Evaluation the Agronomic and Economic Value of High Quality Canola Seed

Researcher:

Stewart Brandt, Eric Johnson, Bob Elliott, Cecil Vera, Randy Kutcher, Guy Lafond & Bill May, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), SK

Project Code:

CARP SCDC 11-01-08

Final Report:

February 2005

Summary:

For this two-year study, the objectives were to evaluate the effect of seed production practices on canola seed performance, and to assess the ability of germination and vigour tests to predict the field performance of canola seedlots. The study results showed that canola seeded prior to May 20 and swathing at less than 20% seed moisture content produced the best performing seedlots. The seed vigour index, derived from germination tests developed at the Saskatoon Research Center, provided a good predictor of the performance of canola seedlots grown under different soil types, tillage practices, seeding dates, and growing conditions.