News Agronomy Canola
Winter canola survival in 2018/2019 in southwestern Ontario

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has released data regarding winter canola survival for the 2018/2019 season in southwestern Ontario. Meghan Moran, OMAFRA canola and edible bean specialist, produced a detailed report based on data collected from 17 monitored fields for a study run by Moran and Sydney Meloche, technician at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Harrow Research and Development Centre.

Information collected included soil type, planting date and canola hybrid, as well as harvest information such as desiccation product used and when. The study was conducted in part to evaluate winter survival of winter canola, and to support expansion of regions that can access crop insurance for winter kill.

Three key results from the study are:

• Winter canola should be planted approximately 7 to 10 days earlier than the ideal winter wheat planting timing for a region.
• Fast emergence and fast early growth are key in reaching the 4- to 6-leaf growth stage in fall, so seeds should be planted less than an inch deep and the appropriate fertility applied.
• Nitrogen and sulphur are a requirement, and starter phosphorous may be advantageous.

The report includes plenty of more specific information that would be useful to anyone interested in growing winter canola. Anyone who has grown winter canola or those newly interested are encouraged to contact Moran (meghan.moran@ontario.ca 519-546-1725) to discuss production and pest information, and to share their on-farm experiences with the crop. Moran is interested in visiting farm fields and supporting producers with spring survival evaluations and scouting. |READ MORE