CMCDC 2012 ANNUAL REPORT
MHPEC Inc.
Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre P.O. Box 309 Carberry, Manitoba R0K 0H0 Tel. (204) 834-6000 Fax. (204) 834-3777 http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display- afficher.do?id=1185205367529&lang=eng
Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Contents
Manager’s Report – 2012 CMCDC Annual Report ...... 1 Executive Summary...... 4 Acronyms and Abbreviations ...... 7 CMCDC Sites – Aerial Photos and Plot Locations ...... 8 Weather at CMCDC sites ...... 12 Research Project Reports ...... 15 Preventing potato blackleg and soft rot ...... 15 Nitrogen management in irrigated potato systems: understanding and predicting nitrogen dynamics and developing tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency ...... 16 Nitrous oxide emissions as affected by nitrogen management in irrigated potato systems ...... 17 Effect of nitrogen fertilizer source and placement on potato yield and quality ...... 24 Nitrous oxide emissions as affected by N placement and source in irrigated potato ...... 27 Comparative assessment of late blight forecasting systems ...... 36 Optimizing N for table potato production ...... 38 Winkler drainage water management project ...... 41 Field-scale environmental efficiency of crop production systems in Southern Manitoba ...... 44 Starch variety evaluation for the Manitoba potato industry ...... 45 Growth development modeling of Manitoba oilseed crops ...... 49 Effect of row spacing and population density on soybean performance in Manitoba ...... 61 Western Canada soybean adaptation under irrigation trialing update ...... 64 Effect of fungicide application timing on grain yield and quality of winter wheat varieties with different levels of resistance to fusarium head blight...... 67 Effect of seeding date, fungicide application and seed treatments in winter wheat production in Manitoba ...... 68 Winter wheat variety testing ...... 70 Western forage testing system ...... 71 Forage mixture establishment with/without a barley as a nurse crop ...... 73 Effect of row spacing on buckwheat grain yield ...... 75 Buckwheat variety testing ...... 77 Effect of seed treatment on industrial hemp stand establishment and grain yield ...... 78 Industrial hemp variety evaluation ...... 82 Effect of population density on fiber and grain yield of industrial hemp in Manitoba ...... 86 Phosphorus ramp demonstration ...... 92 Evaluation of flax for fiber production in Central Plains region of Manitoba ...... 94 Evaluation of manure compost on vegetable production ...... 95 Market garden potato variety trial ...... 98 Multi-coloured tomato variety evaluation...... 101 Adaptation of stevia to Carberry region of Central Plains ...... 105 Adaptation of Jerusalem Artichoke to Central Plains (Carberry) region for inulin production from tubers and stems ...... 106 Canadian day-neutral strawberry variety evaluation trial ...... 109 Hybrid willow demonstration ...... 111 Saskatoon and seabuckthorn variety demonstration...... 112 Adaptability of hops in Manitoba ...... 113
Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Manager’s Report – 2012 CMCDC Annual Report
Introduction On behalf of the partners in the Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre, it is my pleasure to present the CMCDC 2012 Annual Report. 2012 marks CMCDC’s nineteenth field season. In this report you will find information on current and on-going research, development and technology transfer pertaining to our program/outcome areas. The Annual Report is primarily a technical report on most of the CMCDC projects conducted in 2012 by Centre staff and cooperating agencies.
Background and Partners The Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre (MCDC) was established in 1993 under a partnership agreement among the Government of Canada, the Government of Manitoba, and Manitoba Horticulture Productivity Enhancement Centre Inc. (MHPEC). In 2008, the name was changed to the Canada- Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre (CMCDC). The Centre's mission in brief is to facilitate the development and adoption of science-based solutions for agricultural crop production, with a focus on water management, crop diversification, and environmental stewardship. Its program/outcome areas are broadly classified as: 1) Partnerships and Communication, 2) Water Supply and Irrigation, 3) Potato Industry Support (applied research and technology transfer), 4) Environment, and 5) Crop Diversification. Each of the partners is committed to specific annual contributions of resources to the Centre operation. Most development and infrastructure costs, and some operating costs for the first few years, were provided for by Western Economic Diversification (WED) Canada through MHPEC. Canada’s support, provided through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) via the Science & Technology Branch (effective July 1, 2012) which evolved from Research Branch and the Agri- Environment Services Branch (AESB), includes several staff positions, support for operating costs, infrastructure support, and services. Manitoba’s commitment is through Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI), which provides one staff position, one staff-equivalent in part-time support from other Manitoba staff (technology transfer), and an annual contribution toward project costs. MHPEC Inc. is a consortium formed by the two Manitoba French-fry processors (Simplot Canada [II] Ltd. and McCain Foods [Canada] Ltd.), and Keystone Potato Producers Association (the processing potato growers’ association). The MHPEC members support MHPEC through direct cash contributions, which are expended in support of the CMCDC program for supplies, staff, and services. CMCDC partners participate in the Centre management and program advisory committees. Input from other industry and stakeholder representatives is also obtained at annual advisory meetings.
