What do I do about ruts?

We know that tillage will spread clubroot as well as weed seeds and verticillium, but ruts can create headaches for combining, fall spraying and seeding next spring. Working wet fields can also cause compaction.

Top 10: Highlights from June 21 canolaPALOOZA

Sweep netting begins for lygus and cabbage seedpod weevil.

By this stage of the season, flea beetle and cutworm risks are lower because crops are bigger and these two insects are in natural seasonal decline. Adult flea beetles have laid their eggs and are dying. Cutworms are pupating. We’re now moving toward sweep net timing for lygus and cabbage seedpod weevil.

7 causes for missing pods

Missing pods due to heat blast on flowers. Photo credit: Keith Gabert

Heat, drought, off-label herbicide applications, male sterility, insects, sulphur deficiency, boron deficiency.

Seed depth assessment

Use a seed depth tool to mark the depth where seed was found. Then use the blade of a shovel to mark ground level on the tool. Credit: Brooke Moon

Seeding too deep is a common stand establishment issue in canola. This becomes clear as plants emerge, especially when some rows emerge earlier and more vigorously than others.

Canola usually recovers from early-season hail

Hail on canola, June 21, 2015. Credit: Val Katerenchuk

The later hail occurs, the higher the chance of yield loss, given that the plants have less time to recover. Hail on seedlings rarely results in yield loss. Heavy hail at the 6-leaf stage will have more yield loss but recovery can occur.

Canopy closure: Canola vs. wheat

It may seem that canola grows slower than wheat, but consider what variables may influence this observation. Wheat is often seeded earlier, which is one major reason why it may appear to be growing faster. A 2006-08 5-location study* by Neil Harker with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lacombe, Alberta, compared two canola hybrids and various cereal crops direct seeded …