June 15, 2006

Good harvest expected in Manitoba province of Canada
 

Manitoba Agriculture officials say ideal conditions for the past month holds promise for a good grain and oilseed harvest.

Crop development in most parts of the province is a week to two weeks ahead of schedule. While some areas have had excess moisture, the majority of this year's crop is developing well, according to the department.

So far, there have been few pest and plant disease problems. The fall-seeded winter wheat crop is also doing well, largely because it was protected from the worst of the snow.

However, leaf rust proved to be the fly in the ointment, emerging in some Manitoba fields early this month- two weeks sooner than at any time in the last five years, said David Kaminski, a plant pathologist with the Agriculture Department.

The disease reportedly overwintered in fall-seeded rye and winter-wheat fields. Normally, the rust spores floats in from the US, carried by the wind.

Farmers should monitor their fields for field rust this season, Kaminski cautioned.