Science

Consider seed size when targeting optimum plant stand

Science Edition 2016—Key result: Seeding rates should be established based on 1,000-seed weight, using an on-line seeding rate calculator or on-line apps. Project title, Principal investigator: “Seed size and seeding rate effects on canola yield and quality,” Neil Harker, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lacombe Funding: Alberta Canola, MCGA, SaskCanola, CCC, AAFC, GF2 Recent surveys indicate that approximately...

Science

Economize on fungicide through rapid detection of sclerotinia

Science Edition 2016—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...

Science

Investigation into pod drop and pod retention resistance

Science Edition 2016—Key result: Seed losses at harvest can be significant. This study provides insight into pod drop and the factors impacting it. The pod retention measurement method developed and validated in this study can be used in future studies. Results from this study also suggest that pod retention is a heritable trait and could be exploited by...

Science

EC cannot help make VR strategies more consistent

Science Edition 2016—Key Result: While soil electrical conductivity (EC) measurement is a strong indicator of soil clay and moisture content, it cannot help to make variable rate (VR) fertilizer programs more consistent. Producers using VR should be prepared to use a specific strategy for each field each year. Project title, Principal investigators: “Understanding soil variability for effective...

Science

Identifying and controlling cutworms

During cutworm outbreaks, accurate and rapid identification is required to maximize control methods.

Science Edition 2016—Key result: A pest complex of economically significant cutworm species can be found on the Prairies, and outbreaks seem to be occurring with greater frequency. This study has resulted in a DNA protocol for quick, accurate identification of cutworm species; identification of natural enemies and evaluation of their ability to develop on different cutworm species;...