Urban bees use plastic to build hives Thursday, May 1, 2014 "Busy" may need to be changed to "resourceful." A recent study by scientists from the University of Guelph and York University shows that two Toronto bee species are using bits of plastic waste as construction material for their brood cells. Scott MacIvor and Andrew Moore published their findings in Ecosphere in December. By observing trap nests in Toronto, they discovered that the Megachile campanulae hives, traditionally made with plant and tree resins, had bits of polyurethane exterior house sealant incorporated into them. And the hives of Megachile rotundata (leafcutter bees), usually made with leaves, contained chewed-up pieces of plastic bags. The study shows that the use of plastics was "incidental" rather than accidental and not a result of a shortage of natural building materials. Larvae developed successfully from the trap nests. Plastic may have an advantage as it can physically impede parasites. BF Herbicide resistance a problem . . . for somebody else Behind the Lines - May 2014
Award-Winning TerraTrap GS Provides Safe Pest Control Friday, March 27, 2026 The TerraTrap GS is a humane, non-toxic, multi-kill ground squirrel control system developed by experienced pest-control professionals in California. Designed specifically to manage both California Ground Squirrels and Richardson Ground Squirrels, the system has demonstrated... Read this article online
Fighting DON Mycotoxin Contamination and Tar Spot Friday, March 27, 2026 Ontario corn growers are set to receive improved support in managing two major threats to their crops: DON mycotoxin contamination and tar spot. A new five-year project will continue annual assessments of DON across corn hybrids through theGrain Farmers of Ontario’sOntario Corn Committee... Read this article online
Top Global Ranking for Guelph OVC Thursday, March 26, 2026 The University of Guelph has achieved global recognition after its Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) ranked fourth worldwide in the latest rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds, making OVC the top veterinary college in Canada. The QS rankings evaluated nearly 900 universities across... Read this article online
Canada Outstanding Young Farmers Appoints New Program Manager Thursday, March 26, 2026 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) program will welcome a new Program Manager, Katrina Finke, on April 1, 2026. Katrina brings more than 20 years of experience as a strategic operations executive with a proven track record in leadership, governance, and operational excellence across... Read this article online
New Canadian Swine Research Targets Piglet Disease Monday, March 23, 2026 Swine InnovationPorc(SIP) is investing in new research to address Streptococcus suis, a harmful bacterial disease affecting post-weaned piglets led byDongyanXu Niu at the University of Calgary. This disease can cause serious health problems such as respiratory illness, meningitis, and sudden... Read this article online