Canola Watch Report No. 5

In This Issue

Emergence Challenges
Broadcast Seeding Tips
Frost Again
Patience Rather Than Panic
Things to Consider for the Re-Seed or Late Seeding Decision
Slow Growth Continues
What is Taking So Long?
Flea Beetles Still Munching
Cutworms Appearing
Send in Your Wireworms
Worms and Other Soil Invertebrates
In-crop Weed Spraying Next On the ‘To Do’ List
Spraying Tips Be a Good Neighbor
Recruiting Disease Survey Participants
Questions & Contacts

This report is supported by each of the provincial canola grower associations. For more information on some of their activities check out the following links:

The Alberta Canola Producers Commission (ACPC) has developed an e-newsletter called Alberta Canola Connections. Sign up today http://www.canola.ab.ca/newsletter.html to receive the latest information on agronomy, marketing, coming events and more, or check out their website at http://www.canola.ab.ca/.

In Manitoba sign up for the Manitoba Canola Growers Association newsletter at
Canola Growers E-update or check out the website at http://www.mcgacanola.org/.

For information on activities in Saskatchewan, visit SaskCanola at https://www.saskcanola.com/.

 

Emergence Challenges

Canola seeding is virtually complete in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Where soil moisture is adequate for germination, cool temperatures and late-spring frosts are stalling canola growth and development. Emerged fields range from the cotyledon to 2- or 3-leaf stage. Where conditions are dry (south and west-central SK and southeast-central Alberta), some canola is stranded in dry soil and will require rainfall to stimulate germination.

In Manitoba, seeding is still ongoing in parts of the Northwest (Gilbert Plains and Grandview areas) and Central Regions (Manitou, Darlingford, Gladstone areas). About 30% of the early seeded canola has emerged in these regions. Seeding is nearing completion in the Southwest and about 50% of the canola has emerged. Excess moisture continues to challenge producers in the Eastern and Interlake Regions. Seeding is variable (5 to 100% complete) and has been focused on fields that will support equipment and the crops with the earliest seeding deadlines (e.g. June 1 for soybeans) rather than the typical seeding sequence. There are reports of broadcast seeding of canola in the Eastern and Interlake Regions.

The latest crop report from Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives is available at: http://web2.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/mwcr/index.php

The latest crop report from Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is available at:
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/crprpt090526

The latest crop report from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development is available at:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sdd4191#2009

Maps of current moisture conditions in western Canada from PFRA are available at:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prpay09_e.htm
http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prpgs09_e.htm

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Broadcast Seeding Tips

The continued delay in seeding progress due to wet weather in Manitoba has led to many questions regarding the feasibility of broadcast seeding. In general, broadcast seeding is not recommended, because it usually results in lower yields compared to drill seeding. However, producers faced with wet conditions that limit equipment flotation coupled with the risk of fall frost may wish to consider broadcast seeding in order to plant their seed in a more timely fashion. Following are some tips for enhancing the success of broadcast seeding.

· Increase seeding rates slightly to compensate for non-uniform seed depth.

· Consider lightly cultivating (two to four cm) or harrowing to incorporate the seed into the soil if field conditions allow. However, avoid creating lumps or clods during cultivation or straw piles with harrows or cultivators.

· If broadcasting fertilizer as well as seed, be aware that broadcast phosphorus is only about half as efficient as banded phosphorous. There also can be greater risk of denitrification on saturated soils, reducing N fertilizer efficiency. Adjust fertilizer rates accordingly, keeping in mind a realistic target yield based on the time of year and field conditions.

· If broadcasting seed by aircraft, ensure that the seed does not get ‘blasted’ into the ground too deeply, thereby making emergence slow and difficult.

