Agronomic Management of Canola
Project Investigator: Frank Young, ARS
January, 2008 Progress Report
What is known:
A handful of growers have produced winter canola in the low-to-intermediate rainfall zones with yields sometimes surpassing 2000 pounds. It is also known that stand establishment is not uniform and yields are very inconsistent. Often times the crop has to be replanted in the fall or planted to spring canola the following March/April.
What is not known:
Optimum seeding date and rate of winter canola in the non-irrigated low-to-intermediate rainfall zone is not known. In addition, new planting methodology must be evaluated to improve stand establishment and seedling survival. The effect of population density and date of seeding on crop yield and quality as well as feedstock is unknown.
Objective:
Determine optimum winter canola seeding date and rate and planting method to improve stand establishment, yield, quality, and profitability.
Current research and preliminary observations:
In August/September, 2007, we conducted preliminary experiments evaluating winter canola seeding date and rate of planting at Ralston (11.5 inches precipitation) and in the cold, snowy foothills of the Okanogan Highlands (10 to 14 inches). Seeding dates were August 12, 19, and 26 at Ralston and August 21 and September 4 at Okanogan. Seeding rates were 2, 4, and 6 pounds per acre. A modified H-Z deep furrow drill was used at both locations to seed winter canola. The modifications to the drill include a grass-seed box for accurate seeding rates, 13 to 15-in shovels to move dry soil, and 55-pound packer-wheels. During the three seeding dates at Ralston and the first seeding date at Okanogan, three of the four rows were set at normal depth (½ to ¾ inches into moisture) and the seed failed to emerge. However the fourth row was set to plant shallower (less than ½ inch into moisture) and these seed emerged, established, and the resulting plants have sufficient size to go into the winter. At the second seeding date at Okanogan, seeding depth was shallower than during the first date and considerably more plants emerged and established. We have counted plants in rows/treatments where sufficient plants emerged.
Field days:
We will coordinate a field tour at both sites with the county extension specialist, grower cooperators, and WSU extension personnel (Hans Kok and Dennis Roe).
Heading using the h3tag
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.