Science

Mapping a route to clubroot resistance

Twelve molecular markers were identified that will be useful in breeding programs including gene pyramiding for durable clubroot resistance.

Science Edition 2015—Key practice: P. brassicae can rapidly adapt to the selection pressure provided by currently available clubroot-resistant canola varieties. For durable clubroot resistance, it will be important to stack resistance genes and rotate them in clubroot-infested fields. Project title, Lead researcher: “Studies on the genetic and molecular basis for clubroot resistance in canola,” 2010-15, Stephen Strelkov,...

Science

Manure-sourced P fertilizer increases crop safety

Science Edition 2015—Key Practice: Struvite shows promise as a phosphorus-fertilizer source. This study shows that struvite recovered from hog manure can match yields compared to monoammonium phosphate and provides higher seed-placed safety. Project title, Lead Researcher: “Can slow-release monoammonium phosphate and struvite improve phosphorus use efficiency and reduce seedling toxicity in canola?” Francis Zvomuya, University of Manitoba...

Science

An improved hybrid system for breeding canola Brassica juncea

Science Edition 2015—Key practice: The Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) hybrid system, commonly used in B. napus, will position B. juncea breeders to produce more stress tolerant, blackleg resistant and pod shatter resistant high-yielding canola B. juncea hybrid varieties. Project title, Lead researcher: “Improving the Ogura CMS hybrid system and establishing heterotic gene pools for hybrid breeding...

Science

Night spraying outperforms dawn for weed management

On average, herbicides were most effective when applied in the daytime, and night spraying gave better results than dawn application.

Science Edition 2015—Key practice: Midday herbicide applications are most effective for canola; midnight application for grassy weeds. Project title, Lead researcher: “Night spraying — Pesticide efficacy with night time application (2012-14),” Ken Coles, Farming Smarter Grower organization funder: ACPC Any reduction in herbicide efficacy quickly impacts the return on input investment. With the short Prairie growing season,...

Science

Feasibility of growing winter types of Brassica rapa in Alberta

Science Edition 2015—Key practice: Growers in southern Alberta may want to consider winter B. rapa as a suitable alternative to hybrid spring canola (B. napus), which could be a good fit with other winter crops grown there, especially winter wheat. Project title, Lead researcher: “Evaluation of winter Brassica rapa for cultivation in Alberta,” 2007-11, Habibur Rahman, University...