While every bag of certified canola seed in Canada comes with a base seed treatment, what exactly does that protection include — and is there value in going beyond the basics?
The answers to these questions are ones that Anique Josuttes, technical marketing specialist with BASF, seeks to explore in this episode of RealAgriculture’s Canola School.
Josuttes explains that seed treatments for canola typically include two key components: a fungicide package and an insecticide package. While every bag of certified canola seed comes pre-treated with a base level of disease protection, growers facing high flea beetle or cutworm pressure can opt to add enhanced insecticide options at the time of seed purchase.
On the fungicide side, seed treatments provide broad-spectrum protection against early season diseases such as fusarium, pythium, rhizoctonia, and blackleg. Josuttes says that these pathogens can thrive in various environments — not just warm, wet ones — making fungicide protection essential, even in cooler conditions. Strong early protection helps ensure even stand establishment and a vigorous crop.
For insect control, the base seed treatment provides protection against flea beetles and cutworms. However, pressure can vary by year, region, and even flea beetle type. Josuttes underscores that while seed treatments target specific pests, they aren’t silver bullets. Growers still need to scout early and often — every two to three days in peak flea beetle windows — and be prepared to layer in foliar insecticides if needed.
Ultimately, a seed treatment is a solid first step — but integrated pest management is the full game plan.
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