Seeding and Re-seeding of Canola Finished

Late seeding in parts of Manitoba and re-seeding of canola due to frost across western Canada continued last week but is now complete. Excess moisture has prohibited seeding in parts of northwestern Manitoba (near Sifton, Ethelbert, Gilbert Plains and Grandview) and in the northern Interlake where it is estimated that 65 to 75% of acres remain too wet to seed. Any seeding occurring after today will likely be to a crop for use as greenfeed.

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Moisture Runs the Gamut – Dry to Excessive

Although some areas of Manitoba are too wet, soil moisture conditions are rated as dry on the western side of the province. Rain is needed soon, especially in the southwest where signs of moisture stress are starting to appear in some crops. Rainfall was quite general in Saskatchewan with amounts averaging ½ inch to 1½ inches, with as much as 4 inches at Alameda. The rain was welcome, especially in west central and northwestern Saskatchewan but will only provide a temporary reprieve from the dry conditions. Additional rain will be required shortly because of poor sub-soil moisture reserves in many areas. In southern Alberta, the rainfall stayed west of highway #2 so it continues to be dry near Brooks to the Red Deer River. In west central Alberta, the rainfall was variable (nothing to 1 inch) but a range of 2/10 of an inch to 6/10 of an inch was more common. Lack of soil moisture continues to be a concern for much of this area. The southern Peace region of Alberta and BC Peace region did not receive any precipitation last week and soil moisture is rated as poor. Little rainfall has fallen in this region since June 1 and crops are starting to exhibit symptoms of moisture stress. The Northern Peace region received 4/10 to 8/10 of an inch of rain and soil moisture is adequate at this time.

Maps of current moisture conditions in western Canada from PFRA are available at:
http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177807&q=133980970&lm=19904645&r=154126&qz=6e309373c4b604e8e12cac5dc211fcc2
http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=177808&q=133980970&lm=19904645&r=154126&qz=af0cdc25db8d8daa9eb37105d3ffcff1

Additional moisture information for Alberta is available from Alberta Environment at:

http://www.environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/data/precipmaps/weekly.pdf

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Crop Staging Runs the Gamut, Too

Canola staging is quite variable within an area and even within a single field in some areas. Re-seeded and late seeded fields range from just emerging to the cotyledon stage. Rainfall in areas that were extremely dry is resulting in a ‘second flush’ of germinating canola, resulting in staging from cotyledon to 4- to 6-leaf in the same field. Where soil moisture is limiting, pre-mature bud formation and bolting is occurring from small, unthrifty plants. Where soil moisture is not limiting, the return to more seasonable temperatures has helped advance canola development. Earliest seeded fields are in the 4- to 6-leaf stage with ground cover reported in many areas. There are reports of canola bolting and beginning to flower in a few of the very earliest seeded fields. Most areas still report overall crop development as later (about 1 to 3 weeks) than normal. Continued warm weather and a return to more average moisture are certainly needed to bring crop development up to normal.

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/crprpt090618
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
The following maps show growing degree days accumulating across western Canada this growing season: http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prtgdd_e.htm

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Thin Stands Need to Be Watched Closely

Crop staging is variable in this year’s canola crop across the west but one common thread is thin stands. Cool and dry conditions in many areas resulted in less than ideal emergence. Late frosts thinned stands in many areas. Canola fields with low plant densities are more vulnerable to losses from insects, weed competition and environmental stresses such as fall frosts. Crops with low plant densities need to be managed more intensely. More frequent and intensive scouting for pests (insects and weeds) is critical because any losses are more likely to reduce yield. Action thresholds for pest control may need to be adjusted downward because the crop’s tolerance for damage is lower and for any insect populations the feeding will be focused on fewer plants. Consider establishing a tramline by driving an ATV in an X or W pattern in the field to establish pathways for crop scouting.