Infrastructure The Centre’s headquarters site is at Carberry, and satellite sites are at Portage la Prairie and Winkler. The Carberry site is located on a half section of excellent agricultural land with clay loam to loam soil, at the junction of Highways #1 and 5. Buildings include an office-lab-classroom complex, a large building for sample processing, shop work, and storage, a chemical storage and handling building, and various other storage buildings. Equipment is available for most field and plot operations. An advanced
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irrigation system has been installed which permits irrigation of approximately 70 ha of land, using three pivot irrigators and three linear-move systems well-adapted to meet the needs of irrigation research trials. This irrigation capability at all three of its sites is unique to CMCDC in Manitoba, so the Centre attracts most research in Manitoba requiring good irrigation control. Co-location of staff of MAFRI’s Carberry Growing Opportunities Centre, and Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship water licencing staff, at the CMCDC-Carberry office, benefits all involved in helping to meet the needs of our agricultural clients. The Portage la Prairie site was previously an AAFC Research Branch sub-station. It has an office-lab- workshop building, a chemical storage and handling building, a small greenhouse, and storage buildings. Two linear-move field irrigators and an irrigation water supply system were set up to irrigate much of the land base of over one-quarter section, mostly good quality clay loam. The Winkler field site consists of approximately 16 ha of sandy loam land, with a linear-move field irrigator. The site has a shop/storage building and office trailer. Most field and plot operations are carried out by a local seasonal technician and staff from the Portage la Prairie site; other services are contracted locally. Recent drainage development on-site will increase the range of investigations that can be conducted. The CMCDC sites are strategically located in three areas of Manitoba with high-value crop production potential (including irrigation) and a range of representative soils. Off-site areas for projects are also arranged where the sites do not provide the specific conditions (such as soil type) that may be needed for certain projects. Conditions in Western and Eastern Manitoba are represented through affiliations with three provincial diversification centres located in those areas.
Extension In addition to the information provided in the Annual Report, a number of technology transfer/outreach activities were conducted at the three CMCDC sites in 2012, namely: 1. June 1 – Farm Writers and Broadcasters Tour (Carberry) 2. July 19 – Carberry Crop Diversification Tour 3. July 26 – Portage Crop Diversification Tour (joint event held annually by CMCDC and the Crop Research Organization of Portage (CROP)) 4. Aug 1 – Horticulture Diagnostic School – a new event similar to the Field Crop Diagnostic School held annually in Carman, MB – held at CMCDC-Portage and conducted by staff from MAFRI and Assiniboine Community College (ACC) 5. Aug 17 – Carberry Potato Tour 6. Aug 21 – Winkler Potato Tour
CMCDC also participates in Manitoba Potato Production Days – CMCDC has a booth at the trade show and staff regularly contribute to the speaker sessions, either as session chairs or as presenters.
Visitors are always welcome at all the CMCDC sites. Call us or drop in for more information on anything in this report, or any of our programs and activities. Contact information is provided with each of the technical reports.
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Staff AAFC provided six staff positions dedicated full-time to CMCDC - the Centre Manager, Potato Agronomist/Portage Site Supervisor, Agronomist, Carberry Site Supervisor, Research Support Lead Hand, and Office Administrator. AAFC also provides four seasonal support positions, and summer students. Manitoba provides one full-time on-site position at Carberry - the Diversification Specialist, and summer students. Manitoba also dedicates portions of other Provincial Specialists’ time to CMCDC programs. MHPEC provides financial support for seasonal support staff, summer students, and casual labour.
