When canola fields are ready to harvest but the weather turns wet, plants may regrow. The lower canopy can set new branches and develop green tissue that makes harvest difficult. Pre-harvest herbicide application may improve harvest conditions; some details to keep in mind are outlined below. For starters, if the canola has already been swathed […]
Producers interested in growing winter canola should consider the herbicide history of their field, and the herbicide options open to them following winter wheat harvest. There are a number of restrictions, and some herbicide labels do not mention safety on canola. At this time (2024) there is only one winter canola variety that is registered […]
This article was written by Charles-Étienne Ferland, MSc Candidate, and Dr. Rebecca Hallett, University of Guelph A biological control agent is a beneficial insect that will help control populations of pest insects. Finding the right biological control agent is a bit like having guests over for dinner for the first time. If you’re not […]
Boron application at flowering is a common practice for Ontario canola growers. Canola has a higher requirement for boron than crops like wheat and barley, so it make sense to give canola a shot of this micro nutrient. Timing the application during reproductive stages makes sense too, because boron deficient plants have been shown to […]
This article was written by Meghan Moran (OMAFRA Canola & Edible Bean Specialist) , Travis Cranmer and Dennis Van Dyk (OMAFRA Vegetable Crop Specialists) There have been times growers and agronomists have asked, “What is this house fly-looking insect I am seeing in canola fields?” The flies were particularly abundant in some regions in 2017, and […]
Cabbage seedpod weevil (CSW) are being found in spring canola, particularly in earlier planted fields that are beginning to flower. CSW may begin to appear just prior to bolting and can primarily be found on flower buds until pods begin to form. They are approximately 3 to 4 mm in length and are fairly easy […]
Spring canola yields have been strong in Ontario in the past two years, but are we meeting our yield potential? Are there ways to profitably increase yields? In 2017 a trial was conducted by Deb Campbell of Agronomy Advantage Inc. and Darcy Martin on Darcy’s farm in Kenilworth, Ontario to test and demonstrate management practices […]
This article was written by Dr. Eric Page, Research Scientist in Weed Ecology, and Sydney Meloche, Weed Science Technician, AAFC Harrow Research and Development Center Soybean production in southwestern Ontario is increasingly challenging because of the presence of multiple glyphosate resistant weed species. Essex, Kent and Lambton counties have the unfortunate distinction of being home […]
The results from a soil survey and on-farm experiences in 2017 have shown that clubroot is widespread across Ontario; it is present in nearly all canola growing regions. To date approximately 130 soil samples have been taken from fields with a history of canola, and clubroot was detected in 12 samples. In addition, clubroot infected […]
Co-authored with Dr. Rebecca Hallett and Charles-Étienne Ferland (MSc Candidate), University of Guelph Swede midge continues to pose a significant threat to canola production in Ontario. Based on farmers’ experience with the pest and the difficulty of controlling swede midge through insecticide applications alone, it is clear that multiple tactics are required for successful […]
Authored by: Tracey Baute, Meghan Moran, OMAFRA and Dr. Rebecca Hallett, University of Guelph Swede midge populations are high this year while the canola crop is still quite young. Despite trap captures already reaching the accumulated trap threshold of 20 midges total, there are a few things to consider before deciding to spraying this early: […]
Planting canola early is the best way to beat swede midge. Canola was planted late across much of the province this spring, so the risk for damage by swede midge is very high. This year swede midge are present long before bolting, and in some regions even before planting was complete. It is important to […]
It’s getting close to spring again and, of course, this article is all about calculating seeding rates and achieving a targeted plant density. Let’s cut to the chase. Other than situations where a pneumatic row planter is being used, why should farmers worry about seeding rates outside of the standard 5 lb per acre? It’s […]
In 2016 clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) was detected in fields across Ontario. The results of a preliminary survey for clubroot of canola in Ontario was posted previously on Field Crop News; to review it Click Here. This article provides more information on the disease and how to manage it. You can learn a great deal more […]
In the summer of 2016, clubroot disease was found throughout a field of canola in the Verner area of West Nipissing. Clubroot has been established in Brassica vegetable crops in Ontario for a number of years, but this was the first time the disease was confirmed in Ontario canola. Above ground symptoms of clubroot include […]