BrettYoung Knowledge Hub

Sclerotinia stem rot remains a challenging disease for canola growers because infection levels can shift dramatically from year to year. Even when recent pressure has been low, favourable moisture conditions can quickly make fields susceptible again. Understanding the environmental factors that drive sclerotinia development — and how fungicide timing plays a role — can help growers make informed decisions to protect their crop. 

Should You Spray for Sclerotinia? 

Hot, dry conditions across the Prairies over the last few years have decreased the number of fields with sclerotinia. 

But low disease pressure last year doesn’t mean it won’t be an issue this year. This broadleaf plant disease relies heavily on the environment and thrives in saturated soils and wet crop canopies. 

A foliar fungicide application is the best option to minimize disease pressure in canola, but the decision to spray is one of the toughest to make. 

Questions to Ask Before Spraying a Preventative Fungicide 

Has the field been wet prior to flowering?   

Does the forecast have rain or humidity during the flowering window?   

Is there a dense canola canopy that locks moisture in?   

If you answered “yes” to these questions, the field is likely at risk for the disease and a fungicide application would be recommended. 

Using the Wet Pants Test 

Cornelsen explains that the “wet pants test” is one technique to determine if the conditions are right for disease development. 

“Walk through the canola canopy mid-afternoon on a sunny day. If your pants are wet, this indicates that the crop has enough moisture and humidity within for sclerotinia to grow and spread.” 

This test may not be scientific but helps determine if the environment for apothecia development and spore release is there. 

Commercial lab tests are available that determine if spores are moving through the canopy. 

Fungicide Timing 

The optimal fungicide application timing to manage sclerotinia in canola is at the 20 to 50% bloom range. 

“With this fungicide application being a preventative measure, the fungicide must coat the flower petals prior to petal drop,” Cornelsen says. 

The infection from sclerotinia is caused by petals carrying spores falling into the canopy and landing on branches below. 

The sclerotinia fungi use the petals as a food source and start to infect further plant tissues. 

Why Timing Matters 

With all spray applications, timing is critical. If moisture conditions are favourable for disease development, hitting the 20 to 50% flowering window with a fungicide is ideal. Follow fungicide label rates and use high water volumes to penetrate the crop canopy. 

Most fungicide products provide protection that lasts over two weeks (dependent on environmental conditions). If humidity or rainfall continues throughout the flowering period, a second application at 50% flowering may be required. 

If crop staging is variable, split applications might help to coat more flower petals. 

Evaluating Fungicide Economics 

Running the economics behind a fungicide application might help make the spray decision easier. 

The rough yield loss calculation for sclerotinia is the number of plants infected, divided by 2, which equals the potential yield loss.  

Example: If 20% of the plants are infected with sclerotinia, there is a potential of 10% yield loss. 

Hybrid Resistance Limitations 

Few canola hybrids offer sufficient resistance to sclerotinia infection to avoid spraying a fungicide when disease conditions are ideal. 

Getting into your canola fields to scout and examine conditions is a small time commitment with huge yield-saving implications. 

FAQ 

What environmental conditions increase the risk of sclerotinia stem rot in canola? 

Sclerotinia stem rot is more likely to develop in saturated soils and wet crop canopies, especially when there is rainfall or high humidity during the flowering period. 

How can farmers decide whether to apply a preventative fungicide for sclerotinia? 

Farmers should consider whether the field has been wet before flowering, if rain or humidity is forecasted during flowering and if there is a dense canopy that retains moisture. Answering yes to these questions suggests that a fungicide application is recommended. 

What is the 'wet pants test' and how does it help manage sclerotinia? 

The 'wet pants test' involves walking through the canola canopy mid-afternoon on a sunny day. If your pants are wet, it indicates there is enough moisture and humidity present for sclerotinia to develop. 

When is the optimal time to apply fungicide to control sclerotinia in canola? 

The optimal fungicide application timing is at the 20 to 50 percent bloom range as the fungicide needs to coat the flower petals before they drop and potentially carry spores into the canopy. 

How long does fungicide protection against sclerotinia typically last? 

Most fungicide products provide over two weeks of protection although this is dependent on environmental conditions. 

How can farmers estimate potential yield loss due to sclerotinia infection? 

Farmers can divide the percentage of plants infected by two to estimate potential yield loss. For example, if 20 percent of plants are infected there could be a 10 percent yield loss. 

Do most canola hybrids offer resistance to sclerotinia stem rot? 

Few canola hybrids provide enough resistance to sclerotinia to avoid spraying when disease conditions are ideal so scouting and timely management are important. 

A new growing season means making important decisions about fertilizer management. Ensuring the right form, rate, timing, and placement of nutrients is essential for supporting canola establishment, plant health, and yield potential. With variable soil conditions and differences across fields, developing a fertilizer plan that is both efficient and tailored to each acre can make a meaningful difference in overall crop performance. 

Understanding Your Crop’s Nutrient Needs 

Canola requires a balance of nutrients that must be available at the right time and in the right place. According to Justine Cornelsen, Agronomic & Regulatory Services Manager with BrettYoung, efficient fertilizer planning starts with recognizing how nutrients move through the soil and crop system. 

“Understanding nutrient uptake and removal helps you determine what’s needed to replace nutrients, especially when you’re planning for high-yielding canola,” she explained. 

Nutrient Uptake and Removal 

Nitrogen Requirements 

Nitrogen is one of the most important macronutrients for canola production. The crop requires 2–3 lb of nitrogen per bushel of seed yield. Roughly 70% of the nitrogen taken up is removed with the seed at harvest, while the remaining 30% stays in the residue, contributing to long-term soil organic matter. 

Soil testing and historical yield data are essential for determining how much nitrogen is required to support yield goals. Cornelsen noted that spring-applied nitrogen can improve nutrient and water use efficiencies, based on findings from a University of Lethbridge study funded by the Canola Council of Canada. However, she also explained that “split applications can be beneficial to help spoon-feed nitrogen to the crop when it’s needed,” while adding that this approach requires more planning and additional in-season passes. 

Potassium Requirements

Potassium is also vital for canola, which requires 2.5 lb of potassium per bushel of seed yield. Unlike nitrogen, potassium is stored mostly in the plant biomass rather than in the harvested seed and is more abundant across many Western Canadian soils. 

Because potassium is not very mobile in the soil, fertilizer placement becomes important. It should be positioned close to the rooting zone to support crop uptake. Due to its high salt index, potash is best side-banded, avoiding seed-row placement to reduce injury risk. 

Sulphur Requirements 

Sulphur demand in canola ranges from 0.5–0.7 lb per bushel of seed yield, and levels can vary widely across fields. A minimum application of 10–20 lb/ac is typically recommended, with some fields requiring even more based on deficiency symptoms or historical yield response. 

How to Manage Sulphur 

Cornelsen emphasized the importance of timing and form. Spring-applied ammonium sulphate, placed away from the seed, supports immediate crop needs. In contrast, elemental sulphur is not available in the year of application, but it can help build long-term reserves when incorporated into a rotation plan. 

Recognizing Sulphur Deficiency 

Common symptoms include: 

Pale or yellow new leaves 

Narrow leaf shape 

Patchy field appearance, especially in sandy or low-organic-matter soils 

Tissue testing can confirm sulphur deficiency, and if caught early enough, a sulphur top-dress at bolting may help protect yield potential. 

Seed-Placed Fertilizer: How Much Is Safe? 

Seedbed Utilization and Soil Factors 

Fertilizer placement close to the seed requires careful evaluation of seedbed utilization (SBU) — the proportion of the seedbed over which fertilizer is distributed. Higher SBU percentages increase the amount of fertilizer that can be safely applied with the seed. 

Soil texture and moisture also influence safe fertilizer limits: 

Clay and heavy soils can tolerate higher fertilizer rates 

Sandy soils have lower tolerance 

Moist soils reduce the risk of seed damage compared to dry soils 

Phosphorus: A Key Starter Nutrient 

Phosphorus can be safely seed-placed at 15–20 lb/ac for canola, especially when using low-salt-index products like MAP. Cornelsen explained that phosphorus is immobile in the soil, and placing it near the seed “allows seedlings to pop out of the ground stronger.” 

