The Blog

Soil Moisture – Extremely Dry to Excess Several storms brought much needed rain to parts of southwest, central and northwest regions of Manitoba. Soil moisture is adequate in most of these regions but additional rainfall will be needed again soon to support the rapid crop growth and development. Parts of the eastern and Interlake regions of Manitoba are still wet …

Canola staging continues to be quite variable within an area and within a single field in some areas. Re-seeded and late seeded fields range from 4- leaf to rosette stage. Rainfall in areas that were extremely dry is resulting in a ‘second flush’ of germinating canola, resulting in staging from cotyledon to bolting in the same field. Where canola is …

With the rainfall last week, came hail to a number of areas (Dauphin, Treherne and Notre Dame, MB; Duck Lake, Frontier, SK; Claresholm, Spirit River, AB). Hail stones were large in some areas (golf ball size at Frontier, SK) and fell for a significant period of time (hail fell at supper time at Claresholm, AB and hail stones were still …

There were a couple of reports of cutworms in Saskatchewan but it appears as if larval feeding is winding down as they are beginning to pupate. More information on cutworms is available at: https://canola-council.merchantsecure.com/canola_resources/product22.aspx Cabbage seedpod weevil threat is also winding down in southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan as many crops are well into or have finished flowering. Only fields that …

Leaf hoppers in relatively high populations have been found south of Red Deer, AB. This insect is not of economic importance in canola but rather may be an indicator that Aster yellows may be prevalent later in the season. Aster yellows is caused by a phytoplasma, a plant pathogenic micro-organism. The phytoplasma is carried from plant to plant by sap-sucking …

Up for a great learning experience? There are a number of crop training events organized across western Canada to challenge even the most seasoned agronomist. For more information or to register refer to the list at the following link:http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Redirect.aspx?u=114562&q=136265941&lm=19904645&r=156796&qz=0c48f657fb9d7b0440d6714ddff2becf  

Faye Dokken, Provincial Specialist – Plant Diseases with Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is looking for cooperators to participate in a canola disease survey this summer. Representatives from the Ministry would like permission to enter canola fields and collect a soil sample (for clubroot screening). While at the field, representatives will also take note of other canola diseases that may be …

Canola staging continues to be quite variable within an area and even within a single field in some areas. Re-seeded and late seeded fields range from just emerging to the 2- to 3- leaf stage. Rainfall in areas that were extremely dry is resulting in a ‘second flush’ of germinating canola, resulting in staging from cotyledon to budding and bolting …

Mother Nature continued to challenge canola production last week. There were reports of hail in southwest Manitoba and northern Saskatchewan. Frost (-1 0C) was reported in Alberta near Beaverlodge, Leduc and Ryley on Sunday night/Monday morning. Canola fields that are vegetative can recover better after a frost or light hail damage but maturity may be delayed. Canola plants that are reproductive …

Rain – Some Still Needed, Some Not Rainfall in Manitoba late last week and over the weekend brought much needed moisture to parts of the central and southwest regions. Rainfall amounts in these areas were ½ inch to 2 inches. Heaviest rainfall amounts were reported in the eastern part of the province with as much as 5 ½ inches reported …