Gulden: Developing a Rapid Method to Evaluate Pod-Drop in Canola
Canola is a crop associated with large seed losses before and at harvest, including from pod shatter and pod drop. Researchers conducted a three-year study to develop and refine a method for measuring pod-retention resistance.
Meers: Improving crop risk assessment tools for bertha armyworms
Although outbreaks are sporadic, the bertha armyworm continues to be an economically significant pest of canola in western Canada.
Holzapfel et al: Effects of Genetic Sclerotinia Tolerance and Foliar Fungicide Applications on the Incidence and Severity of Sclerotinia Stem Rot Infection in Argentine canola
Sclerotinia stem rot causes significant yield loss for canola in western Canada each year; however, the impact to individual fields varies dramatically depending on specific environmental and weather conditions.
Schoenau: Transformations and Fate of Seed-Placed Sulfur Fertilizers in Saskatchewan Soils
Sulfur (S) fertilizers have become an important part of the fertilizer mix for Saskatchewan growers, not only for canola, but also for pulse and cereal crops. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different fertilizer forms as sources of plant available S to crops.
Bonham-Smith: Genomics of Clubroot Disease Development in Canola and Development of in planta RNAi to Impart Novel Resistance
Clubroot, resulting from an infection by Plasmodiophora brassicae is a devastating disease of canola. Researchers initiated a five-year study in 2010 to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of P. brassicae infection, and to develop molecular markers and tools for utilizing pathogen protein targets for improved resistance to clubroot disease in canola.
Willenborg: Emergence Timing and Management of Cleavers in Saskatchewan Canola Crops
In western Canada, field surveys are showing an increased presence of two species of cleavers, which are difficult to control in many crops such as canola.
Strelkov: Studies on the Genetic and Molecular Basis for Clubroot Resistance in Canola
Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a destructive soilborne disease that is now prevalent on canola (Brassica napus) in central Alberta and appears to be spreading to other regions of the Prairies.
Fernando: Blackleg Resistance Stewardship: Improving Our Management of Host Resistance
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.
Peng: Mitigating the Risk of Blackleg Disease of Canola Using Fungicide Strategies
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.
Issah: Seeding Rates for Precision Seeded Canola
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.
Holzapfel: Quantifying Genetic Differences in Seed Losses Due to Pod Drop and Pod Shattering in Canola
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.
Peng: Characterization and Utilization of Newly Identified Resistance Sources for Sustainable Clubroot Control on Canola
Clubroot, caused by the pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae (Pb) can be a devastating disease to canola crops. Since 2009, resistant canola cultivars have been available in Canada but all of them are based on a single dominant R gene.
Agnew: Determining Best Practices for Summer Storage of Canola in Western Canada
In 2014 researchers initiated a project to collect baseline information on how management practices affect the storage conditions of canola over the summer months.
Drew: Replacing Fish Oil in Aquaculture Diets Using a Mixture of Canola and Algae Oil
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan initiated a three-year project in 2012 to develop methods to improve the fatty acid composition of aquaculture fish fed algae-vegetable oil blends instead of fish oils.
Zvomuya: Can Slow-Release Monoammonium Phosphate and Struvite Improve Phosphorus Use Efficiency and Reduce Seedling Toxicity in Canola?
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.
Beckie: Glyphosate-resistant Kochia (Kochia scoparia) in Saskatchewan
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.
Nickerson: Development of Formulated Canola Protein-based Ingredients for the Food Industry
Canola proteins represent an emerging plant-based alternative, with tremendous opportunity for growth, based on their functional and nutritional properties. Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan initiated a five-year multi-component project in 2010, with the overall goal to develop formulated canola protein-based ingredients that could then be tailored to specific food applications.
Holzapfel: Cultivar Considerations for Straight Combining
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.
Carcamo: Management of Lygus Bugs and Seedpod Weevil In Canola At The Farm Level
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.
Brule-Babel: Advanced Statistical Analysis of Strip-Plot Canola Variety Trial Data and Comparison to Small-Plot Variety Trial Data
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.