Research Briefs

Grower-funded research projects

Chris Holzapfel with Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation is evaluating canola performance at row spacing ranging from 10" to 24".

Canola growers across the Prairies fund many research projects with their levy payments to Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, Alberta Canola Producers Commission and Manitoba Canola Growers Association. Many of those projects are funded through the joint Canola Agronomic Research Program (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 of and updates on all ongoing projects directly funded by provincial canola grower organizations.

Science

Seed at 1/2″ to 1″ deep

Key practice: Optimum seeding depth is ½” to 1″ below the press wheel furrow. This reduces days to emergence and improves plant population and uniformity, which produce season-long benefits. Key research: Harker, K. Neil, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). “Seeding Depth and Seeding Speed Effects on No-Till Canola Emergence, Maturity, Yield and Seed Quality.” Canola...

Science

Canola needs sulphur fertilizer

Canola growers can experience substantial decreases in yield due to sulphur deficiency. The abstract to the Grant, Malhi and Karamanos review cited above begins with this: “(Canola) has a high concentration of sulphur in its tissue and seed and a particularly high demand for sulphur relative to its yield potential. Therefore, effective sulphur management is...

Science

Ensure all crop inputs are working together

Key practice: Recommended fertilizer rates and seeding rates that provide for a competitive stand will make canola more resilient against weeds, insect damage and disease. Key research: Brandt, S.A., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), et al. “Seeding Rate, Fertilizer Level and Disease Management Effects on Hybrid Versus Open Pollinated Canola (Brassica napus L.).” Effective pest...

Feature

Toward genetic gain of eight bushels per acre

The Canola Council of Canada’s Keep It Coming strategic plan targets an average yield of 52 bu./ac. across the Prairies by 2025. This is an 18 bu./ac. increase over the average yield at the time the plan launched. Of that, 10 bu./ac. will come as a result of agronomic improvement through the four categories outlined in this magazine. The other 8 bu./ac. will come from genetics. This article summarizes the seed industry’s perspective on their target and how it could be achieved.