Seasonable weather boosts crop development

A return to more seasonable weather over most areas has helped crop development. Canola crops range from the 2-3 leaf stage for late-seeded and reseeded crops, to the bolting and first flower stage for earlier seeded fields. Most areas still report overall crop development as later than average. Continued warm weather and a return to more average moisture would bring crop development up to normal.

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Moisture conditions all over the map

Many areas received showers ranging from trace amounts up to 25 mm. Excess moisture is abating in many parts of Manitoba and west central Alberta north of Calgary. However, areas of Manitoba near Ste. Rose du Lac, north of Swan River and in the Interlake, parts of southwestern Alberta south of Calgary and the east Peace region between Eaglesham and High Prairie are still suffering from excess moisture. In contrast, northwestern Saskatchewan near North Battleford and Meadow Lake and western areas of the Peace region including Grande Prairie, Dawson Creek and Fort St. John are becoming critically dry.

For current maps of moisture conditions from the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), check the following links: 

Since Sept. 1, 2007 - http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=113406&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=b5e67b544d7077201658946b892f23a4

Since April 1, 2008 - http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=113407&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=df9e7da614fbb96a617474cd64ff1f4a

The latest crop report from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) is available at: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=113408&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=de73d2c48db8cf2fc7639b335ab820d1

The latest crop report from Saskatchewan Agriculture is available at:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114553&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=3bf34e0f797b346b01018021b19cf648

Additional moisture information for Alberta is available from Alberta Environment at: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=113410&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=839642d72037effacb4197a07ba25a50

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=113411&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=9e30d77607747dd2af1502eacba2c860

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Dealing with hail damage

Hail was reported in parts of Saskatchewan north of Regina. Potential canola yield losses will depend on stage of crop and severity of damage. Hail damage can also allow points of entry for diseases such as sclerotinia stem rot, alternaria black spot and blackleg to infect canola plants. Further information is available at the following link: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114554&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=e3f86c4c2fe97ac2e37044418ea87c10

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Top dressing tips

Areas with excess moisture may have also suffered substantial nitrogen losses from saturated soils in low-lying areas through denitrification. If excess water recedes fairly quickly and the canola recovers, consider top dressing additional nitrogen to compensate for the loss.

As well, growers who were conservative with their initial fertilizer applications for this crop or were unable to access sufficient fertilizer at the time of seeding may need to consider topping up nitrogen and sulphur rates by top dressing if crop establishment and growing conditions are good.

If you’re concerned about crop nutrients, consider tissue testing. But allow recently flooded canola to recover and growth to stabilize before doing the testing. Remember that top dressing N and S fertilizer can be successful up to the bolting stage – as long as rainfall occurs to move the fertilizer into the root zone. This helps alleviate deficiencies and ensures optimum yields if sub-optimal fertilizer has been applied or nutrient losses have occurred.

Ensure rates and field conditions are appropriate to minimize detrimental effects such as leaf burn on the crop. When considering products like fines, ensure the application equipment will allow consistent coverage.

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Crucifer flea beetles on Manitoba canola

Flea beetles continue to appear in some parts of Manitoba, mostly on reseeded fields. Most of these are the crucifer species, rather than striped.  Make sure insect pressures are at or close to threshold levels and consider the crop growth stage before applying recommended insecticides at the proper dose. Once canola reaches the 4- or 5-leaf stage it rarely requires further protection unless the crop is under considerable stress. With a return of favourable temperatures, crop growth should be faster, which will allow the crop to outgrow flea beetle pressure in many cases.   

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Dealing with spray drift and weed control delays

A number of comments regarding poor herbicide effectiveness have come out of Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan following relatively poor weather in those areas. The cool, wet weather has led to poor crop growth and recovery, and has reduced herbicide efficacy in many cases. Consequently, many producers are looking at two herbicide applications, not only with the Roundup Ready system, but also with the Liberty Link system.

 At the same time, frequent showers have reduced suitable days for spraying, leading some growers to spray in less-than-ideal weather conditions. This may be why we’re hearing of herbicide drift from cereal fields onto neighbouring canola fields in Manitoba and the Peace region. Use low drift nozzles and higher water volumes and spray when winds are low to reduce these risks. 

Because of weather delays, some growers will have to spray when their crops have reached later stages of development. Spraying the crop during the bud to bolting stages or later has been shown to cause tolerance issues. Accurately assess weed pressure relative to crop stage to determine if the potential crop setback is worth it.

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Motley crew of insects across the west

The following insects have been bugging growers in various locations across western Canada:

Root maggots - Peace region near Peace River, AB and north central Alberta near Andrew.