CMCDC Staff – 2012 Carberry Site Supporting Full time staff CMCDC Partner Position Brian Baron AAFC Site Supervisor Curtis Cavers AAFC Acting Centre Manager Craig Linde MAFRI Diversification Specialist Alison Nelson AAFC Agronomist (Winnipeg) Sherree Strain AAFC Office Administrator
Seasonal/Term staff Bernie Brecknell AAFC Field Research Assistant Eric Claeys AAFC Field Operations Assistant Dave Paluch AAFC Field Operations Assistant Douglas Robinson MHPEC Site Assistant
Summer students/Casual staff Kayla Adriaansen MHPEC Summer Research Assistant Erin Anderson MHPEC Site Assistant Candace Claeys MHPEC Summer Research Assistant Junhua (Terry) Jia AAFC Summer Research Assistant Amanda Kowalchuk MHPEC Site Assistant (Fall 2012) Nicola McPherson AAFC Summer Research Assistant Morgan Robulak AAFC Summer Research Assistant
Portage la Prairie Site
Full time staff Danny Bouchard AAFC Field Research Assistant Curtis Cavers AAFC Potato Agronomist/ Site Supervisor
Seasonal/Term staff Neil Jordan AAFC Field Operations Assistant Harvey Klippenstein AAFC Field Operations Assistant Henry Wolfe AAFC Field Research Assistant
Summer students/Casual staff Jenny Fehr MAFRI Summer Research Assistant Jorgen Kaspick AAFC Summer Research Assistant Jane Klippenstein AAFC Summer Research Assistant Quinn Pallister AAFC Summer Research Assistant Rui Pan AAFC Summer Research Assistant Micheal Stanger MHPEC Site Assistant
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Executive Summary
Annual Report Format Change
To improve the readability of the Annual Report, we are changing the format to create a more concise document focused on reporting on completed projects, while briefly highlighting current in-progress projects. If you want to get additional information on a specific project, we have included contact information with all the reports. Final research reports will be produced when research data has been compiled and analyzed, and included in the following Annual Report.
We welcome comments and suggestions for improvements to the CMCDC Annual Report: [email protected]
Potato/Irrigation Research Program
Nitrogen management continues to be a high priority topic, with a number of research projects at CMCDC dedicated to clarifying the story behind nitrogen dynamics in the Manitoba environment. Three research trials looking at N fertilizer management in processing potatoes (Russet Burbank) had their final field season at Carberry in 2012. The Nitrogen Source/Placement Study, was located at the CMCDC-Carberry main site, and looked at the impact of banding versus broadcast granular N fertilizer (urea or ESN) at planting on yield and quality. On the relatively fertile soil of the Carberry main site, fertilizer rate did affect petiole nitrate levels, tuber quality and soil residual N. However, no consistent impact of fertilizer rate, placement or source was observed on tuber yield. A research site close to the CMCDC-Carberry main site (CMCDC-Carberry offsite) has been secured to develop a location for potato research on a lighter-textured soil that would be more typical of potato fields in the local area.
The Nitrogen Dynamics Studies were a subset of a national program of research projects looking at regional issues of N management in a number of Canadian crops. The Manitoba potato trials (two field trials) were located at the CMCDC-Carberry offsite field from 2010-2012 to assess the impact of N rate and timing/source on a light-textured soil type. Drs. Helen Tai and Bernie Zebarth reported on the Manitoba potato trials at Manitoba Potato Production Days in January 2013. One long-term objective of this work is to develop a laboratory test of plant material that will simultaneously determine different stresses on the crop (e.g. N, P, K, water deficiencies). Full research reports will be included in future Annual Reports as laboratory and data analyses are completed, an interim report can be found on p.16.
Further research on potato N dynamics and the use of gene expression indicators for crop stress testing are proposed to continue at CMCDC. Greater understanding of the mineralization potential of light-textured soils typical of Manitoba potato production will help to develop a full understanding of N dynamics in irrigated potato production in our area. Stay tuned for more information!
Continuing efforts are being made to assess the loss of fertilizer N from the field via nitrous oxide emissions under the direction of Dr. Mario Tenuta at the University of Manitoba. Greenhouse gas measurements were taken on the Nitrogen Source/Placement Study at the Carberry onsite location and the Nitrogen Source Study at the Carberry offsite location in 2012.
At Winkler, 2012 was the second year of a study focused on evaluating the impact of N rate on table potato production, specifically the Sangre and Norland varieties. Through this study we are observing that the Sangre variety tends to be fairly ‘thrifty’ with N. There also appears to be a trend towards less russetting in tubers at higher N rates.
