Science Edition 2015—Key practice: As winter transitions into summer, monitor the temperature profile in canola bins for any rapid increases that may indicate spoilage. Aerating and turning seed to warm up canola stored throughout the cold western Canadian winter is not necessary. Project title, Lead researcher: “Determining Best Practices for Summer Storage of Canola in Western Canada,”...

Science Edition 2014—Key practice: Economic response to micronutrient applications is rare for canola in Western Canada. However, if growers apply recommended rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur and yields are not increasing, growers may want to check the micronutrient situation. Key research: Karamanos, R.E., Westco Fertilizers, et al. “Canola response to boron in Canadian prairie soils,” 2003,...

Science Edition 2014—After escaping all the yield loss traps in the field, there is one more obstacle to overcome before delivering canola to the elevator: storage. Grain mismanaged in a bin can result in disappointing losses. Paying attention to the moisture and temperature of the grain as well as outdoors is critical to management. Canola storage was...

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...