Ginseng Crop Update – Diagnosing Unusual Foliar Symptoms – July 10, 2026

Posted on July 10, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

The hot conditions over the past two weeks can obviously stress ginseng. Each hot day likely reduces yield as the plant virtually shuts down in the heat of the day. A University of Guelph study in the past showed that heat impacts the yields of cool-season crops like ginseng. The study was done on cabbage and showed that cabbage yield decreased by 1% for every day the air temperature went above 30 °C. Cabbage is regularly irrigated, so these temperature effects cannot be easily reduced by ensuring adequate soil moisture. As a multi-year crop, the yield effects of any single hot day would be less in ginseng but still significant.

Pest Updates

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Lavender Crop Update  – Things to Monitor During Bloom – July 9, 2026

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

Lavender is in full bloom across the province. Bloom was late to arrive this year, but may progress faster than normal due to the above-normal temperatures. Although growers are focused on many activities at this time of year and the lavender itself can be an afterthought, it is important to keep an eye on the crop to ensure it remains healthy and can recover quickly after bloom. Here are some things to watch out for:

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Lavender Crop Update – June 12, 2026

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

Despite warmer weather over the past two weeks, it still appears that lavender bloom is behind schedule. Normally, the first blooms on the earliest cultivars begin to open in Simcoe around June 15-18. This year, bud heads are just beginning to change colour, suggesting bloom will not begin until around June 20-25.

Pests and Scouting

Four-lined plant bugs are at the late nymphal stages and will soon become adults. This is the stage when they cause the most damage to leaves and stems. It is too late at this stage to control them. Take note of where levels of damage are high, because these areas are likely to have similar or higher damage next year. Insecticidal soaps can help suppress populations, but only if applied when the nymphs are still small. Damage appears as distinct brown spotting on leaves, and blocky, elongated brown or yellow lesions on stems. For symptoms and more information on this pest, visit the lavender module of Ontario CropIPM.

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Ginseng Crop Update – Avoiding “Heat” Stress – June 11, 2026

Posted on June 11, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

Rainfall has been highly variable over the past few days. Based on CoCoRaHS observations (https://maps.cocorahs.org/) and local rain gauges, rainfall ranged from 30+ mm from a line north of about Langton to Simcoe to 0 mm closer to Lake Erie, including Port Rowan to Port Dover. Rainfall was also lower in the Strathroy area, but this area had higher rainfall on the weekend. Monitor soil moisture closely if you do not have rain gauges and/or soil moisture monitors in each of your field locations, as irrigation may be necessary in some fields.

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Reminder – Hazelnut IPM Training this Thursday, May 28

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Melanie Filotas

Just a reminder that there is still time to register for the Hazelnut IPM workshop being held at the Ontario Crops Research Centere auditorium, 1283 Blueline Rd., Simcoe this Thursday, May 28 from 10 AM -12:30 PM. This will start with in-class overview of pests and scouting in hazelnut orchards from Dr. Melanie Filotas, OMAFA Horticulture IPM Specialist, followed by a visit to one of the Simcoe Research Station hazelnut orchards to discuss scouting techniques and view pests active in the orchard in late spring. Lunch is on your own.

While the workshop will cover key characteristics of the most important pests of hazelnuts, due to time constrains we will not be able to provide detailed information on life cycles and management during the session. Upon registration, you will be sent links to videos covering more detailed descriptions of many of the key insects and diseases in hazelnuts.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Click here to register.

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Lavender Crop Update – Winterkill and Pest Update – May 22, 2026

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

Winterkill

By now, lavender plants should have fully greened up. If the outer portions of the canopy are still brown, the plant will only recover if new shoots are now visible lower on the branches or near the crown. Green-up has been slower than normal this year despite a warm April. This is probably because lavender requires warmer temperatures to grow, and the April warmth was still below its requirements. Most of May has been below normal. It is unlikely that plants will catch up entirely, so bloom may be somewhat delayed this year unless temperatures go above normal again in June.

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