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High temperatures (as high as mid 30’s in some areas) are occurring across the Prairies as swathing timing nears. Swathing under such hot conditions can result in rapid dry down (moisture loss) but longer curing (time for green seeds to clear chlorophyll). Swath as close to 60% seed colour change (SCC) as is practical under these hot conditions and do…
August 24 2011 - Issue 21
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Peace: Warm temperatures last week and over the weekend were welcomed for crop development. The crop is progressing well but still about 10 days behind. Some fields are at late pod with some early swathing started. Swathing will become more general in about 10 days to two weeks. There is a fair amount of the canola acreage that will not…
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Swathing early before the recommended 50 to 60% seed colour change in the high temperatures occurring lately will not necessarily mean earlier combining. Under hot, dry conditions crop dry down can occur quickly (drop below 10% moisture) but not crop curing (seed maturation and removal of chlorophyll). Fields that are swathed early (e.g. 20 or 30% seed colour change) and/or…
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Lygus populations continue to be high and exceed thresholds in parts of Alberta and Manitoba (around Morris and Altona). Once pods become leathery (role of thumb is about two weeks before swathing), then even adult lygus cannot cause damage and control is not economical. Economic control thresholds for lygus bugs are based on adult and late instar counts. When canola…
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So far relatively low levels of sclerotinia infection are being reported in most areas. Blackleg is appearing in eastern Manitoba and southern Alberta. Scouting and identifying disease(s) present can be a valuable tool for assessing this year’s production practices and preparing for next years. Here’s what to look for…
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Scout fields individually and often. Determine swath timing by breaking open pods and assessing the level of seed colour change. Scouting based on field colour change is not a good indication of seed maturity. Maturity can change quickly and it may help to open up the field with a swath cut around the perimeter to grasp where the field is…
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Swathing widths have increased in recent years to 30 feet and beyond. A heavy crop cut at thirty feet or more needs only gentle downward pressure on the middle of the swath to be anchored properly. Air movement within the swath is important during curing and dry down. The swath roller should lightly tuck edges. Being too aggressive with the…
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A number of hail storms in Alberta earlier in the season have resulted in regrowth at the top of the plant. This regrowth is now considerably late and it is……
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Practice leads to perfect. Growers who successfully straight combine say that experience leads to success. If straight combining for the first time in 2011, be sure to start on a small number of acres. This will allow for some experimentation to determine how to make it work with an individual’s equipment. Choose suitable fields. Fields that make good candidates for…