Effect of hairiness in brassica lines on the abundance, feeding and oviposition behavior of flea beetles, DBM and Aster leafhopper
Flea beetles (both Crucifer and Striped), diamondback moths and aster leafhoppers are major pests of canola, all feeding on the plant at different times throughout the growing season. The outbreaks of each of these insects are difficult to predict year to year and currently there are no resistant varieties available, leaving insecticide application as the only control option.
Biopesticides as a Novel Management Strategy for Sclerotinia in Canola
This project has identified several soil-derived bacteria that are effective at inhibiting disease progression caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a fungal pathogen of canola and other plants that causes stem rot, yield decline, and plant death. The mechanisms of action of the most effective biocontrol agent were investigated, and the bacterium was grown in formulations according to commercial standards. These industry-ready formulations were demonstrated to be as effective as the laboratory cultures, resulting in a biocontrol product that will soon be available as an option for producers.
Evaluation of variable rate applied enhanced efficiency N fertilizers on wheat and canola – field scale management zones comparison
Nitrogen fertilizer to wheat and canola is one of the major input costs for growers and there has been continuous effort to improve N use efficiency for higher yield and seed quality.
Developing allele specific molecular markers for the B.napus blackleg resistance (Rlm) genes
Our knowledge of pathogen virulence genes and plant race specific resistance (R) genes in the Leptosphaeria-Brassica pathosystem has tremendously advanced in the past two decades.
Functional validation of Brassica napus genes related to clubroot resistance through high-throughput CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
Growing clubroot-resistant (CR) cultivars in appropriate rotations remains the most effective solution to the long-term management of clubroot disease.
Using a 4Rs Plus approach to improve growth and sustainability of annual cropping systems in Saskatchewan
4R Nutrient Stewardship is a tremendous success story of a decision support framework that has been widely adopted among Canadian Prairie farmers as an easily understood tool to optimize agricultural productivity through judicious fertilizer use and subsequently manage risk.
Discovering the optimal rate of a dual-inhibitor N-fertilizer for maximum N2O emissions reduction
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the safety and sustainability of agricultural production practices. In response, many corporations now require suppliers to demonstrate the sustainability of their products and practices.
Comprehensive investigation of pesticides in honey, pollen, bees and soil collected from canola fields
In 2018, Health Canada proposed to phase out all agricultural uses of thiamethoxam and clothianidin neonicotinoids which are the most used insecticides for canola protection against flea beetles in the Canadian prairies.
Generate knowledge and control strategies for the pollen beetle Brassicogethes viridescens (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), a new invasive insect pest of canola
Pollen beetles were susceptible to three of four insecticides tested. Yield reductions was detected at 7-9 beetles per plant but not at four beetles per ten sweep. Pollen beetles were not detected in the Prairies provinces and no native parasitoids were found attacking pollen beetle larvae in Atlantic Canada.
Tracing C and N during crop residue decomposition to optimize C sequestration and predict N transfer credit
Crop residues supply critically needed carbon (C) and nutrients to the soil. These residue-derived resources support plant growth and the formation of soil organic matter, a cornerstone of soil health.
Understanding the molecular basis of NLR-mediated clubroot resistance in Brassica napus
The ability to integrate stable clubroot resistance into new germplasm is needed to protect the economy while ensuring sustainability and growth in canola growing regions.
Optimizing systems productivity, resilience and sustainability in the major Canadian ecozones
Prairie crop producers have been seeking effective approaches to increase crop yields, improve resource use efficiencies or minimize input costs, enhance agroecosystem resiliency and the whole-farm economics, and decrease the negative impact of farming on the environment while protecting the soil resource. To achieve those multiple goals simultaneously, a systems approach must be taken where Best Management Practices (BMPs) are integrated together for the entire farm.
