Foliar damage resulting from leaf blights becomes a problem at harvest time as infected tops break and makes mechanical harvesting difficult. This is a maximum value for the week and remains below threshold levels. Thrip numbers have increased recently and now exceed the economic threshold in the Portage area. Control measures are recommended for thrips in the fields that were scouted in the Portage area. Other fields should be inspected for thrips by looking between the leaves near the base.
Thrips are most easy to find early in the day.
Onions are very susceptible to hail and wind damage. If the crop has been damaged, an application of a protective fungicide may help to reduce the onset of soft rot bacteria and fungi. This may be a reflection of many things, including poor weather, effective spray programs or they may be done for the year. Low numbers of diamondback moths have been picked up in canola fields, although the numbers are well below the economic threshold. Flea beetle numbers also dropped off in these crops.