Canola Digest Science 2014 Issue
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.

Read More
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...
Read More
Science

Follow insect thresholds

Key practice: Follow insect thresholds to manage input costs against potential yield response. Conserve and protect natural enemies and beneficial insects by using economic thresholds to determine the need and timing for insecticidal controls. Key research: Bracken, G.K. and Bucher, G.E. “An Estimate of the Relation Between Density of Bertha Armyworm and Yield Loss on...
Read More
Science

Apply enough nitrogen

Key practice: Use soil tests, ideally taken at consistent locations (GPS helps), and base rate decisions on soil test recommendations. Key research: S.A. Brandt, 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.)” Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 2007. R.E. Blackshaw,...
Read More
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...
Read More