Pest & Predator Control Programs

Wheat Streak Mosaic (WSM) on the Rise in Alberta

Alberta Agriculture & Irrigation’s crop health team is seeing a rise in Wheat Streak Mosaic (WSM), a viral disease that primarily affects wheat, causing stunted growth and reduced seed production. The earlier a plant is infected, the greater the impact—ranging from mild symptoms to complete crop loss.

Current Situation

WSM is typically rare in Alberta as both the virus and its vector struggle to survive winter. However, outbreaks have increased in recent years:

• 2017: Last major epidemic in Alberta
• 2022: Over 10 confirmed cases in southern Alberta
• June 2023: Nearly 20 confirmed cases, all reported south of the Red Deer River

Producers, agronomists, and crop scouts are encouraged to monitor symptoms in wheat (winter, spring, and durum), barley, corn, and other cereals and grasses.

Symptoms to Watch For

Early signs of infection include:

• Light green streaks along leaf veins that elongate into a mosaic pattern
• Color variation from chlorosis (yellowing) to pale green and dark green
• Severe cases: Leaves may turn completely chlorotic, scorch, or desiccate
• Purpling on some hosts
• Symptoms often first appear at field edges, on volunteer wheat, or in winter wheat crops

As the disease progresses, infected plants may become:

• Stunted and discolored (lemon yellow)
• Rosetted in growth
• Severely affected before jointing, leading to little or no grain production

Management Challenges

WSM is not a regulated pest, but management options are limited:

• No effective in-season treatments – fungicides do not kill viruses, and insecticides or miticides do not work against the microscopic, reclusive mite vector
• Severely infected fields should be harvested early for silage or green feed
• In extreme cases, the best option may be to terminate the crop and reseed with a short-season broadleaf crop

Preventing WSM: The Importance of Breaking the "Green Bridge"

The most effective control method is crop rotation and eliminating the "green bridge"—continuous green plant material that allows the virus to persist between growing seasons.
To break the disease cycle:

• Control cereal volunteers
• Delay winter cereal seeding by at least two weeks after harvesting spring crops
• Adopt a two-year or longer break between cereals

By creating a two-week gap without a green host, both the virus and the mite vector die, preventing WSM from carrying over to the next season.

Laboratory Testing for WSMV

Diagnosing WSM based on leaf symptoms alone is unreliable, as symptoms can overlap with other infections or deficiencies. To confirm the presence of WSMV, molecular testing is recommended.

The Alberta Plant Health Lab is temporarily accepting sample submissions for testing. Contact for information > planthealthlab@gov.ab.ca

By staying vigilant and implementing preventative measures, producers can help reduce the spread of WSM and protect their crops.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Fact Sheet

Predator Control Assistance in the County of Newell

The County of Newell provides assistance to residents dealing with predator concerns. When an incident of predator kill or harassment is reported, the Director of Agricultural Services or a trained Agricultural Services team member will investigate and implement appropriate control measures as needed.

If control devices are issued, a $20.00 fee applies.

While it is impossible to eliminate all predators and the risks they pose to livestock, effective management strategies can help reduce losses while remaining compatible with different types of livestock production. Since every farm is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

When predators strike, it is essential to be aware of all available control options and take immediate action to protect your livestock. The County is here to provide guidance and support in managing predator challenges effectively.

Fusarium species represent an important pathogen of cereal crops in Alberta. For more information, visit Fusarium Management Plan 

Richardson Ground Squirrels (gophers) pose a significant threat to agricultural land, damaging crops and creating hazardous conditions for livestock and equipment.

Strychnine Ban & Phase-Out Timeline

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has cancelled the registration of 2% liquid strychnine for use on Richardson Ground Squirrels, with the following phase-out schedule:

• March 4, 2020: Registration cancelled
• March 4, 2021: Last date for manufacturers to sell the product
• March 4, 2022: Last date for retailers (including the County of Newell) to sell the product
• March 4, 2023: Last date for users to apply the product
• After March 4, 2023: Owning or using strychnine becomes illegal and may result in fines

County of Newell Strychnine Sales & Procedures

Until March 4, 2022, the County's Agricultural Services Department will continue selling 2% liquid strychnine concentrate (LSC) to qualifying landowners under the following conditions:

• Sold on a cost-recovery basis (price subject to change)
• Maximum purchase: 2 cases per individual (as per policy 2016-PAG-032)
• Sales handled only by trained Agricultural Services staff
• Purchasers must complete training from Agricultural Services staff
• Eligibility: Must be a bona fide farmer owning at least 80 acres of agricultural land

Required Information at Purchase:
✔ Name
✔ Phone Number
✔ Land Description (where the product will be applied)

The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) reserves the right to refuse service to any landowner suspected of misusing the product. Any violation of label recommendations will result in forfeiture of purchasing privileges.

For more information or to inquire about alternative pest management strategies, please contact the Agricultural Services Department.

The Agricultural Services Department is your local contact for reporting rat sightings or signs of a rat infestation. If you suspect rat activity, call 403-794-2311 or 310-RATS immediately to initiate an investigation.

Early detection is crucial to preventing infestations—don’t hesitate to report any concerns!

More information can be found at Alberta's Rat Control Program. 

The County of Newell sells Phostoxin (Aluminum Phosphide) to County landowners for stored grain pest control and Richardson Ground Squirrel (gopher) management.

Eligibility & Certification Requirements

To purchase Phostoxin, landowners must:

• Hold a valid Farmer Pesticide Certificate
• Have completed either the Grain Bin Fumigation or Rodent Control module

The Farmer Pesticide Certificate is a self-taught program, with exams administered through the County’s Agricultural Services Department. Upon passing, Alberta Agriculture issues a certificate number, valid for five years.

At the time of purchase, farmers must provide their valid Farmer Pesticide Certificate number in accordance with County of Newell Policy.

Purchase Guidelines

• Phostoxin is sold on a cost-recovery basis
• Minimum purchase: 1 flask
• Maximum purchase: 2 cases per transaction

The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) reserves the right to refuse sales to any farmer suspected of misusing the product. Violating label recommendations will result in forfeiture of purchasing privileges.

For more information on certification or product availability, contact the Agricultural Services Department.