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Issues Archive
Use the expandable navigational menu on the left hand column to find a specific issue of Canola Watch by year, month and date.
December 15, 2015
Registration opens for Alberta canoLAB 2016
Alberta’s canoLAB 2016 is in Lethbridge, February 17-18.
Click here for more information on topics and to register.
December 2, 2015
More heated canola than usual
Based on conversations with growers and processing plants, heated canola seems to be higher than usual so far this winter. Please check bins to make sure temperatures are stable.
2015 CPT small-plot results now available
Canola Performance Trials (CPT) 2015 small-plot data on canola seed varieties is now available in this online booklet.
Do you value high quality, third party canola variety data?
The Canola Performance Trials (CPT) Committee wants to see if you find value in these high-quality, unbiased, timely trials and how you think the program could improve going forward. Please click here to fill out a quick survey to provide us with the information we need to serve you better.
Canola Watch 2015 CCA/CCSC exam
CCAs and CCSCs who achieve a mark of 70% or better on the 2015 Canola Watch self-study exam will get 6.5 credits. Those who want credits for 2015 must write and pass in December. Those who want credits for 2016 can write in January 2016. Repeat attempts are allowed. Canola Watch will submit names for all who pass to their respective CCA or CCSC organizations.
What saved 2015?
Brassica napus is semi-determinant in its growth, which means it can produce new growing points from leaf axils. When conditions change to provide more moisture, nutrients or heat, secondary and tertiary branch growth can extend flowering or even initiate secondary flowering. This can produce a significant increase in yield as long as fall conditions allow for maturation.
Clubroot and variety selection
At least 10 new pathotypes have been discovered in fields in central Alberta. While varieties with improved resistance to 5x may provide a benefit, this resistance may not work on all new pathotypes. Infection from the other virulent pathotypes could still occur.
Fertilizer and rotation planning
Fertilizer planning: Growers with soil tests, particularly for poor performing fields in 2015, have valuable background information for making informed fertilizer rate decisions for 2016.
Rotation planning: This is a good time to go over notes for disease levels in 2015. Fields where disease levels were noticeably higher than in the past will benefit from a longer rotation away from canola.
Combining canola in snowy swaths
Some very late canola crops are still laying in swaths. Previous experience suggests two tips….
Handle grain safely
Safe Farms bulletins from Manitoba provide the following safety tips for handling grain. …