Using Modulated On-farm Response Surface Experiments (MORSE) to develop evidence based, agronomic recommendations for precision
The MORSE design is a viable alternative to RCBD for conducting high-resolution, spatially aware agronomic trials under commercial conditions. The integration of UAV-derived NDRE further enhances the capacity to monitor crop response and support early agronomic decision-making. This approach offers a scalable framework for advancing precision agriculture through evidence-based, field-scale experimentation
Climate-smart canola: quantifying soil- and fertilizer-derived nitrogen sources and greenhouse gas emissions
This study evaluated NUE and environmental losses across a diverse set of canola lines, that included parental breeding lines, experimental hybrids, and a commercial hybrid line.
Collecting the carbon data needed for Climate-Smart agriculture in Saskatchewan
the improved N management reduced N2O emissions, and for The 4-year period the cropping system was C neutral on average. Flipping the system to a net C sink might involve management that supports vigorous crop growth in-season and favours including wheat in the rotation. Our measurements provide some of the first year-round direct measurements of GHGs in a canola-wheat rotation for Saskatchewan and are a valuable starting place to build from and develop further strategies for reducing emissions and supporting crop production on the Prairies.
Using a 4Rs Plus approach to improve growth and sustainability of annual cropping systems in Saskatchewan
4R Nutrient Stewardship is a tremendous success story of a decision support framework that has been widely adopted among Canadian Prairie farmers as an easily understood tool to optimize agricultural productivity through judicious fertilizer use and subsequently manage risk.
LeafHope: A Comprehensive Toolkit to Reduce Insecticide Use and Greenhouse Gases in Canada
Our team has identified 3 areas to reduce the use of insecticides and GHG emissions from Canadian strawberry, blueberry, and canola agriculture: (1) By monitoring the ecology of pests (their habitats, range limits, behaviour), we can better predict outbreaks; (2) By identifying new biocontrol agents, we can deploy nature-based solutions to fight pests; and (3) By better understanding growers’ needs, we can implement effective strategies for adopting greener options in industry settings.
On Farm: Exploring the Impact of Low vs High Stubble Heights
To evaluate the effects of different stubble heights on various factors, with a primary focus on snow catch, soil moisture, and soil temperature.
On Farm: Spot vs. Blanket Spraying
Green-on-brown spot spraying technology detects and targets weeds with herbicide before seeding, allowing for more precise pesticide applications while reducing overall herbicide use, drift, and runoff.
Does seeding date and rate of canola effect spring flea beetle pressure, yield, and quality? - Year 3
The intended benefit of this demonstration for producers is to show case a wide range of seeding dates in canola, in combination with an adequate and increased seeding rate, so producers can make best management decisions for seeding canola to avoid heavy flea beetle infestations and the need for insecticides, while achieving high yields and best quality.
Sclerotinia Insensitivity to Fungicide in Canola
This project is relevant to local canola producers, where sclerotinia can cause substantial economic loss.
Potassium chloride (KCl-) replacements for chlorine uptake in canola
KCl-, 0-0-60, fertilizer can be harsh on equipment and cause unnecessary wear and tear. It is important to provide producers with strategies for managing Cl- deficiencies in canola that follow 4R practices and save the longevity of their equipment.
Canola Response to Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizer Products and Blends – Year 2
Nitrogen fertilizer management has long been amongst the most important considerations in Saskatchewan grain production, and canola is one of the largest users of this nutrient. Optimizing N fertilizer use efficiency is more important than ever with high fertilizer prices and increasing awareness of and societal pressure to minimize greenhouse gas emissions associated with N fertilization.
Do micronutrients applied to canola actually increase yield?
Micronutrients are important in the lifecycle of many plants; however, because they are required in much smaller quantities than macronutrients, their impact on plant performance is often harder to quantify (Canola Council).
Balancing economic, action, and seed production thresholds for glyphosate-resistant kochia in canola
Overall, this study suggests that planting canola at higher densities (e.g., 100 target plants per square meter) can improve competition with kochia and reduce yield loss.
Level of canola source fat in pregnant beef cow diets - effects on cow and calf performance
Supplementing canola fat to gestating beef cattle had similar effects on prepartum dam performance and milk yield and quality.
Does seeding date and rate of canola effect spring flea beetle pressure, yield, and quality?
To evaluate the effect of seeding date and rate on canola flea beetle pressure, yield and quality a demonstration was conducted near Melfort (NARF), Outlook (ISask), Swift Current (WCA), and Scott (WARC), SK in 2024.
Canola Response to Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizer Products and Blends
Exploring potential benefits of enhanced efficiency fertilizer (EEF) nitrogen (N) products and blends with side-banding was identified as a priority by SaskCanola. In the spring of 2025, field trials to address this topic were initiated at Indian Head, Melfort, Prince Albert, Scott, Swift Current, and Yorkton, encompassing a wide range of soil/climatic conditions.
Generation of canola lines with increased heat and drought tolerance by regulating phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity
This research demonstrated that upregulating the BnPDAT1 gene can enhance canola performance under heat stress and combined heat and drought stress. The research also identified new candidate genes for improving resilience to these abiotic stresses. The findings, as well as the canola plants with BnPDAT1 upregulation, are valuable for developing heat- and drought-tolerant canola varieties to benefit Canadian canola production.
Evaluating the efficiency of glufosinate and clethodim in varying water qualities in combination with water conditioners in canola
This study examines the interactions between the full and half rates of both glufosinate and clethodim in a tank mix with and without a water conditioner across varying water qualities.
Developing canola lines with higher yield and better drought resilience through the regulation of transcription factors
Canola cultivars with higher yields can substantially benefit producers and downstream industries in Canada. Drought stress, one of the most detrimental abiotic factors, may cause severe yield loss in the Canadian Prairies.
Evaluation of mechanisms leading to emergence of new clubroot pathotypes
Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a major threat to canola production in Canada. The use of clubroot-resistant (CR) cultivars has been a key strategy in managing this disease.