Low-phosphorus soils are increasingly common across the Prairies, and canola is highly responsive to phosphorus applied at seeding. 

Building Phosphorus Levels Over Time 

Because canola removes 1 lb of phosphorus per bushel of seed yield — often more than can be safely seed-placed — growers may need to build reserves outside of the canola year. 

Cornelsen noted that phosphorus levels can be built in other crops within the rotation, and adequate precipitation can help reduce the impact of both high and low fertilizer rates. 

Putting It All Together 

A successful fertilizer plan starts with: 

Soil testing 

Understanding nutrient removal rates 

Evaluating fertilizer placement options 

Managing operational logistics 

Cornelsen emphasized that each field should be assessed individually to match nutrient supply with expected crop demand. With a thoughtful plan in place, growers can position their crops for strong establishment and consistent yield potential. 

FAQs 

How much nitrogen does canola need? 

Canola requires 2–3 lb of nitrogen per bushel, with 70% removed in the seed and 30% remaining in residue. 

What factors influence safe seed-placed fertilizer rates? 

Seedbed utilization, soil texture, soil moisture, and fertilizer salt index all play a role. 

How much sulphur should I apply to canola? 

A minimum of 10–20 lb/ac is recommended, with higher rates needed in deficient soils. 

Why is phosphorus often seed-placed in canola? 

Because it is immobile in soil, placing it near the seed supports strong seedling growth. 

Scouting for blackleg is an essential step in understanding disease pressure, assessing yield loss, and informing future management decisions. Fall surveying provides the clearest picture of infection levels because plants are mature and symptoms are easier to evaluate.

Step 1: Detecting Blackleg 

Fall is the ideal time to begin blackleg detection. According to Justine Cornelsen, Agronomic & Regulatory Services Manager with BrettYoung, surveying “around 60% seed colour change” helps ensure plants are evaluated before they are swathed or damaged. She also noted that with more acres being straight cut, assessments can sometimes occur even later to better understand yield loss. 

Blackleg symptoms can appear throughout the season, but yield impact is best assessed close to harvest. To do this, pull plants, cut through the root tissue at the base, and determine the percentage of blackened or decayed tissue. Cornelsen explained that it “takes time to train your eye for blackleg infection,” and that cutting into the crown is important to get a true evaluation since not all discolouration is caused by blackleg. 

Step 2: Measuring Losses 

A proper assessment includes sampling plants from several representative areas across the field. The blackleg disease severity scale ranges from 0 to 5, where: 

0 = clean plant, no blackened tissue 

5 = full blackening across the root cross-section or a dead plant 

Two measurements are recorded during surveying: 

Disease incidence: the number of plants showing symptoms 

Disease severity: the average percentage of infected crown tissue 

Research from the University of Alberta has developed yield loss models that correspond with the severity scale. A recent project found that yield losses begin once severity exceeds 1. A general rule of thumb is that each unit increase in severity can result in about 20% yield loss. 

Cornelsen emphasized that blackleg can be deceptive. Even when fields look healthy, “major yield losses can be experienced” because the disease limits the plant’s ability to take up moisture and nutrients, eventually causing lodging, premature dry-down, and reduced yield. 

Growers can also use the Canola Council of Canada’s blackleg yield loss calculator to help understand the relationship between severity and expected yield reduction. 

Next Steps After Surveying 

Surveying provides the information needed to adjust management practices. Infection levels can guide hybrid selection, crop rotation decisions, and other integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. While blackleg is widespread across Western Canada, Cornelsen noted that minimizing its impact depends on using multiple tactics, rather than relying on a single approach. 

There is no defined threshold at which management changes must occur — it ultimately depends on a grower’s comfort with potential yield losses. Regular surveying ensures those decisions are informed. 

Canola Council Blackleg Resource 

This resource provides guidance to help growers understand blackleg severity and the impact it can have on yield. It includes tools such as the blackleg yield loss calculator, which allows growers to estimate yield reductions based on disease severity ratings. These tools support decision-making around hybrid selection and overall blackleg management strategies. 

FAQs 

How can blackleg be detected in canola fields? 

By pulling plants before or near harvest, cutting through the crown tissue, and assessing the percentage of blackened or decayed tissue. 

Why is it important to scout for blackleg before harvest? 

Surveying before harvest provides the most accurate evaluation of yield loss and infection levels because plants have matured and symptoms are easier to differentiate. 

How is blackleg severity rated? 

On a 0–5 scale, where 0 indicates no infection and 5 indicates a fully blackened crown or dead plant. 

What effect does blackleg have on yield? 

Once severity surpasses 1, yield loss begins. On average, each additional severity level can result in about 20% seed yield loss. 

What should growers do after surveying for blackleg? 

Use the results to guide hybrid selection, management practices, and integrated pest management strategies in future seasons. 

Flea beetles continue to be one of the most persistent early-season pressures in canola. As plants work toward the four-leaf stage, when they can finally outgrow feeding damage, cool conditions or uneven emergence can leave them vulnerable. Understanding beetle behavior, scouting techniques, and response thresholds is key to protecting yield potential. 

Understanding Flea Beetle Behavior 

Flea beetles emerge in spring as hungry adults. After overwintering in sheltered areas such as plant debris or shelterbelts, they move toward cruciferous plants as temperatures rise. 

“Weed patches or fields with volunteer canola are good starting points for finding flea beetles,” said Justine Cornelsen, Agronomic & Regulatory Services Manager with BrettYoung. “Keep an eye out for the earliest seeded canola to emerge — they will gravitate towards it.” 

How Weather Influences Feeding 

Warm, sunny, dry conditions result in increased feeding activity. 

Cool or damp weather will not stop feeding but pushes beetles lower into the canopy, where they feed on stems or leaf undersides. 

Because populations fluctuate and movement is unpredictable, regular field scouting remains essential.

Scouting Your Fields 

The most reliable way to assess flea beetle pressure is by physically scouting fields. 

“Start by scouting the headlands of the field as flea beetles will move in from the high coverage areas,” said Cornelsen. “If conditions have been cooler or wet, check plant stems for feeding.” 

Growers should evaluate: 

Leaf area loss across several parts of the field 

Plant population 

Weather conditions influencing feeding and plant growth 

Seed treatments act systemically, which means beetles must take a bite of the plant to ingest the active ingredient. A small amount of feeding is normal. 

When to Act 

Making the decision to spray depends on feeding levels, stand density, weather, and crop stage. 

Thresholds and Plant Population 

Fields with strong stands can withstand several lost plants and still reach yield goals. 

Fields with fewer than five plants per square foot are at greater risk of inadequate plant counts. 

The accepted action threshold for foliar insecticide is 25% leaf area loss. 

“Assessing leaf area loss isn’t easy,” Cornelsen cautioned. “Estimates of loss usually end up being higher than the actual feeding damage.” 

Cotyledons can tolerate up to 50% loss before yield potential is affected. However, once damage approaches 25%, it can escalate rapidly when conditions favour beetle activity. Increased scouting is recommended at this stage. 

Crop Stage Matters 

The susceptible window for flea beetle feeding is from the cotyledon stage through the four-leaf stage. If poor weather stalls growth before the four-leaf stage, an insecticide application may be required. 

Cornelsen also emphasized the importance of using only insecticides registered for flea beetles in canola and reviewing label changes, such as recent updates for lambda-cyhalothrin products. 

Proactive Agronomic Practices 

Several agronomic practices help canola emerge quickly and move past the vulnerable feeding stage: 

Shallow, uniform seeding depth 

Target plant populations between five and eight plants per square foot 

Seeding into a warm, moist seedbed 

These practices support rapid emergence, stronger early growth, and a shorter window of risk. 

