Farm Forum talks with three experts about what to expect in terms of disease pressure in 2025, disease trends, plus top disease management reminders and tips to achieve optimal control. Let’s jump right in.
CANOLA: BLACKLEG IS BACK
Chris Manchur, Agronomy Specialist, Canola Council of Canada (CCC)
Current state of play
Manchur says blackleg has revved up over the past two years in both incidence and severity with yield losses ranging from minor to over 50 per cent. Sclerotinia was also exacerbated in 2024 with frequent rain leading up to and during flowering with yield losses in crops that were left unsprayed.
Verticillium stripe is the other major pathogen making an impact. Commonly found in Manitoba, verticillium stripe has also been documented in Saskatchewan and Alberta. “This has been the culprit in fields where farmers are wondering why they did not achieve yields they expected during harvest,” says Manchur, adding this is down to verticillium stripe’s late season impact. He says that in some cases, yield losses were up to 20 bushels per acre.
Scouting in 2025
In the early season (cotyledon to 2-leaf), rainy periods with warm weather can facilitate blackleg infection of young plants. Manchur says to scout for old canola stubble with a pinkish ooze containing infectious pycnidiospores. If present, a foliar fungicide may be required around the 2-leaf stage.
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