Demonstrating benefits of seeding date and rate on canola yield and quality

Term: 1 year ending 2024
Status: Complete
Researcher(s): Robin Lokken, CLC; Gursahib Singh, ICDC; Brianne McInnis, NARF; Amber Wall, WCA
SaskCanola Investment: $32,000
Total Project Cost: $32,000
Funding Partners: N/A

Objective

1. Demonstrate how different seeding dates and rates can improve canola yield and quality

2. Provide a backdrop to discuss methods of flea beetle control and proper scouting techniques at Field Days and/or extension activities.

Project Summary

This trial aimed to demonstrate how different seeding dates and rates can improve canola yield and quality, and to provide a backdrop to discuss methods of flea beetle control and proper scouting techniques. Small plot trials were established in 2023 at Wheatland Conservation Area (WCA) in Swift Current, Northeast Agriculture Research Foundation (NARF) in Melfort, Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation (ICDC) in Outlook, and Conservation Learning Centre (CLC) in Prince Albert. Five seeding dates occurred every 10-14 days, at a low and a high seeding rate, to capture an ultra-early seeding date and a late seeding date. 

Overall, yields decreased when canola was seeded late in June; sites experienced yield losses of up to 48% in Prince Albert, 50% in Melfort, 87% in Outlook, and 91% in Swift Current. Quality of harvested canola also decreased with seeding date as was evident with decreasing oil content. Late seeding dates had issues with uniform dry down and harvest was delayed as late as October 25th. Only Melfort experienced flea beetle pressure on earlier seeded canola. However, populations did not meet economic thresholds and no yield differences were detected for seeding rate. Seeding rates were included in this study to demonstrate how the practice can compensate for high seedling mortality during unfavorable growing conditions, especially for early seeded canola. In 2023, conditions were dry compared to long term averages, but anticipated risks such as high flea beetle pressure, cool soils, and frost damage did not occur. High seeding rates are still recommended to target minimum plant stands, as seed mortality was often 50% or greater. This study clearly demonstrated that, when spring conditions are favourable, early seeding is a recommended practice to maximize yield potential. While it is difficult to predict the likelihood of flea beetle pressure in an upcoming growing season, it would be valuable to repeat this demonstration with higher flea beetle populations. Selecting an earlier seeding date could help showcase how less desirable growing conditions can affect canola yields and how seeding rates can help compensate and reduce yield losses.

Full Report PDF: Demonstrating benefits of seeding date and rate on canola yield and quality