Science

Use seed treatment to minimize early disease

Key practice: A registered seed treatment with multiple fungicide active ingredients can minimize the threat of seed and seedling diseases. Seeding early, shallow and with good seed to soil contact for quick emergence also helps prevent early disease infection. Start field scouting 10 to 14 days after seeding. Key research: Hwang, S.F., Alberta Agriculture and...
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Science

Micronutrients: Take care of macros first

Key practice: Economic response to micronutrient applications is rare for canola in Western Canada. However, if growers apply recommended rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur and yields are not increasing, growers may want to check the micronutrient situation. Key research: Karamanos, R.E., Westco Fertilizers, et al. “Canola response to boron in Canadian prairie soils,” 2003,...
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Science

Harvest prep starts in the spring

Studies have found that lower harvest losses in canola are associated with higher yield potential, especially when straight combining. This could be attributed to the additional strategies high-yielding growers carry out earlier in the season, such as seeding early, early weed control and frequent field scouting.
Key practice: Reducing harvest losses starts with strong crop establishment, adequate fertilization, early weed control and frequent scouting. Key research: Liu, C., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), et al. “Evaluation of On-Farm Crop Management Decisions on Canola Productivity.” Canadian Journal of Plant Science (2014). Watson, P.R., Alberta Research Council, et al. “Canola Harvest Management Study.”...
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Science

Protect canola from early insect feeding

Key practice: Use seed treatments and early in-crop treatments, if scouting deems them necessary, to protect young plants from flea beetles. Key research: Hallett, Rebecca, University of Guelph. “Assessing the Impact of Swede Midge on Canola Production in the Prairies & Ontario.” Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP 2005-14). Olfert, Owen and Elliott, Bob, Agriculture and...
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Science

Rotate crops for blackleg and clubroot management

Key practice: Increasing the number of years between canola crops in the rotation reduces incidence and severity of blackleg and clubroot in fields. Key research: Kutcher, H.R., University of Saskatchewan, et al. “Blackleg Disease of Canola Mitigated by Resistant Cultivars and Four-Year Crop Rotations in Western Canada.” Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology (2013). Peng, G.,...
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