Science

Reseed when fewer than two plants per square foot

While hybrid canola has a high degree of phenotypic plasticity that allows it to compensate for low plant populations, growers need to know when the population is likely too low to compensate for the reduced plant stand. Reseeding is more likely to provide an economic benefit when: the population is below 20 plants per square...
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Science

Mapping a route to clubroot resistance

Twelve molecular markers were identified that will be useful in breeding programs including gene pyramiding for durable clubroot resistance.
Key practice: P. brassicae can rapidly adapt to the selection pressure provided by currently available clubroot-resistant canola varieties. For durable clubroot resistance, it will be important to stack resistance genes and rotate them in clubroot-infested fields. Project title, Lead researcher: “Studies on the genetic and molecular basis for clubroot resistance in canola,” 2010-15, Stephen Strelkov,...
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Science

Straight combining: environment and timeliness matter more than variety

Key practice: This study found that most hybrids could be straight combined successfully with minimal harvest losses when harvested in a timely manner under reasonably average environmental conditions. When making a seed decision, balance pod shatter resistance with other selection factors including yield potential, herbicide system, days to maturity and other agronomic factors. Project title,...
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Science

Annual soil tests improve nitrogen returns

Key practice: Predicting how much nitrogen is reserved in the soil is difficult. Given its high cost in canola production, conducting an annual soil test on each field to determine appropriate rates is a good idea. The wild card is moisture supply throughout the growing season. Project title, Lead Researcher: “Long-term effects of different soil...
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Science

Night spraying outperforms dawn for weed management

On average, herbicides were most effective when applied in the daytime, and night spraying gave better results than dawn application.
Key practice: Midday herbicide applications are most effective for canola; midnight application for grassy weeds. Project title, Lead researcher: “Night spraying — Pesticide efficacy with night time application (2012-14),” Ken Coles, Farming Smarter Grower organization funder: ACPC Any reduction in herbicide efficacy quickly impacts the return on input investment. With the short Prairie growing season,...
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