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A week of moisture across the Prairies has delayed seeding. Canola seeded any time in May has a good chance of reaching maturity, so May 9 isn’t late, however growers……
May 9, 2012 - Issue 11
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What is this insect and why should you scout for it? Click Read More to enter your guess into the survey… -
Seeding is a priority for many growers this week, but fields with a large population of weeds, especially advancing winter annuals, should get a pre-seed burnoff. For annuals and winter annuals, glyphosate needs only 24 hours to get to the growing point and set the control process in motion. After a day, the crop can be seeded. For perennial weeds,… -
Growers could glean a couple useful tips about seedling survival by taking a plant count in last year’s canola stubble. It can also serve as a reminder to take seeding notes for each field. Record seeding rate, seed weight and seeding date for each field, and record weather parameters that will influence seedling survival — soil moisture (dry, moist, wet)… -
If flea beetles are already out and on volunteers given the conditions we’ve had, as soon as it gets warm, they will be feeding more aggressively… -
The seedling diseases risk increases with moist soil conditions and with tight canola rotations. The three best management steps for canola in this situation are: 1. Use treated seed. 2. Seed shallow. 3. Don’t cheat on the seeding rate, especially if seedling diseases have been a problem in past years… -
When the warmer weather returns, as is forecast later this week, canola still in the seedling stage that was seeded over 3 weeks ago may be at high risk of flea beetle damage. Also, dig down to look at the seed. A soft mushy seed is dead — likely from disease — and will not emerge…
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Once the appropriate seeding rate has been determined, check that seeding equipment is properly calibrated to deliver the desired pounds of seed per acre. Consult the operator’s manual for recommended calibration instructions, or follow the procedure outlined in this article… -
Best results from broadcast seeding came from fields that were fertilized early and harrowed to improve seed to soil contact. If field moisture conditions will allow growers to incorporate broadcast seed and apply fertilizer, then they’re not too far from being able to seed with the drill. May 9 is too early to park the drill and look at alternative…