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With this full slate of research projects with a focus on N management, we continue to develop our understanding of how N is made available to the potato crop and refine management practices tailored to the Manitoba environment.
Potato disease management was the focus of a number of other projects under the Potato/Irrigation program at CMCDC in 2012. Sentinel plots were grown at all three CMCDC locations for a second field season, as an early warning system for late blight infection. A comparative assessment of the DACOM late blight forecasting model and the currently adopted modified Wisdom-Tomcast model was carried out at Carberry (p.36). 2012 was also the third year that a small grow-out of an experimental biological potato seed piece treatment from Dr. Larry Kawchuk’s laboratory in Lethbridge, AB. So far, this project has yielded promising results of the development of a biological control of blackleg and soft rot.
Crop Diversification Research Program
The Crop Diversification program at CMCDC is part of a province wide diversification centre network. The overall objective of the CMCDC program is to contribute to sustainable development and economic diversification by investigating, developing, and extending to the industry in Manitoba appropriate crop diversification and environmentally sound productivity enhancing technologies/BMPs, including irrigation. Meeting this objective supports further development of value added processing in potatoes, hemp, sunflowers and other crops.
A portion of the diversification program supports emerging or niche market crops by conducting field research and extension. The rest of the program includes typical Western Manitoba crops, mainly testing alternative uses or the integration of new technologies into current production systems. This includes ongoing variety adaptation testing to identify best options for special use scenarios or to understand the implications and necessary agronomic adjustments associated with geographical expansion of crops.
Trials wrapping up in 2012 included a couple with Industrial Hemp. Target planting populations of 100- 150 plants/m2 were found optimal for Industrial hemp when planting for either grain or fibre; however, more work is needed to understand mortality and conditions affecting seedling recruitment in order to best adjust for greater economic efficiencies. Seed treatment had no great impact on maintaining industrial hemp stands with seeding depth of much greater importance.
After two years of investigation, and not continuing in 2013 is a study exploring if fall seeded camelina is a viable option in the Carberry region. Results were promising, provided fall seeding fits logistically into the cropping system as yield was not impacted; white rust appeared in late spring seeding plots, potentially impacting yield and certainly a priority for future variety development for the Manitoba. A single year investigation of growth development modelling for Soybean, Flax, Sunflower and Canola provide confirmation that existing models for some crops are reasonably accurate while others require further refinement to be more applicable to Manitoba growing conditions.
Ongoing variety trials in conjunction with the Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team examined Winter Wheat and Buckwheat, and in conjunction with the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance; Industrial Hemp, and with the Western Forage Testing System; Alfalfa. Soybeans were evaluated under irrigation and dry-land cropping systems at both Carberry and Portage la Prairie. Orchard observations also continued in 2012 for Saskatoon, Hybrid Willows, Strawberries, and various other crops that are relatively new to the prairies including; Sour Cherries and Haskap.
Trials entering their second or third year included the examination of the effect of genetic resistance, seeding date, seed treatment, and fungicides on fusarium head blight in winter wheat, the effect of manure compost in vegetable production, the evaluation of multi coloured tomatoes and potatoes regarding production as well as culinary appeal (in collaboration with Assiniboine Community College – Culinary Arts). Also moving into a second year was the evaluation of Jerusalem Artichoke cultivars for
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inulin production, identifying optimal harvest timing for stem and tuber harvest based on variety. The evaluation of row spacing and seeding rate in Buckwheat gave contrasting results in 2012 versus previous years testing, showing a slight discount in grain yield when decreasing rates under wide row spacing.
Trials initiated in 2012 included a long-term phosphorus ramp demonstration showing the effect of phosphorus build-up and drawdown on crop yield. This trial will follow the same rotation as the production rotation of CMCDC; in 2012 the crop was potatoes. A variety evaluation trial of potato varieties for starch production had its first year and a small Stevia plot was established from transplants started in the greenhouse to test winter survival. Finally, a forage establishment trial demonstrating the effect a nurse crop has on establishing various forage mixtures was planted in early June.
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
AAFC – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
ARDI – Agri-Food Research and Development Inititative
ASI – Agriculture Sustainability Initiative
CMCDC – Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre
CROP – Crop Research Organization of Portage
CV – Coefficient of Variation
LSD – Least Significant Difference
MAFRI – Manitoba Agirculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
MHPEC – Manitoba Horticulture Productivity Enhancement Centre Inc.
