Is the red clover seed industry in jeopardy in the Peace?
It is too early to make a statement like that but there are definite concerns attached to the red clover casebearer. This insect not only affects red clover seed but it also may have a serious impact on honey production. It is too early to tell if this insect pest is experiencing a cycle or whether it will be a problem every year. One current control recommendation is to avoid leaving fields in for second-year seed crops since older stands suffered the greatest damage. In 2006 several first-year fields were affected but there were also a number of fields that had fairly decent yields. Thanks to the Peace Region Forage Seed Association for financial support and SARDA for helping to maintain and harvest plots. A special thanks to the producer cooperators Norm Lamoureux, Louis Henley, Gilles Martel, Jean Sylvain, Marc Rochon and Paul Benoit. Written by: Calvin Yoder, AF, Spirit River and Jennifer Otani, AAFC, Beaverlodge.
