Hail Damage – Getting Too Late to Recover

Hail was reported near Chaplin, SK last week. The hail damage from thunderstorms 10 days ago in Alberta has been quantified and one million acres of cropland are affected, with damage to the canola within the affected area generally ranging from 20% to 60%. It is likely getting too late in the growing season for canola plants to compensate and recover from severe hail damage. Mid-season hail is also a concern for disease access. The hail wounds on the plant can provide points of entry for disease pathogens such as sclerotinia stem rot, alternaria black spot or blackleg if environmental conditions have been conducive to spore production and disease development. More information about hail damage to canola is available at the following link: http://www.canola-council.org/chapter5.aspx.