MPGA – Manitoba Pulse Growers Association
MSAPP – Manitoba Sustainable Agriculture Practices Program
MWS – Manitoba Water Stewardship
PCDF – Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation
WADO – Westman Agricultural Diversification Organization
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CMCDC Sites – Aerial Photos and Plot Locations
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Weather at CMCDC sites
April through October 2012
2012 Mean (1971-2010)
25
C)
° 20
15
10
5
MeanMonthly Temperature ( 0 April May June July August September October Month
Figure 1. Monthly temperature at CMCDC-Carberry.
2012 Mean (1971-2010) 140
120
100
80
60
40
20
Monthly Precipitation (mm) 0 April May June July August September October Month
Figure 2. Monthly precipitation at CMCDC-Carberry.
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2012 Mean (1971-2010)
25
C) ° 20
15
10
5
MeanMonthly Temperature ( 0 April May June July August September October Month
Figure 3. Monthly temperature at CMCDC-Portage la Prairie.*
2012 Mean (1971-2010) 100
90
80 70 60 50 40 30 20
Monthly Precipitation (mm) 10 0 April May June July August September October Month
Figure 4. Monthly precipitation at CMCDC-Portage la Prairie.*
* Missing some precipitation and temperature data for Portage la Prairie.
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2012 Mean (1971-2010)
25
C) ° 20
15
10
5 MeanMonthly Temperature ( 0 April May June July August September October Month
Figure 5. Monthly temperature at CMCDC-Winkler.
2012 Mean (1971-2010) 90
80
70 60 50 40 30 20
Monthly Precipitation (mm) 10 0 April May June July August September October Month
Figure 6. Monthly precipitation at CMCDC-Winkler.
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Research Project Reports
Preventing potato blackleg and soft rot
Principal Investigator: Larry Kawchuk, AAFC – Lethbridge, AB
Co-Investigator: Alison Nelson, CMCDC – Carberry, MB
Support: AAFC Potato Consortium Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund CMCDC
Progress: Ongoing
Objective: The objective of this work was to conduct additional analysis of potato treatments preventing blackleg and soft rot.
Contact Information: [email protected] 403-317-2271
2012 Project Report
This project is evaluating potential biological methods to reduce the occurrence of bacterial disease in potato. Shepody virus-free seed exposed to blackleg was grown at CMCDC-Carberry in a replicated plot to look at the use of potato extracts as treatments to reduce Pectobacterium species causing disease. Approximately 40 treated and untreated seed pieces were planted in replicated trials. Results showed an increase in yields and increased tuber size. A larger study is planned for 2013 that will also look at the optimum formulation for reducing blackleg and soft rot.
Table 1. Results of 2012 seed piece treatments at CMCDC-Carberry MB.
Plot Treatment Tuber Number Total Kg (Adj) West 1 Minus 134 26.4 West 2 Minus 141 26.9 East 1 Plus 121 27.4 East 2 Plus 122 29.6
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Nitrogen management in irrigated potato systems: understanding and predicting nitrogen dynamics and developing tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency
Principal Investigator: Ramona Mohr, AAFC - Brandon
Co-Investigators: Cynthia Grant, AAFC - Brandon Helen Tai, AAFC – Fredericton, NB Bernie Zebarth, AAFC – Fredericton, NB Dale Tomasiewicz, CSIDC – Outlook, SK Alison Nelson, CMCDC - Carberry Susan Ainsworth, MHPEC - Carberry
Support: AAFC – Sustainable Agriculture Environmental Systems (SAGES) FAAFC – Science and Technology Branch
Progress: Final year of three
Objectives: This study was initiated as part of two national projects (Grant et al.; Tai et al.) funded under the SAGES program. The overall objective of this study is to improve nitrogen use efficiency in irrigated potato production systems through a better understanding of nitrogen dynamics and crop N status. Specific objectives of the experiments being conducted are: - To determine the impact of N rate, timing and source on potato yield and quality - To determine the potential to use gene expression indicators to identify N and water stress in potato production systems - To determine the effect of weather conditions, soil characteristics and management on N utilization by crops and soil N status.
