Closer™ insecticide from Corteva Agriscience™ now provides Canadian fruit and vegetable growers with even more labeled pest control options. With many growers looking for a single solution capable of controlling more than one pest problem, Closer insecticide’s recent label expansion is excellent news for those wanting greater access to a highly-effective product that controls insects at various stages of growth. Canadian growers already depend on Closer for quick-and-effective control of pests, such…
A study done in the United Kingdom using aerial imaging was able to detect and differentiate between potato diseases, a May 27 news release from The James Hutton Institute, says. The InnovateUK-funded project called “In-field Optical Detection of Potato Disease,” which involved researchers from The James Hutton Institute, used aerial imaging taken from drones to detect and differentiate between potato diseases. Non-imaging hyperspectral data was also collected from artificially inoculated potato plants…
Trying to store your potato crop in the best conditions possible can be tough, but pre-harvest sugar sampling tests may just make it a bit easier. This in-expensive test determines the maturity of a tuber in any field. The test helps growers to determine which potatoes will be better for short, medium and long-term storage. Harvest plans can then be made based on which fields will store for longer. From this webinar…
Deb Hart is preparing to retire after spending almost two decades helping and advocating for the Alberta and Canadian seed potato industries. Deb Hart had planned to ease into retirement. She would spend most of 2020 working closely with her replacement to train her, easing herself out of the job. But then the global pandemic hit, and plans changed. The pandemic “is bringing back unpleasant memories, but we’re getting through it the…
Potato acres across Canada are almost all planted, according to an update from the United Potato Growers of Canada, published on May 28. Across most of the country planting conditions have been good which has allowed farmers to get their spuds in the ground in a timely manner. Prince Edward Island Planting on the island is about 70 per cent complete with no rain delays having happened in the past 10 days,…
North American french fry sales may be coming back faster than the industry had expected with the anticipated buildup of finished-product inventories not having happened, the May 27 issue of North American Potato Market News says. “We believe that April sales of finished product exceeded industry expectations,” the report says. “However, we are picking up anecdotal evidence that sales are coming back more quickly than fryers had anticipated when they cut 2020…
A national campaign to connect consumers with the Canadian food system called It’s Good, Canada has been launched, the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI), says in a release on May 27. The campaign will feature personal stories about Canadians working in the food supply system from across the country on both the front and back lines. It will also provide credible resources for Canadians to find fact-based information about the Canada’s…
The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) organization have evaluated two genetically modified (GM) potato lines and have ruled they are safe for human consumption, a news release from the regulatory body on May 22, says. The two potatoes are derived from Innate potato lines V11 and Z6. V11 has reduced acrylamide potential and reduced browning traits (blackspot bruising), while Z6 has both traits plus disease resistance to foliar late blight, the…
While the United States potato industry appreciates the government aid which has been announced so far, they still need more to make it through the pandemic, the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association (NPC), says in a news release on May 27. “Given the scope of this crisis, we knew the initial funding would be insufficient to meet the need of family farms. Based upon the limited resources announced under this direct payment…
No matter how high-tech potato harvesters and windrowers become, they’ll always depend on one seemingly low-tech component — the digging blade. But, don’t make the mistake of brushing off the blade as unimportant. In fact, your blade really does make the machine. There are six blade types available, each designed for specific harvest conditions. In sandy, light soils, opt for a semi-point blade, which can include an optional plastic rock guard fitted…
The Canadian government is investing up to $9.2 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and fund up to 700 new positions for youth in the agriculture industry, the government says in a news release on May 26. The funds are meant to help ensure the resilience of the food supply chain and to provide support to keep the agriculture sector strong. “During this unprecedented time, our food producers…