Canola Watch – Free, Unbiased, Timely and Research Focused - Timely production tips and information

Canola Council of Canada

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• Some Heat, Some Rain, Then Heat Again

  Some Heat, Some Rain, Then Heat Again Rainfall was reported in many areas of western Canada last week which halted combines temporarily but allowed much of the canola to be swathed under relatively ideal (damp) conditions. Rainfall amounts were variable with amounts generally ranging from trace up to two inches. A couple of locations in [...]

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• Swathing Nearing Completion

  In Manitoba, approximately 80 to 90% of the canola is swathed with the exception areas around The Pas (about 50% swathed), Roblin/Russell areas (50 to 75% swathed), and the northern interlake region which is about 20 to 50% swathed. Overall approximately 15 to 20% of the canola has been combined and combining will likely become [...]

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• Be Patient, Wait for Adequate Curing in the Swath

  Remember that green seed percentage cannot be lowered once canola seed is in the bin. Therefore, growers must allow enough time to pass while canola is in the swath for chlorophyll to clear the seeds prior to combining. If ideal conditions exist, canola can be combined with good quality after lying in the swath for as [...]

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• Be Sure, Take a Good Sample

  Variable maturity within fields has been an issue all season in many regions so as combines begin the harvest it is important to take a good, representative sample (not just the edge of a field)  to know what the entire field is like. Field edges are often more ripe than other parts of the field. [...]

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• Protect Your Investment

  Reports of canola harvested so far indicate that seed moisture content is ‘dry’ (below 10%). It is important to remember that canola storage can be a concern even at seed moisture levels considered dry when the canola is binned at high temperatures or when there is a lot of ‘foreign’ material (e.g. green weed seeds). [...]

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• Careful with Canola to be Combined in Coming Weeks

  Canola that has recently been swathed or those fields that are yet to be swathed will likely only be combined near the end of September and into October. Depending on the weather, storage could be a challenge. If canola is combined ‘tough’, it is difficult for aeration to bring down the moisture content substantially in [...]

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• Remember to Avoid Malathion in Storage

  Canola should not be stored in bins that were previously treated with malathion since canola oil has a strong attraction to the insecticide and will result in detectable residues. Malathion can move into canola seed from storage bin walls. Detection of malathion residue in canola seed above the allowable limit will result in rejected shipments [...]

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• Fungus Feeding Insects Reported

  There are reports near Maymont, SK about fungus feeding beetles on canola swaths. These beetles feed on fungus that grows on crop residue or damp seeds. Fungus feeding insects and mites cannot survive in dry grain. Chemical control is not necessary for fungus feeding pests in stored grain. Do not apply malathion or other chemical [...]

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• Still Thinking About Straight Cutting?

  Straight cutting of canola is becoming more common in some parts of the Prairies (e.g. parts of the Peace Region in Alberta). For many fields this year this decision will already have been made, but for any late fields where this is still being considered, keep in mind the following four factors: Frost risk – [...]

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• Considering Chemical Applications to Assist Crop Dry-Down?

  Growers who have decided to straight combine some of their canola may be considering pre-harvest weed control or desiccation, particularly in fields with uneven or late maturity. While these products can hasten dry down of mature plants, they will kill any immature ones. It is also important to understand that these products are not designed [...]

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• Watch For Herbicide Residues for 2010

  If planning weed control post-harvest, be certain that the herbicide is registered to be used ahead of canola next year. Be familiar with recropping restrictions. Several products leave a residue that can affect canola germination and emergence next spring. The dry soil conditions present in parts of the prairies will be more conducive to herbicide [...]

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• Next Up – Soil Testing

  Soil testing is a very useful tool in order to assess required fertility levels for next year. The proper sample time in the fall is after the soil surface temperature drops to less than 7°C. At this temperature, soil processes such as mineralization (breakdown of soil organic matter into plant available nutrients) that cause changes [...]

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• That’s A Wrap!

  This is the final Canola Watch report for the 2009 season. The Canola Council of Canada would like to sincerely thank everyone for their input and participation throughout the season. The 2009 season certainly has been challenging and we hope the weekly Watch reports have been informative and have helped with some of the tough [...]

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