Wild oat continues to be the most economically important weed problem in Canada. Researchers conducted a study to determine if diverse rotation treatments combined with other cultural practices would reduce wild oat populations, and if diverse crop rotations would influence wild oat seed bank, soil microbes, and crop quality.
A four-year study initiated in 2010 was conducted in western Canada to investigate the differences in biology of two flea beetle species, Phyllotreta striolata (striped) and P. cruciferae (crucifer), in order to better target management methods.
Canola cropping systems harbour a diverse fauna of arthropods (insects, spiders, mites, and their relatives) at several trophic levels, and understanding their biodiversity can improve the ability to enhance the long-term sustainability of canola production.
Canola seed is a substantial input cost and poor canola stand establishment is a continuing concern for canola growers. On average, only 50% of planted seeds emerge; even when germination is above 90%.
A three-year study was initiated in 2010 by researchers with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to focus on developing novel assessment technologies and crop management tools for control of insects, weeds and diseases in canola.
Canola varieties with high oil content have predominantly replaced low oil content canola grown in western Canada. Researchers in Manitoba conducted a three year study to develop more reliable safe storage guidelines for high oil content canola.
Researchers conducted a three-year project to study the economics of canola production systems including an input study and a rotation study. The results from the input study of a barley-canola rotation indicated the primary input that influences yield was weed control.
Growers may wish to limit herbicide use to reduce costs, crop injury, environmental concerns and herbicide-resistance selection pressure. However, reducing herbicide inputs can increase crop production risks.
Blackleg caused by Leptosphaeria maculans (LM) is a major disease of canola (Brassica napus) in Canada and world-wide. A solid understanding of the pathogenic variability of L. maculans populations is vital to maintaining effective resistance in future canola varieties.
During the winter of 2011-2012, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canola Council of Canada sponsored a survey of canola growers across the three Prairie provinces to determine management practices and inputs used by the growers.
Developing genetically resistant canola varieties is the best and only effective method for controlling blackleg to date. Researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have been able to locate the resistance gene LepR4 and develop DNA based markers in close proximity to this gene.
Sclerotinia stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) is one of the most important biotic stresses influencing long-term production and economic stability for canola producers.
