NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State
University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
April 1, 1999
With canola acreage expected to double in North Dakota this year, North Dakota State University crop experts are cautioning farmers to learn the finer points of production.
"With the increase in acreage, we expect to see numerous new growers and growers with minimal experience in growing canola," says Greg Endres, an cropping specialist at the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center. "Establishing a vigorous canola stand with an adequate and uniform density is a key to success. Everything that comes later depends on how well the stand is established."
Numerous canola planting date trials in Canada and the United States generally tell the same story—delayed planting reduces yield, Endres says. Three years of research at the Carrington center also indicate that early planting is best for canola production. Researchers there planted canola from about May 1 to mid-June to determine the effect planting date had on yield. The earliest planted canola yielded nearly 700 pounds per acre more than the latest planted crop. Canola planted the first week of May yielded from 100 to 150 pounds more than canola planted one to two weeks later.
Canola is very susceptible to heat and dry weather, Endres says. So early planting helps the crop avoid those summer stresses. The goal is for the crop to get through its first two weeks of flowering and initial seed production without significant heat or moisture stress. The result will be higher seed yields. Increased yield potential is due to uniform seed development, reduced potential for flea beetle injury, less competition from warm-season weeds, less lodging, fewer green seeds at harvest and a reduced risk of frost injury. Studies also indicate that oil content declines as planting is delayed.
"You can't manage the weather," Endres says. "But you can increase your odds of success by planting early. We're encouraging producers to put canola at the top of their planting list, ahead of their small grains."
And how you plant is as important as when you plant, says Duane Berglund, an agronomist with the NDSU Extension Service.
He says canola seed should be planted ¾- to one-inch deep in a firm, moist seedbed. The seedbed should be packed over the seed. Planting deeper than 1½ inches will result in a thin and uneven stand. Producers should avoid broadcast seeding canola and then harrowing the seed into the ground. "That just doesn't work with this crop," Berglund says.
Producers also need to be aware of the unique pest and fertility concerns associated with canola, he adds. "If you've had any history of flea beetle problems where you're planting canola, the purchased seed should be treated with Gaucho to ward off any early season infestations."
Producers also need to be aware that canola is heavily dependent on adequate sulfur fertility. "Sulfur is every bit as important for canola as nitrogen and phosphorus," Berglund says. "So you need to test for sulfur in your fertility program. Some added sulfur should always be a part of any canola fertility management program."
Berglund says producers should purchase seed that is well adapted to local growing conditions. Numerous canola cultivar choices are available, and canola cultivar performance information is available from NDSU Extension offices. He cautions producers to avoid using bin-run seed. "If you use bin-run seed, you run the risk of having poor seedling vigor, and the seed can carry a disease pathogen called blackleg."
The federal loan rate makes canola a promising option in North Dakota planting plans this summer. The crop is also useful as producers modify rotations to deal with insect problems like the wheat midge and disease concerns like scab. Projections indicate that canola acreage will increase from 800,000 acres in 1998 to more than 1.5 million acres this year.
###
Sources: Greg Endres (701) 652-2951
Duane Berglund (701) 231-8135
Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629