Seeding almost wrapped up

Most areas in western Canada are at least 80-90% seeded, except for parts of northern Saskatchewan near Prince Albert and central, eastern and northern areas of the Peace region, which report 60-70% completion.

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Dry areas get a taste of rain

Timely moisture found many areas, including some of the driest in southwestern Manitoba, southern Saskatchewan and east central Alberta. Rainfall ranged from 5 mm to 75 mm in parts of southwestern Alberta. Although welcome, the rainfall was sporadic, with some areas receiving only minimal amounts. Moisture for germination has improved in these areas, and growers awaiting rain have resumed seeding. However,  they still report need moisture for crop development after germination.

Some parts of northeastern Saskatchewan near Nipawin, Melfort and Prince Albert report dry topsoil conditions due to the combination of spring tillage to dry out the soil and the recent lack of moisture in some of these areas.  For current maps of moisture conditions from the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), check the following link: 

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=105086&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=db5c9c7acebfe83f2d82be9d2f84fc9e

The latest crop report from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) is available at: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=105087&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=f65be370b5c6345efa5855d3e9a0f50e

The latest crop report from Saskatchewan Agriculture is available at:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=108050&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=df3aa24312a4ecdef2c2c58f2333693d

Additional moisture information for Alberta is available from Alberta Environment at:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=106778&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=6132681cfbb48f1ca63335ed2f41e4dd

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=106779&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=f39a6587ca097d2f530f060637ee7f20

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Frost damage widespread

Frost hit much of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and east central Alberta Sunday and Monday nights, with some areas reporting lows as cold as -6°C. The amount of frost injury will depend on moisture conditions, duration of frost and the coldest temperature reached, rate at which thawing occurs, the growth stage of the plants, and the amount of cold temperature hardening the plants have experienced. Canola seedlings will usually recover from a light spring frost that does not damage the plant’s growing point. A light frost that wilts the leaves but does not cause any browning will not severely damage the plants. Even plants with some discolouration of the leaves (ranging from yellowing or whitening to brown necrosis or blackening in more severe cases) may survive. Wait several days following frost to determine the extent of the damage and whether or not the growing point has been killed. If there is any green colour at the growing point in the centre of the frozen leaf rosettes, the plant should recover.

Remember: A proper assessment of frost damage cannot be made for several days – until it can be determined whether new growth is appearing from damaged plants. Under good growing conditions, green re-growth from the growing point should occur in four to five days. Under poor growing conditions – cold and/or dry – re-growth may take up to 10 days.

To evaluate a frost-damaged field, walk a diagonal path across the field and evaluate all plants in a 1/4 m² (3 ft²) area every 20 paces. This should be 50-100 samples. Record an observation from each sample. Calculate the percentage of the field that has adequate plant recovery. For example, when 80% of a field has a minimum of 20-40 recovering healthy plants per m² (2 to 4 per ft²) and a light weed population, and the remainder of the field has fewer plants (may even be none to spotty), the field likely still has a higher yield potential than one that is reseeded. This is especially true in the end of May or first part of June. The surviving plants will take advantage of the reduced competition for light, moisture and nutrients and grow larger, producing more branches, pods and seeds per pod, compensating for the lost plants. With a moderate weed population that can’t be controlled effectively, the canola plant density should be higher (perhaps 60-70 recovered plants/m²  or 6-7 per ft²), because weed competition will limit the ability of canola to compensate. In either situation the surviving plants will take longer to mature (as much as five to eight days), but a re-seeded crop will require an even longer frost-free period and be at greater risk of fall frost damage.

For more information on assessing frost-damaged canola, refer to the Canol@Fact "Tips for assessing spring frost damage in canola": http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=106780&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=2c4d8103eaae970c97451e873152b0e8

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Seeding tips to hasten maturity

Late seeders and re-seeders – give your canola the best possible start. The combination of good to excellent soil moisture and favourable soil temperatures is ideal for rapid and even emergence as long as proper seeding techniques are used. Seed shallow to facilitate rapid emergence, ideally at a depth of ½ to ¾ inch. Keep pre-seeding tillage shallow to help maintain seedbed firmness and moisture. Consider increasing seeding rates slightly to reduce individual plant branching. Make sure seeding rates are high enough to establish the target of 7-14 plants/ft². Apply recommended rates of phosphorus fertilizer for the "pop-up effect" in cooler areas to ensure more uniform crop maturity, but watch seed-placed fertilizer rates to avoid seedling toxicity.

