Science

Feasibility of growing winter types of Brassica rapa in Alberta

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...
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Science

Reseed when fewer than two plants per square foot

While hybrid canola has a high degree of phenotypic plasticity that allows it to compensate for low plant populations, growers need to know when the population is likely too low to compensate for the reduced plant stand. Reseeding is more likely to provide an economic benefit when: the population is below 20 plants per square...
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Science

Annual soil tests improve nitrogen returns

Key practice: Predicting how much nitrogen is reserved in the soil is difficult. Given its high cost in canola production, conducting an annual soil test on each field to determine appropriate rates is a good idea. The wild card is moisture supply throughout the growing season. Project title, Lead Researcher: “Long-term effects of different soil...
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Science

Spraying for weevils reduces lygus bugs and increases yield

It is important to periodically scout for these insects with a sweep net starting at late bud stage, and also to consult economic threshold charts to determine the need for insecticidal control.
Key practice: Managing cabbage seedpod weevils (when they reach thresholds) with a single insecticide application at early flower stage can reduce pod-stage abundance of lygus bugs and may increase yield by an average of 1.5 bu./ac. Project title, Lead researcher: “Management of lygus bugs and seedpod weevil in canola at the farm level,” 2010-14, Hector...
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Science

Manure-sourced P fertilizer increases crop safety

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...
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