Project Details

Alberta Canola, Sask Canola, Manitoba Canola Growers

Small Plot - Standard Protocol

Seeding Rate

• Seed each plot so that they produce 5-8 plants/square foot (at the 2-4 leaf stage, as per CCC recommendation).
• Preference is for seed size between 4 and 6 grams per 1000 seeds.
• Seed companies to provide thousand seed weight and germination results for all entries, tested within the last 6 months.

Fertilizer Rate 

• Fertilizer blend and rate should be used in accordance with soil tests or local recommendations and applied at the same rate for all varieties.
• Fertilize to achieve target yields of 55 bu/ac. If this is not achievable, or this is too low for your area, indicate target yield along with applied fertilizer.

Herbicide Applications

Preferred early spray timing by 2 to 3 leaf stage. Spraying the 3 treatments at a location should be done all on the same day, but if this is not possible then no more than 3 days apart.

• PLEASE NOTE: The weed control in each plot should reflect the efficacy of the product corresponding herbicide/technology, i.e. Clearfield, Liberty or Roundup. Only rates, reapplication and tank mixes as per herbicide label are allowed. Weed-free situation is not required. Application of additional weed control measures (herbicides or hand weeding) is allowed only under exceptional circumstances (and must be discussed with CPT Coordinator prior to additional applications)
• Roundup Ready (glyphosate tolerant) lines: Not all glyphosate products are registered for use on glyphosate tolerant canola at all rates listed. Refer to individual product labels for specific uses and rates. The number of Roundup Ready and TruFlex applications should be similar ≥ either one or two applications. A maximum of 360 and 720 g ae of glyphosate in crop per acre per season is allowed in Roundup Ready and TruFlex canola respectively. Water volumes: 40 L per acre in most situations. Refer to product label for adjuvant and water volume requirements.

• LibertyLink lines: Liberty 150SN, 1.35L/ac. Only if needed, a second application of 1.35L/ac can be applied, to a maximum total combined rate of 2.97 L per acre. DO NOT apply more than 2.97 L/ac of Liberty 150SN in one season.
  • Water volume, 45L/ac (approximately 110L/ha)
  • If a tank mix is required, Centurion or Select can be used. Add registered adjuvant to the tank first followed by Liberty and then Centurion or Select. Consult label for specific mixing instructions.

1. Clearfield Lines: Odyssey, Odyssey Ultra, Solo, or Ares. Refer to product label for adjuvant and water volume requirements.
2. Fungicide/Insecticide Applications:
3. Swathing: Apply as needed. Use label directions for application timing, product amounts and water volumes. Record crop stage, product used, rate, etc. It is preferable to apply product perpendicular to the direction of seeding (e.g. plots seeded north-south direction, spray across travelling east-west). If insects are present, but not at levels high enough control, make note of pests present.
4. Harvest: Swath, push or desiccate trials when the plots exhibit >60% seed colour change. If guard rows are used, ensure that the guard rows are left standing.
5. Yield collection: Target seed moisture of <10% when harvesting the trial. Combine should be equipped with an automated weigh and moisture reading system. If guard rows are used for any purpose, ensure that no guard-row seed enters the combine.
6. Visitor Sanitation: See the 'Operational Guidelines for Conducting Field Research' section in the Appendix.

Small Plot - Straight-cut Entry Protocol

Straight-cut protocol is identical to the Standard protocol previously stated for plot dimensions, seeding rate, fertilizer rate, herbicide applications, and fungicide/insecticide applications.

Straight-Cut Entries

• Each straight-cut entry will be entered into the straight-cut entry protocol.
• Seed companies can choose if an entry goes into the standard protocol above, the straight- cut entry protocol, or both.
• Straight-cut entries are to be straight-cut combined at ~12% moisture (aiming for 12% and definitely under 15% moisture), unless the CPT coordinator advises otherwise (in the case of extreme/irregular weather conditions). In case of slow dry-down due to weather conditions, the entire trial could be desiccated when the average moisture content for the entries is at or below 18%.
• Desiccants, including saflufenacil (ex. Heat) or diquat (ex. Reglone), may be used prior to harvest. Please use according to specifications on the labels. For Heat, apply at 60- 75% seeds have changed colour. Read label for water volume and adjuvant requirements. For diquat (such as Reglone), apply at 90% + brown seed, and combine as soon as the crop dries down (typically within 4-7 days). Refer to product labels for specific recommendations for adjuvant use. Check for pre-harvest intervals at keepingitclean.ca.