While most canola seed is treated with an insecticide to fight flea beetles, one agronomist says it's still important to scout for the insect.
Angela Brackenreed, with the Canola Council of Canada, recommends checking volunteer canola for flea beetles, since the weed usually comes up earlier.
She notes its important to catch flea beetles as soon as possible.
"It's really one of those insects we should be scouting for in our canola fields, right from emergence to at least the four leaf stage because they can do damage in such a hurry," explained Brackenreed. "You can go out and see a little bit of feeding and then the next day that has progressed to 25 per cent defoliation."
Brackenreed adds farmers should be prepared to spray at 25 per cent defoliation, noting by the time it gets to 50 per cent, it could be too late.
Source : Portageonline