This year’s canola crop is developing later than normal and disease is an issue as plants enter the blooming phase.
Early flowering is the time to assess the threat of sclerotinia stem rot infection, says Matt Stanford of the Canola Council of Canada.
The first place to look is fields where other host crops had previously been planted, including pulses, sunflowers and canola.
Apothecia, the small golf-tee-shaped mushrooms that produce disease-carrying spores, can be found in soil and stubble litter and under the canopy.
The decision to spray for the fungus is based on many factors:
- Density of the crop canopy.
- Rain in the two weeks before flowering and potential for future rainfall.
- Years since the last host crop.
- Past disease in the field.
- Presence of apothecia in neighbouring fields where host crops grew previously.
Agronomists say producers should also consider target yield, fertility program and expected value of the canola crop.
“The only way to know is by scouting, considering the field conditions and the economics,” Stanford said.
“But it starts with scouting.”