“Giving canola the best start possible will alleviate a lot of flea beetle concerns,” Cornelsen said. “But in less-than-ideal conditions for canola growth, active scouting is a must. A few flea beetles can turn into a lot in a matter of days, if not hours.” 

FAQ 

What are flea beetles and why are they a threat to canola crops? 

Flea beetles are insects that emerge in the spring as hungry adults ready to feed and lay eggs. They are a common threat to canola crops, especially during the early stages of plant growth because their feeding can damage young plants and reduce yield. 

When are canola plants most vulnerable to flea beetle feeding? 

Canola plants are most susceptible to flea beetle feeding from the cotyledon stage up to the four-leaf stage. After that, plants can typically outgrow the damage unless growth is stalled by poor weather. 

How should growers monitor for flea beetle damage in their fields? 

Growers should start scouting the headlands of the field, especially where flea beetles move in from high coverage areas such as weed patches and fields with volunteer canola. If conditions are cool or wet, they should check plant stems for feeding. Measuring leaf area loss in several areas across the field helps assess the extent of damage. 

What management practices can help reduce the risk of flea beetle damage? 

Proactive management practices include shallow, uniform seeding depth, targeting plant populations between five to eight plants per square foot and seeding into a warm, moist seedbed. These help canola emerge quickly and pass through the flea beetle susceptible window. 

When should insecticide sprays be considered for flea beetle control? 

Insecticide sprays, such as foliar insecticides, should be considered if feeding damage nears the threshold of 25% leaf defoliation. Increased scouting is recommended at that point because damage can escalate quickly under optimal beetle feeding conditions. 

What should growers keep in mind when using insecticides for flea beetles in canola? 

Growers should ensure they are only using pesticides that are registered for flea beetles in canola and check labels for updated regulations such as those for lambda-cyhalothrin products.

It’s something every canola grower worries about: pod shatter. Whether it be from the weather or the swather, your canola pods are doomed to shatter at some point, or are they? 

DL Seeds, our canola breeding partner, has been researching pod shatter for more than a few years now, with huge developments in creating hybrids with resistance to this phenomenon. Jesse Mutcheson, Pre-Breeder Seed and QAS Manager at DL Seeds, has been working on his Master’s degree while researching pod shatter.     He said their biggest leap so far has been getting their first commercial pod shatter tolerant hybrid into the market, which is BY 6217TF. BrettYoung has branded this trait as Pod DefendR®. This means you can expect a high-performing and dependable level of tolerance. 

How DL Seeds Built Pod Shatter Tolerant Hybrids 

DL Seeds began their research on pod shatter in 2016. Once they find unique traits or genes of interest, it takes multiple years to implement that trait into a parent. There are first multiple cycles of backcrossing to get the trait as stable as possible within each parent. After that, the first cross between two parents can be made to create an F1 hybrid. 

“It’s not blindly picking two parents,” said Mutcheson. “You look at their trait packages on each side and make combinations on what you think would develop an industry-leading hybrid.” 

For the first year of testing, most crosses go down to Chile where DL Seeds produces in contra season. Once they come back, DL Seeds starts growing them in their trials and that’s where evaluation starts. 

How Pod Shatter Tolerance Is Evaluated 

DL Seeds has two main tests for evaluating pod shatter resistance. 

In-the-Field Wind Mimicking 

Simulated wind conditions: DL Seeds’ researchers use high-speed leaf blowers to mimic excess wind on plots for a set amount of time.   

Standardized rating system: Hybrids are rated on a scale from 1 to 9, where 1 indicates poor pod shatter tolerance and 9 represents the highest level of tolerance.  

Council scale alignment: Ratings follow a Canola Council of Canada scale, where a rating of eight sets the gold standard.  

Random Impact Test 

Lab-based testing: During this test, DL Seeds collects pods off mature canola plants and uses an indoor random impact test machine featuring an oscillating shaker and ball bearings.   

Measurement of pod durability: The machine assesses how much impact it takes to shatter the pods.   

Quantitative score: A pod shatter reduction index is assigned to each hybrid for further analysis.   

Mutcheson prefers to use the in-the-field test as it gives real data right there. 

“Once we get the ratings in-house, we start comparing them to the other hybrids in that trial,” he said. “You can see where it lines up against the industry-leading hybrids, look backwards from there and start looking at other critical traits like yield performance, disease resistance and quality.” 

What They’re Seeing in Recent Trials 

In their most recent evaluations, DL Seeds had several hybrids scoring neck and neck with industry-leading shatter tolerant products. Mutcheson said it’s reassuring to get results like those and said they’ll be moving forward with the most promising hybrids. 

“We know our pipeline coming up is looking very strong for shatter tolerance.” said Mutcheson. “It wasn’t just a one and done that we found something good. We want to ensure everyone that our pipeline is full of quality hybrids that are going to be in demand when released.” 

FAQ 

What is pod shatter and why is it a concern for canola growers? 

Pod shatter is when canola pods break open unexpectedly, often caused by weather or mechanical disturbance. This can lead to loss of yield and crop quality so it is a major concern for growers. 

How is DL Seeds addressing the issue of pod shatter? 

DL Seeds has focused research on developing canola hybrids with improved pod shatter resistance including bringing the first commercial pod shatter tolerant hybrid, BY 6217TF, to the market. 

What are the two main tests DL Seeds uses to evaluate pod shatter resistance? 

DL Seeds uses an in-the-field wind mimicking test with high-speed leaf blowers to rate hybrids and a random impact indoor test with ball bearings to measure how much force it takes to shatter pods. 

How does DL Seeds determine which hybrids to advance in their breeding program? 

After gathering pod shatter ratings and comparing them to other hybrids, DL Seeds also considers critical traits like yield performance, disease resistance and quality before moving the most promising hybrids forward. 

What recent developments has DL Seeds reported in pod shatter research? 

DL Seeds has found that several of their hybrids are performing as well as industry-leading shatter tolerant products and they plan to continue advancing these strong hybrids in their research pipeline. 

Disease scouting at harvest is often overlooked during a busy season, but it provides valuable insight into crop health and management decisions for future years. Pulling and assessing plants can help identify yield loss caused by specific diseases and highlight how variety selection and field practices performed throughout the season. 

Why Scout for Disease? 

Disease scouting during harvest acts as a proactive measure. According to BrettYoung Agronomic & Regulatory Services Manager Justine Cornelsen, pulling a few plants from different areas of the field ensures the whole field is represented. Examining each plant from the roots up can reveal a great deal about its health. 

“Disease scouting is a task that can tell you a lot about your variety selection and management practices from the season,” said Cornelsen. “But it also provides valuable information to help you alter practices for future years.” 

Many plant diseases create similar symptoms, such as premature ripening or plant lodging, so identifying signs of specific pathogens helps determine the true cause of damage. Reviewing environmental conditions can also help explain which diseases were most active in a given season. 

Environmental Influence on Disease 

Recent years of hot, dry summers have: 

Limited damage from sclerotinia 

Allowed verticillium stripe in canola to thrive 

When to Scout Canola 

Disease symptoms become more apparent as the crop approaches maturity. To get the most accurate assessment, plan to scout: 

Around 60% seed colour change (SCC) or swathing 

Closer to harvest when straight cutting, to better estimate yield loss from diseases such as sclerotinia and blackleg 

Using Root and Stem Assessment 

Examining roots and basal tissue can help differentiate between: 

Blackleg 

Verticillium stripe 

Root rot 

Swollen roots (galls) are a clear sign of clubroot, which should trigger changes in rotation planning, hybrid selection, and sanitation protocols. 

