February 8, 2023

Topics for the month

February 17 deadline for Canola 4R Advantage applications

The deadline to submit Canola 4R Advantage applications for the current intake is Friday, February 17, 2023. The current application intake covers eligible costs paid by the grower between February 7, 2022 and March 31, 2023 for BMPs implemented in the 2022 or 2023 planting season. Important: Any 2022 expenses must be captured in this application intake. (Ex. soil sampling in fall 2022 should be applied for with the current intake.) 

Find more details, including a robust set of FAQs and contact information for program staff, on the CCC website. 

Alternatives to lambda-cyhalothrin for flea beetles

We’ve known since December that some formulations of insecticides containing the active ingredient lambda-cyhalotrhin (Matador, Silencer) will not be marketed in Western Canada in 2023. This is based on a re-evaluation by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Alternatives exist for control of all pests controlled by lambda-cyhalothrin as long as supplies are sufficient. For flea beetles, alternatives include carbaryl (Sevin XLR), cypermethrin (Decis, Advantage Deltmethrin, Poleci), malathion and permethrin (Pounce, Perm-Up, IPCO Synchro, Ambush). SaskCanola collaborated on a booklet of insecticide options for flea beetle and other pests. 

Risk rising for verticillium stripe and blackleg 

Field monitoring shows a rise in verticillium stripe, particularly in the Eastern Prairies. The Canola Council of Canada grower survey in late 2022 asked growers to list those pests that represent the greatest economic risk to their canola production. Blackleg and verticillium stripe both increased since the 2020 survey. Notably, 24% of Manitoba farmers included verticillium stripe, up from less than 10% in 2020. 

Research shows an interaction between the blackleg and verticillium stripe pathogens, and both can be present in the same plant. But these diseases are distinctly different and accurate identification will help with management. Verticillium stripe identification and management. 

To help with disease studies in 2023, growers can volunteer fields for monitoring: 

  • Saskatchewan: Online form
  • Alberta: Email Michael Harding at michael.harding@gov.ab.ca  
  • Manitoba: To be added to the existing list, email David Kaminski at David.Kaminski@gov.mb.ca 

Calculate your canola cost of production

How does your canola cost of production compare to provincial guides? Provincial cost of production guides can help agronomists and growers estimate and evaluate input costs for canola (and other crops). Use the guides for budgeting and to identify purchasing opportunities when prices are lower than forecast. Incentives for early product pick-up may help with bottom lines, especially for products growers expect to use. Reminder: Expenses paid prior to March 31 may be eligible for for C4RA funding, so apply to the program by February 17 if you plan on making these eligible purchases.

  

  

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