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How short-term Grassland Set-Asides impact soil properties in the Fraser River Delta

In the Fraser River delta, Grassland set-asides are an important conservation practice that provide wildlife habitat and improves soil on agricultural land. A grassland set-aside in this region is defined as arable land that is taken out of production and seeded with a mixture of grass and legumes…

Fraser Valley Cole Crop IPM Newsletter (late August)

Fraser Valley Cole Crop IPM Newsletter (late May)

Calling Your Produce Ugly: Increase Profits and Mitigate Waste

Every year, both food producers and retailers throw away tons of perfectly edible produce based solely on physical appearance. Consumers’ beauty standards for produce are high, and a large amount of produce does not meet these standards, despite being perfectly healthy and edible. Researchers have…

Local vs Global: What Crops Have a Lower Footprint in South Western BC?

As concern around environmental impacts, food security, and long-term sustainability grows within our society, many people have begun to argue for the benefits of a more local food system, but currently evidence for this is lacking. This study seeks to fill that gap and provide a more holistic…

Bringing Hazelnuts to BC: Eastern Filbert Blight Resistant Cultivars

Hazelnuts can be a profitable and low-maintenance crop for producers to add to their farms, and the climate of the Fraser Valley and the islands off the coast of southern British Columbia is ideal for growing hazelnut trees. This crop, however, has been reduced in BC due to its susceptibility to…

CAI Guide - Blueberry scorch virus (IPM)

Blueberry scorch is an aphid-vectored virus that is spread through and between fields by winged aphids. Infected plants will generally become symptomatic the year after infection and die within two to three years.

CAI Guide - Carrot rust fly (IPM)

The carrot rust fly is an insect pest that feeds on carrots, parsnips and celery.

CAI Guide - Caterpillars in berry crops (IPM)

Leafrollers and spanworms are generally the most common caterpillars to cause damage in berry crops.

CAI Guide - Caterpillars in cole crops (IPM)

Three main species of caterpillars affect cole crops in BC: the imported cabbageworm (Pieris rapae), the cabbage looper (Trichoplusiani) and the diamondback moth (Plutellaxylostella). Larvae feed on the foliage and heads of cole crops, which creates holes that affect the quality of the crop and…

CAI Guide - Mummy berry (IPM)

Mummy berry (Monoliniavaccinii-corymbosi) is a fungal disease in blueberries.

CAI Guide - Powdery mildew in cucurbits (IPM)

Powdery mildew is a widespread fungal disease in cucurbits. Infections can cause early defoliation and premature fruit ripening, affecting fruit set, size, quality and storability. The common name “powdery mildew” is also found in other crop groups, but those are different fungi that cannot infect…

CAI Guide - Powdery mildew in strawberries (IPM)

Powdery mildew is one of the major strawberry diseases that attacks all parts of the plant but is usually first seen on the older leaves. The common name “powdery mildew” is also found in other crop groups, but those are different fungi that cannot infect strawberries.

CAI Guide - Tuber flea beetle (IPM)

Tuber flea beetles (TFBs) are small black beetles that feed on Solanaceous plants, including potatoes. The most significant damage is done by the larvae, which feed directly on potato tubers and reduce marketability.

CAI Guide - Two-spotted spider mites in berry crops (IPM)

Two-spotted spider mites (TSSM; Tetranychus urticae Koch) feed directly on plants and can cause damage on a range of crops, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, eggplants and cucumbers. They can cause serious yield loss in high infestations.