Contact information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Better matching nitrogen (N) supply with crop N demand, both in terms quantity and timing, has the potential to improve N use efficiency of the crop and reduce N losses into the environment. A series of field experiments were conducted near Carberry, MB from 2010 through 2012 to determine the impact of N fertilizer source and timing (Study 1) and N fertilizer rate and water management (Study 2), on soil and plant N status, and yield and quality of Russet Burbank potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in an irrigated system. In Study 1, N fertilizer at a rate of 180 kg N ha-1 resulted in a higher average total and marketable yield than the 0 N control in all years. Neither timing nor source of N fertilizer influenced yield for the five N treatments applied: preplant urea, split-applied urea, preplant ESN (polymer coated urea), split-applied urea + 45 kg N ha-1 as urea ammonium nitrate solution (UAN), and split-applied urea + 75 kg N ha-1 as UAN. No effects on specific gravity were observed. In Study 2, irrigation increased yield compared to rainfed conditions, with irrigated treatments producing 140% the marketable yield of rainfed treatments in 2010 and 2011, and >200% in 2012. Nitrogen application resulted in a quadratic yield increase in 2010 and 2011. The average yield of N-fertilized treatments was also higher than the 0N control in 2012. The pattern of yield response to N was similar regardless of water management, as indicated by the lack of significant interactions between these factors. Field experiments have been completed, and laboratory analysis of soil and plant samples is underway.
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Nitrous oxide emissions as affected by nitrogen management in irrigated potato systems
Principal Investigator: Mario Tenuta, University of Manitoba - Winnipeg
Co-Investigators: Alison Nelson, CMCDC - Carberry Ramona Mohr, AAFC – Brandon Dale Tomasiewicz, CSIDC – Outlook, SK Sally Parsonage, University of Manitoba - Winnipeg
Support: Agricultural Sustainability Initiative-Province of Manitoba MRAC-Government of Canada MHPEC Inc. Canadian Fertilizer Institute
Progress: Second year completed of an anticipated two-year study.
Objective: This study examined how the rate of emissions of nitrous oxide is affected by the strategy of N fertilizer additions. Strategies compared are single vs. split application, single ESN vs. urea application, and fertigation scheduling. We utilized the ‘Nitrogen Management in Irrigated Potato Systems’ study headed by Dr. Ramona Mohr, AAFC-Brandon to layer nitrous oxide measurements.
Contact information: [email protected]
Summary
The conventional Split Urea and Fertigation 2 treatments, over two study years, produced slightly more nitrous oxide emissions than the Check. Single Urea treatments consistently produced high emissions where Single ESN was high in 2011 but not in 2012. Emissions from N treatments at the CMCDC off- site location of this study were lower than from studies conducted on station. Differences in soil properties between locations likely accounted for this difference. This shows more studies are required on a range of soil types in Manitoba to understand the magnitude of emissions from irrigated potato and response to N management.
Methods
Measurement of nitrous oxide emissions were undertaken in 2012 at a study site located northwest of the CMCDC-Carberry station. Details of the study site, design, treatment and management are provided by Mohr et al. in this CMCDC annual report. The soil at the study site is mapped to the Hallboro series. Emissions were monitored from plots planted to the cultivar, Russet Burbank under irrigation. Treatments had a total of 180 kg N ha-1 applied. A check treatment had no N applied. Four static vented chambers were placed in each plot with two on hill and two on furrow positions. There were four replicate plots per treatment. Emissions were estimated by examining the rate of increase in nitrous oxide concentrations in the chamber headspace at four times over a 60 minute period. Measurements were taken over the period from planting to post harvest. Nitrous oxide concentrations were determined by gas chromatograph and fluxes estimated using linear and non-linear methods using the HMR package of the program R.
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Results
Emissions of N2O from all treatments began to increase three weeks following planting (Figure 1).The increase coincided with rain (Figure 2). The increase was most pronounced with the Fertigation 1 treatment. Thereafter a large rainfall on day 185 resulted in a larger emission episode than previous. Emission were most pronounced with the Single Urea treatment and slightly elevated for the Fertigation 1 and Single ESN treatments. Thereafter, emission episodes did not occur despite rains and fertigation.
Cumulative emissions of nitrous oxide were 0.8 kg N ha-1 for the check which was similar to that for the Split Urea and Fertigation 2 treatments (Table 1). The Single Urea treatment stood out with the highest cumulative emission of 3.0 kg N ha-1 and Fertigation 1 and Single ESN intermediate with 1.7 and 1.6 kg N ha-1, respectively. The emission factors followed the pattern of magnitude of cumulative emissions (Table 1). The emission factors were less than 1% except for the Single Urea treatment.
