Issues of the week

Many canola fields are under stress from excess water. A fertilizer top up may help, but hold off until the ground dries up and the crop starts actively growing again before making this investment. Rains have also delayed timely herbicide applications, so many growers are wondering about the real yield risk if they spray after the label window. The yield loss could be significant if growing conditions turn hot and dry after spraying. Plus the practice violates product labels.

Moist conditions increase the sclerotinia risk, especially since the disease was so widespread last year. Early canola crops are starting to flower, and the ideal timing for sclerotinia spraying is at 20% to 50% bloom.

Register now: We encourage growers to attend the Canola Council of Canada Combine Clinic in Westlock, Alta., July 18 or 19 to learn how to reduce harvest losses. Research and in-field evaluations have shown that canola growers lose up to five bushels per acre out the back of their combines. Click here or call 1-866-834-4378 ext. 2111 for more information and to register.

Canola Watch is brought to you with the support of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agri-Flexibility Fund.