Tender fruit pest arrives in Ontario Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Top photo: a female (L) and male (R) spotted wing drosophila. The insects are 2-3 mm in length.Lower photo: the ovipositor of a female spotted wing drosophilaPhotos contributed by H. Fraser, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairsby SUSAN MANNA new tender fruit pest from Asia has arrived in Ontario but growers shouldn’t panic as spotted wing drosophila is manageable, says an agriculture ministry spokesperson.Hannah Fraser, entomology program lead for horticulture, says important management tools for growers to control the pest include awareness, monitoring, sanitation and the use of registered insecticides during a crop’s risk period.She says the spotted wing drosophila attacks thin-skinned fruit and berries as they’re starting to ripen (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries strawberries, cherries, plums peaches, nectarines and occasionally table grapes) by sawing open the skin with a device on the insect’s back end. The female lays eggs under the fruit’s skin; hatched larvae feeds on the fruit causing it to rapidly deteriorate. It’s a big problem on the west coast of the United States and Canada.It was first detected in monitoring traps in the Niagara area in November by the provincial agriculture ministry and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. This year the provincial ministry will do more surveys for the pest.“It’s believed there are parts of Ontario that are at risk for this insect becoming established and overwintering,” she says. But currently there “are a lot of unknowns” about the insect in Ontario.Fraser says the agriculture ministry hasn’t had any growers report damage from last year. The ministry has been publicizing the find since last fall and plans to provide information to growers throughout this growing season.The tiny spotted wing drosophila is active from the beginning of the growing season to harvest, she says.A special task force will try to develop a working group to research the insect as well as management strategies, she says.Last year British Columbia secured four different insecticides for use against pest and all provinces are working together to get those registered products for growers this year. BF Co-op's solar plans move ahead NFU proposes full coverage for livestock loss
Shell Rotella’s SuperTractors competition Thursday, September 18, 2025 Farmers put in long hours and endless dedication to feed and support their communities, and Shell Rotella is proud to spotlight these farmers with the fifth annual competition. Coinciding with —Sunday, October 12, 2025—the virtual event invites farmers across North America to share... Read this article online
Ontario Ag Minister Jones urges Farmers to Lean on Available Supports—Financial and Emotional! Thursday, September 18, 2025 Farms.com recently chatted with Ontario Agriculture Minister Trevor Jones about the drought impacting many farmers in Eastern Ontario. Read the article: Corn and Soybean Crops Fall Short in 2025 Predicts Great Ontario Yield Tour. The Ag Minister, who grew up on a small farm, met this... Read this article online
Tips to Protect Farmers from Silent Killer Gases Thursday, September 18, 2025 Farms contain hidden dangers from hazardous gases that can quickly become deadly for people and animals. These gases collect in confined spaces such as silos, manure storages, anaerobic digesters, and grain bins where ventilation is poor. Common gases include nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen... Read this article online
Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington Thursday, September 18, 2025 On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online
Ontario’s most problematic weed -- Canada Fleabane Cuts Corn and Soybean Yields Wednesday, September 17, 2025 At the , Dr. Peter Sikkema of the University of Guelph highlighted the persistent challenge of Canada fleabane, one of Ontario’s most problematic weeds. Once easily controlled with glyphosate, the weed has now developed resistance not only to glyphosate but also to multiple herbicide... Read this article online