In this issue:
(click the bookmarked links below to move to specific sections of this report)
Seeding wrapping up
Soil moisture varies widely
Reassess varietal maturity
Broadcast seeding tips
Light frosts with little damage expected
Scout early seeded canola frequently
Seedling diseases spotted
Warmer weather promotes weed growth
Cutworms may need control
Check for wireworms
Scout now for flea beetles
Diamondback moths seen in AB and MB
Grasshopper baiting started in AB
Watch for cabbage seedpod weevils
The Alberta Canola Producers Commission (ACPC) has developed an Alberta focused version of this report. Visit the ACPC website at: http://www.canola.ab.ca
Seeding of canola is wrapping up in most areas. Exceptions include central, eastern and the Interlake regions of Manitoba, which continue to be delayed by rain, wet fields and poor drying conditions as well as northwestern Saskatchewan near Meadow Lake and the Peace region near Beaverlodge. Some switching from longer season specialty crops such as corn, sunflower and soybeans to canola is reported in parts of Manitoba. Some growers are also switching to earlier maturing canola varieties, or to a herbicide tolerance package better able to cope with varied and advanced weed pressure.
Soil moisture conditions across western Canada range from poor to excess. Most of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have good to excess moisture but continued dryness persists throughout much of southern and central Alberta south of Red Deer. Dryness is also reported in parts of the southern BC Peace, especially north of Rolla. These areas need rain soon to alleviate patchy germination and promote early crop growth.
For current maps of moisture conditions from PFRA for western Canada, check the following link: http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prpay05_e.htm
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 and soil moisture map from Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food & Rural Revitalization is available at: http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/docs/reports/crop_report/crprpt050529.pdf
The latest monthly crop report from Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development is available at: http://www.gov.ab.ca/acn/200505/18111B07A4340-9D54-4A10-B64238CDE7862229.html
Additional moisture information for Alberta is available from Alberta Environment at: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/ws/data/precipmaps/precipmaps.html
Growers who still have canola left to seed are strongly encouraged to reassess the maturity suitability of their chosen varieties. The accumulation of temperature or Growing Degree Days (GDDs) has a major influence on days to maturity for canola. If the variety does not meet the requirements of the remainder of the growing season (available frost-free days), ask your local retailer to suggest other suitable varieties.
Manitoba growers can check the following link to determine their frost-free days: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/climate/waa50s00.html
Alberta growers can check the following link to determine their frost-free days: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex10
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 broadcast seeding usually results in lower yields compared to drill seeding. However, producers faced with wet conditions that limit equipment flotation plus 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.
Some light frosts (up to-2°C) were reported from parts of southern and central Alberta this past week. However, damage is expected to be light from most of these incidences.
Emergence of canola has begun in most areas. There are reports from many areas (particularly in Saskatchewan) that canola seeded mid-season was emerging better than early seeded canola. Frequent scouting (at least 2-3 times per week) is needed especially during this time period to catch problems early.
Seedling diseases such as wirestem and rhizoctonia have been reported in early seeded fields near Fort Saskatchewan and St. Albert. Refer to the following link for more background information on seedling diseases: http://www.canola-council.org/seedlingdisease.aspx
Weed growth continues in most areas, and is becoming heavy due to warmer temperatures, good moisture, and the lack of pre-emergent burn-off applications. Dandelions are especially troublesome, especially on direct seeded fields and where there were no burn-off applications. In-crop spraying of early seeded fields is general in many areas, but has been hampered by cool, wet weather through many parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Frequent scouting remains important to assess the number and types of weeds present as well as their growth stage. Ensure the right rate and product(s) are used to control the required weed spectrum. Also, in areas affected by dry conditions (such as southern Alberta), ensure that the herbicide rate chosen is able to handle the drought stress of both the crop and the target weeds.
For more information on current product recommendations, check the following links from the provincial governments for their respective Crop Protection Guides:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/cropproduction/gaa01d01.html
http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/DOCS/crops/cropguide00.asp
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex32?opendocument
Cutworms continue to be a problem in parts of southern Alberta. Refer to the May 5, 2004 Canola Watch report for more background information on cutworms: http://www.canola-council.org/seed/canola-watch/watch-may5.shtml
Incidences of wireworms were reported in parts of western Saskatchewan and in the Peace region near Wembley and Dawson Creek. Some of these incidences have been reported occurring on forage breaking, as well as short rotation canola.
For more information on wireworms, refer to the following links:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/insects/fad28s00.html
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/prm2509?opendocument
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/pests/e188-1.htm
Flea beetles are continuing to be a problem in parts of northwestern Manitoba near Foxwarren and Gilbert Plains, with some foliar spraying required. Lighter (but still noticeable) flea beetle pressure continues in pockets of southwestern Manitoba near Crystal City and Souris, western Saskatchewan, southern Alberta and the Peace. As well, the seed treatments on early seeded crops may be starting to lose their effectiveness by now (especially lighter rates). Frequent scouting is important to properly assess damage. Remember the damage threshold for action is 25% leaf defoliation in order to determine whether spraying is warranted.
A few small diamondback moth larvae continue to be found in southern Alberta near Glenwood, Vulcan and Claresholm. As well, diamondback moths continue to be found in southwestern Manitoba. The diamondback monitoring program is being set up in all provinces and we will include links to the web updates of their results as soon as we receive them.
Grasshoppers have been reported in parts of southern and south-central Alberta such as Hanna, Oyen and Drumheller. Some baiting with Eco-bran has been reported from Hanna.
As well, cabbage seedpod weevil have been reported in southern Alberta especially on weedy hosts. Weevil pressure and spread will be noted over the growing season and reported as conditions change.
Send questions regarding this report to John Mayko, Agronomic Research & Extension Manager with the Canola Council of Canada at maykoj@canola-council.org ph/fax: 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, Agronomist, Manitoba,
hammondd@canola-council.org, 204-729-9011
Rob Park, Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives,
rpark@gov.mb.ca, 204-745-5665
David Vanthuyne, Agronomist, Eastern Saskatchewan,
vanthuyd@canola-council.org, 306-782-7799
David Blais, Agronomist, Western Saskatchewan,
blaisd@canola-council.org, 306-895-2122
Jim Bessel, Senior Agronomist, Northeastern Saskatchewan,
besselj@canola-council.org, 306-373-6771
Bill Greuel, Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food & Rural Revitalization, wgreuel@agr.gov.sk.ca, 306-787-2756
Doug Moisey, Agronomist, Central Alberta,
moiseyd@canola-council.org, 780-645-3624
Christine Mardell, Agronomist, Peace River Region,
mardellc@canola-council.org, 780-518-1513
Matthew Stanford, Agronomist, Southern Alberta,
stanfordm@canola-council.org, 403-758-6660
Murray Hartman, Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development,
murray.hartman@gov.ab.ca, 403-782-8024
Kerry Clark, BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries,
Kerry.Clark@gems9.gov.bc.ca, 250-787-3213
The Canola Watch Report provides just-in-time information on canola production to growers and industry. Contributors to the Canola Agronomy Network are:
Manitoba Agriculture & Food; Manitoba Canola Growers Association; Agricore United; Cargill; Saskatchewan Wheat Pool; United Farmers of Alberta; Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food & Rural Revitalization; Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association; Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission; Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development; Alberta Canola Producers Commission; BC Ministry of Agriculture; Food & Fisheries; and the Canola Council of Canada.