Canola Research Top Ten:Projects on the Research Hub
1. On-farm survey of combine grain loss
In-field testing of 50 combines (six manufacturers, 40 models) across the Prairies in 2019 reported harvest losses between 0.2 bu./ac. and 4.1 bu./ac., and an average loss of 1.3 bu./ac. (or 2.8 per cent of yield). This Prairie Agriculture Machinery Institute (PAMI) survey highlighted the importance of setting combines for current weather conditions and to reassess combine losses as conditions change throughout the harvest day and season.
2. Pre-harvest herbicide and desiccation
Pre-harvest herbicide and desiccant options provided dry-down benefits in this three-year Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF) study – if used according to their labels. However, fields with low weed populations, dry late-season weather, and early maturity showed relatively little benefit to using a pre-harvest application.
3. Methods to estimate pod drop and shatter
In this University of Manitoba study, pod-retention resistance was remarkably consistent for individual cultivars over years and locations. As well, correlation analysis confirmed catch tray observations that the relationship between pod drop and seed shatter events was weak and that they would be considered independent events.
4. Environmental footprint of canola
This Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) life cycle assessment provides insight on the role canola can play in improving soil carbon stores. The study shares how cropping systems involving canola can be designed to maximize carbon sequestration through early planting and use of full season crops.
5. Defining best management practices for using supplemental heating
In this two-year storage study, PAMI found that adding supplemental heat to natural air drying (NAD) systems can be a lower-capital alternative to dedicated heated-air dryers. It also reported that fuel type has the greatest impact on operating costs – with natural gas having lower cost than diesel and propane, if access allows.
6. Integrated approaches for flea beetle control
This University of Manitoba study suggests that the nominal economic threshold of 25 per cent defoliation is correct for flea beetles. Trial results showed that varying plant densities would produce different amounts of defoliation for the same number of flea beetles.
7. Determining the optimum plant density in canola
The University of Saskatchewan meta-analysis found that canola farmers should target populations greater than five per square foot to seek maximum returns on seed, as lower plant populations will often have yield loss.
8. Getting more bang for your buzz
This University of Calgary study showed that total canola yield and quality were higher in canola plants exposed to insect pollination. Pollinators reduced the negative effects of drought with approximately 20 per cent higher yield, regardless of whether the drought was experienced during the seedling or the pod-filling stage.
9. Canola response and minimizing nitrogen losses in a two-pass system
The nitrogen sources examined in this University of Manitoba study did not affect canola yield, but placement and timing did. Spring surface applications had lower yields than shallow or deep banding. Fall surface applications had lower yield (13 bu./ac.) than spring surface applications. Surface application of granular urea consistently had greater NH3 emissions than subsurface placement.
10. Using avirulence markers to predict the phenotypes of clubroot pathotypes
This Université Laval research looked for reliable screening techniques to assess the durability of new forms of clubroot cultivar resistance and to identify and categorize new and existing clubroot pathotypes. This could empower producers to make informed decisions about the most suitable canola cultivar for a field.