Science

Economize on fungicide through rapid detection of sclerotinia

Key Result: Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is commonly managed by routine application of fungicides, typically without any indication of disease risk. Through this study, a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based assay was developed to measure S. sclerotiorum DNA in canola petals, enabling rapid and accurate estimates of infestation levels when timely fungicide...

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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.

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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.

Science

Seeding between rows improves stand establishment

Key Practice: Seeding into bare soil between the previous year’s stubble rows will improve canola germination and plant establishment without increasing seed costs. Project Title, Lead Researcher: “Seeding Between the Lines: evaluating the potential of inter-row seeding for canola in southern Alberta,” 2011-14, Ken Coles, Farming Smarter Grower organization funder: ACPC Highly accurate GPS guidance...

Science

Fungicide strategies for blackleg

Key practice: Consider early application of fungicide for blackleg management only when disease risk is high due to short crop rotations, erosion of cultivar resistance, or hail damage. Project title, Lead researcher: “Mitigating the risk of blackleg disease of canola using fungicide strategies,” 2011-15, Gary Peng, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC); Dilantha Fernando, University of...