Hot conditions can have an impact on both yield and quality in canola, making timing more important when swathing or straight-cutting the crop.
Much of Western Canada has experienced a mid-August heat wave, with fields maturing rapidly in the heat. For canola, this means the time to cut can sneak up quickly.
In this Canola School episode, Angela Brackenreed, agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada, explains how to minimize the risk of losing yield to shattering and locking in green seed.
Find more canola production advice and tips — visit the Canola School!
She suggests avoiding cutting too early and waiting for cooler nighttime temperatures and dews. Rapid dry-down due to hot conditions prevents the green-clearing enzymes in the seed from reducing chlorophyll levels, which leads to elevated green counts.
With some early canola harvest having started in 30+ degree temperatures, Brackenreed also reminds producers to turn aeration fans on and monitor the crop in the bin for hot spots.
Further reading:
- CanolaWatch article — Swathing in the Heat: Green Seed and Yield
- RealAgriculture’s Best of Canola Swathing Timing Videos
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