Thin Stands Result in Variable Crop Staging

Canola staging continues to be quite variable within an area and even within a single field in some areas. Re-seeded and late seeded fields range from just emerging to the 2- to 3- leaf stage. Rainfall in areas that were extremely dry is resulting in a ‘second flush’ of germinating canola, resulting in staging from cotyledon to budding and bolting in the same field. Where soil moisture is limiting, pre-mature bud formation and bolting is occurring from small, unthrifty plants. Where soil moisture is not limiting, the return to more seasonable temperatures has helped advance canola development. Earliest seeded fields are at the bolting stage with some fields in early flower. Most areas still report overall crop development as later (about 1 to 3 weeks) than normal. Continued warm weather and a return to more average moisture are certainly needed to bring crop development up to normal.

The latest crop report from Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is available at:
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/crprpt090624
The latest crop report from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development is available at:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sdd4191#2009
The following maps show growing degree days accumulating across western Canada this growing season:http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prtgdd_e.htm