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Save seed samples

While seeding, save the seed tags from bags of canola seed as well as a representative sample of the seed. Using a plastic bag, collect a seed sample from each of the bags or lot numbers and keep the blue tags. Document seeding rate and date seeded. Save the sample in a cool, dry place. This is especially invaluable when trying to assess an emergence or early crop development problem to determine if the seed is a contributing factor.

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Re-assess days to maturity

Growers who still have significant acreages of canola to seed should reassess the suitability of the maturity of their chosen varieties. The accumulation of temperature or Growing Degree Days (GDDs) has a major influence on days to maturity for canola. In the short- and mid-season zones of western Canada, maturity for B. napus varieties will range from 95 to 125 days, depending on growing season heat accumulation. B. rapa varieties usually range from 80 to 115 days to maturity.

Determine how many days to maturity are required for the variety that is to be seeded. Usually the variety will be rated relative to the check variety: number of days earlier (minus) or later (plus). Using a typical first fall frost date, count back the days to maturity to estimate the cut-off date for seeding. For example, if the first frost is August 25 on average and maturity of the check in the area is 103 days, counting back gives a cut-off date of May 17. If the variety to be seeded is five days earlier in maturity than the check, this means that in a typical year, seeding up to May 22 would be acceptable. If the variety does not meet the requirements, ask your local retailer to suggest other suitable varieties.

Manitoba growers check the following link to determine their frost-free days:
http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=108051&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=039b345982db91b5bbe833c1388ec1e0

Saskatchewan growers check the following link to determine the average first fall frost date: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=108052&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=755638735201459605779989a89d40c9

Alberta growers check the following link to determine frost-free days:
http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=108053&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=7aac7eab25226721bb7b2b9e01001246

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Check crop emergence

Crop emergence is good to excellent in many areas. Remember to begin scouting fields 7-10 days after seeding to detect germination problems early. With ample moisture and warm soils, emergence can begin to take place within a week. Refer to the Canol@Fact "Factors affecting canola survival for seeding to 21 days after emergence": http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=106781&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=d3cc8fd3e1f533ab77db3fd2145c37b8

When scouting fields with any stand establishment problems, check for the presence of the blue seed coat at or near the root of the seedling or the depth of seeding. This will indicate affected plants are either from the current year’s seed, or volunteers from previous years.

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Fertilizer shortages reported

Temporary shortages of fertilizer products continue to be reported in a number of areas of Saskatchewan, with the most common shortages involving ammonium sulphate. Growers who are unable to access sufficient fertilizer products at the time of seeding have other options.

Post-emergent top dressing of ammonium sulphate or dribble banding of liquid fertilizer has been shown to be effective when applied up to the 4-leaf stage. Earlier applications are generally more effective because they have a better chance of receiving adequate precipitation to move the fertilizer to the roots. Use the proper type of application equipment based on the form of fertilizer being applied to ensure even distribution when broadcasting.

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Remain on the lookout for flea beetles

Flea beetles continue to appear on cruciferous weeds, volunteer canola and early emerging canola in parts of central Manitoba, in eastern Saskatchewan near Moosomin, and in central Alberta near St. Albert and Barrhead. Watch continuously for flea beetle activity on the newly emerging crop. Don’t assume that flea beetle activity is low because of cool weather. Striped flea beetles are known to be more active than crucifer flea beetles under cool conditions. For more information on identifying flea beetles, refer to the following link: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=105094&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=76a5a366d5bc1af9f8ae0102b9b35fec

Quick Tips for Scouting and Assessing Flea Beetle Damage

·         Scout fields daily in the spring, especially in areas with high flea beetle pressure the previous year.

·         Assess damage to cotyledons and the first true leaves of seedlings.

·         Scout the first 14 days after emergence, especially on sunny, calm days when temperatures exceed 14^oC.

·         Scouting twice a day may be warranted when weather conditions are ideal for flea beetle feeding.

·         Determine the extent and distribution of damage by observing plants at random while walking across the field, checking all field and slough margins where the insects over-winter.

·         Damage and flea beetle numbers may be higher at the field edge than further into the field.