Key Diagnostic Indicators 

Blackleg: black spots or wedges in root cross-sections 

Verticillium stripe: greyish root tissue and later formation of microsclerotia in stems 

Sclerotinia vs. verticillium stripe: both bleach stems and make them fragile and prone to shredding 

Sclerotinia: sclerotia bodies form inside the stem 

Additional Late-Season Diseases 

Powdery mildew: produces white dust but typically little yield impact 

Alternaria pod spot: speckled, weakened pods that may cause harvest challenges 

When to Scout Soybeans 

Scout soybeans between R5 and R6 to check for foliar and stem diseases such as: 

Bacterial blight 

Septoria brown spot 

Downy mildew 

Frogeye leaf spot 

Northern stem canker 

White mould 

Pod or stem blight 

Anthracnose 

Root Issues to Watch For 

Pulling plants can reveal: 

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN): tiny lemon-shaped cysts on roots 

Phytophthora root rot (PRR): brown stem lesions that restrict movement of water and nutrients 

These diseases can be managed through appropriate variety selection. 

Disease Management 

Although yield losses cannot be prevented at harvest, scouting results provide valuable information for: 

Future crop planning 

Product selection 

Understanding field-to-field yield differences 

DefendR® Traits 

When reviewing BrettYoung canola options, look for the DefendR® designation, indicating: 

Resistance to clubroot or blackleg 

Pod shatter tolerance 

BrettYoung soybean varieties also contain defensive packages for: 

PRR 

White mould 

SCN 

Learn more at brettyoung.ca. 

FAQ 

Why is disease scouting during harvest important? 

Disease scouting at harvest helps determine current yield losses due to diseases and provides valuable information for future crop management decisions. 

What is the recommended timing for scouting canola for disease? 

The best time to scout canola is at around 60% seed colour change or at swathing time to differentiate between plant diseases. For straight cutting, scouting should be done closer to harvest. 

How can you distinguish between blackleg and verticillium stripe in canola? 

Blackleg shows as black spots or wedges in the root cross section. Verticillium stripe leaves the root tissue a greyish hue and forms tiny microsclerotia in the plant stalk tissue. 

What are some common diseases to watch for in soybeans at harvest? 

Common diseases include bacterial blight, Septoria brown spot, downy mildew, frogeye leaf spot, northern stem canker, white mould, pod or stem blight and anthracnose. 

What should growers look for to identify soybean cyst nematode (SCN)? 

Growers should look for tiny, lemon-shaped cysts on the soybean plant roots that are smaller than nodules. 

How can the information gathered from disease scouting be used? 

The information collected helps guide future crop planning, product selections and explains differences in yield among fields and products. 

What disease resistance traits are present in BrettYoung canola and soybean products? 

BrettYoung canola hybrids with the DefendR designation have resistance to clubroot or blackleg and pod shatter tolerance. Soybean varieties offer resistance to PRR, white mould and SCN. 

Choosing how to harvest canola isn’t always straightforward — even when you’re growing a hybrid with pod shatter resistance. While this trait is an important first requirement for straight-cutting, field and environmental conditions ultimately determine whether it’s the right choice in a given year. Knowing what to look for as the crop approaches maturity can help minimize seed loss and support a smooth, efficient harvest. 

Planning Your Straight-Cut Approach 

Growing a canola hybrid with pod shatter resistance doesn’t automatically mean you should straight cut. That trait simply opens the door to the option. The ideal straight-cut crop has uniform maturity, a well-knit stand, and minimal weed pressure. Throughout the season, biotic and abiotic stressors — including insects and weather events — can weaken pod integrity, so walking fields and checking whether pods are holding or shelling prematurely is essential.    As you move closer to harvest, the risk of early frost increases. There’s no single rule for how to respond: a hard frost can cause pods to split and drop, which may influence both yield and your final harvest method. 

BrettYoung’s Agronomic & Regulatory Services Manager, Justine Cornelsen, emphasizes monitoring seed colour change.    “Checking seed colour change every couple of days provides a great opportunity to also assess pod integrity,” she explained. “Then you can determine if diseases like blackleg are causing your pods to shell out. Hybrids with pod shatter reduction traits will act differently under varying environmental conditions, so assessments on how well they perform will help make future hybrid selection decisions easier.”

Deciding to Straight Cut 

The decision to straight cut can be difficult when green weed plant material is present. Cornelsen said weedy, uneven, thin or even lodged crops can change a grower’s mind between swathing or straight-combining the crop. A thin, short crop, if swathed, doesn’t make a nice windrow to pick up and could be subject to blowing if not anchored well. If left to stand, though, a thin crop may not feed well into the header when straight-combined. 

“It basically comes down to a personal preference on how best to harvest the crop to best minimize seed losses,” said Cornelsen. 

Using a harvest aid may be warranted to help speed up dry down of a swath, to even out the maturity of the crop or to combat green weed growth. 

Pre-Harvest Aids 

With dry, warm days during harvest, your crop and its weeds have time to dry down naturally. But if the forecast doesn’t look cooperative, if you end up trying to beat frost or if you’re on a time crunch, a pre-harvest spray may be necessary to help prepare your canola for straight-combining. The purpose of using a pre-harvest application is for weed control and crop desiccation. 

The Canola Council of Canada lists three main options for pre-harvest aids: 

Desiccation (Diquat): Fast drydown   

Pre-harvest glyphosate: Perennial weed control   

Heat LQ (Saflufenacil): Dry down and annual weed control   

For most regions of the Prairies, there’s been drier late-season weather this year, making for little benefit when using a pre-harvest application. Cornelsen mentioned that for areas with canola crops with lots of plant biomass, a pre-harvest application could help with harvest timing. 

“These tall canola crops with thicker green stalks benefit from a pre-harvest spray to help dry down the stalk to allow for a smoother straight-combining experience,” she said. 

Cornelsen reminds growers none of the pre-harvest aids help to quicken plant physiological maturity. 

Pod DefendR® Trait 

Our Pod DefendR® trait is defined as a dependable level of shatter tolerance, well suited to straight cut or delayed swathing harvest systems. BY 6217TF and BY 6211TF both contain the Pod DefendR technology and we’ll have a new LibertyLink® hybrid coming for the 2024 growing season with Pod DefendR too. 

With the introduction of the Canola Council of Canada’s canola shatter rating scale, all hybrids at BrettYoung are assessed for their shatter tolerance. 

Products must be rated as a 7 or higher on the scale to receive the Pod DefendR designation.   

So, whether swathing or straight-combining, timing is everything for canola. 

FAQ 

Does having a canola hybrid with pod shatter resistance mean you must straight cut your crop? 

No, growing a canola hybrid with pod shatter resistance does not mean you are required to straight cut. There are other considerations like crop uniformity, weed growth and pod integrity that also play a role in your harvest decision. 

What factors should be considered when deciding whether to straight cut canola? 

You should consider crop maturity, uniformity, weed presence, stresses like insects or weather and how well the pods are holding together. Thin or uneven crops and green weed material can also influence the choice between swathing and straight-combining. 

When might using a pre-harvest aid be necessary before straight-cutting canola? 

A pre-harvest aid may be used if the weather forecast is not favorable, there is a risk of early frost or you need to speed up crop and weed dry down for straight combining. 

What are the main pre-harvest aids recommended for canola? 

The Canola Council of Canada recommends desiccation with Diquat for fast drydown, pre-harvest glyphosate for perennial weed control and Heat LQ (Saflufenacil) for dry down and annual weed control. 

Does a pre-harvest spray help accelerate the physiological maturity of canola plants? 

No, pre-harvest aids do not quicken the physiological maturity of the plant. Their purpose is to dry down weeds and help prepare the crop for harvest, but they do not affect the plant’s physiological development. 

What is the Pod DefendR trait and how is it assessed? 

Pod DefendR is a shatter tolerance trait that helps with straight cut or delayed swathing harvest systems. Hybrids must achieve a shatter rating of 7 or higher on the Canola Council of Canada’s shatter rating scale to receive the Pod DefendR designation. 

Managing clubroot continues to be a challenge for canola growers, especially as more pathotypes are identified across Western Canada. While the growing list can feel overwhelming, the real focus remains on the few that are most widespread and impactful.     Ongoing efforts to standardize resistance labeling, combined with clear best management practices, are giving growers the information they need to make confident decisions and better protect their fields from this evolving disease. 

