Southern Field Pea Harvest Underway

REGINA - Aug 8/05 - SNS -- Relatively good harvest progress was reported in field peas grown in southern Saskatchewan during the past week and the first lentil fields are now in the bin, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food's weekly crop report.

Field pea harvest activity ranges up to 17% complete in southwestern Saskatchewan and lentils up to 3% complete in the same region, the provincial agriculture department reports. At the same time, desiccation on pulse crops is underway in much of the province. Even so, many areas of the province are looking for a rain shower to help finish off crops.

Hot, dry conditions were the main sources of crop damage during the past week. Crop reporters indicate that yields will be somewhat reduced due to the heat. Disease pressures came from rust, ascochyta blight, and mildew. Insect damage came from grasshoppers, wheat midge, flea beetles, aphids, Lygus bugs, bertha armyworm larvae, diamond back moth larvae, painted lady butterfly larvae, and sawflies.

Other sources of crop damage during the past week were hail, wind, and wildlife. Lodging of crops is a concern.

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