Current seed treatment insecticides require flea beetles to feed on the canola in order to provide control, so seeing some flea beetle damage doesn’t mean seed treatment insecticide is not working.  These have a limited window of efficacy, and delayed emergence and growth due to cool, wet weather may allow feeding damage to build up.

Canola seedlings can withstand 50% leaf loss. However, flea beetles can locate, attack and quickly injure or destroy seedlings shortly after emergence. Therefore, the action threshold for flea beetle feeding on canola is 25% defoliation with flea beetles present. Check the entire plant for signs of flea beetle feeding. The stem and the underside of leaves may also show signs of feeding. Applying controls at 25% defoliation will reduce the risk of flea beetle damage reaching a level where yield loss and plant development are substantially reduced. If damage only exceeds threshold levels near the field edges, a foliar spray around the field edges may provide sufficient protection. However, on hot and calm days flea beetles are capable of moving longer distances and may cause significant damage further into the field.

When assessing economic thresholds, also consider growing conditions. When flea beetle feeding is combined with poor plant growth and low plant populations, canola can tolerate less feeding than if plants are growing rapidly under better conditions.

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Cutworms update

Cutworms continue to appear in parts of southern Alberta and southern and western Saskatchewan. Given the size of the cutworms in some reports, it appears that many of these are army or dingy cutworms, which overwinter as larvae. For more information on cutworms, refer to the Canol@Fact on cutworms: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=106782&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=bfdebeb7917e486607c169f97cce3fe1

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Control weeds early

Weed growth continues in many areas due to favourable moisture conditions. In some areas, the combination of early seeding and the lack of pre-emergent burn-off applications has encouraged weeds to develop faster than the crop, especially grassy weeds like wild oats. In these cases it is especially important to do an early in-crop herbicide application. Control of early germinating weeds is important to minimize moisture and nutrient loss and reduce weed competition to allow establishment of a healthy and competitive crop stand. However, it is important to give frost-damaged crops time to recover before applying another stress in the form of a herbicide. Poor growing conditions also often lead to poor weed control as well. Refer to the Canol@Fact (http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=108054&q=73992079&lm=11426940&r=93992&qz=6c280a0cfa313030c29244f16b7f8b56)

for more information on weed control timing.

Assess the number, growth stage and types of weeds present prior to herbicide applications. Also, read the herbicide label. With several herbicides available in various formulations (glyphosate, for example), it is important to apply the correct rate of active ingredient to ensure good weed control and crop tolerance.

For those growers relying on post-seeding, pre-emergent burn-off applications, keep in mind that many areas are reporting canola emergence within a week of seeding. Monitor carefully for emergence prior to spraying to avoid crop damage.

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Questions & Contacts

Direct questions regarding this report to John Mayko, Senior Agronomy Specialist with the Canola Council of Canada at maykoj@canolacouncil.org ph/fax: 780-764-2593.

Direct specific questions regarding regional issues to one of the following Canola Council of Canada regional agronomists or provincial oilseed specialists:

Derwyn Hammond, Agronomy Specialist, Manitoba, hammondd@canolacouncil.org,
204-729-9011
Ingrid Kristjanson, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Ingrid.Kristjanson@gov.mb.ca,
204-746-7504
David Vanthuyne, Agronomy Specialist, Eastern Saskatchewan, vanthuyned@canolacouncil.org,  
306-946-3588
Venkata Vakulabharanam, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Venkata.Vakulabharanam@gov.sk.ca  
306-787-2594
Doug Moisey, Agronomy Specialist, Parkland East (East Central AB & NW SK), moiseyd@canolacouncil.org,
780-645-3624
Matthew Stanford, Agronomy Specialist, Chinook (Southern AB & SW SK), stanfordm@canolacouncil.org,
403-327-4832
Erin Brock, Agronomy Specialist, Peace Region, brocke@canolacouncil.org,
780-568-3326
Murray Hartman, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, murray.hartman@gov.ab.ca,
403-782-8024
Kerry Clark, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Kerry.Clark@gov.bc.ca,
250-784-2559

The Canola Watch Report provides just-in-time information on canola production to growers and industry. Contributors to the Canola Agronomy Network are:

Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives; Manitoba Canola Growers Association; United Farmers of Alberta; Viterra; Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture; Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association; Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission; Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development; Alberta Canola Producers Commission; BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canola Council of Canada.