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Frost Again

Frost was widespread Tuesday morning all across western Canada. Overnight lows were recorded in the neighborhood of 0 to minus 2°C with some areas reporting minus 3°C. Temperatures in this range are usually labeled a ‘light frost’ and significant crop damage is not expected. However, many variables will affect a crop’s ability to withstand frost (duration of the frost, crop staging, crop residue, low lying areas, crop vigor, etc.) so the only way to assess the extent of frost damage is to get out and scout. Symptoms of frost will often be noticed within hours, but plant survival cannot be confirmed for several days. Plant material will be wilted and discolored (whitening, yellowing). More severe damage will cause necrosis (browning or blackening) of cotyledons and leaves. Light frosts are often not lethal to the growing point (top, centre of the stem). This is where all new growth is initiated so if it is still green then the plant can re-grow from this point.

The following link has some great photos for helping to assess frost damage in canola:

https://canolacouncil.merchantsecure.com/canola_resources/product37.aspx

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Patience Rather Than Panic

Resist the urge to re-seed immediately after this frost, as recovery can turn out to be better than expected. Wait at least three to four days to determine if the growing point is still intact and new green growth is visible. The frost may thin the stand only, especially in low lying areas. As a guide, a reasonable plant population early in the season is three to four plants/ft². However, one to two plants/ft² across the majority of a field can be adequate if managed carefully with today’s herbicide tolerant systems. Thin stands such as these can yield up to 90% of a normal stand seeded at an early date but will be later in maturity. Crops re-seeded late in the season typically yield less than earlier seeded that had thin stands. For example, one case study by the Canola Council of Canada showed a 7.4 bushel/acre advantage when a crop was not re-seeded after a frost. It likely will be better to leave a thinner stand (provided it is reasonably uniform) than take the risk of late re-seeding because maturity/early fall frost becomes a concern.

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Things to Consider for the Re-Seed or Late Seeding Decision

Re-assess the maturity of the chosen variety. It may be getting too late to plant longer season varieties based on the frost-free period remaining. If necessary, ask a local retailer to suggest other suitable varieties for the area. Keep crop insurance deadlines in mind. The crop insurance seeding deadline for Saskatchewan is June 20. In Alberta, deadlines are May 31 for full coverage and June 20 for limited coverage. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation has indicated that no extensions to seeding deadlines will be announced. Information on seeding deadlines for all zones and crops can be found at:

http://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/crop_seeding_deadlines.html

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Slow Growth Continues

Warm temperatures continue to be elusive. Parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan had seasonal temperatures on the weekend but most areas continue to experience below average daytime and nighttime temperatures. In Manitoba, Growing Degree Days (GDD) to date range between 40 to 60% of normal (http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/climate/wad00s00/cropwxrep.pdf). As a result, emergence, growth and development are also lagging. The following maps show growing degree days thus far across western Canada: http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prtgdd_e.htm

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What is Taking So Long?

Across the Prairies this spring, emergence is very slow and in some fields, uneven. Research has shown much lower and slower canola germination at low temperatures. Soil temperatures above 5°C have little effect on the time to 50% germination; however, the number of days to 50% germination increases dramatically at temperatures below 4°C (with germination taking as long as 9 days at 3°C or over 12 days at 2°C).The following link has more information on how temperature effects canola growth: http://www.canolacouncil.org/chapter5.aspx. Now is the time to get down and scout to find out what’s happening beneath the soil surface. If emergence is patchy, dig around looking for the reason. Is an insect interfering (eg. cutworms or wireworms)? Is it too dry and the seed is still intact? Is the white, healthy hypocotyl making its way through the soil to the surface, albeit slowly?