More information on managing poor stands is available at:
https://canola-council.merchantsecure.com/canola_resources/product32.aspx

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Tips for Top Dressing Canola

Areas with excess moisture earlier this spring may have suffered substantial nitrogen losses through denitrification. Growers who were conservative with initial fertilizer applications may need to consider topping up nitrogen and sulphur levels if crop establishment and growing conditions are good. Broadcast-seeded fields in the northern Interlake region and Red River Valley of Manitoba may not have been fertilized prior to seeding. Top dressing N and S can be successful up to the bolting stage, provided rainfall occurs, to move the fertilizer into the root zone. The following tips can help achieve maximum results with top dressing.

• A plant tissue test can help identify nutrient deficiencies as long as samples are collected according to the test lab’s protocol.
• Crops that are well established with good yield potential and have not surpassed the 4- to 6-leaf stage are the best candidates for top dressing.
• For nitrogen, use dribble-band liquid urea-ammonium nitrate or broadcast granular urea or ammonium sulphate. A nitrogen stabilizer such as Agrotain or N-Serve can reduce volatilization losses, especially with broadcast urea.
• For sulphur, apply ammonium sulphate or liquid ammonium thio-sulphate.
• Make sure the application equipment is right for the product. For example, fertilizer fines require fixed-boom fertilizer broadcasters rather than spinner-type spreaders.
• Be realistic with yield goals (late seeding, plant establishment achieved, etc.) and fertilize accordingly keeping in mind that the proper balance of available nitrogen to sulphur required by canola plants, is a ratio of about 5:1. Excessive rates of applied N can delay crop maturity and aggravate sulphur deficiencies.

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Flea Beetles – Threat Shifting

The threat from flea beetles has passed in areas where crop growth is in the 4- to 6-leaf stage. However, there are still many late seeded and re-seeded fields that need to be scouted for flea beetles. Canola is most susceptible to flea beetle damage during the cotyledon to 2-leaf stage. The economic threshold for flea beetle control is when 25% or more of the cotyledons are damaged.

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

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Cutworms Continue to Attack

Spraying for cutworms continues in parts of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Reports of cutworms are most common in fields that were cultivated last summer (summer fallow or pasture and hay land that was renovated) and had loose soil present for the adults to lay eggs. Cutworms may be at an advanced stage of development and close to pupation. When larvae are small (12 - 18 mm), they pose the greatest potential for damage as they still need to feed and grow. Larvae are near pupating when they are 30 - 35 mm long and when cut open their gullet lacks green material. If no food is found, chemical control will be less effective since a significant portion of control is achieved when treated plant material is ingested.

More information on cutworms is available at:
https://canola-council.merchantsecure.com/canola_resources/product22.aspx

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Cutworm Spraying? Spend Money Wisely

Numerous beneficial insects, including both predatory ground beetles and parasitic wasps and flies are often effective in suppressing cutworm populations below damaging levels. Therefore, unnecessary use of insecticides should be avoided. The list of products registered for control of cutworms in canola is limited compared to those for flea beetle control, leading to some confusion about which products are appropriate. As well, some applications are being made with less than recommended water volumes. Only apply products registered for cutworm control in canola using water volumes recommended by the manufacturer to ensure effective control is achieved.  For more information, contact local retailers or product manufacturers. Always read and follow product labels prior to application.

The following link (starting at page 11) provides information on foliar insecticides registered for insect pests in canola:
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3eb86279-cec4-4718-b3a6-9b7e71736bf2

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Cabbage Seedpod Weevil

Cabbage seedpod weevil has been seen in canola fields throughout southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan as crops have started to bolt, with some fields in early flower. The proper way to sample for cabbage seedpod weevil adults is with a sweep net. Begin sampling when the crop first enters the bud stage and continue through the flowering period. For more information on determining the appropriate growth stage, refer to the following section of the Canola Growers Manual: http://www.canola-council.org/chapter3.aspx#ch3_sec3 .

Select 10 locations within each field and at each location, count the number of weevils from ten 180° sweeps. Sample both the perimeter and interior of the field to obtain an accurate estimate of weevil numbers throughout the field. For more detailed information on proper sampling techniques, refer to the following link: http://www.canola-council.org/canola_resources/product10.aspx .

The economic threshold for the weevil is 20 to 30 in 10 sweeps, depending on crop price.