Generally, emissions were lower for this study site than for other studies we have conducted at the CMCDC-Carberry station (see summary for Nitrous Oxide Emissions as Affected by N Placement and Source in Irrigated Potato in this CMCDC Annual Report and Gao et al. 2013 CJSS 93:1-11). The difference between sites may be due to lower organic matter levels and coarser texture for Hallboro series here compared to Wellwood on station.
The temporal pattern of nitrous oxide emission in 2012 differed from 2011. In 2011, emission occurred soon after planting as a result of wet spring conditions and early rain (Figure A1). The Single Urea emitted the most at this time with the Single ESN following close behind, but emissions lagging. The Split Urea treatment did not produce a large emission episode. Cumulative emission from the Check was higher in 2012 (Table 1) than 2011 (Table A1). This was likely because of the two emission episodes in 2012. The most striking difference between years was the lower cumulative emission for Single ESN in 2012 than 2011.
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700
600 Check
)
-1 Split Urea
d 500 Single Urea -1 Fertigation 1 400 Fertigation 2
300
200
O Flux (g N ha N (g Flux O
2
N 100
0
600
)
-1 Check
d Single Urea -1 Single ESN 400
200
O Flux (g N ha N (g Flux O
2
N
0 140 160 180 200 220
Day of the Year Figure 1. Emission of nitrous oxide in 2012 from select treatments of the Nitrogen Management in Irrigated Potato Systems study with Russet Burbank under irrigation. Note the Single Urea treatment is shown again at bottom for purpose of comparison to the Single ESN treatment. Means are for 16 chamber locations for each treatment ± 1 standard error of the mean.
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80
60
40
total daily rain (mm) rain total daily 20
Mean daily air temperature (C) or (C) temperature air daily Mean
0
120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300
Day of year 2012 Figure 2. Mean daily air temperature and total daily rain two km away at the CMCDC-Carberry site during the study period in 2012.
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Table 1. Cumulative nitrous oxide emissions in 2012 from select treatments of the Nitrogen Management in Irrigated Potato Systems study with Russet Burbank under irrigation. The cumulative emissions and the estimated emission factor are shown. Emission factors for each rate of N addition were calculated as emissions above the 0 N rate divided by added N.
Treatment Cumulative Emission Emission Factor
-1 % kg N ha
Check 0.8 -
Split Urea 1.1 0.15
Single Urea 3.0 1.24
Single ESN 1.6 0.44
Fertigation 1 1.7 0.51
Fertigation 2 1.1 0.16
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Appendix – Results 2011
140
120 Check
)
-1 Split Urea
d 100 Single Urea -1 Fertigation 1 80 Fertigation 2
60
40
O Flux (g N ha (g Flux O
2
N 20
0
120
)
-1 Check
d 100 Single Urea -1 Single ESN 80
60
40
O Flux (g N ha (g Flux O
2
N 20
0 140 160 180 200 220
Day of the Year
Figure A1. Emission of nitrous oxide in 2011 from select treatments of the Nitrogen Management in Irrigated Potato Systems study with Russet Burbank under irrigation. Note the Single Urea treatment is shown again at bottom for purpose of comparison to the Single ESN treatment. Means are for 16 chamber locations for each treatment ± 1 standard error of the mean.
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Table A1. Cumulative nitrous oxide emissions in 2011 from select treatments of the Nitrogen Management in Irrigated Potato Systems study with Russet Burbank under irrigation. The cumulative emissions and the estimated emission factor are shown. Emission factors for each rate of N addition were calculated as emissions above the 0 N rate divided by added N.
