Suspicious Bud Browning

A number of fields in the Peace region of Alberta (near Rycroft and Spirit River) are exhibiting signs of necrosis (browning and tissue dying) on bud clusters. Symptoms were first noticed on the primary branch. This week reports indicate that some secondary branches are also affected. It is unknown at this time if damage is the result of an environmental stress (e.g. cold temperature) or something else (e.g. herbicide injury). Fields are being scouted thoroughly and information is being gathered to try and determine the cause. If any crop scouts notice similar symptoms in other areas please notify your regional agronomy specialist, as a comparison of conditions and production practices may assist in identifying the problem.