Previous research conducted from the 2007 to 2009 by the Richardson’s Ground Squirrel (RGS) (RGS; Spermophilus richardsonii) Research Program in search of effective and socially acceptable toxicants, has provided a greater understanding of ground squirrel populations and control methods.
Herbicide tolerant (HT) canola was introduced in Western Canada in 1995 through an identity preserved production and marketing system, with unrestricted commercial production beginning in 1997. The subsequent adoption was relatively rapid, with 26% in the initial year, 78% by 2002 and 95% by 2007.
In 2009, weather conditions during the cropping season delayed canola development and fall harvest into October and November.
Researchers in Saskatchewan initiated a three-year project in 2010 to try to answer the question of how producers could respond when faced with low plant populations in hybrid canola due to poor stand establishment, spring frost, or pest damage.
Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a disease problem of canola world wide causing serious yield losses especially under wet weather conditions. Sclerotinia resistance has been a long-time goal of canola breeders and producers.
Yield losses from infestations of root maggots (Delia spp.) can be severe in canola crops in central Alberta.
Nitrogen fertilizer is a major input cost in canola (Brassica napus L.) production and farmers are interested in improving nitrogen use efficiencies.
Field trials and grower experiences alike have shown that, while it is not uncommon to straight-combine canola successfully, substantial yield losses can occur and have been reported as high as 50% relative to swathing.
Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a serious disease problem of canola worldwide. The long term objective for researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is to provide the canola industry with specific resistance genes and molecular markers as a selection tool used by plant breeders for selection of stem rot resistant canola cultivars.
Clubroot of canola, caused by the pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae (Pb), is an emerging threat to canola production in western Canada. In 2008, researchers initiated a three-year study to assess microbial biofungicides as well as indigenous soil microorganisms for control of clubroot on canola.
Researchers are using standard molecular biology protocols to generate a genetic framework map and to try to develop lines that include genetic control of pod shatter.
Canola farmers seeking to maximize returns should target populations so that even under adverse conditions they will have more than 50 plants per square metre (5 plants per square foot).
