Assessing the Influence of Base Germination Temperature and Chemical Desiccants on the Recruitment Biology of Cleavers (Galium species)

Researcher: Christian Willenborg, Eric Tozzi, Moria Kurtenbach, Eric Johnson, Jessica Weber, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK

Project Code: CARP SCDC 2015-1 Willenborg

Final Report: July 2018

Summary: Cleavers are problematic weed species in canola that can reduce crop yield, impair harvest operations, and reduce crop processing efficiency. A two-year field study was conducted to better understand the biology and impact of pre-harvest herbicides on cleavers populations. The study identified that cleavers have a base temperature of 2 degrees C and can germinate at very low temperatures from April to November. These temperatures are lower than expected and can extended well into the fall. Therefore, producers should scout fields late into the fall and early in the spring to ensure identification of early emerging or overwintering cleavers populations. The study also showed that the viability and the amount of contamination from cleavers at harvest can be reduced by using pre-harvest herbicides.

Click the links below to download a short version of the report, the full detailed long version of the report, or the related Canola Digest PDF.