six miles quite easily, but
think about how aphids can move
that far per day! Soybean Aphids
have already been found in Iowa.
3. A University of Nebraska
Entomologist looked at how much
photosynthesis was reduced by aphid
feeding and found 50 aphids reduced
photosynthesis from 30-50 per cent.
4. Common buckthorn is referred to
as the alternate host, although some
researchers are having difficulty
finding SBA eggs on buckthorn
during the winter. Is there another
host? More research is needed.
5. Rainfall will not wash aphids off
of the undersides of a leaf. SBA
takes about 30 minutes to insert their
stylet, (piercing, sucking mouthpart)
into the leaflet, stem or pod, and are
not easily washed off. Rain,
however, will improve the overall
vigor of the plant.0
Program has paid
out $2.6 million
Continued from Pg. 49
dealers. Producers should ask and
only do business with a licensed
dealer. It makes sense and it
protects your income.
Since the program started in
1983, there have been 420 claims
and 233 producers have received
$2,650,000 from the compensation
funds. 0
50 THE RURAL VOICE
AgriTech
Web information helps planning
Janice
Becker is a
computer
enthusiast
and
journalist
living near
Walton, ON.
Before things get too busy with
this season's work, take a few
minutes to plan ahead — look for
educational and/or fun events in
which the producer can participate or
involve the entire family.
On the agenda for pork producers
is the Pork Congress, to be held in
Stratford, June 20-21. Information
about the event can be found at
www.porkcongress.on.ca.
While the information is limited, it
does spell out the mission statement
of the congress. The focus is to
showcase the technologies, services,
wares, products and related resources
pertinent to the pork industry as well
as discuss health topics such as
welfare, carcass quality, quality
control, environmental issues and
farm safety. The Junior Barrow
Show will be held prior to the
congress on June 8.
At the end of the summer, in
connection with Canada's Outdoor
Farm Show, held each year in
Woodstock, the National Conference
and Exhibition. "Integrated Solutions
to Manure Management -Working
Together on Challenges and
Opportunities", is set for September
11-13, in London. Its website,
res2.agr.ca/initiatives/manurenet/ismm/,
will outline the topics for
discussions, agenda, speakers and
exhibitbrs as well as registration and
accommodation info and directions,
although much of the site was still
under construction in mid-May.
With the issue of nutrient
management continuing to garner
considerable media attention, the
conference will focus to nurturing
partnerships as well as identifying
and discussing the challenges faced
by the agricultural sector.
To gather input from various
sectors, participation by agribusiness
and environmental consultants,
producers, agricultural organization
representatives, researchers,
government employees and staff,
waste management specialists,
conservation and watershed agency
representatives and citizens is
encouraged.
Organizers were still finalizing the
list of presenters, but it was to be
completed by the end of May.
Links to the sponsor organizations
can also be found through the
conference site.
For those also interested in the
Outdoor Farm Show, September 10-
12, the net address is
www.outdoorfarmshow.com.
This year's International Plowing
Match, Rural Expo 2002 - "Meet Us
in the Country", is being held near
my hometown of Glencoe, in
Middlesex County.
The website is packed with
information for intended visitors and
exhibitors alike.
There are six demonstration
categories, some predictable such as
water quality and the land, but others
sound like they will be very
interesting displays to visit.
The ethanol exhibit will detail the
use.of corn as a renewable fuel
resource and the conservation area
will focus on technology that assists
in these endeavors.
Two gardening sections will look
at plant material unique to
Southwestern Ontario as well as
honour the past. There will be a tall
grass prairie section and the Three
Sisters Garden will demonstrate the
history of maize, beans and squash,
three foods domesticated by and vital
to the First Nations people.
As is usual, quilts will play a key
role in the attractions division, but
other artisans from Middlesex
County. will contribute items such as
pottery, paintings, giftware and food
specialties.
The antique and historical
displays will be "A Stroll Down
Memory Lane", and the Main Stage
will spotlight food, fashion, health
and horticulture.
With many more great events
scheduled for this summer and fall,
be sure to plan ahead.0
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