Early spring seeding typically benefits canola yield and quality. An early planting date enables the crop to take advantage of good spring moisture, avoid some heat stress at flowering, and reduce the risk of fall frost damage. Key practice: Crops seeded early (in late April or early May, depending on the region) will out-yield canola...
Read More Key practice: In Western Canada where the growing season is short, the ideal practice is to apply all fertilizer at the time of seeding. However, if shortages are expected or crops are showing deficiencies, soil-applied applications of nitrogen or sulphur fertilizer after emergence will likely provide an economic benefit. Key research: Guy Lafond, Agriculture and...
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Key practice: Use insecticides judiciously and employ strategies that may increase populations of some beneficial insects and reduce mortality of some parasitoids. These strategies include reducing tillage, leaving tall stubble to improve overwinter survival and intercropping. Key research: Dosdall, Lloyd, University of Alberta. “Improved Integrated Crop Management with Beneficial Insects.” Canola Digest Science Edition (2013)....
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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.
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...
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