Diversity at the Field Level 

Of the 55 pathotypes identified in Canada, 35 can overcome some of the resistant canola hybrids in the marketplace. And as alarming as that may sound, many of those pathotypes have only been identified once or a couple times.     The most predominant pathotypes in Western Canada continue to be 3A, 3D and 3H, which make up 57% of the pathotypes identified through grower field surveying. Pathotypes 5L, 8A and 9E round up the other relevant pathotypes. So what do we make of the other 49 pathotypes discovered? 

BrettYoung’s Agronomic and Regulatory Services Manager, Justine Cornelsen, said when selecting a canola hybrid for the season, growers need to focus on the select few predominant pathotypes and not get overwhelmed with the diversity of clubroot pathotypes out there. 

“We do see new relevant pathotypes emerging but for the most part a lot of the pathotypes discovered are one-offs, they’re never seen again,” says Cornelsen. “And from that comes a lot of marketing around resistance labelling to pathotypes that really aren’t relevant.” 

Saskatchewan and Manitoba continue to have under 100 fields per province with confirmed clubroot infections, where Alberta has over 4,000 confirmed fields with the disease. 

Labelling Initiatives 

The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) is leading a cross-industry initiative to standardize a product labelling system that will help growers determine and compare resistant hybrids between seed companies. The labelling system’s focus is on the three predominant pathotypes (3A, 3D & 3H) and will look to add others once they become more established. 

Rigorous field and indoor screening of hybrids has always been a part of the BrettYoung Clubroot DefendR® designation. Through this new initiative and the use of a consistent clubroot inoculum source, there is now much more confidence in labelling hybrids for their resistance against specific pathotypes. 

Stacking major clubroot resistance genes into a single hybrid is an important factor in how effective and durable resistance is in clubroot-resistant hybrids. This approach has proven to be very effective and targets a variety of relevant clubroot pathotypes. 

Clubroot Best Management Practices 

Clubroot is to be managed using an integrated pest management approach and not by relying on a single practice to keep the disease at bay. Crop scouting and identifying clubroot patches in the field will help determine what other best management practices (BMPs) need to be adopted. 

Key Management Practices for Clubroot 

Minimize soil movement: Reduce transfer of infected soil between fields to help manage spore spread.   

Control host weeds and volunteers: Eliminate canola volunteers and host weeds to minimize sources of infection.   

Practice crop rotation: Rotate crops to lower spore loads and decrease selection pressure on hybrids.   

Scout for disease patches: Regularly assess fields to identify and manage early signs of clubroot.   

Use resistant hybrids: Choose clubroot-resistant hybrids to protect future crop potential.   

Adopt patch management: Limit susceptible host plants in high spore load zones with targeted management techniques.   

“Selecting hybrids for clubroot resistance durability can only be achieved when other best management practices, mainly crop rotation, are followed to help alleviate the selection pressure,” Cornelsen said. 

FAQ 

What are the predominant clubroot pathotypes in Western Canada? 

The predominant clubroot pathotypes in Western Canada are 3A, 3D, and 3H, which account for 57% of the pathotypes identified through grower field surveying. 

Why should growers focus on predominant pathotypes instead of all identified pathotypes? 

Growers should focus on the predominant pathotypes because many of the others have only been identified once or a few times and often do not appear again. These rare pathotypes are considered far less relevant for guiding resistance decisions. The predominant pathotypes are the ones most consistently found in Western Canadian fields, so they present the greatest risk and should be the primary drivers of hybrid selection. 

What is the Canola Council of Canada doing to help growers with clubroot resistance? 

The Canola Council of Canada is leading an initiative to standardize a product labelling system that focuses on the three predominant pathotypes, helping growers determine and compare resistant hybrids between seed companies. 

What are some best management practices for clubroot in canola fields? 

Best management practices for clubroot include crop scouting, minimizing soil movement, controlling host weeds and volunteer canola, and practicing effective crop rotation to reduce spore loads. 

Why is stacking major clubroot resistance genes into a single hybrid important? 

Stacking major clubroot resistance genes into a single hybrid is important because it increases the effectiveness and durability of resistance against a variety of relevant clubroot pathotypes. 

What is recommended for fields wanting to grow canola in the future? 

For fields wanting to grow canola in the future, using a clubroot-resistant hybrid and employing patch management techniques to limit susceptible host plants in high spore load areas is recommended. 

First identified in Manitoba in 2014, Verticillium longisporum has spread across the Prairies like wildfire. This soil-borne fungal pathogen causes verticillium stripe in canola, which is a stem striping disease that causes canola plants to ripen early, leading to lodging and yield loss. 

As soil temperatures warm in the spring, the microsclerotia of verticillium in the soil seek growing canola roots, then enter the plant and move in the xylem to the plant stem where the true damage happens.  

Impact of Verticillium Stripe 

The impact of damage typically isn’t seen until harvest or shortly after, but hot, dry conditions help to express the plant damage earlier on. Canola stems will show half stem senescence, then become extremely fragile and shred to reveal the microsclerotia growing beneath the stem wall. 

In 2025, 73% of fields surveyed through the Manitoba Provincial Canola Disease Survey were identified to have verticillium stripe present. Saskatchewan continues to find more fields every year with the disease, and Alberta is now also having lab-confirmed samples pop up across the province. 

Identification and Management 

Core Challenges in Verticillium Stripe Management 

Misidentification risk: Can be confused with blackleg or sclerotinia, complicating field identification.   

Limited effectiveness of traditional tactics: Crop rotation, weed management and scouting have not kept verticillium stripe at bay.   

Significant yield losses observed: Many growers report heavy losses and a lack of successful management strategies.   

Lack of clear recommendations: No definitive, science-backed control methods currently available.   

Research and Breeding Efforts 

Current Research and Breeding Actions 

Breeding for tolerance: Plant breeders are screening canola hybrids for potential resistance to verticillium stripe.   

Unknown mechanisms: The resistance mechanism within hybrids is still not identified.   

Lack of a check standard: The industry lacks a resistant and susceptible check for hybrid screening.   

Noted susceptibility differences: Some hybrids show better tolerance under infection, which provides clues for future breeding.   

Hope in existing germplasm: There is optimism that Canadian canola already harbors some tolerance in its background genetics.   

Verticillium stripe is widespread and appears here to stay, so learn how to properly identify it in the field against other canola diseases. Industry collaboration will be key to better understand and develop management practices against this disease. 

FAQ 

What is verticillium stripe and why is it a concern for canola growers? 

Verticillium stripe is a stem striping disease in canola caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogen Verticillium longisporum. It causes plants to ripen early, leads to lodging and results in yield loss, making it a significant concern for growers across the Canadian Prairies. 

How does verticillium stripe infect canola plants? 

In the spring, as soil temperatures warm, the microsclerotia of verticillium in the soil seek canola roots to infect. The disease then enters the plant and moves through the xylem to the stem, where it causes most of the damage. 

What are the main symptoms of verticillium stripe in canola? 

Symptoms include half stem senescence and stems that become extremely fragile and shred, revealing microsclerotia growing beneath the stem wall. The damage is usually visible at harvest or shortly after, but hot dry conditions can make symptoms appear earlier. 

Are current management practices effective against verticillium stripe? 

Current integrated management tactics such as crop rotation, weed management and scouting have not been effective at keeping verticillium stripe controlled. There are no clear management recommendations at this time. 

What research is being done to address verticillium stripe in canola? 

Researchers and plant breeders are working to screen canola hybrids for tolerance to verticillium stripe. While the mechanism for resistance is still unknown and there is no industry standard for screening, differences in susceptibility among hybrids have been observed. There is hope that some background tolerance exists within Canadian canola germplasm. 

Seed treatments play an essential role in helping canola establish a strong, healthy stand by protecting young plants from early-season insects and disease pressures. The right combination of seed-applied products supports rapid, uniform germination and helps canola move more quickly into growth stages where it can outgrow stress.     Understanding what each seed treatment provides — and how it performs under different field conditions — can help growers make informed decisions that set their crop up for success. 

