Science

Diversity key to blackleg resistance stewardship

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,...

Science

Straight combining: environment and timeliness matter more than variety

Key practice: This study found that most hybrids could be straight combined successfully with minimal harvest losses when harvested in a timely manner under reasonably average environmental conditions. When making a seed decision, balance pod shatter resistance with other selection factors including yield potential, herbicide system, days to maturity and other agronomic factors. Project title,...

Science

Diverse crop rotations reduce soil-borne disease pressure

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:...

Science

Monitor stored canola heading into summer

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

Seeding between rows improves stand establishment

Key Practice: Seeding into bare soil between the previous year’s stubble rows will improve canola germination and plant establishment without increasing seed costs. Project Title, Lead Researcher: “Seeding Between the Lines: evaluating the potential of inter-row seeding for canola in southern Alberta,” 2011-14, Ken Coles, Farming Smarter Grower organization funder: ACPC Highly accurate GPS guidance...