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Blueberry Scorch Virus Prevention: Beyond Chemicals

2022/03/01

Blueberry Scorch Virus is a serious disease that threatens blueberries throughout British Columbia. Currently, there is no cure for the virus, so prevention is the only defense. A proactive strategy is critical as plants typically do not show symptoms until 1-2 years following initial infection.

pH and Limestone

2022/02/15

The uptake of nutrients into plants depends on the acidity of the soil (pH). This is more important to the well-being of a planted crop than most people think. If your plants are not growing within the optimum pH range, nutrients will be inefficiently taken up by the plants, having a detrimental effect on not only the health of your plants, but the size and quality of the harvested produce.

How to Acidify Your Soil

2022/02/15

Blueberries for example require lower soil pH, or acidity, than is required by crops such as raspberries, corn, forage grass and vegetables. Typically, highbush blueberries must have soil pH between 4.5 and 5.5. If your soil test shows a higher pH, what can be done to decrease it?

How to Overseed Pasture

2021/07/13

The best time to seed is in spring and fall. Avoid seeding in the heat of summer or when in danger of frost. Consistent soil temperatures should be about 8-10°C (or when daytime temperatures reach 15-20°C).

Fight Fungus Gnat with Biological Controls

2021/07/09

Fungus gnats are common greenhouse pests that favor moist growing media. Apart from the nuisance and decreased aesthetic value associated with adults, fungus gnat larvae can damage...

Overwintering Plants

2021/07/13

Often times, plants can be borderline hardy in our climate and need some extra protection from the winter winds and cold. A floating row cover can maintain an area of warmer air around your more tender plants.

Increased Productivity with Forage Mixes

2021/07/13

Diversity of plant species plays an important role in nutrient recycling and primary production in both natural and managed grasslands. It also ensures one or more of the species will be productive even during stressful conditions such as drought or pest outbreak.

Fall is the Best Season

2021/07/09

The best time of year is Fall. Is it because the air is cooler, the leaves are changing colours and falling, and Hallowe’en is on its way? Not even close. Fall is the best time of year because it is the right time to take care of so many field operations. Some of them cannot be done anytime else.

Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)

2021/07/09

First found in BC in 2009, SWD is now distributed over all fruit production areas of the Fraser Valley and the BC Interior. Unlike our regular fruit fly which only infests fallen, over-ripe or decaying fruit, SWD lays eggs in harvestable fruit while still on the bush.

Do You Grow Organic?

2021/07/09

Growers shifting to organic production especially in regions where soils are quite sandy with low fertility, need to approach management practices such as weed control very thoughtfully.

Analyze That!

2021/07/09

It can be difficult to diagnose particular nutrient deficiencies/excesses in vines because various grapevine trunk diseases can sometimes display similar foliar symptoms.

Root Disease - Prevention is Key

2021/07/13

Every day plant roots are in the midst of a battle. The underground warriors being fungi and bacteria, compete with each other for food and space and ultimately determine the health of plants and their roots. The majority of soil-dwelling bacteria and fungi are harmless to plant growth.

Insectaries & Cover Crops

2021/07/13

It is very important in sustainable agriculture to keep and create natural refuges and buffers that can act as insectaries for not only a wide range of bees, butterflies, parasitic wasps and...

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