2006-07-06
By: Chris Teetart

 

July 6, 2006

Higher populations of cereal aphids have been found in southeastern Manitoba.

Manitoba Agriculture entomologist John Gavloski says 2 species have been found so far.

Bird Cherry Oat Aphid which can spread a disease called Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus, and English Grain Aphid which does not spread disease but in high numbers can damage a crop.

Gavloski stresses before you decide to apply an insecticide make sure the number of aphids warrants an application.

The threshold for an application is 12 to 15 aphids on average per stem.

Gavloski adds what spraying that has taken place east of the Red River has probably been applied as a tank mix with a fungicide.