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CCC announces Ultimate Canola Challenge results

Dec. 12, 2013 - The Canola Council of Canada ran the Ultimate Canola Challenge (UCC) across the Prairies in 2013. UCC plots in Alberta and Saskatchewan compared either six or 13 treatments, with nine sites producing useable results. Four sites had the six-treatment trial and five sites had the full 13 treatments.

All nine UCC sites included in this study followed scientific research protocols set out by Neil Harker with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in Lacombe, Alta., and by Murray Hartman, oilseed specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD). Each site had small plots with four replicates. Plots had to be on cereal stubble. Each site used one variety for all trials, with the variety chosen for its suitability to the area. The seeding rate was 100 seeds/m2. Fertilizer rate was 100 per cent of soil test recommendation for N, P, K and S. Seeding date was early May. Crop protection was applied as needed. Plant counts were taken at regular intervals through the season. Grain yield, moisture, seed weight, green content and oil content were recorded for each plot.

The 13 treatments applied according to protocols were:
1. Standard – 100 seeds/m2, no primers and no foliars
2. Extra nitrogen: 125 per cent of recommended in the sideband
3. Seed primer: Protinus seed primer
4. Stress Relief: C3 with herbicide
5. Top dressing: 100 per cent N at seeding
6. Boron (Nexus): at five per cent flowering (with fungicide if needed)
7. Higher seeding rate (150 seeds/m2)
8. Reduced N: 75 per cent of recommended in the sideband
9. Precede seed primer
10. Biostimulator – Penergetic P
11. Fortified Foliar
12. Boron (Alpine): 4-6 leaf
13. CO2 greenhouse effect: AGROSOLution

The following three broad statements can be made based on 2013 results:
- Spending money in 2013 on a lot of additive products was not worthwhile.
- Following best management practices provided best results in 2013.
- Look carefully at the data for additive products you may be considering.

Manitoba's UCC was designed as a head to head challenge between three teams. The team that made the most profit won. Click here for a summary of Manitoba results.

December 12, 2013  By Top Crop Manager


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