Damage ID

Growers and agronomists are observing fields with blackleg and possibly also root rot on the same plants, root rot and root maggots together, and what could be aster yellows — but may be swede midge damage.

Identifying the factors causing the damage can be difficult, but important. Management of a problem usually requires accurate identification of what caused the problem in the first place. Identification will also determine whether a problem is worth a reassessment of management practices (discovering clubroot will change the way a field is managed), something without effective management practices (aster yellows), or something new to a region that is worth identifying and alerting local experts (swede midge, clubroot).

To identify a problem, start with careful scouting. Use this checklist and then move on to the Canola Diagnostic Tool.