Damage caused by hedgehogs may go unnoticed at low levels. In some cases, the only symptom is the loss of seedlings. The problem is that the life cycle of wire beetles spans several years, so early detection is the key to management.
In this episode of Wheat School, Shad Milligan, Syngenta Canada’s seed management expert, returns to discuss not only why the hedgehog has re-emerged as a pest, but also how seed treatment options for management have changed over time. Let’s talk about how things have changed.
Past insecticide products have reduced hedge beetle populations. However, as populations move away from these products, populations begin to increase again, so more growers should be wary of this nascent pest.
The hedgehog prefers cool soil, so if it warms up quickly and moisture is good, seedlings will germinate and grow quickly, potentially reducing damage. However, during long periods of cool conditions, hedge beetles remain close to the soil surface and feed on the roots of new seeds and seedlings.
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