Although there are no effective methods of in-crop control, some agronomic practices can reduce damage in future years. For further information on root maggots, refer to the root maggot section in the following link:

Red turnip beetles - Near Neilburg, SK and the Peace region near Silver Valley and Cleardale, AB. Damage occurs when beetles move into a canola field from a neighbouring field sown to canola the previous year.

Alfalfa loopers - Near Medicine Hat, AB.

Blister beetles - Northwestern Manitoba.

Blister beetles can range in colour from iridescent magenta to completely black (Check our image gallery - http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114555&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=b2a850b1d1e01d20a6a6bec55ae4e27c). They are not often a pest in canola and are usually beneficial insects, especially as they prey on grasshopper eggs.

Access information on these insects and all insect pests of canola at: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114556&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=b32c2db498d069db391f82187ddf201a

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Diamondback moth damage

Damage from diamondback moth larvae has been noted in southeastern Saskatchewan near Moosomin, despite the lack of numbers in local diamondback moth traps. Be on the lookout for diamondback, as the traps are not foolproof as an early warning tool. For more information on diamondback moths refer to the following link: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114557&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=2bf5eceb82931e1bf187163567591330

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Watch for cabbage seedpod weevils

Cabbage seedpod weevils have appeared in canola fields throughout southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan as crops are bolting, with some fields in early flower.

Sample for cabbage seedpod weevil adults with a sweep net. Begin sampling when the crop first enters the bud stage and continue through flowering. For more information on determining the appropriate growth stage, refer to the following section of the Canola Growers Manual: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114558&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=73f3252758e657df3b40947881696843 .

Select 10 locations within each field and at each location count the number of weevils from 10 - 180° sweeps. Sample both the perimeter and interior of the field to obtain an accurate estimate of weevil numbers throughout. For more detailed information on proper sampling techniques, refer to the following link: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114559&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=23e5d7ba99ee639d1733ff4e6f3a23f8.

The economic threshold for the weevil has been lowered this year to two per sweep, or 20 in 10 sweeps, because of higher commodity prices.

Research conducted by Dr. Lloyd Dosdall of the University of Alberta and Doug Moisey, Canola Council agronomy specialist, has shown that weevil migration into canola peaks at early to mid-flowering but will begin at the bud stage. It is important not to spray too soon, as the weevil will typically continue to invade for at least a week to 10 days beyond the opening of the first flowers. The optimum time to spray for cabbage seedpod weevil is early flowering, or more specifically, when 70% of plants have 3-10 open flowers. 

Spraying at this stage will allow the weevils more time to move into the field, but at the same time it is still early enough to keep them from laying a significant number of eggs in newly forming pods. Spraying after this stage when populations are at or above threshold may not only result in yield loss but will also impact beneficial insects, including pollinators, which have moved into the field.

Keep in mind that canola can compensate for weevil feeding on buds and stems. There is good moisture in many areas typically affected by cabbage seedpod weevil, and the crops are growing vigorously with the heat. This will allow the plants to compensate for bud feeding that may take place prior to flowering.

For more information on the cabbage seedpod weevil, refer to the following link:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114560&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=d5009fdf6878c96a0158e6b3081774b9

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Prepare for potential sclerotinia infection

High levels of soil moisture in many areas, combined with a return to warm temperatures and crops at full ground cover, create conditions conducive to sclerotinia development. Carefully consider all factors highlighted in the sclerotinia stem rot checklist before applying fungicide. These include: heaviness of the crop canopy; amount of moisture received in the two weeks prior to flowering and potential for future rainfall; years since last host crop; disease incidence in the past; and presence of apothecia in neighbouring fields where previous host crops have grown. Target yield, fertility program and expected value of the canola crop are also points to consider.

The Canola Disease Identification and Sclerotinia Risk Assessment Card can help growers and crop scouts with this decision. It includes the stem rot checklist as well as pictures to help accurately identify apothecia of the sclerotinia fungus. For a pdf version, go to: http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114561&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=8859050af77db6b8231a6dfe31fb715e or contact your local Canola Council agronomy specialist.

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Continue regular scouting

Scout fields on a regular basis to detect crop development problems early. Consider establishing a tramline by driving an ATV in an X or W pattern in the field to establish pathways for crop scouting. This will allow for easier scouting with minimal trampling at later crop stages, especially once the crop is blooming.

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Attend a local crop school

Challenge yourself with a new learning experience! Crop diagnostic schools and field training events take place across western Canada - in your neighbourhood. For more information or to register, refer to the following list:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114562&q=77966693&lm=11426940&r=99234&qz=4ba6f72cd7a190a35525e8ee0bfa8093

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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

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