Science

Bertha armyworm monitoring system still works

Key result: The current system for monitoring potential bertha armyworm outbreaks is based on a pheromone trap network developed in the 1970s (Steck et al. 1979) and improved in the 1980s (Struble et al. 1984). This study tested the efficiency of this system in the context of current canola production and determined the monitoring and...

Science

One step closer to sclerotinia control

Key result: Sclerotinia stem rot-tolerant varieties are available and efforts continue to improve varietal resistance, in both the public and private sectors. Researchers on this project have identified previously undiscovered genes associated with the plant defense response, providing valuable resources for researchers interested in developing sclerotinia-resistant canola lines. Project title, Principal investigators: “Getting one step...

Feature

Growing Forward 2 projects

The federal government’s $15 million investment in canola research through Growing Forward 2 combined with the canola industry’s $5 million contribution (which includes input from the canola grower organizations) is funding 23 research projects for five years. Here are short descriptions and progress reports for 15 agronomy projects on that list.

Feature

Grower-funded research projects

Canola growers across the Prairies fund dozens of research projects with their levy payments to SCDC, ACPC and MCGA. Many of those projects are funded jointly through CARP —an arrangement that has been ongoing for almost 30 years. Other projects are funded through arrangements with other organizations listed in these summaries. Here are short descriptions and updates for all ongoing projects directly funded by provincial canola grower organizations.

Science

Blackleg metabolites do not add risk to canola products for export

Key Practice: L. maculans, the fungal pathogen that causes blackleg in canola, can produce a mycotoxin called sirodesmin PL, but this study found none of it in Alberta canola samples. Project Title, Lead Researcher: “Evaluation of the toxicity of the secondary metabolites produced by Leptosphaeria maculans,” 2012-14, Xiujie (Susie) Li, Alberta Innovates — Technology Futures...