Tag Archives: Diagnostics

Lavender Crop Update – Pruning and a Call for Disease Samples – August 28, 2026

Posted on August 28, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

Lavender bloom is finished except for some cultivars that continuously bloom or have a second bloom. While many growers are focused on essential oil distillation and other postharvest practices, it is important to continue to monitor and maintain the crop. … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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Ginseng Crop Update – Pests – June 20, 2025

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Sean Westerveld

Alternaria After a prolonged cool and damp (but not wet) period, temperatures are about to rise dramatically. Combined with some frost damage and canopy stunting due to the long, cool period, this will greatly increase the risk of Alternaria leaf … Continue reading →

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Understanding Laboratory Diagnostic Reports for Specialty Crop Diseases

Posted on July 28, 2022 by Sean Westerveld

By: Sean Westerveld, OMAFRA and Amy Fang Shi, OGGA At this time of year, many unusual symptoms can show up in specialty crop fields. If a disease is suspected, samples can be sent to diagnostic labs for determining the cause. … Continue reading →

Posted in All Specialty Crops, Culinary, Ginseng, Ginseng Pest Management, Herbs, Hops, Hops Pest Management, Industrial and Misc. Crops, Industrial Hemp, Lavender, Medicinal, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Grains, Specialty Vegetable Pest Management, Specialty Vegetables, Sweet Potato | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Diagnostics from a Distance: 5 tips on how to get the answers you need

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Sean Westerveld

The following article was written by Dr. Sarah Jandricic, Greenhouse Floriculture IPM Specialist and Dr. Chevonne Dayboll, Greenhouse Floriculture Specialist with OMAFRA. Although written for a greenhouse-based industry, the same principles apply for field-grown crops. The only difference is for … Continue reading →

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Understanding DNA-Based Pathogen Tests for Ginseng

Posted on August 9, 2013 by Sean Westerveld

Diagnostic Laboratories offer varying tests that can detect DNA of plant pathogenic fungi in the soil or in plant tissues. These can be useful tools in the management of diseases of ginseng, but it is important to understand their limitations.

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