Now that seeding operations are wrapping farmers are busy scouting the field for any signs of problems when it comes to insects, disease or weeds.

Farmers are seeing signs of cutworm damage in a variety of crops.

Canola growers will want to be out checking fields for any signs of flea beetle damage.

James Tansey, the Provincial Insect and Pest Specialist, says early seeded canola suffered a bit of damage from frost and now producers are starting to see signs of flea beetle damage in the crop.

“The action threshold or economic threshold for flea beetle damage is about 25% defoliation or 25% damage to cotyledons. First true leaves, once the plants are at about the four true leaf stage they are pretty resistant to flea beetle damage. You don’t have to worry too much about them; unless of course you have a huge population.”

He says if you’re seeing about 25% defoliation or damage to the cotyledons or first true leaves then consider that to be your action or economic threshold.

“You’re trying to catch them before they increase to economic levels; once you’ve hit about 50% damage then you’re going to see an economic hit associated with those. Keep in mind that is field wide so the populations can be localized. The reason you try to catch them at 25% is the damage can increase quickly and can be pretty profound.”

He says flea beetles are being reported in Canola growing areas across the province, adding that some foliar spraying for the insects is also underway.

He notes farmers are also reporting cutworm damage not just in Canola but in other crops as well.