BrettYoung Canola Hybrid Base Seed Treatments 

Base Treatment Overview 

BrettYoung canola hybrids have a base treatment of Helix® Saltro® with optional add-on treatments of Fortenza®, Fortenza® Advanced, and BUTEO® start. 

What Helix® Saltro® Provides 

Helix Saltro combines the strengths of five different fungicides to protect your canola plants from soil-borne, air-borne, and seed-borne diseases, while Thiamethoxam protects against flea beetles. ADEPIDYN® is one of the actives in Saltro, which is exceptionally good at protecting canola from airborne blackleg and works alongside the blackleg resistance genetics of the canola hybrid. 

Expert Insight on Base Protection 

“Helix Saltro is our base as it includes protection against striped and crucifer flea beetles and seedling diseases like Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Pythium, and seedling disease complex,” said BrettYoung Agronomic and Regulatory Services Manager, Justine Cornelsen. “The addition of ADEPIDYN provides that protection at the critical window for blackleg disease development.” 

Disease Pressure and Environmental Conditions 

The diversity of fungicide actives helps to ensure levels of protection no matter the growing conditions, as different seedling diseases thrive in different environments. Cold, damp soils favour Pythium species, while loose, cold, dry and well-worked soils favour Rhizoctonia solani, and wet, heavy soils favour Fusarium species. 

Importance of Seedbed Conditions 

Soil-borne pathogens can sneak through the fungicide seed treatments when seed sits beneath the soil surface for an extended period without germinating, or it has germinated and takes a long time to reach sunlight. That’s why Cornelsen said it’s best to have seed placed into a warm, moist seedbed to allow for quick and uniform germination. 

Early Growth Advantages 

“The quicker the plant reaches into the leaf stages the better, as the root and hypocotyl tissue harden to minimize seedling disease stress,” she said. “But also, the plant has moved past the damaging flea beetle feeding stage.” 

Scouting and Feeding Dynamics 

Once the plants push through the 2nd leaf stage, they typically can outgrow the damage from flea beetles but actively scouting and assessing feeding damage is crucial for staying on top of the situation. Cornelsen added it’s also important to remember some flea beetle feeding needs to occur to allow the beetles to ingest some of the insecticides from the seed treatment. 

The Add-Ons 

BrettYoung also offers Fortenza, Fortenza Advanced and BUTEO start as add-on seed treatment options. 

Fortenza Advanced: Provides growers with protection from flea beetle and cutworm damage by combining the insecticides sulfoxaflor and cyantraniliprole.   

Fortenza: Is the cyantraniliprole ingredient alone, providing control for cutworms.   

BUTEO start: Contains flupyradifurone, a group 4D insecticide, that protects against flea beetles. The active ingredient has rapid uptake and systemic translocation from cotyledon to leaf margins, so beetles ingest it as they feed.   

These seed treatments work well when the canola stand has a chance to thrive. Best management practices for a quick germination of canola will help alleviate stressors placed on the performance of seed treatments. Always refer to product labels and your provincial guide to crop protection. 

Helix Saltro 

Active ingredients: Thiamethoxam, difenoconazole, metalaxyl-M, fludioxonil, sedaxane, and ADEPIDYN®   

FAQ 

What is the base seed treatment for BrettYoung canola hybrids? 

The base seed treatment for BrettYoung canola hybrids is Helix Saltro, which includes five different fungicides and the insecticide Thiamethoxam. 

How does Helix Saltro help protect canola seedlings? 

Helix Saltro protects canola seedlings from seedling diseases such as Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Pythium, and seedling disease complex, as well as from striped and crucifer flea beetles. 

What does the add-on treatment Fortenza Advanced offer? 

Fortenza Advanced provides protection from flea beetle and cutworm damage using the insecticides sulfoxaflor and cyantraniliprole. 

Why is quick germination important for seed treatments to work effectively? 

Just like any other crop, timing of when you start harvesting your canola can have a big impact on yield and quality, so here are a few things to keep in mind as you watch your crops progress this fall. 

The first decision to make is whether you will be straight cutting or swathing a crop. This is largely influenced by whether the crop is a hybrid or not. If you’ve seeded canola with pod shatter tolerance, such as a BrettYoung Pod DefendR® hybrid, you may choose to leave these fields out to straight cut.     The second decision to make is whether a pre-harvest aid is required to improve the harvestability of your crop and to even out dry down. 

Swath Timing 

Some other things to consider before taking the combine straight to the field are whether or not the plants are well-knit together, crop uniformity, crop standability, pod integrity, and frost risk. Field conditions throughout the year can affect all these things, and a field you planned to straight cut in the spring might now be better to swath to avoid large yield losses from unfavourable conditions. 

For crops that are facing the risk of frost this fall, it’s important to remember that swathed canola only reduces yield losses from a frost if it has had time to drop below 20% moisture. Disease pressure throughout the year can also have big impacts on your harvest decisions. They may weaken the integrity of the pods, and sclerotinia can run rampant in a swath under the right conditions, causing even more damage. 

If you are heading out to swath your canola, you will want to do so at 60% seed colour change (SCC). Determining proper SCC before swathing helps to reduce yield losses and green seed counts. Achieving at least 60% SCC prior to swathing is an underutilized practice in Western Canada. Waiting to swath until after 60% SCC can save growers upwards of 10 bu/ac compared to swathing at that 30 to 40% SCC timing. 

Determining SCC 

SCC is determined by opening pods on the main stem of the canola plant. Starting at the bottom and working your way up, open the pods to see if there is any colour change on the seeds (even a small spot on one seed counts). Once you get to the pods that no longer have any colour change, evaluate how much of the plant does have some change in it from 0% (none of the pods having colour change) to 100% (all of the pods having colour change). 60% SCC means that 60% of the way up the main stem, pods should have some SCC to them. Seeds at the top of the stem at this point should be firm, being able to be rolled in your fingers without being squished. 

You will want to scout more than just one area and not just the roadside to determine SCC for a field, return every few days to keep an eye on the progression of the field. If the bulk of the pods (i.e. your yield) are on the side branches and not on the main stem, alter your assessments to look at those branches more closely. 

Pre-Harvest Aids 

With dry, warm days during harvest, your crop and its weeds have time to dry naturally. But if the forecast doesn’t look cooperative, you’re trying to beat frost or if you’re on a time crunch, a pre-harvest spray may be necessary to help prepare your canola for straight combining. The purpose of using a pre-harvest application is for weed control and crop desiccation. 

Three Main Options for Pre-Harvest Aids in Canola 

Desiccation (diquat): Fast dry down.   

Pre-harvest glyphosate: Perennial weed control.   

Heat® LQ (saflufenacil): Dry down and annual weed control.   

For timing of pre-harvest aids, it is best to talk to the manufacturer and always follow the label rates as all options are to be applied at different crop maturities. Tall canola crops with thicker green stalks benefit from a pre-harvest application to help dry down the stalk and allow for a smoother straight combining experience. No pre-harvest aids will help to quicken plant physiological maturity. 

Harvest Timing 

Even if you’ve chosen to straight cut your canola and are leaving it to mature standing, deciding when to harvest is the same timing no matter which method you’ve chosen to go with. You’re looking for no more than 10% moisture. When the pods are dry and you can hear the seeds rattling around inside of them. 

Overall, whichever method you choose to take in your canola crop this year, scouting is key. Knowing your field conditions helps to make an informed decision on whether or not to swath and the correct timing for harvest. The end goal is to minimize losses from pod shatter and pod drop through being overly ripe and to reduce green seed numbers by making sure the crop has been given enough time to ripen. 

FAQ 

What factors should be considered when deciding whether to straight cut or swath canola? 

Factors include the hybrid type, particularly if it has pod shatter tolerance, field conditions, crop uniformity, crop standability, pod integrity, and frost risk. 

How is seed colour change (SCC) determined in canola plants? 

SCC is determined by opening pods on the main stem from the bottom up and checking for any colour change on the seeds, even a small spot. 60% SCC means that 60% of the way up the main stem, pods show some colour change. 