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Flea Beetles Still Munching

Flea beetle activity intensified in the last few days and some spraying was occurring in central and northwestern Manitoba, and in many locations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Canola is most susceptible to flea beetle damage during the cotyledon to 2-leaf stage. This year flea beetles are a significant threat for a number of reasons. Seed treatment protection may be tapering off in some of the earliest seeded fields. In addition, thin stands are resulting in a higher concentration of beetles relative to the plant stand. Plus, frost and poor growing conditions have resulted in slightly damaged, slow growing plants that are more susceptible to flea beetle feeding. It is crucial that fields are scouted thoroughly and often. A heavy infestation on a stressed or thin stand can do significant damage in 24 to 72 hours. Be prepared in case additional control measures are required. The economic threshold for flea beetle control is when 25% or more of the cotyledons are damaged. If 25% defoliation is reached, foliar insecticide application may be needed if plants are growing slowly or are under stress, and if beetle feeding activity is increasing. Evidence of feeding does not automatically mean spraying is warranted. Unwarranted spraying can cause harm to beneficial insects and can also contribute to the development of insecticide resistance. With current seed treatments, flea beetles must feed on leaf material and ingest the insecticide for control so some leaf pitting is normal. Flea beetles make their way into canola crops from the edges of fields. By catching a problem with flea beetles early, producers can often spray the perimeter of their fields and stop the infestation before it becomes widespread.

The following link provides more information on flea beetles:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/insects/fad09s00.html

The following links provide information on foliar insecticide flea beetle control in canola:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/insects/fad52s00.html
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3eb86279-cec4-4718-b3a6-9b7e71736bf2
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/faq8031

Always read and follow product labels prior to application.

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Cutworms Appearing

Reports of cutworms (in populations high enough to warrant spraying or to destroy significant acreages where they were missed) have been reported in isolated fields right across western Canada. Cutworm damage often appears as bare patches showing up across the field. Plants in these areas will be wilted or dead and have been chewed off below the soil surface. A sample received at Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture was identified as the Bronzed species. Generally the pale western and red-backed cutworms are of economic importance in canola on the Prairies.

Use a garden trowel and soil sifter to collect cutworm larvae. Cutworms may be found in dry surface soil down to about two inches below the surface. The small, worm-like larvae curl up or attempt to hide in debris. Cutworm control may only be necessary in a limited area of the field. An insecticide is warranted when cutworms exceed three to four larvae per m² and are actively feeding. Surface treatments should be applied in the evening, preferably under warm, moist conditions, because cutworms are active at night and these treatments will only control surface-feeding larvae.

More information on cutworms is available at:

https://canolacouncil.merchantsecure.com/canola_resources/product22.aspx

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Send in Your Wireworms

Wireworm has been seen in fields that have been taken out of perennial forage in southern Alberta. Fields recently taken out of perennial forage production should be evaluated for canola production suitability. Since there are no control measures for wireworm in canola, this must be done on a field-by-field basis. AAFC is conducting a wireworm survey and encourages samples be submitted. If wireworms are found while scouting, collect one or more and place them in a small container (e.g. film roll container or pill bottle) along with some loose soil. The identification of which species of wireworm are occurring in which areas will help with developing control measures in the future. Samples can be sent to:

AAFC Agassiz

Attention - Todd Kabaluk

6947 Highway 7
PO Box 1000
Agassiz, British Columbia V0M 1A0

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Worms and Other Soil Invertebrates

While digging for wireworms and cutworms, you may encounter other worms. Species in the enchytraeid family are pale white to grey, segmented worms and usually one to two cm (but can be up to five cm) in length. When magnified, these worms resemble earthworms. These creatures are beneficial insects that function in decaying organic matter and nutrient cycling. Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has an archived Crop Production Newsletter with photos and descriptions of other soil invertebrates. To obtain a copy of the .pdf entitled (Crop Production News – Volume 29 No. 3 with the section on ‘Worms and Other Soil Invertebrates’) contact (via e-mail) your local Canola Council Agronomist below.

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In-crop Weed Spraying Next On the ‘To Do’ List

Many producers were unable to do a pre-seed burn-off so it is critical to maximize efficiency with the first in-crop pass. The first step is scouting to determine weed species present and staging. Some growers are noticing that the grassy weeds are present and need to be controlled, whereas broadleaf weeds are slower to emerge. While research has shown that sequential applications are rarely economical, in this situation, it may be practical to split apply herbicides. For instance in the Liberty-tolerant system, it may be better to apply a graminicide earlier (for control of wild oats and volunteer cereals that are ahead of the crop) and wait to apply Liberty when more broadleaf weeds have emerged, rather than trying to rely on a single pass with a tank mix. This is especially true in drier areas where those early weeds are competing for precious moisture.

