Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Citizens News, 1970-05-28, Page 12PAGE TWELVE ZURICH CITIZENS NEWS Alfalfa Weevil Causes Damage During 1969 Ontario alfalfa growers in some counties saw alfalfa weevil damage at the economic level for the first time, Severe injury was limited to all counties bordering on Lake Erie and in Prince Edward County. Estimated losses to the first cut- ting ranged from 30 to 50°jo. Little injury appeared on the second cutting, due primarily to the fact that the harmful larvae or worms attained their full development on the initial alfalfa growth that could not be cut on time because of wet weather. This year, in addition to heavy damage in the counties mention- ed above, it is expected that considerable injury to alfalfa will also occur in at least the southern parts of Lambton, Middlesex, Elgin, Brant, and Wentworth counties, as well as the southern parts of Hastings, Lennox and Addington, Frontenac, and Leeds. The damage is caused by the larvae or worms, which become abundant between the fast week of May and the first two weeks of June, depending on location and weather. The larvae emerge from eggs which are laid in the alfalfa stems by the adults in the spring. Alfalfa growers should be aware of the fact that when the temperature is high enough to cause the eggs to hatch, huge numbers of larvae appear all at once and can decimate a field in a matter of days. It is therefore very important that all fields be checked every two or three days during the critical period mentioned above. Control is directed against the larvae when 25 to 5010 of the leaves show feeding damage, says Mr. Bereza, and early cutting is recommended, even in the late bud stage. If it is not possible to cut due to the lack of plant development or interference from wet weather, an insectic- ide may have to be considered. Information to date indicates that unless a stand is about 50/o alfalfa it may not pay to spray. The use of parasites for the control of the alfalfa weevil appears to be a practical meas- ure. During 1969, parasites were credited with the very significant reductions of weevil populations and the damage they caused in several States. In view of that development, parasites will be released in Ontario shortly. Premium Fertilizer Causes Imbalance Overuse of premium fertilizers can cause an imbalance of mic- ronutrients in the soil and thus upset soil fertility, says Mr. Russ Johnston, Soils Division, at Ridgetown College. Mr. Johnston said that the margin of safety for micronutri- ents in the soil is a very small one. The main micronutrients - plant food nutrients used in min- ute amounts by the plant - are manganese, boron, zinc, copper, iron and molybdenum. Farmers are often encouraged to use premium fertilizers all the time, even though this may not be necessary. Farmers who want to try these fertilizers should start by doing so on a small acreage. A typical example of how over- use of a fertilizer can lead to a micronutrient imbalance can be seen with phosphate fertilizers. Many farmers who already have a high soil test continue to add phosphate fertilizers; this leads to a zinc deficiency in the soil. Overuse of the fertilizer adds to the cost of production, and extra zinc will also have to be bought to overcome the deficiency. Farmers should attempt to work out the right nutrient proportion for themselves so that they do not add fertilizer when they really don't have to, adds Mr. Johnston. PUBLIC NOTICE 1970 CENSUS AND ENUMERATION The Huron -Perth Regional Assessment Department will be commencing its annual census and enumeration programme in the City of Stratford, Town of St. Marys, and all towns, villages and townships in the two counties, June 1st. It is expected that it will take approximately two to three weeks to complete this work. The information required is basically the same as that required by the assessors in past years and is necessary for the completion of the assessment roll for each municipality. All enumerators involved in this programme carry identification cards. Therefore do not hesitate to ask to see these before answering questions or divulging information. Your co-operation and assistance in this programme will be very much appreciated. Further inquiry in this regard may be made by telephoning either Goderich 524-7326 or Stratford 273-0510 or Zenith 66500 for long distance calls. Three different species of tiny wasps, two of which parasitize the larvae, and one which attacks the adult weevil, will be distri- buted in two locations per county. The parasite releases are done in co-operation with alfalfa growers in the counties that were heavily infested in 1969. The length of time required to attain adequate control with parasites will depend largely on favorable conditions for their increase in numbers. Mr. Bereza thus advises that when a control measure is required, early cut- ting should be used if possible to allow the parasites to become established to the best advantage. Insecticides are as deadly to the parasites as they are to the wee- vil. Detailed information on all aspects of the alfalfa weevil is available in an information leaf- let obtainable from county agric- ultural offices, or from the In- formation Branch, Ontario Dep- artment of Agriculture and Food, Parliament Buildings, Toronto. 0 DISTRICT ANNUAL (continued from page 1) ich; assistant Secretary -treasurer, Mrs. Gilbert Johns, Exeter; Fed- eration representative, Mrs, Ed, Lamport, R, R, 2, Centralia; Alternate, Mrs. Gordon Papple, Seaforth; public relations, Mrs. Wilfred Coleman, R. R.4, Sea - forth. Mrs. Lawrence then brought greetings from the provincial aoard. There are 1, 308 branches in Ontario. She said the aims of the Institute include, " to en- THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1970 courage better homemaking habits - to help the betterment of all our citizens. " Mrs. A. 1loggarrh of Icippen entertained with a Humorous reading,. Crafts and displays were set up by all nine branches and ably commented on. Each Institute is to display a craft at the Rally which is to be held on Monday, October 5, at Centralia College. Courtesies were extended by Mrs. Wilfred Mack, Crediton. \\*404: Ar .. WE BAKE OUR OWN To Top Off a Fine Meal .. Experience one of our dessert delicacies. Our pies and pastries are oven fresh — SUNDAY DINNER SERVED FROM 3 to 7:30 P.M, .Dominion Hotel Your Hosts: Marg and Ross Johnston ZURICH Known for quality cuisine .. . HENSALL DISTRICT (0 -OPERATIVE OFFERS S BEAN CONTRACTS GRAIN CONTRACTS We 'have a complete line of Seed, Fertilizer and Chemicals for Your Spring Needs 00A00091190111(ISISM 0 000400;' GRASS SEED SEED GRAIN CO-OP SEED CORN SEED BEANS • Bulk, Blend and Bag Fertilizer • Anhydrous Ammonia • Liquid Nitrogen • Atrazine • Eptam • Patoran • Amiben • 2-4 D • Lasso 4 BUY AT YOUR CO-OPERATIVE HENSALL ZURICH IflUJCEFWLD