Research Results

Striped and crucifer flea beetles are the most significant insect pests of canola on the Canadian Prairies. Currently, >99% of canola acreage is grown from insecticide-treated seed, and even then, foliar insecticide applications are often required under high flea beetle population densities. Current monitoring for flea beetles involves in-field scouting from canola emergence through the third true-leaf stage, after which canola can tolerate feeding damage. Plants are examined for typical “shot-hole” and stem-feeding damage and ranked on a 0-100% damage scale. The current recommended action threshold is set at 25% damage. 

Verticillium stripe has recently become one of the most important diseases of canola in Canada. Verticillium longisporum appears to prefer cruciferous hosts and poses an increasing problem to canola and oilseed rape production. Plant disease nurseries play a vital role in safeguarding agricultural productivity and global food security.

Striped and crucifer flea beetles are chronic pests of canola grown on the Canadian Prairies and as a result over 99% of canola seed is treated with a neonicotinoid insecticide. The flea beetles are known to differ in their tolerance to the neonicotinoids with striped being more tolerant than crucifer flea beetles. Our current project (Ag Funding Consortium: 2021F062R) has found potential differences in the tolerance of both flea beetle species to the neonicotinoid seed treatments depending on collection region. In addition, the two species have differences in their overall physiology in terms of cold temperature tolerance (striped emerge early in the spring) and flight ability (crucifer flies more actively than striped). These differences may affect the overall distribution of flea beetles within and across regions on the Prairies and have implications for management.

Two species of midge pose a threat to canola production in western Canada. Swede midge is invasive to eastern Canada where it has caused significant economic yield losses. Thus far, swede midge has not established in western Canada, but its geographic range is expanding westward from the northeastern United States. Swede midge could have a devastating impact on the canola and horticultural industries in western Canada. If swede midge continues to disperse westward, early detection will be key to attempting its eradication and preventing it from becoming an established pest in western Canada that requires management using insecticides or other inputs. 

Activity 6: Increasing soil carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions will directly address the priorities of reducing GHG emissions and sequestering carbon through agricultural management practices. Activity 7: The coordinated suite of objectives will provide farmers, agronomists, agricultural industry, researchers, and policy makers with information required to manage weeds effectively, anticipate new weed threats to farming systems, and mitigate selection pressure for HR weeds.

This study will explore the possibility of controlling one of the most destructive fungal pathogens of Saskatchewan, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum using mycoviruses isolated from Canada. 

This demonstration holds considerable significance for local canola producers due to its comprehensive approach to addressing the intricate challenges posed by diseases like Blackleg, Sclerotinia stem rot, and Verticillium stripe. The primary objective is to narrow the knowledge gap among farmers, recognizing the distinct management strategies required for each disease.

Both SaskCanola and Saskatchewan Flax Development Commissions have expressed an interest in having humic acid fertilizer studies conducted. This attention originated from their producer boards and members and was suggested to Agri-ARM as a potential ADOPT demonstration.

This proposed research aims to study new resistance modes of action based on S genes in canola and potentially develop novel R resource for sustainable management of blackleg in western Canada. This study will tap into a unique diversity-rich TILLING canola population…

Clubroot is a devastating disease putting at risk the Canadian canola industry. Nowadays clubroot management heavily relies on the use of clubroot resistant varieties. However, the current reality is that the resistance is being rapidly overcome by P. brassicae1, calling for new and well understood sources of resistance.

The project will identify new diversity that ensures the long term sustainability of the canola crop; specifically it will target traits that have been linked to generating a more environmentally aware and climate responsive plant, through increasing yields…