Meaningful seed comparisons usually have the following features: 1. It comes from at least 15-20 sites, ideally from more than one year. 2. Statistical analysis is performed on the data to test its reliability. This analysis will also identify real statistically-supported differences between treatments or varieties. 3. Trials should follow a protocol applied across all sites. Without a protocol, differences…
Seed
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The ideal canola stand will have 7-10 plants per square foot. Canola needs a minimum of 4-5 plants per square foot, on average, to reach its yield potential. A few extra plants improves the chance of hitting yield targets, and allows for some plant loss to insects and disease. Canola with plant populations below 4-5 per square foot can still…
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Harvest plant counts can help growers determine if their seeding was adequate to reach the crop’s yield potential. A compilation of stand establishment research shows that canola generally needs at least 4-5 plants per square foot to reach its yield potential. But is this true for all varieties, all crop inputs packages, and all growing conditions? We don’t know. Growers…
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You may have observed canola with a yellow halo around the outside edge of cotyledons. If this happens when growing conditions are optimal and there hasn’t been frost, seed treatment is the likely cause. When the plant is growing very fast, translocation of seed treatment into the plant is also very fast. This can result in an occasional yellowing of…
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Some air drills can cause costly levels of seed damage if the fan speed is too high. Cracked seed will not germinate. Inspect the quality of seed in the tank to make sure the loading auger isn’t causing the damage. Next, use the sock test (watch the video above) to check the state of seed as it exits the opener…
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On average, only 40-60% of canola seeds put in the ground actually survives to become plants. To improve this rate and get more from the seed investment, seed shallow and at the same depth row to row, slow down to improve seed placement, limit seed-placed fertilizer, penetrate trash, leave a firm seedbed, and pack appropriately…
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