Issues of the week

Moist conditions increase the sclerotinia stem rot risk. High humidity (even if it doesn’t rain) can promote apothecia to release higher levels of sclerotinia ascospores. Ideal timing for sclerotinia spraying is at 20% to 50% bloom.

Growers with hailed, late or thin poor looking crop are looking at fertilizer top up or other treatments to promote the crop. Fertilizer top up may help reduce stress on a hailed crop that is trying to recover, but remember that top up fertilizer can delay maturity.

We encourage growers to attend the Canola Council of Canada Combine Clinic in Westlock, Alta., July 18 or 19 to learn how to reduce losses, which can be 2-5 bu./ac.