Canola Watch

2006 Canola Watch Reports

Canola Watch Report No. 7
Western Canada – June 7, 2006

In this issue:
(click the bookmarked links below to move to specific sections of this report)

The Alberta Canola Producers Commission (ACPC) has developed an Alberta focused version of this report. Visit the ACPC website at: http://www.canola.ab.ca

Canola seeding continued this past week but remains behind in parts of northern and east-central Saskatchewan and the eastern part of north-central Alberta. Significant areas originally planned for canola remain unseeded in some of these areas and are unlikely to be completed this spring. Wet field conditions continue to limit seeding progress in these areas.

Soil moisture conditions continue to range from fair to excessive across western Canada. Precipitation this past week ranged from a trace to over 75 mm. Areas of east-central and northern Saskatchewan remain wet. Areas of relative dryness increased in central Alberta, ranging from Red Deer eastward toward Castor and Drumheller. As well, dry conditions continue in pockets of southwestern Saskatchewan west of Swift Current. Although not critically low, rainfall will be needed soon in these areas, especially as crop growth of early seeded fields continues towards the later rosette and early bolting stages.

For current maps of moisture conditions from PFRA for western Canada, check the following links for precipitation from September 1 to June 4 and April 1 to June 4 respectively:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prpay06_e.htm
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prpgs06_e.htm
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/pa_e.htm

The latest crop report from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives is available at:
http://web2.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/mwcr/

The latest crop report from Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food & Rural Revitalization is available at:
http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/docs/reports/crop_report/crprpt060604.pdf

Additional moisture information for Alberta is available from Alberta Environment at:
http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/WS/data/precipmaps/weekly.pdf

For growers still considering seeding canola, reevaluate the maturity of the chosen varieties. Growers should be switching to early maturing B. napus (Argentine) varieties or the B. rapa (Polish) varieties. Although the overall yield potential of these varieties is less than the higher yielding, later varieties when seeded at normal dates, the yield benefit generally decreases as seeding is delayed. As well, the economic risk of potential downgrading from a fall frost is probably more significant than the reduction in yield potential of earlier varieties. Refer to the following links from the provincial crop insurance companies for their respective seeding deadlines:
http://www.masc.mb.ca/masc_ins.nsf/webpages_deadlines.html?OpenPage&charset=iso-8859-1
http://www.saskcropinsurance.com/cicalendar/index6.shtml
http://www.afsc.ca/resources/PDF/riskManagement/Insurance/annualBooklet/Section%20I.pdf

The delay in seeding progress due to wet weather has led many producers to consider the feasibility of broadcast seeding. In general, broadcast seeding is not recommended. Usually, broadcast seeding results in lower yields compared to drill seeding. However, producers faced with wet conditions that limit equipment flotation plus the risk of fall frost may wish to consider broadcast seeding. Refer to last week’s Canola Watch report or the following MAFRI link for tips to enhance the potential success of broadcast seeding: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/wet/broadcast_canola.html

In some areas with wet field conditions, some growers are considering leaving the volunteer canola from last year’s canola crops. Although this might be one of the only alternatives other than fallow this year, one must keep in mind some of the potential disadvantages, including uneven plant stands which impacts both yield and maturity, the greatly increased risk of plant diseases such as blackleg, and the relative inefficiency of broadcast fertilizer. Refer to the following links from MAFRI for further discussion on leaving volunteer canola: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/wet/volunteercanola.html
and for further strategies for unseeded areas: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/news/wet/strategies.html

Generous moisture and warm temperatures have lead to good to excellent germination and early crop development in most areas. Heavy weed growth continues in most areas, especially in fields that did not receive pre-emergent burn-off applications. Spraying delays due to rains and wet fields are compounding the problem in many areas. Frequent scouting remains important to assess the number and types of weeds present as well as their growth stage. Ensure the proper rate and product(s) are used to control the weed stages and spectrum present. Also, in areas affected by extreme weather (either very wet or dry conditions) ensure that the herbicide rate chosen is appropriate to allow good crop tolerance and adequate control of target weeds.

