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
Fertilizer Canada Welcomes Supply Chain and Labour Measures in Bill C-39 Friday, September 25, 2026 Canada's fertilizer sector is throwing its support behind the federal government's proposed Building Canada Strong Act, saying the legislation could help strengthen the transportation and supply chain systems that are critical to agricultural trade. Fertilizer Canada President and CEO... Read this article online
Ontario Hunters and Farmers Asked to Support Deer Disease Monitoring Wednesday, September 23, 2026 As Ontario's hunting season begins, the provincial government is calling on hunters and farmersto help protect wildlife by participating in its annual Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance program. The program is designed to detect the disease early and provide wildlife officials... Read this article online
Canadian Wool Council Opens New Trade Pathways in Italy as Canada Looks Beyond U.S. Markets Tuesday, September 22, 2026 As Canada continues to strengthen trade relationships beyond the United States, the Canadian wool industry is taking a significant step onto the global stage. The Canadian Wool Council (CWC) has launched its third international trade mission, bringing a delegation of Canadian wool... Read this article online
Canadian Innovation Aims to Transform Nitrogen Fertilizers While Eliminating Microplastics Tuesday, September 22, 2026 A Canadian agricultural technology company is taking aim at two of agriculture's most pressing environmental challenges with a new fertilizer innovation designed to improve nitrogen efficiency while eliminating microplastics from crop production. Burnaby, B.C.-based Lucent BioSciences... Read this article online
New herbicide for soybean producers Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Ontario soybean growers will have another tool available to them for the 2027 growing season. BASF launched Zidua Prime herbicide to support burndown and residual weed control applications. The product contains two active ingredients to provide farmers with maximum... Read this article online