What is the recommended SCC percentage for swathing canola and why? 

The recommended SCC percentage for swathing is 60% because swathing at or after this stage helps reduce yield losses and green seed counts and waiting until 60% SCC can result in higher yields compared to earlier swathing. 

When are pre-harvest aids recommended for canola and what are the main types? 

Pre-harvest aids are recommended when dry, warm conditions are not available or when you need to beat frost or are facing a time crunch. The main types are desiccation with diquat, pre-harvest glyphosate, and Heat LQ (saflufenacil), each used for different purposes such as dry down and weed control. 

What is the indication that canola is ready to be harvested, regardless of straight cutting or swathing? 

Canola is ready to be harvested when there is no more than 10% moisture, pods are dry and you can hear the seeds rattling inside them. 

Why is scouting important in canola harvest timing? 

Losses from shattering canola can be devastating, but there’s a way to fight back. Pod DefendR®-rated canola gives you durable shatter tolerance in the field, thanks to BrettYoung and our breeding partner, DL Seeds. 

Canola Council of Canada 

Pod Shatter vs. Pod Drop 

Pod shatter is a natural mechanism for seed dispersion and is influenced by genetics, weather and the environment. These factors can create conditions for significant pod shatter at maturity, leaving a lot of seed (and profits) on the ground. Pod drop happens when environmental conditions (like drought) causes the peduncle, the structure which attaches the pod to the stem, to become brittle and full pods can break off the plant during high winds. 

Pod shatter and pod drop occur when plants are stressed. The Canadian canola industry has a recommended rating scale for pod shatter, but nothing exists to rate a hybrid’s pod drop. Pedicel attachment strength plays an important role in pod drop and is being investigated further. 

Screening for Pod Shatter Resistance 

DL Seeds has 2 main tests for evaluating pod shatter resistance: 

In-the-field wind mimicking: DL Seeds’ researchers use high-speed leaf blowers to mimic excess wind on plots for a set amount of time. From there, they give the hybrid a rating from one to nine, with one being poor for pod shatter tolerance and nine being the best. Those numbers coincide with a scale created by the Canola Council of Canada, where a hybrid pod shatter rating of eight is the gold standard for pod shatter tolerance.   

Random impact test: During this test, DL Seeds collects pods off mature canola plants and uses an indoor random impact test machine with an oscillating shaker and ball bearings to see how much impact it takes to shatter the pods. From there, a pod shatter reduction index is given to each hybrid for analysis.   

From these tests, hybrids are taken field-scale to learn about growers’ experiences and how the hybrids are handled. 

Pod DefendR® 

With a Pod DefendR-rated hybrid, you can enjoy the flexibility of delayed swathing and straight cutting, meaning you can worry less about suffering pod shatter losses.     BrettYoung currently has six products with Pod DefendR-rated shatter tolerance:  

BY 7206LL 

BY 7204LL 

BY 7202LL 

BY 6223TF 

BY 6217TF  

BY 6211TF.  

  Products with the Pod DefendR designation must score a minimum of 7.0 on the Canola Council of Canada’s pod shatter rating scale. 

FAQ 

What is the difference between pod shatter and pod drop in canola? 

Pod shatter is when canola pods naturally open at maturity due to genetics, weather or environment, causing seeds to disperse and potentially be lost. Pod drop happens when environmental conditions like drought make the attachment of pods to the stem brittle so the entire pod breaks off during events like high winds. 

How does the Canadian canola industry measure pod shatter resistance? 

The Canadian canola industry uses a rating scale for pod shatter tolerance, where hybrids are rated from one to nine. A rating of eight is considered the gold standard for pod shatter tolerance. 

What methods does DL Seeds use to test canola hybrids for pod shatter resistance? 

DL Seeds uses two main methods: an in-the-field wind mimicking test with high-speed leaf blowers to simulate excess wind and a random impact test where harvested pods are placed in a machine to see how much force it takes to cause shatter. 

What benefits do Pod DefendR-rated canola hybrids offer farmers? 

Pod DefendR-rated hybrids allow farmers the flexibility to delay swathing and use straight cutting, reducing worries about losing seed due to pod shatter. 

Which canola products from BrettYoung have Pod DefendR-rated shatter tolerance? 

BrettYoung offers six Pod DefendR-rated hybrids: BY 7206LL, BY 7204LL, BY 7202LL, BY 6223TF, BY 6217TF and BY 6211TF. 

Is there a rating scale for pod drop in canola hybrids? 

Canola has made it past one of its largest insect threats, flea beetles, but that doesn’t mean it’s insect-free for the rest of the growing season. 

Here are a few other insects to keep a watch for. 

Cabbage Seedpod Weevil 

Adult cabbage seed pod weevils (CSPW) do a little bit of feeding on canola buds and stems, but it’s their larvae that cause the most damage. Larvae feed in the pods and destroy developing seeds, then exit the pod through a tiny hole. The entire pod is then typically lost due to fungal pathogens moving into the exit hole left behind by the larvae. 

The adult CSPWs are an ash-grey colour and around 4mm long with a prominent curved snout. It’s best to scout for adults during bolting into flowering to assess levels. An insecticide application minimizes the eggs laid and the economic threshold for applying insecticides is between 25 to 40 weevils in 10 sweeps during canola flowering. 

Bertha Armyworm 

Provincial governments across Canada run monitoring programs to capture bertha armyworm moths to determine if outbreaks will occur. Start scouting for larvae feeding on the crop after peak flowering or about two weeks after peak trap catches of adult moths.     It’s the feeding larvae that can defoliate a crop quickly and once the leaves are gone, they move up and start feeding on the pods. Because of that, Bertha armyworms are considered climbing cutworms. 

Economic thresholds for applying an insecticide exist and are determined by the average number of larvae per square metre, but canola prices and spray costs are also used to make the decision to spray. 

Diamondback Moth 

The diamondback moth is also surveyed in the spring to assess adult numbers, but once again it’s the feeding larvae that creates damage in canola. The larvae are tiny and green, much smaller than Bertha armyworm larvae and dance around in the canopy. 

The economic threshold for an insecticide application depends on the crop stage, amount of defoliation and larvae populations. The threshold during vegetative and flowering stages is 10 to 15 larvae per square foot and 20 to 30 larvae per square foot during late flowering to podding stages.     Diamondback moths can have several generations in a season but thankfully some natural enemies do exist to help provide some biological control of the insect pest. 

Lygus Bugs 

Lygus bugs can also have several generations in a growing season. They are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on the sap of buds, flowers and pods of canola. Both the adult and nymph stages can cause damage to canola, leaving behind dark circular patches on the pods, which become susceptible to pathogens moving in. Once pods become mature and leathery, the lygus bugs lose interest in feeding on them. 

Recently updated economic thresholds for applying an insecticide are now two to three lygus bugs per sweep during the end of flowering and early pod ripening stages. 

A Few Other Insects to Watch For 

Grasshoppers: Not a typical canola pest, but drought has increased their numbers and they often move in once other feed sources are depleted.   

Midges (swede midge, canola flower midge): Adults lay eggs in buds and larvae eat away at forming buds and flowers.   

Key Reminders for Canola Pest Management 

Use economic thresholds: Apply insecticide only when insect feeding damage is likely to cause yield loss greater than the cost of control.   

Scout often: Be vigilant throughout the growing season for new or increasing pest populations.   

Limit insecticide use: Minimize spraying to protect beneficial insects and lower the risk of pest resistance.   

Consider combined species impacts: Lower thresholds may be needed if damage comes from multiple insect pests at once.   

Take advantage of crop resilience: Canola can withstand significant feeding before yield losses occur.   

FAQ 

What insect pests should I watch for in my canola canopy after flea beetles? 

You should watch for cabbage seedpod weevil, bertha armyworm, diamondback moth, lygus bugs, grasshoppers and midges in your canola canopy after the threat of flea beetles. 

How does the cabbage seedpod weevil damage canola plants? 

