Montana Statewide Spring Canola Variety Trial

Disclaimer: The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station is implied. The results of data and studies are considered to be of a PRELIMINARY nature and should NOT be considered as a product endorsement or recommendation for commercial use.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Objectives

3. Methods

4. Interpreting Results

5. Trial Locations

6. Cultivar List

7. Multilocation Summaries

7.1. Meteorological and Soils Information

7.2. Management Information

7.3. Yield Summary

8. Individual Location Summaries

8.1. Moccasin (Central Agricultural Research Center)

8.2. Kalispell (Northwestern Agricultural Research Center)

8.3. Havre (Northern Agricultural Research Center)

8.4. Sidney (Eastern Agricultural Research Center)

1. Introduction

The Montana Statewide Spring Canola Variety Trial solicits regionally adapted canola varieties from commercial seed suppliers and provides agronomic performance data to Montana canola farmers. In 2025, performance of 21 canola hybrids was evaluated at four locations in the state (Moccasin, Kalispell, Havre, Sidney) under both irrigated (Sidney) and dryland conditions (all other locations).

2. Objectives

The objective of the 2025 Montana Statewide Spring Canola Variety Trial was to evaluate the agronomic performance of available canola hybrids and breeding lines submitted by commercial entities at testing locations across the state (see ‘Trial Locations’). The information obtained from these trials is intended to provide canola growers in Montana with unbiased information regarding which canola hybrids are best suited to their specific growing conditions (see ‘Meteorological and Soils Information).

3. Methods

The trials were established using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Plots were managed according to best practices for each location (see ‘Management Information’). Agronomic data were collected throughout the growing season. Seed yield was adjusted to 8.5% moisture.

4. Interpreting Results

When comparing varieties, producers should look for the Least Significant Difference (LSD) value, which indicates the minimum difference required between two varieties to be considered statistically different (P < 0.05). If the difference between two varieties is less than the LSD, their performance is considered equivalent.

5. Trial Locations

Spring canola variety testing locations in Montana. Trials were established in irrigated (open star) and dryland (closed star) systems in 2025. Testing has been conducted at Huntley, Corvallis, and Conrad in past years (x), but not in 2025.

6. Cultivar List

Cultivar list for the 2025 statewide spring canola variety testing program with sponsors, herbicide systems, and testing locations.

LL = Liberty Link; TF = TruFlex Roundup Ready; LLTF = Liberty Link + TruFlex Roundup Ready; IMI = Imidazolinone; CL = Clearfield

0 = Not tested in 2025; 1 = Tested in 2025

7. Multi-location Summaries

7.1. Meteorological and Soils Information

Soil and meteorological information by testing location.

7.2. Management Information

Magagement information by location.

7.4. Yield Summary

Across all sites, varieties demonstrated strong yield potential. Kalispell recorded the highest mean yield (3,267 lb/ac), followed by Sidney (2,566 lb/ac), Moccasin (2,281 lb/ac), and Havre (2,129 lb/ac). The varieties CS3300TF, CS2600CR-T, NCC101S, and LR345PC were the top yielders or achieved yields statistically equivalent to the top yielders at all dryland locations (Moccasin, Kalispell, Havre). LR344PC (2,2815 lb/ac) was the top yielder at Sidney.

8. Individual Location Summaries

8.1. Moccasin (Central Agricultural Research Center)

The trial at Moccasin included 16 varieties. Yields were robust with a mean of 2,281 lb/ac. NCC101S was the top-yielding variety (2,673 lb/ac), significantly outperforming seven others.

Bold* = top performer within a column; Bold = equivalent to top performer within a column; NS= Not significant

8.2. Kalispell (Northwestern Agricultural Research Center)

Kalispell experienced the most productive growing conditions. However, some varieties showed significant lodging. CS3300TF led the site in yield (3,648 lb/ac), but statistical differences were not detected.

Bold* = top performer within a column; Bold = equivalent to top performer within a column; NS= Not significant

8.3. Havre (Northern Agricultural Research Center)

Havre featured 20 varieties. The site mean yield was 2,129 lb/ac. CS2600CR-T was the top performer. Oil contents were lower than other locations, possibly due to heat stress during pod fill.

Bold* = top performer within a column; Bold = equivalent to top performer within a column; NS= Not significant

8.4. Sidney (Eastern Agricultural Research Center)

Sidney was the sole irrigated location and reported excellent oil quality across 14 varieties. Test weight data was not available for this location. LR344PC was the highest yielding variety (2,815 lb/ac), outperforming eight others.

Bold* = top performer within a column; Bold = equivalent to top performer within a column; NS= Not significant