Garlic growers await nematode research outcome Wednesday, June 15, 2011 by SUSAN MANNOntario’s garlic growers will have a better handle on how bad a problem stem and bulb nematode is in the province by the fall.That’s when researchers from Ontario’s agriculture ministry, the federal government and the University of Guelph will have analyzed samples submitted by garlic growers this spring as part of a two-year project to determine preventative measures and practices for stem and bulb nematode. The Garlic Growers Association of Ontario received about $70,000 in funding from the Agricultural Biosecurity program for the project.Association president Mark Wales says they know stem and bulb nematode has been around for some time and it’s a problem in other garlic-growing regions and that’s why the Ontario industry has been working toward a clean seed program for several years. “As we’re getting clean, disease-free seed we want to make sure farmers know where to plant it and where not to plant it.”Farmers with nematode-infested fields shouldn’t plant garlic in them for four to five years. Instead, they should plant crops that aren’t host crops for nematodes. “And you should figure out other treatment possibilities,” he explains.The project has three objectives. One is to determine how geographically extensive stem and bulb nematode is in the province and to identify the race or races that are present. Another is to verify that the nematode-free virus-tested seed production system developed by the University of Guelph in 2010 is repeatable and to determine the cost of seed. The third is to educate growers through workshops on the spread, symptoms, biology and control of the pest.Marion Paibomesai, Ontario agriculture ministry vegetable crop specialist, says they’re hoping to collect 200 samples from across Ontario for analysis. “We’re trying to find out where it is and what races we’re dealing with here.”It’s important to determine the race of the stem and bulb nematode because there are more than 30 biological races of the species, she says. Each race has a specific host range. “We want to know that if we find some on garlic is it a race that we’re going to find too on alfalfa?” For crop rotation, it’s really important to know the race, she says.Wales says it’s important to know the extent of the infestation because “sometimes the damage gets mistaken for other things.”Paibomesai says the stem and bulb nematode is occasionally confused with fusarium basal rot. Stem and bulb nematode in garlic attacks the base of the bulb and then gets in and sucks out the juice. The result is small, deformed or totally destroyed bulbs, Wales notes.Nematodes attack the root hairs of other crops, such as strawberries and tobacco. Stem and bulb nematodes attack other crops in the allium family, such as onions, shallots and leeks.Wales says the garlic industry has been working on a clean seed program for several years. Some growers received clean seed last fall that they planted and “it’s looking great.” BF Ontario invests in dead stock gasification plant Ontario invests in agricultural education centre
Rural internet speeds have improved, but compared to urban gap is wide Friday, June 20, 2025 Rural internet speeds have improved, but the gap with urban areas is still wide, says Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) - the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain. Regional differences also continue—New Brunswick shows faster speeds, while as... Read this article online
Ontario Bean Growers are having a day and you are invited Friday, June 20, 2025 The Ontario Bean Growers have announced it will be holding its annual on August 20, 2025. The day begins with research presentations at 1 pm. Details of the research presentations will be published as they become available. At 4 pm, Chris Gillard will lead attendees on a tour... Read this article online
Did you know your summer picnic watermelon might be from Ontario? Thursday, June 19, 2025 Watermelon, a fruit often linked to warmer U.S. states, is grown in southern Ontario during the summer months. In 2023, Ontario farmers produced 35,084 tonnes of watermelon, accounting for 96.7% of the total Canadian watermelon production. Sweet potatoes are another example. In... Read this article online
Ontario crops face mixed spring conditions Tuesday, June 17, 2025 According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Field Crop News, variable spring weather has created mixed crop conditions across the province. Rain, wind, and cool nighttime temperatures have delayed planting, slowed growth, and limited spraying windows for corn, soybeans, and... Read this article online
Health Canada sets rules for drone spraying Monday, June 16, 2025 Health Canada has approved the use of drones, also called Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), for pesticide application under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA). Drones are considered aircraft by Transport Canada, but Health Canada treats them differently due to their unique... Read this article online