The larvae of the cabbage seedpod weevil feed inside the pods, destroying developing seeds and leaving an exit hole that often leads to pod loss due to fungal pathogens. 

When should I scout for bertha armyworm and what damage do they cause? 

You should scout for larvae feeding after peak flowering or about two weeks after adult moths are most commonly caught in traps. The larvae can quickly defoliate a crop, then move up to feed on pods. 

How are economic thresholds used to decide on insecticide application for canola pests? 

Economic thresholds indicate the insect level where the cost of yield loss exceeds the cost of control, helping growers determine when spraying is warranted to avoid unnecessary applications. 

Are there beneficial insects or natural control methods for diamondback moths? 

Yes, some natural enemies exist that help provide biological control of diamondback moths. 

How do lygus bugs damage canola and when is the threshold for spraying met? 

Lygus bugs feed on the sap of buds, flowers and pods, leaving dark patches that are susceptible to pathogens. The updated economic threshold is two to three lygus bugs per sweep during the end of flowering and early pod ripening. 

Why is it important to limit insecticide use in canola fields? 

For the third consecutive year, BrettYoung has expanded its trialing footprint. In 2025, more than 50 BCT sites across Western Canada will evaluate canola, soybeans, and silage corn. These trials include new varieties, in-market products, and experimental entries, allowing growers and Regional Account Managers (RAMs) to compare performance across diverse real-world conditions. 

What Are BrettYoung Comparison Trials? 

BrettYoung Comparison Trials were established to help RAMs and growers evaluate new and existing hybrids side by side, including comparisons to industry checks. Because BCT locations span Western Canada, they provide a well-rounded understanding of how each hybrid performs across the region’s many growing environments. 

“This is the largest trialing network BrettYoung has had for LibertyLink® canola,” says Justine Cornelsen, Agronomic & Regulatory Services Manager. “We’re excited to look at new products not only in LibertyLink canola but also in TruFlex™ canola, soybeans, and silage corn.” 

This season, more than 16 experimental products are included across crop types. 

“The trials provide us with the opportunity to check out future varieties for our portfolio and generate additional data with newly launched canola hybrids like BY 7202LL, BY 7206LL, and BY 6223TF,” adds Cornelsen. 

How BCT Plots Are Designed 

BCT product lineups vary by maturity and clubroot resistance genetics. A typical site includes: 

Replicated field-length strips 

Randomized second reps to enable fair comparisons 

Side-by-side assessments of maturity, plant architecture, and performance 

Data collected contributes to a larger BrettYoung dataset used to help determine which varieties move forward in the portfolio. For many entries, this is their first season grown at commercial scale — making grower feedback on performance and harvestability a key part of the evaluation process. 

Crop-Specific Focus Areas for 2025 

Canola 

With a strong lineup of DefendR®-rated TruFlex hybrids already established, the 2025 program places additional focus on expanding the LibertyLink segment. Growers will be able to view seven new LibertyLink hybrids and three new TruFlex hybrids at BCT sites. 

“Our main canola genetics supplier, DL Seeds, has created a phenomenal hybrid lineup with exceptional disease resistance traits and strong pod shatter tolerance,” says Cornelsen. 

The new hybrids emphasize earlier maturity, pod shatter tolerance through Pod DefendR, and durable Clubroot DefendR disease resistance. Yield performance and plant architecture remain key evaluation factors. 

Soybeans 

Soybean BCTs are concentrated in Manitoba this season. The goal is to gather additional performance data on the early variety BY Nebo XT and to assess new deployments such as BY Meru E3, which is compatible with the Enlist E3™ Weed Control System, along with three experimental varieties. 

Cornelsen notes that last year’s soybean focus was on early to early-mid maturity varieties.  “This year’s focus is finding a new mid-full season variety to meet the needs of the largest soybean production zones in Southern Manitoba.” 

Silage Corn 

For the first time, BrettYoung’s silage corn trials are being conducted across the Prairies. The program provides both performance data and feed quality assessments. 

The 2025 lineup includes: 

Two new experimental hybrids 

Comparisons to BY Brava RR2 and BY Guernsey VT2P 

A third shorter-season hybrid evaluated in retailer trials 

Supporting Third-Party Trials 

In addition to BrettYoung’s own trials, many provincial and regional groups are also testing BrettYoung commercial and experimental products. Growers are encouraged to watch these independent results throughout the season. 

Appreciation for Grower Collaboration 

Cornelsen emphasizes the importance of grower participation: “We appreciate all the growers that help put trials in for us. They’re the largest part in making BCTs successful.” 

To tour a BCT location this summer, growers can reach out to their local RAM. 

FAQ 

What are BrettYoung Comparison Trials (BCTs)? 

They are field-scale trials used to compare new and existing hybrids against each other and against industry standards across Western Canada. 

Which crops are included in the 2025 program? 

Canola, soybeans, and silage corn. 

What is the focus for canola? 

Expanding the LibertyLink segment with seven new hybrids and testing three new TruFlex hybrids — focusing on earlier maturity, disease resistance, pod shatter tolerance, and plant architecture. 

How are soybean trials being conducted? 

Concentrated in Manitoba, with focus on BY Nebo XT, BY Meru E3, and three experimental varieties. The goal is to identify a strong mid-full season candidate. 

What is new in silage corn trials? 

Prairie-wide trials assessing two new experimental hybrids and comparisons to existing BrettYoung standouts. 

Why is grower feedback important? 

It helps BrettYoung decide which varieties move into the portfolio based on real-world performance and harvestability. 

How can growers visit a trial? 

Measuring harvest losses is a crucial step for growers to make informed decisions and adjust their combine settings to help collect as much yield as possible and minimize seed going back into the field. 

Why Measure? 

“Measuring losses is a small step that can help farmers make sure all their crop ends up in the bin and not back out in the field,” said Justine Cornelsen, Agronomic & Regulatory Services Manager for BrettYoung. “It’s not just the seed saved at harvest but the dollars saved in future crop years when trying to manage volunteer populations.” 

Sometimes that little bit of seed going out of the back of the combine doesn’t look like much, but the dollars lost start to add up quickly. Different crops, varietal differences, and environmental conditions all call for different combine settings, so checking for losses several times while combining is an important practice to adopt. 

How to Measure 

To measure true losses, use a drop pan at the back of the combine after disengaging the spreader. Several drop pan setups can be used to collect a sample. Once collected, clear away straw and chaff so only seed remains. 

Measure the seed in the pan using weight or volume. Then calculate the seed weight or volume based on one square foot and determine the concentration factor for your combine (the ratio of header width to combine discharge width). Use these numbers with established loss tables to determine losses in pounds or bushels per acre. 

From there, it’s up to you to determine if the losses are acceptable. If not, change one combine setting at a time to see which adjustments help bring losses down. 

Some Watch Outs 

Changes in temperature, humidity, wind and field variability can drastically change the combine settings required to capture seed. Knowing your combine and adjusting throughout the day will make a large difference. 

Canola pod shatter tolerance traits can be strong, and one common challenge is sending full pods out the back of the combine. In this case, the combine is under-threshing. Adjustments such as increasing cylinder or rotor speed, narrowing the concave setting, adding concave blanks, or slowing down can help crack those pods. 

Header losses are not captured when measuring what exits the back of the combine. This is especially important when the crop is overly mature. Slowing down and adjusting reel speed can help reduce these types of losses. 

Take the time to measure — it will save you time and money! 

FAQ 

Why is it important to measure harvest losses? 

Measuring harvest losses helps growers make informed combine-setting adjustments to minimize crop left in the field, maximizing yield in both current and future years. 

  How should growers properly measure losses during harvest? 

Use a drop pan at the back of the combine after disengaging the spreader. Clear away straw and chaff, then measure the remaining seed by weight or volume. Use size-based calculations and established loss tables to estimate losses per acre. 

  What factors can affect combine settings throughout the day? 

Shifts in temperature, humidity, wind, and field variability can all impact combine performance, requiring adjustments to minimize losses. 

  Are all types of losses captured by measuring behind the combine?