2016 IN REVIEW: THE LONG HARVEST
Growers were optimistic through most of 2016, due in large part to an early start and decent moisture during crop establishment. Crops were thick and lush through June and July and record tonnage and Prairie-average yields seemed possible. But high yield potential meant high sclerotinia stem rot risk and by harvest, our number one disease was showing its damage. Fields that were not sprayed (some because wet conditions wouldn’t allow for it) had high levels of disease and yield loss. As if that weren’t enough, continuous rain, early snow and cool conditions through part of September and most of October held up harvest. Crop was ready, but fields were too wet. A summer-like November salvaged the year.
PEST SURVEY RESULTS FOR 2016
Results from the disease survey show increases in sclerotinia stem rot incidence. Blackleg incidence is down from 2015 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and up in Alberta.
CANOLA WATCH 2016 CCA/CCSC EXAM
Here is the 2016 Canola Watch exam. CCAs or CCSCs who achieve a mark of 70% or better (at least 49 correct) on the following 70 questions will earn credits.
CHECK FOR SPOILAGE
Steam coming out of bin doors or snow melting off one bin while remaining on others is a quick clue — but don’t use these as your only indicators! Spoilage usually starts small. Even with temperature cables, start points are not always detected until some of the grain is already damaged.
KEEP AN EYE ON BAGS, PATCH HOLES
If leaving bags for the winter, watch them regularly. Feel them for warm temperatures. Probe them if possible. Tape up any holes that may occur due to wildlife or any other damage. Spoilage in bags often starts around holes.
WHAT TO DO WITH HIGH-MOISTURE CANOLA?
Canola harvested tough or damp can be quite volatile in storage. While cool temperature can reduce the risk significantly, keeping the whole bin consistently cool until delivery can be a challenge and a risk. These steps will help improve conditioning results and reduce risk….
PLANNING: SEED CONSIDERATIONS
While placing canola seed orders this winter, consider these questions: How much seed do you need? What seed treatment to use? What varieties best suit your needs?
2016 CPT SMALL-PLOT DATA AVAILABLE ONLINE!
2016 Canola Performance Trial small-plot data on yield, height, lodging and days to maturity is also available in the searchable database at canolaperformancetrials.ca
COMING EVENTS
January farm shows
Canola growers organization AGMs
canoLABs
CCC Convention, March 7-9, Winnipeg, Man.
Canola Watch is a free, unbiased, timely and research focused weekly newsletter from the Canola Council of Canada Crop Production Team
You can subscribe to Canola Watch and search all the articles on the Canola Watch website
