In this issue:
(click the bookmarked links below to move to specific sections of this report)
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
Soil moisture conditions across western Canada range from fair to excess. Most areas received more precipitation over the past week but some areas in Manitoba received heavy rains which caused more flooding damage. Most of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta have good to excess moisture. Many areas reported significant drying with heat last week, but potholes and low-lying areas in many regions continue to hold water with surrounding fields having excessive moisture. The only pockets that would appreciate more precipitation to replenish topsoil moisture are in the northern Peace.
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/crprpt050626.pdf
The latest crop report and precipitation map from Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development is available at:
http://www.gov.ab.ca/acn/200506/183237C139FAA-67C0-4F13-859674715677CF9E.html
Additional moisture information for Alberta is available from Alberta Environment at:
http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/water/ws/data/precipmaps/precipmaps.html
Canola crop development ranges from rosette for late seeded canola fields to 20 – 30% bloom for early seeded fields. Overall, established canola crops throughout western Canada appear to be in good condition. Favorable soil moisture in most areas, combined with decent temperatures have led to canola development close to average in many areas for this time of year. However, continuing rains in many areas are causing stress from excess moisture which is hampering growth and development. Excess moisture often causes changes in plant colour and growth, caused by the lack of oxygen in the root zone. The degree of damage will depend on several factors including crop stage, soil type and texture and time spent under water. Growers concerned about the nutrient status of recently wet and flooded canola who are considering tissue testing need to remember to allow for the plant to recover and growth to stabilize before tissue testing. For further information regarding the effects of excess moisture on canola growth, refer to the following link:
http://www.canola-council.org/excessmoisture.aspx
The excess moisture in some regions will likely lead to substantial nitrogen losses in low-lying areas. If the excess water recedes fairly quickly and the canola recovers, growers may need to consider top dressing additional nitrogen to compensate. As well, growers who were conservative with their initial fertilizer applications for this crop and now find favorable to excellent growing conditions may also consider topping up their nitrogen and sulphur rates by top dressing. Be prepared to conduct crop tissue testing at the appropriate stage and remember that topdressing N and S fertilizer is possible up to the bolting stage--as long as rainfall occurs to move the fertilizer into the root zone. This helps alleviate any deficiencies and/or ensures optimum yields if sub-optimal fertilizer rates were applied prior to and/or at seeding, or if losses occurred due to wet and saturated soils. Also, ensure rates and field conditions are appropriate to minimize any detrimental effects to the crop, such as leaf burn.
There are many reports of premature bolting (small and spindly canola plants that are starting to bolt) in parts of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. There are many questions about how yield potential of these plants will be affected. For a detailed discussion on the impact of leaf area index on crop yield potential, refer to the following Word document link: http://www.canola-council.org/gs_stage1.aspx.
Hail damage was reported in southern Saskatchewan and southern Alberta. Potential canola yield losses will depend on stage of crop and the severity of the damage. Hail damage can also allow points of entry for diseases such as sclerotinia stem rot, alternaria black spot and blackleg to infect canola plants. Further information is available at the following link: http://www.canola-council.org/stress_hail.aspx.
Diamondback moth larvae continue to be found in many fields. However, many reports indicate that feeding activity has slowed and many larvae have pupated. Growers should be aware that the next generation will emerge in the next 2 to 4 weeks. Be prepared to scout for feeding activity toward the middle to end of flowering and early seed set. In fields where larvae are still actively feeding, it is important to determine where feeding damage is occurring. Larvae feeding on young buds will cause yield loss due to bud blasting and lack of pod development.
If there are about 100 to 150 larvae per square metre feeding on buds, an insecticide application may be needed to minimize yield loss. Click on the following link for an insect image library which includes an example of bud damage from diamondback larval feeding:
http://www.canola-council.org/images_insects.shtml
For current diamondback moth survey updates, refer to the following links:
http://ncrxeis4.agr.gc.ca/ppmnMaps/
For more information on diamondback moth, refer to the following SAFRR link:
http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/DOCS/crops/integrated_pest_management/insects/Diamond.asp?firstPick=Crops&secondpick=Integrated%20Pest%20Management&thirdpick=Insects
For a picture of a parasitoid wasp of diamondbacks, refer to the following link:
http://www.canola-council.org/parasiticwaspsid.aspx
Cabbage seedpod weevils have been reported to be quite heavy (up to 14 per sweep) in canola fields near Lethbridge, AB. Growers should be vigilant for weevils throughout southern Alberta (south of Hwy. 1) at this point and be prepared to spray if populations remain high at early flowering stage.. Begin scouting fields at the bud stage with a sweep net to check for levels of both cabbage seedpod weevil and lygus bugs. The current threshold for cabbage seedpod weevils is three to four per sweep at early flowering.
For more information on cabbage seedpod weevils, refer to the following links:
http://www.canola-council.org/csweevil.aspx
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/faq7100
Bertha armyworm moth traps are monitoring adult moth activity throughout western Canada. Moth numbers have been low for most areas. However, trap numbers in the Eaglesham area of the Peace region have been escalating. Growers should be aware of the increasing numbers and watch for further information.
For more information on the bertha armyworm, refer to the following link:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/prm2521
For interpreting bertha armyworm trap numbers, refer to the following link:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/prm2526?opendocument
For current bertha armyworm survey updates, refer to the following link:
http://ncrxeis4.agr.gc.ca/ppmnMaps/20050627_bertha_armyworm_ab.pdf
The high levels of soil moisture in most areas have greatly increased the potential for the development of sclerotinia. High soil moisture levels combined with warm temperatures and crops at full ground cover are prime candidates for the development of sclerotinia. Apothecia have been found in many fields already. Scout for the presence of apothecia in canola fields and in neighboring fields. Many producers are questioning the yield potential of their crops and wondering if spraying to control sclerotinia will be worthwhile. Producers should carefully consider how heavy their crop canopy currently is, target yield and fertility applied, the amount of moisture received in the week before the start of flowering, disease incidence in the past, and the presence of apothecia to help determine whether or not a fungicide application will be needed. Splitting fungicide applications may be an option for some producers.
An initial reduced fungicide application at 20 to 30% bloom will help control early onset of the disease. If conditions become drier, a second application may not be needed. However, if this approach is taken and conditions remain wet and humid, a second application will be needed to maximize the benefits of spraying the fungicide. Producers should assess these factors and consult their local chemical representative to determine if a single or a split fungicide application is needed for their particular situation.
Refer to the sclerotinia checklist to help determine whether or not to spray a fungicide. Click on the following link to obtain more information on forecasting and scouting for sclerotinia, including a copy of the sclerotinia stem rot checklist from the new Canola Growers Manual: http://www.canola-council.org/sclerotiniaforecast.aspx.
For, more information on the life cycle of sclerotinia, refer to the following link:
http://www.canola-council.org/sclerotiniacycle.aspx
For the current list of recommended fungicides for sclerotinia control, refer to Manitoba’s 2005 Crop Protection Guide:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/cropproduction/gaa01d01.html
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.
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