Advances in artificial intelligence are making an economic difference to greenhouse growers. Koppert Biological Systems in the Netherlands is cooperating with Ecoation, based in Vancouver, BC to better detect pests before they pose real harm.

With more than 25 years of experience in public affairs and communications, Chris Davison is leaving corporate and government affairs in Syngenta’s Guelph, Ontario office to take up a new role in Washington, DC. He is the new head, business sustainability for Syngenta North America.

When Corteva Agriscience goes live on June 3, the newest crop protection company estimates $14.3 billion in sales for 2019. The spinoff from DowDuPont will still be considered a heavyweight with 44 per cent of its product portfolio in crop protection and the remainder in seeds.  

FMC is number five in terms of crop protection sales in Canada. As Darren Dillenbeck, country manager, FMC, explains, it’s an advantage to be solely focused on crop protection without the distraction of a seed business.

Mako insecticide has been approved for control of spotted wing drosophila on bushberries, caneberries, strawberries and cherries as well as wasps on cherries in Canada.

Using drones in Canadian agriculture isn’t new, but using them for pesticide application is. Agassiz, British Columbia federal researchers are working with provincial agencies and an Abbottsford drone company to provide Health Canada with data it will need to determine the viability and safety of drone-based pesticide applications.

Growers of low-growing berries – strawberries and blueberries – now have access to Quadris Top fungicide for control of anthracnose and powdery mildew.

Parasol fungicide label is expanded for management of several diseases on cranberries, grapes and hops in Canada.

Research findings into management of viticultural pests have been summarized for grape growers in a comprehensive field manual entitled Guide to the Key Arthropods of Vineyards of Eastern Canada.