Genetic resistance to blackleg in canola varieties has been widely used in disease control. However, breakdown of host genetic resistance due to population shifts and the emergence of new races of the pathogen is a growing concern.

Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, used to be the most widespread fungal disease of canola in western Canada. The disease was well controlled for many years with resistant canola cultivars and extended crop rotation, but has increased noticeably in recent years.

For canola growers, the establishment of an adequate and even plant stand is essential to reaching yield potential. A three-year study was conducted in Saskatchewan from 2012 to 2014 to determine if the SeedMaster UltraPro canola roller can produce more uniform canola seed placement than conventional fluted rollers.

A four-year, multiple location study was initiated in Saskatchewan in 2011 to provide information on the overall risk of environmental yield loss in straight-combined canola, and to quantify genetic differences in Brassica napus seed losses due to pod drop and pod shattering.

In 2014 researchers initiated a project to collect baseline information on how management practices affect the storage conditions of canola over the summer months.

The management of large volumes of hog manure on agricultural land is a critical challenge due to its low N:P ratio and stringent regulations based on soil test phosphorus (P) levels.

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world, and frequent glyphosate use has selected for glyphosate-resistant (GR weeds). In 2011 and 2012, surveys documented the occurrence of GR kochia in Alberta.

Straight combining canola can save time and money and result in improved seed quality. However timing of harvest is critical to reduce the risk and magnitude of yield losses from preharvest shattering and pod drop losses.

Cabbage seedpod weevil (csw) has become a chronic problem for canola growers in areas south of highway 1 in Alberta and SW Saskatchewan. Lygus bugs, like the csw arrive to canola fields at bud and early flower, but they peak later at the early or mature pod stage.

Every year in western Canada there is a large investment in testing of canola genotypes/varieties in both small-plot and larger-scale trials, or strip plot trials.

Clubroot poses a serious threat to the canola industry in Alberta and western Canada because of its long-lived spores, its ability to rapidly multiply, and its detrimental effect on canola yields.

Root maggots are serious insect pests of canola across western Canada, and especially throughout central and northern Alberta. Researchers at the University of Alberta initiated a project to develop canola germplasm resistant to infestation by root maggots.

In western Canada, Sclerotinia stem rot continues to be a serious disease of canola. Researchers at the University of Manitoba led a two-year study to assess the risk of sclerotinia stem rot disease on canola based on standard weather conditions and the canopy microclimate.

Early season phosphorus nutrition is critical for optimum crop yield. Researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada conducted a three-year multi-site field study to assess the impact of phosphorus fertilizer applied with and without phosphate-solubilizing inoculant Penicillium bilaii on the growth, phosphorus uptake, yield and quality of canola.

Researchers in Saskatchewan led a three-year study to assess the potential effects of increasing the frequency of canola in rotation on weed abundance, species distribution, community diversity and function in canola-inclusive rotations across western Canada.

Large harvest bags (silo bags) are becoming popular for on-farm temporary storage of grains and oilseeds in western Canada. Researchers at the University of Manitoba conducted a three-year study to quantify the changes in seed quality of canola during bag storage under Canadian Prairie conditions.

Management of stubble height is an inexpensive crop management technique that can have a potentially beneficial impact on seedling germination and emergence.

Growing canola in tighter rotations increases risks and can dramatically decrease yields. Researchers conducted two 6-year studies to determine the agronomic and economic implications of growing canola in "tight" rotations.

Wild oat continues to be the most economically important weed problem in Canada. Researchers conducted a study to determine if diverse rotation treatments combined with other cultural practices would reduce wild oat populations, and if diverse crop rotations would influence wild oat seed bank, soil microbes, and crop quality.

A four-year study initiated in 2010 was conducted in western Canada to investigate the differences in biology of two flea beetle species, Phyllotreta striolata (striped) and P. cruciferae (crucifer), in order to better target management methods.