Canola variety evaluations at Western Triangle Ag. Research Center

Principal Investigators: John H. Miller, Research Scientist and Gadi V.P. Reddy, Professor of Entomology/Ecology, Western Triangle Ag Research Center.

Personnel: Julie Prewett, Research Assistant and Alysha Miller, Research Assistant, WTARC, Conrad, MT, and Simon Fordyce and Pat Carr, MSU/MAES, Central Ag. Research Center, Moccasin, MT.

Objectives: To evaluate canola varieties grown at Western Triangle Ag. Research Center.

Methods: All plots were planted into no-till chemical fallow barley stubble using a 4-row plot drill with spacing set to one foot. Plots were trimmed, measured for length, and then harvested with a Wintersteiger Classic plot combine. Canola seed was cleaned prior to collecting data.

Results: The canola nursery averaged 24.5 bu/ac (Table 1). Test weight averaged 48.9 lbs/bu with mean seed oil content of 44.7%. There was no lodging or shatter to report in the canola nurseries. Highest yields in lb/ac were HyClass 730 having 1656.2, HyClass 930 at 1573.3, DKL70-10R with 1569.5, 4187 RR at 1569.4, and HyClass 955 in the amount of 1530.5, respectfully. Table 2 are the soil test results for the 2018 cropping year.

Overall, the crop year temperatures where cooler than 32 year average at the research center, May, when we could have used some cooler temperatures, was 5.2 degrees warmer than the average. But the overall average temperature for the year from September to August was 3.8 degrees cooler than the 32 year average. The winter temperature, from September to March was well below average, with February being 15.5 degrees colder than the 32 year average. March and April were 9.6 and 7.1 degrees colder than the 32 year average. May was the only month that had a temperature that was above the average with a temperature 5.2 degrees. September through March were at or above the average precipitation for those months. Then May through August were drier than the 32 year average. Overall, precipitation was average for the year with respect to the 32 year average.

The spring canola plots were seeded into soil that had good soil moisture storage from the summer, fall and winter of 2016-17.

A similar project will be proposed for FY 2018. The continuation of canola variety trials help elucidate researchers and farmers which varieties are better suited for that particular region in Montana.

Table 1. Statewide Industry Canola Variety Trial - Dryland, No-Till Chemical Fallow. Western Triangle Ag. Research Center, Conrad, MT. 2018.

RR: Roundup ready, LL: Liberty link, SU: sulfonylurea, CL: Clearfield Grain yield and test weight is adjusted to a uniform moisture content of 8%. Grain protein, grain oil, and oil yield are reported on a dry matter basis.

Seeding date: 5/1/18 Swathed: 8/14/18 Thrashed: 8/21/18 Fertilizer (actual lb/ac): 120-20-20-20

Post-plant sprayed 2 days after seeding with Roundup RT3 at 40 oz/ac on 5/3 /2018. Previous crop: Chemical fallow barley stubble.

Location: MSU Western Triangle Ag. Research Center, Conrad, MT.

Table 2. Soil test values for off-station and on-station plots, 2018.

1Nitrogen soil samples were to a depth of four feet in one foot increments. All other soil tests were for zero to six inches in depth.

WTARC- Western Triangle Ag. Research Center