Canaryseed Growers Urged to Check for Aphids

REGINA - Jul 9/01 - STAT -- Canaryseed growers should spot check their fields for the presence of aphids because southerly airflows from the United States may have carried aphids and diamondback moths into the province.

"During the early heading stage of canaryseed - about mid-July - producers therefore should start checking their fields for the presence of aphids," says Ray McVicar, special crops specialist, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF).

"Canaryseed in Saskatchewan is affected by the bird cherry-oat aphid and the English grain aphid. The bird cherry-oat aphid is dark green to purple, and the English grain aphid is light green. Often these aphids are not abundant enough to cause economic losses but, if airflow conditions allow for early infestations, significant crop injury can occur."

McVicar says canaryseed prices have increased in the past two months, so it is particularly important that producers walk their fields to monitor the crop in 2001.

Aphids often hide along the small stem inside the canaryseed head. The head should be bent and closely inspected when making counts to determine infestation levels. The bird cherry oat aphid will also feed on the stems, underside of leaves and in the canaryseed boot (the part where the flag leaf joins the central stem) before heading.

Although research has not determined economic thresholds for aphid infestations in canaryseed in Saskatchewan, US research information and information about other cereal crops indicate that about 10 to 20 aphids on 50% of the stem prior to the soft dough stage may cause enough crop damage to warrant insecticide application.

"Because canaryseed prices moved higher this spring, the approximate economic threshold level for aphid is about 10 aphids per 50% of stems. Higher prices increase the economic return from insecticide application," says McVicar.

In Saskatchewan, Malathion, Fyfanon, CYGON and LAGON are registered for control of aphids in canaryseed. If aphids are present, the insecticide should be applied at early heading, around early August. Aphids do little economic damage after the soft dough stage of the seed, so spraying after that stage is a waste of time and money.

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