Harvest plant counts can help growers determine if their seeding was adequate to reach the crop’s yield potential. A compilation of stand establishment research shows that canola generally needs at least 4-5 plants per square foot to reach its yield potential. But is this true for all varieties, all crop inputs packages, and all growing conditions? We don’t know. Growers…
Canola Watch Posts
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If late season hail damages pods, then these pods have a higher potential for shattering as they dry. Swathing early to save these pods may not be worthwhile if these pods represent only a small percentage of the yield potential of the crop…
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Canola binned hot, even if it has low moisture, low dockage and low green, should still be put on aeration. This will even out the temperature throughout the bin, and help remove some of the moisture from respiring seed. Even at low moisture, air movements within the bin could concentrate this moisture…
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Serious disease infections become more obvious as fields get closer to harvest. Whitened diseased and dying plants are in stark contrast to the healthy light green plants around them. Take time now to identify which disease is responsible. This is essential for management next year. Late canola fields may be at continued and higher risk for bertha armyworm feeding, especially…
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Research conducted by the Canola Council of Canada over approximately 28 site-years indicates that significant yield increases can be achieved by waiting until 50-60% seed colour change on the main stem before swathing. Swathing at 50-60% SCC resulted in 8% more yield than swathing at 30-40% SCC, 12% more yield than at 10-20% SCC, and 19% more yield than swathing…
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The optimal swath timing for canola yield and quality is when 60% of seeds on the main stem are showing some colour change. Seed colour change (SCC) is considered any amount of yellow or brown on the seed…
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Sclerotinia stem rot (above) and blackleg can both cause what looks like pre-mature ripening. Both diseases, when severe, can cut off nutrient flow up the stem, resulting in a whitened dead plant. Both can cause increased lodging. However, long-term management requires an accurate identification of which disease is the cause. Disease identification will make sure you make the correct seed…