Canadian canola-based biodiesel production is projected to increase over the next few years. Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan conducted a multi-year, multi-objective project with the aim to improve the glycerol purification process as well as the glycerol-based by-product process.
Canola meal use in starter mixtures for calves has been limited due to a perception that it has low palatability and digestibility. Researchers conducted a four-year project and four studies to evaluate the use of canola meal as a protein source for dairy calves.
With increasing pressure to complete field operations in a timely manner and the trend to using fertilizer custom applicators, a segment of growers in Western Canada are transitioning towards surface applications of granular urea; which represents a departure from the recommended practice of deep banding.
For many years, the main blackleg management strategies in western Canada were variety resistance and crop rotation. However, with tighter crop rotations in most of the canola growing regions, there have been increasing reports of blackleg, with a sudden spike reported in 2012.
Canola meal (CM), a by-product of canola crushing, is the primary high-protein ingredient in Western Canada that is used as a protein supplement in feed rations for livestock, and being evaluated as an ingredient in fish diets.
In recent years herbicide resistant weeds have become increasingly problematic in canola, and weed densities have increased approximately three-fold in comparison to 2003 surveys.
Researchers at PAMI compared header types for straight combining canola in field-scale trials over three years, looking for the optimal system. Overall, the results of the study indicate there was no definitive harvest system that had the highest yield, or the most desirable crop qualities, across all conditions encountered.
A multi-year study was initiated in 2013 at Indian Head to evaluate the impacts of wider row spacing on canola (Brassica napus) performance and investigate implications for seeding rate, N fertilizer and weed management recommendations.
For longer-term storage of canola, determining the best management practices to maintain proper temperature and moisture in the bins during the prairies’ hottest months is required to minimize the risk of spoilage.
Flea beetles are the most economically-damaging pest of canola. Researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada initiated a project to develop canola lines with superior resistance to the crucifer flea beetle by enhancing a natural insect control system.
The abundance of pollinators in canola fields have the potential to boost yields and improve seed quality.
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan’s Lipid Quality and Utilization (LQU) program conducted several projects from 2014 to 2017, focusing on the development of industrial projects from vegetable oils.
