Author Archives: Sean Westerveld

About Sean Westerveld

Ginseng and Medicinal Herbs Specialist, OMAFRA

Ginseng Pesticide and Research Prioritization Meeting Friday Dec. 1, 2023

The Ginseng Pesticide and Research Prioritization Meeting will be held in person at the Simcoe Research Station on Friday, December 1. This is an opportunity to discuss the production issues over the past year, establish research priorities for the coming year and … Continue reading

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Register Now – Lavender Plant Health Workshop – September 23, 2023

Registration is now OPEN for a special in-person Lavender Health Seminar and Q&A Education Event on September 23, 2023 from 10am-3pm We would love for you to join us! Please find the information about the event, the registration form, and … Continue reading

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Ginseng Crop Update – Phytophthora and Weed Management – August 30, 2023

Due to the heavy rains, especially in the northern and western portions of the ginseng-growing region, Phytophthora is the biggest issue in ginseng now. Most other pest issues have been relatively minor or highly localized this year. Now is also … Continue reading

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RootShield® HC Biological Fungicide Label Expanded Via Minor Use Program for Herbs and Spices (CG 25 and 26) in Canada

By Josh Mosiondz, Minor Use Coordinator, OMAFRA The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion registration for RootShield® HC Biological Fungicide for suppression of Botrytis blight and Root rot caused by Pythium spp., … Continue reading

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Lavender Crop Update – Dealing with Excess Water and Root Disease – July 27, 2023

Lavender is nearing the end of bloom which will start to wind down the busiest agritourism season for farms open to the public. The focus over the next few weeks will be harvest for oil extraction, distillation and pruning. At … Continue reading

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Ginseng Crop Update – Mid-Summer Issues – July 27, 2023

The ginseng crop is progressing normally with no major disease or insect issues for this time of year across the industry. However, heavy rains have increased Phytophthora root rot issues in many fields. Continued heavy rains could lead to more … Continue reading

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