Across the majority of Saskatchewan last week, canola seeding continued and is now nearing completion. Some of the earliest seeded fields are beginning to emerge. Around Leader, Rosetown, and Kindersley areas, producers have stopped seeding canola because of poor soil moisture. In Alberta, canola seeding is also nearing completion and earliest seeded fields are emerging. Due to lack of moisture, …
Canola – Winter Wheat – Canola Rotation?
In Manitoba, a significant amount of winter wheat acres planted last fall were winterkilled. Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) estimates that 80% of the winter wheat in the Red River Valley and approximately 15% of acres in the rest of Manitoba will be reseeded. Some producers are considering seeding canola into the dead winter wheat which in many …
What’s Taking so Long?
Soil temperatures remain cool causing seeded crops to germinate and emerge very slowly. The following maps show growing degree days (GDD) that have accumulated thus far: http://www.agr.gc.ca/pfra/drought/prtgdd_e.htm In Manitoba, accumulated GDD are compared against a historical average at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/climate/wad00s00/cropwxrep.pdf The number of days to 50% germination is a useful benchmark as the first half of plants to emerge usually accounts …
Get Down and Dirty
Apparently there is growing concern that crops are taking too long to emerge and will have to be reseeded. Those decisions cannot be made without getting down on hands and knees to determine what the seed is doing. This spring, in some areas, it is taking seven days before the seed coat even begins to crack so emergence is going …
Seeding Tips to Hasten Maturity
Late seeders and reseeders – give your canola the best possible start. Try to employ techniques that will encourage rapid and even emergence. Target a consistent seeding depth of ½” to 1”. It may be necessary to slow down to achieve this consistency. Because of changing soil conditions and the potential for mechanical issues with drills, check the seeding depth …
Frost on Canola – Don’t Assume the Worst
Freezing temperatures were again widespread last week and over the weekend in many parts of the prairies. This may prompt canola growers to consider reseeding. However, resist the urge to reseed immediately, as recovery may turn out to be better than expected, especially if seed has not yet germinated or the young seedlings have become acclimated to the cold. If …
Keep Good Records
Now is the time of year to have a pen and paper handy. Keep good records. Write things down while details are still fresh. Note seeding date, rate, fertilizer applied, herbicides applied, etc. Always keep a seed sample and the blue seed tag from each variety and seed lot sown. Store samples in a paper or cloth bag in a …
Spraying Tips
Water quality is the key to achieving proper performance of many herbicides, particularly with glyphosate and many grassy weed products. The following link provides more information on spray water quality: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex7573 Custom applicators (and growers in general) should double check to ensure the right product is being applied to the right field. Ensure legal land descriptions and field directions are …