Science

Fungal endophyte could improve canola yield

Science Edition 2016—Key Result: Fertilizer applications are a significant cost to growers and unpredictable environmental temperatures and precipitation events can make it tough to predict the proper fertilization regimes. This study investigates an alternative solution for canola growers: the potential benefit of endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica on canola growth and yield. Results from the controlled-environment experiment look...
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Science

Profitability and sustainability can go hand-in-hand

Science Edition 2016—Key Result: BMPs can improve canola production while simultaneously advancing environmental stewardship. This study identifies factors that contribute to improved canola production efficiency on the Canadian Prairies. It also examines the relationship between production efficiency and adoption of select environmental stewardship practices. These results may be of use for policy makers in identifying areas of...
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Science

Diversity key to blackleg resistance stewardship

Science Edition 2015—Key practice: Diversity of cultivar resistance, crop rotation and fungicide usage can prevent both infection and breakdown of blackleg resistance. Project title, Lead researcher: “Blackleg Resistance Stewardship: Improving our management of host resistance,” 2010-14, Dilantha Fernando, University of Manitoba Grower organization funder: ACPC, MCGA, SaskCanola Leptosphaeria maculans, the fungal pathogen that causes blackleg in canola,...
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Science

Yield drops with fewer than five plants per square foot

Science Edition 2015—Key Practice: Analysis of 35 canola seeding rate studies shows that hybrid canola can achieve its yield potential when at least five plants per square foot survive to harvest. Project Title, Lead Researcher: “Determining the economic plant density in canola,” 2009, Steve Shirtliffe, University of Saskatchewan Grower Organization Funder: ACPC, SaskCanola This meta-analysis of 35...
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Science

Diverse crop rotations reduce soil-borne disease pressure

Science Edition 2015—Key practice: Following a diverse rotation reduces soil pathogen populations and disease pressure. However, crop rotation should only be one part of your integrated approach to disease management. Project title, Lead researcher: “Effect of crop rotation on canola seedling blight and soil pathogen population dynamics,” 2006-07, Sheau-Fang Hwang, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Grower organization funder:...
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