Science

Good canola establishment with narrow-row planter

Science Edition: Stand Establishment
KEY RESULT: For this study conducted in southern Alberta on irrigated and dryland plots, the precision planter with 12″ spacing increased seedling emergence and plant stand density compared to the conventional air drill and precision planter with 20″ spacing — as long as seeding rates were higher than 20 seeds/m2. PROJECT TITLE, PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: “Developing...
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Science

Flexibility but no added yield for fertigation

Science Edition: Fertility Management
KEY RESULT: This study compared nitrogen application through side-banding at seeding and through a split application of side-banding at seeding plus in-season through an irrigation system. It found no yield advantage to the split, but the flexibility of fertigation (for those with irrigation systems) allows farmers to adjust rates based on conditions through the season....
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Science

Quest continues for Prairie-wide clubroot map

Science Edition: Integrated Pest Management
KEY RESULT: A harmonized clubroot map for the Prairies could reduce confusion and allow for meaningful comparisons between regions. This project resulted in a map for Alberta and Saskatchewan, but the goal remains to include Manitoba. PROJECT TITLE, PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: “Development of a Harmonized Clubroot Map,” Stephen Strelkov, University of Alberta FUNDING: Alberta Canola, Manitoba...
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Science

Canola flower midge found across the Prairies

Science Edition: Integrated Pest Management
KEY RESULT: The newly discovered canola flower midge, C. brassicola, may be a species native to the Prairies. It is found across the canola-growing region, but population density, for the most part, is low and the midge has not had a significant impact on yield. This midge causes flower galls that result in aborted pods....
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Science

Hot weather can increase swede midge damage

Science Edition: Integrated Pest Management
KEY RESULT: Swede midge, an invasive species, causes costly damage to canola in Ontario – but not on the Prairies at this time. Modeling found that when a high number of adults coincided with days of high temperatures, egg laying would increase and result in higher damage levels in the current year and outbreak-level populations...
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