Research has shown that weevil migration into canola begins at the bud stage and peaks at early to mid-flowering. It is important not to spray too soon, as the weevil will typically continue to invade for at least a week to 10 days after the first flowers open. The optimum time to spray for cabbage seedpod weevil is early flowering (10% flower if possible). Spraying at 10% flower will allow the weevils more time to move into the field, while at the same time it is still early enough to keep them from laying any significant number of eggs in the newly forming pods. Spraying after 10% flower when populations are at or above threshold may not only result in yield loss, but will also impact beneficial insects including pollinators who have moved into the field. It is important to keep in mind canola’s ability to compensate for weevil feeding on buds and stems where moisture is not limiting. Where moisture constraints are present, the ability to compensate may be reduced, and using the lower end of the threshold range may be appropriate.

For more information on the cabbage seedpod weevil, refer to the cabbage seedpod weevil section at the following link: http://www.canola-council.org/contents10b.aspx

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Other Insects Appearing

There were a couple of reports of red turnip beetle infestations in northwest Manitoba and in the southern Peace region of Alberta. This insect moves into a field by migrating from a neighboring field that was in canola last year. As a result, control can usually be achieved with perimeter spraying. More information on this insect is available at:
http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=4cc8d2a0-9fb3-4459-8e63-e306abfb9530

Wind trajectories continue to be monitored by AAFC as a possible early indicator for diamond back moth. Trajectories observed last week and over the weekend were from the southern United States and Mexico. These winds had the potential to transport diamond back moths into western Canada. Anyone monitoring with traps should be checking closely within the next week to determine if that is indeed the situation.

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Tank Mixes – Herbicides and Insecticides

There are reports of insecticides being applied in a tank mix with herbicides during the second spray pass on canola for cabbage seedpod weevil and cutworms. The first question that needs to be asked and answered is - ‘Is the insecticide needed?’.  Applying insecticides for ‘just in case’ reasons does not make good economic sense and can destroy beneficial insects that are naturally present. These beneficial insects may be necessary to keep other potential insect pest populations in-check later in the growing season. The following link has a chart of registered tank mix combinations: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/cropproduction/pdf/gcp2009/pesticidetankmixchart.pdf

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Crops and Weeds - How to Spray Variable Stages

Crop growth and development is variable within many fields in western Canada. A common question being asked is when is the best time to spray? Each field should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Keep in mind a few important points:

• The first step is to scout. Scout the crop for signs of stress (moisture) and the weeds to determine what weed species are present and at what stage.
• Weeds that emerge ahead of or at the same time as the canola crop will cause the most yield loss.
• The following link provides information on time of weed removal: https://canola-council.merchantsecure.com/canola_resources/product36.aspx
• Generally it is best to wait for recovery before spraying crops under stress. However, crop tolerance is less of a concern if weed pressure is high (and impacting yield).  Evaluate the field to determine what is causing the greater stress.
• Stressed canola plants will begin reproductive growth earlier than normal (less vegetative biomass produced before initiating buds). Crop damage (flower blast) and yield loss can occur when herbicides are applied to a crop in bud or bolting stages. However, weed pressure also causes yield loss. Scout the field thoroughly to determine average crop stage and to determine which stress is most limiting (weeds vs. compromised crop tolerance). Keep in mind that herbicide injury can also delay crop maturity, which is a definite concern this year.
• 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. This is especially true in drier areas where weeds are competing for precious moisture.
• If herbicide dollars are limited, spray early with the first application and re-assess the need for a second application later. Remember that some weeds (e.g. wild buckwheat) get more expensive and much tougher to control as they get bigger.

The following link has more information on weed control in canola: http://www.canola-council.org/contents10a.aspx

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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.

In Manitoba a similar disease survey is also planned, so interested co-operators in that province can contact Anastasia Kubinec (Oilseed Business Development Specialist, MAFRI) at 204-745-5645 or Anastasia.Kubinec@gov.mb.ca or Dr. Debra McLaren (Scientist, Crop Production Pathology, AAFC) at 204-578-3561 or dmclaren@agr.gc.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.

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