4 - Agronomy

Abstract

This chapter particularly highlights how some specific environmental conditions and agronomic practices can interact at different growth stages of the canola crop to influence the quantity and quality of the seed and end products for canola produced in Western Canada. The yield and quality of a canola crop can be greatly influenced by the environmental conditions under which it is grown, with moisture likely playing the most significant role. Choosing the appropriate varieties to grow on the canola fields is important, but the quality of the seed planted also influences the plant population that is established for the crop, which can ultimately affect yield and quality. Crop nutrition also influences total production and quality of seed produced. Genetics plays a key role in influencing yield potential and quality characteristics such as oil content, levels of saturated fat, chlorophyll content, and protein. Yield potential is a primary factor growers will compare among varieties available because the yield is still the main driver for economic returns. Selection of the appropriate weed management system is another important consideration. Maturity is another important characteristic that can vary substantially among varieties.