For more information on current product recommendations, check the following links from the provincial governments for their respective Crop Protection Guides:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/cropproduction/gaa01d01.html
http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/DOCS/crops/cropguide00.asp
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex32?opendocument

Early seeded crops in many areas have completed their first herbicide pass and growers are considering a second application. Before going out and automatically applying the second herbicide pass, first consider whether or not the second pass is warranted given the remaining weed pressure. Refer to the Council’s June 1/06 media release : Use economic thresholds to make weed control decisions in canola at http://www.canola-council.org/about-us/media-news/media-releases/growing_news.html for further information on evaluating the need for a second herbicide application.

Remember to begin scouting fields by 7 to 10 days after seeding and every 3-4 days thereafter to detect emergence problems early. With ample moisture and warm soils, emergence can begin to take place within a week. Refer to the following Canol@Fact for more information: http://www.canola-council.org/PDF/seed_to_21days.pdf#zoom=100

Consider establishing a scouting 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 at later crop stages, especially once the crop is blooming.

If you’re encountering stand establishment problems, we encourage you to refer to the following diagnostic template on our website:
http://www.canola-council.org/growing_poor_stand.html

Please fill out this form and return via email according to the instructions outlined on the webpage.

Flea beetles continue to be reported in many parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and in central Alberta near Fort Saskatchewan and Redwater. Many of the reports continue to be noted on volunteer canola and wild mustard, or on fields with tight canola rotations or where no insecticide seed treatment was used. They appear to be more active on fields with darker soil with little residue cover. Although early seeded fields in many areas are outgrowing any significant damage, later seeded or slower developing fields still remain at risk from damage. Refer to the May 25 Canola Watch report for further information on assessing flea beetle damage: http://www.canola-council.org/seed/canola-watch/watch06-may25.html

Cutworms continue to be noticed near parts of southwestern Saskatchewan, southern Alberta and the Peace region near Falher. Be especially vigilant in areas that had cutworm damage last year. Refer to 2006 Canola Watch No. 5 for further information on identification and control.

Direct questions regarding this report to John Mayko, Agronomic Research & Extension Manager with the Canola Council of Canada at maykoj@canola-council.org  ph/fax: 780-764-2593.

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

Derwyn Hammond, Agronomist, Manitoba,
hammondd@canola-council.org, 204-729-9011

Rob Park, Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives,
rpark@gov.mb.ca, 204-745-5665

David Vanthuyne, Agronomist, Eastern Saskatchewan,
vanthuyd@canola-council.org, 306-782-7799

David Blais, Agronomist, Western Saskatchewan,
blaisd@canola-council.org, 306-895-2122

Jim Bessel, Senior Agronomist, Northeastern Saskatchewan,
besselj@canola-council.org, 306-373-6771

Penny Pearse/Scott Hartley, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food & Rural Revitalization,
ppearse@agr.gov.sk.ca / shartley@agr.gov.sk.ca , 306-787-4671 / 306-787-4669

Doug Moisey, Agronomist, Central Alberta,
moiseyd@canola-council.org, 780-645-3624

Jackie Heck, Agronomist, Peace River Region,
heckj@canola-council.org, 780-853-5261

Matthew Stanford, Agronomist, Southern Alberta,
stanfordm@canola-council.org, 403-758-6660

Murray Hartman, Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development, murray.hartman@gov.ab.ca, 403-782-8024

Kerry Clark, BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries,
Kerry.Clark@gov.bc.ca,  250-787-3213

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; Manitoba Canola Growers Association; Agricore United; Saskatchewan Wheat Pool; United Farmers of Alberta; Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food & Rural Revitalization; Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association; Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission; Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development; Alberta Canola Producers Commission; BC Ministry of Agriculture; Food & Fisheries; and the Canola Council of Canada.


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