Frost can interfere with herbicide performance. After a light frost, it is important to wait until temperatures rebound in the middle of the day before spraying. After a heavier frost that will cause damage, wait a few days for plants to recover before spraying. Maximize crop safety and weed control - crops will tolerate the herbicide and weeds will take in the herbicide when actively growing.

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Spraying Tips

Water quality is the key to achieving proper performance of many herbicides, particularly with glyphosate and many grassy weed products. The following links provide more information on spray water quality:
http://www.monsanto.ca/_pdfs/eblast/gk_19nov08.pdf
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex7573

Custom applicators (and growers in general) should double check to ensure the right product is being applied to the right field. Ensure legal land descriptions and field directions are 100% accurate to eliminate misapplication errors. Follow label directions for proper product rates and application techniques. Although good weed control has occasionally been reported in the past using reduced product and/or water volume rates, remember that the performance will be affected by factors such as growth stage and environmental conditions. Unless the product is applied according to label directions, the applicator will have little recourse in the event of poor weed control or crop damage.

Place a 4 ft X 6 ft tarp on the ground prior to spraying or simply shut off booms for a few yards to create a weed check. This will allow for performance comparisons. This is especially important since GPS technology has all but eliminated unintentional checkstrips!

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Be a Good Neighbor

Spray drift can be costly (liability-wise) but also gives agriculture a negative image. Pay attention to boom height, nozzle selection, water volume, pressure, wind speed and direction, etc. Calibrate your sprayer before spray season begins. Information on sprayer calibration is available at the following link: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/88-129.htm. Be a good neighbor and make certain the product applied hits the target and the target only. The following link has more information on managing spray drift: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/weeds/a657w.htm

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Recruiting Disease Survey Participants

Faye Dokken, Provincial Specialist – Plant Diseases with Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is looking for cooperators to participate in a canola disease survey this summer. Representatives from the Ministry would like permission to enter canola fields and collect a soil sample (for clubroot screening). While at the field, representatives will also take note of other canola diseases that may be present. Interested producers can contact Faye at (306) 787-4671 or Faye.Dokken@gov.sk.ca.

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Questions & Contacts

Direct questions regarding this report to John Mayko, Senior Agronomy Specialist with the Canola Council of Canada at maykoj@canolacouncil.org, 780-764-2593.

Direct specific questions regarding regional issues to one of the following Canola Council of Canada regional agronomists or provincial oilseed specialists:

Derwyn Hammond, Senior Agronomy Specialist Manitoba, hammondd@canolacouncil.org, 204-729-9011
Anastasia Kubinec, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, anastasia.kubinec@gov.mb.ca, 204-745-5645

Jim Bessel, Senior Agronomy Specialist, Central Saskatchewan, besselj@canolacouncil.org, 306-373-6771

Tiffany Gutzke, Agronomy Specialist, Eastern Saskatchewan, gutzket@canolacouncil.org, 306-231-3663
Venkata Vakulabharanam, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Venkata.Vakulabharanam@gov.sk.ca, (306)787-4668
Doug Moisey, Senior Agronomy Specialist, East Central Alberta and Northwestern Saskatchewan, moiseyd@canolacouncil.org, 780-645-9205
Matthew Stanford, Agronomy Specialist, Southern Alberta and Southwestern Saskatchewan, stanfordm@canolacouncil.org, 403-345-4852
Erin Brock, Agronomy Specialist, Peace Region, brocke@canolacouncil.org,
780-568-3326
Murray Hartman, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, murray.hartman@gov.ab.ca, 403-782-8024
Kerry Clark, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Kerry.Clark@gov.bc.ca, 250-784-2559

The Canola Watch Report provides just-in-time information on canola production to growers and industry. Contributors to the Canola Agronomy Network are:

Alberta Canola Producers Commission; Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Peace River Agriculture Development Fund, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture & Lands, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canola Council of Canada.