Research Briefs

Research briefs: Growing Forward 2 projects

The federal government’s $15 million investment in canola research through Growing Forward 2 combined with the canola industry’s contribution of $5 million is funding 23 research projects for five years. Here are short descriptions and early progress reports for agronomy projects on that list, organized into the four strategic plan categories. Final results are still a few years away.

Science

Use seed treatment to minimize early disease

Key practice: A registered seed treatment with multiple fungicide active ingredients can minimize the threat of seed and seedling diseases. Seeding early, shallow and with good seed to soil contact for quick emergence also helps prevent early disease infection. Start field scouting 10 to 14 days after seeding. Key research: Hwang, S.F., Alberta Agriculture and...

Science

Control weeds early

Key practice: Control weeds early through a combination of pre-seed weed control and one in-crop application before the four-leaf stage. Key research: Harker, K. Neil, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), et al. “Field-Scale Time of Weed Removal in Canola.” Weed Technology (2008). Harker, K. Neil, AAFC, et al. “Seeding Rate, Herbicide Timing and Competitive Hybrids...

Research Briefs

Grower-funded research projects

Chris Holzapfel with Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation is evaluating canola performance at row spacing ranging from 10" to 24".

Canola growers across the Prairies fund many research projects with their levy payments to Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, Alberta Canola Producers Commission and Manitoba Canola Growers Association. Many of those projects are funded through the joint Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP) – an arrangement that has been ongoing for almost 30 years. Other projects are funded through arrangements with other organizations listed in these summaries.
Here are short descriptions of and updates on all ongoing projects directly funded by provincial canola grower organizations.

Science

Protect canola from early insect feeding

Key practice: Use seed treatments and early in-crop treatments, if scouting deems them necessary, to protect young plants from flea beetles. Key research: Hallett, Rebecca, University of Guelph. “Assessing the Impact of Swede Midge on Canola Production in the Prairies & Ontario.” Canola Agronomic Research Program (CARP 2005-14). Olfert, Owen and Elliott, Bob, Agriculture and...