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Seed testing key to improving crop quality

 
Farmers will want to start thinking about lining up seed tests for Spring seeding next year.
 
Allie Noble is a Crops Intern with Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture.
 
She says it’s important to know what you’re putting in the ground noting producers should be testing for seed-borne diseases.
 
"By doing seed-borne disease tests you're able to check for different types of diseases with crops," Noble said. "For oilseeds, you can check for blackleg, with pulses you can find out if there is any ascochyta, anthracnose, patritius or square artinya and then with cereals, you can check for feverion."  
 
Farmers may also want to start looking at getting a seed test done prior to Spring seeding.
 
"Producers can do a seed testing right now," she said. "That will give you a good idea and better prepared for the spring, but also if there are any questions about quality or if it was a rough winter, it's always good to have that seed germination test and have seed testing done in the spring too, just to make sure the germination levels have changed at all during the winter."      
 
Source : Discoverestevan

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Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Neoseiulus californicus)

Video: Spider Mite Control with Predatory Mites (Neoseiulus californicus)

The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus is an effective natural enemy of various species of spider mites, including the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). As a key player in biological pest control, this predator helps growers protect their crops sustainably.

How does Neoseiulus californicus work?

•Specializes in targeting the larval and nymphal stages of spider mites.

•Also consumes spider mite eggs, ensuring population control.

•Detects prey through webbing and leaf damage rather than sight.

•Feeds by sucking out the contents of its prey.

Why use Neoseiulus californicus for spider mite control?

•Highly adaptable to different environments, including warm and dry conditions.

•Works as both a preventive and curative solution for spider mite infestations.

•Complements other predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, for integrated pest management (IPM).

•A natural, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.