Growers in much of Western Canada are hoping for warmer weather to help crops get through the early stages after a cool planting season and delayed seeding.
In the case of canola, slow germination and growth due to low temperatures, combined with wind damage in some areas, make the small plant a prime target for flea beetles. The cotyledon stage is the most susceptible, so the faster the seeds germinate, emerge and grow, the less damage they will suffer from flea beetles, explains Nicole Fox of BASF Canada in this new article. Canola School episode.
Flea beetle infestations peak when daytime temperatures reach 14 to 15 degrees Celsius. Growers should watch for active feeding behaviour, starting at the perimeter of the field and working their way inwards. Once 25 per cent of the cotyledons have fallen, foliar sprays may be necessary, depending on upcoming weather and flea beetle activity, Fox explains.
Check out this episode of Canola School as Nicole Fox talks with RealAg’s Amber Bell about the basics of flea beetle scouting and control.
Check out our full library of Canola School episodes here!
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