Storage can be a concern for growers starting to combine canola in warm temperatures.
Growers should be aware that canola binned at high temperatures may be susceptible to heating and spoilage even though it may test dry, particularly if it contains green material such as weed seeds or chaff.
Aeration to lower the temperature is recommended.
For more information on safe storage conditions, check the following link: www.canola-council.org/production/storcond.html
Under average weather conditions, canola can typically be ready to combine in 10 days to two weeks after swathing.
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This wait is normally required for the seed to properly cure and clear green seed. Under the hot, dry and windy conditions recently experienced in many areas, the crop may dry much faster than normal.
However, the chlorophyll in the seed may not have had a chance to clear adequately.
Under these conditions, growers should consider leaving the crop in swath longer to allow the chlorophyll to clear properly.
Anyone who finds blackleg-infected plants in fields planted to a canola variety rated moderately resistant or resistant is asked to send the infected plants to University of Manitoba plant scientist Dilantha Fernando.
University researchers are studying blackleg races to determine whether any have overcome the resistance in current varieties.
To submit a sample, cut the stem two inches on either side of the lesion and put the cutting in a paper bag. Do not use a plastic bag.
Mail it to: Dilantha Fernando, Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man., R3T 2N2.
For more information, call Fernando at 204-474-6072 or e-mail fernando@ms.umanitoba.ca.
