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 […]
We have all heard, or seen firsthand, the devastating effects of high populations of swede midge. Research continues on the pest, but at this time there are not many advancements to report that will provide big steps forward in swede midge control. Managing this pest requires investment in pheromone traps and possibly multiple insecticide treatments, […]
There are some clear advantages to seeding canola early, including high yield and mitigating pest issues. This spring, ensure that your planting equipment is ready to go early in the season and get your canola crop off to a quick start. Temperature Ideal planting dates in Ontario are typically in late April and early May. […]
OCGA’s yield challenge has continued to push the canola yield boundry, with yields of 3,000– 4,000 lb/ac being achieved by REAL canola growers! Added attention to management will be rewarded with more consistent top yields. Sclerotinia is one of the biggest threats to your canola yield. An early outbreak can cut your yield by 25% or […]
Maximizing the potential yield of your canola begins with proper stand establishment. So 14-30 days after seeding your canola is a good time to go and assess your canola stands and the job of seeding. This will not only help to observe any problems, but give you some feedback on drill performance and what changes […]
By Brian Hall, OMAF/MRA, Stratford Many 2014 canola crops had a markedly varied emergence. Variable soil moisture conditions, lack of rain, uneven seeding depth and/or deep seeding were all were major factors in when canola emerged this year. For growers this could mean maturity variations and challenges at harvest. When managing these fields, harvest management […]
By Brian Hall, OMAF/MRA, Stratford Green stalks, weeds and uneven ripening can all be a problem at harvest. Late season rains following a extended dry period can often result in canola stalks staying green or result in canola regrowth further delaying harvest. Desiccants or pre-harvest glyphosate products can help with timely defoliation and reduce yield […]
As temperatures warm up, flea beetles are emerging and on the move. Feeding damage is evident in early emerged canola. Peak emergence from overwintering sites occurs once soil temperatures reaches 150 C (60 0 F). Depending on temperatures, flea beetles can take up to 3 weeks for all adults to emerge. Adults emerge overwinter in […]
By Brian Hall, OMAF/MRA, Stratford For many growers, this year’s canola crop will be a challenge to harvest as a result of large differences in crop stage, because of thin and weedy stands, or fields that were damaged by swede midge. When managing these fields, harvest management either by swathing or direct harvest becomes critical […]
by Brian Hall The summer emergence of flea beetles is upon us. In July larvae emerge from the soil and begin to feed on canola pods and leaves. Feeding during pod development can cause premature pod ripening, shrivelled seeds, pod shatter and allow fungal growth during wet weather. In most cases, although the damage can […]
Once canola starts to emerge, start scouting for flea beetles. Flea beetles are now very active and present in emerged canola. Canola will emerge quickly with forecast temperatures in high teens for the next week. Flea beetle damage is most severe the first two weeks after canola after canola seedling emergence. At the 3-4 leaf stage […]
Canola seedlings can with stand a considerable frost (-5 to -8 0 C) if plants have become acclimatized following a few days of cold temperatures. However, canola seedlings growing under warm conditions will be tender, and can be killed by even a few degrees below zero. Ice crystals will form on the leaf surface before […]