Science

Ensure all crop inputs are working together

Science Edition 2014—Key practice: Recommended fertilizer rates and seeding rates that provide for a competitive stand will make canola more resilient against weeds, insect damage and disease. Key research: Brandt, S.A., 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.).” Effective pest...

Science

Genetics will reduce harvest losses

A recent study by Andrea Cavalieri with the University of Manitoba found that pod shatter is primarily impacted by genotype, while environment is the dominant driver for pod drop.

Science Edition 2014—Key practice: Canola varieties with pod shatter tolerance have arrived. Pod shatter tolerance adds more flexibility for harvest timing, allowing crops to stand longer with fewer losses. Key research: Cavalieri, A., University of Manitoba, et al. “Pod Drop and Pod Shatter Are Not Closely Related in Canola.” Crop Science (2014). Gan, Y., Agriculture and Agri-Food...

Science

Target seven to 10 plants per square foot

Science Edition 2014—Key practice: Target a population of at least seven plants per square foot to maintain yield potential for canola. This target will allow for some plant mortality due to post- seeding stresses without dropping below the minimum five plants per square foot required for canola yield potential. Key research: Leeson, Julia, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada...

Science

Rotate crops for blackleg and clubroot management

Science Edition 2014—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.,...

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.

Science Edition 2014—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.”...