Canola’s need for water is highest during the flowering growth stage, which means growers using irrigation have to provide more water during this stage. However, moisture at this stage also increases the risk of sclerotinia stem rot infection. Alberta’s irrigation scheduling strategy recommends less frequent and larger irrigation volumes during the flowering growth stage. This will provide the water the…
Canola Watch Posts
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While insects are not a major threat in most fields at this point in 2014, diamondback moth larvae are around, cabbage seedpod weevil are still laying eggs, and bertha armyworm larvae have been found in some locations — although at very low levels for the most part. (See the Map of the Week.) Here is a review of thresholds for…
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The goal when spraying cabbage seedpod weevil (CSPW) is to stop adults from laying eggs in newly formed pods. CSPW don’t do their damage until pods are at least 1” long — so aim to spray just prior to that stage, at about 20% bloom. By late July, adults have been around for two months and are coming to the…
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We have reports of an “alarmingly high” rate of canola spoilage across the Prairies. Have you checked bins lately? Hot conditions increase the storage risk, even if canola is dry. Take a look, and turn the bin or turn on the fans if necessary. Click here for an update on PAMI’s summer storage research. This research will help us determine…
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Blasted heat. A long stretch of hot weather at flowering can greatly reduce canola yield potential. Even with a few days of heat, hormone balance and regular pod formation can take a week to return to normal. (See the photo above.) Hot sclerotinia. Hot and dry conditions can reduce the sclerotinia risk significantly. However hot and humid conditions may not…
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What caused the damage to these buds? We have this question, and three others specific to sclerotinia stem rot management…
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The table above shows fungicides available to manage sclerotinia stem rot. The article answers a few common questions on sclerotinia stem rot management…
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Beneficials. Lygus, bertha armyworm and diamondback moth have a number of natural enemies that will keep populations in check. These beneficial insects may not control an immediate pest threat that has already exceeded thresholds — growers will still have to spray in that case — but beneficials can keep a lid on populations. The key to preserving beneficial insects is…