Large harvest bags (silo bags) are becoming popular for on-farm temporary storage of grains and oilseeds in western Canada. Researchers at the University of Manitoba conducted a three-year study to quantify the changes in seed quality of canola during bag storage under Canadian Prairie conditions.
Management of stubble height is an inexpensive crop management technique that can have a potentially beneficial impact on seedling germination and emergence.
Growing canola in tighter rotations increases risks and can dramatically decrease yields. Researchers conducted two 6-year studies to determine the agronomic and economic implications of growing canola in "tight" rotations.
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.