Treatment Cumulative Emission Emission Factor
-1 % kg N ha
Check 0.34 -
Split Urea 0.56 0.13
Single Urea 1.47 0.63
Single ESN 1.46 0.62
Fertigation 1 1.02 0.38
Fertigation 2 0.88 0.30
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Effect of nitrogen fertilizer source and placement on potato yield and quality
Principal Investigators: Alison Nelson, CMCDC - Carberry
Co-Investigators: Dale Tomasiewicz, CSIDC - Outlook, SK Mario Tenuta, University of Manitoba - Winnipeg Sally Parsonage, University of Manitoba - Winnipeg
Support: CMCDC
Progress: Two year project completed
Objective: To determine the effects and interactions of N fertilizer rate, placement (in-hill banded vs. broadcast/incorporated), and source (urea vs. ESN) on potato yield and quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil residual N levels. This will contribute to refinement of BMP's for N management in irrigated potato.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Fertilizer placement influences the efficiency of uptake of fertilizer nutrients. A randomized complete block field study was carried out at CMCDC-Carberry in 2011 and 2012 to determine the effects and interactions of N fertilizer rate, placement and source, plus a no-N check on potato yield and quality, greenhouse gas emissions and soil residual N (Table 1). Petiole nitrate levels were higher with higher N fertilizer rates (P<0.01) (Figure 1). At the 200 kg N ha-1 fertilizer rate ESN had higher petiole nitrate levels than Urea. Potato yields, quality and residual soil nitrate levels varied significantly by year, so these measures were analyzed separately by year. Compared to 2011, in 2012 we observed lower potato yields, more occurrence of hollow heart, and higher levels of fall soil residual N. Fertilizer rate impacted all these measures but marketable yield in 2011 (Table 2). Marketable yield in 2012 was slightly lower for the 200 kg ha-1 rate (314 cwt ac-1) than for the 100 kg ha-1 rate (339 cwt ac-1). Hollow heart was more frequent, and specific gravity values were higher at the low (100 kg ha-1) N rate in both years. Higher soil residual N levels were found in the 200 kg ha-1 rate in both years at both the 0-30cm and 30-60cm depths. See Table 3 for Lsmeans for yield, quality and soil residual N for both study years. This study was conducted on a relatively fertile soil; results show an impact of fertilizer rate on petiole nitrate levels, tuber quality and soil residual N, but no consistent impact of fertilizer rate, placement or source was observed on tuber yield. Greenhouse gas emissions were measured from all treatments in 2012 and are reported on starting on p.27.
24 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 1. Treatment list for N Source/Placement Study. Rate Treatment Fertilizer Placement (kg N ha-1) 1 Urea Broadcast/Incorporated 100 2 Urea Broadcast/Incorporated 200 3 Urea Banded in-hill 100 4 Urea Banded in-hill 200 5 ESN Broadcast/Incorporated 100 6 ESN Broadcast/Incorporated 200 7 ESN Banded in-hill 100 8 ESN Banded in-hill 200 9 No N Fertilizer
18000
16000
14000
12000 Check 10000 Urea Broadcast 8000 Urea Banded
6000 ESN Broadcast Petiole Petiole Nitrate(ppm) 4000 ESN Banded
2000
0 0 100 200 N Fertilizer Rate (kg ha-1)
Figure 1. Petiole nitrate concentrations taken in late July from NSource/Placement study combined over the two study years, 2011 and 2012.
25 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 2. Results of analysis of variance for main factors (Fertilizer, Rate and Placement), and all interactions for tuber yield and quality, and fall soil residual N. Marketable Specific Hollow Heart Soil Residual Soil Residual Source of Yield Gravity Occurrence N 0-30cm N 30-60cm Variation 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 Rate (R) - *** ** ** *** *** *** *** ** *** Fertilizer (F) ** - - *** - - - - ** - Placement (Pl) * - * - - - - ** - - F × R ------** - F × Pl ------* - - - R × Pl *** ------F × R × Pl ------* = significant at P<0.10 level ** = significant at P<0.05 level *** = significant at P<0.01 level
Table 3. Lsmeans for tuber yield, quality and fall residual N levels in 2011 and 2012. Marketable Hollow Heart Soil Residual Soil Residual Yields Specific Gravity Occurrence N 0-30cm N 30-60cm (cwt ac-1) (%) (kg ha-1) (kg ha-1) Rate Fert. Place. 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 100 ESN Band 354 317 1.089 1.079 10 37 12 18 3 8 100 ESN BC 361 344 1.089 1.081 16 36 12 18 2 9 100 Urea Band 384 346 1.088 1.083 7 28 14 22 4 8 100 Urea BC 392 350 1.090 1.082 8 38 11 17 3 5 200 ESN Band 382 315 1.086 1.075 2 13 19 54 3 12 200 ESN BC 346 311 1.088 1.077 2 12 23 25 3 13 200 Urea Band 391 303 1.081 1.081 1 13 31 48 9 17 200 Urea BC 351 326 1.087 1.081 1 15 20 39 6 12
26 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Nitrous oxide emissions as affected by N placement and source in irrigated potato
Principal Investigator: Mario Tenuta, University of Manitoba - Winnipeg
Co-Investigators: Dale Tomasiewicz, CSIDC - Outlook Alison Nelson, CMCDC - Carberry Sally Parsonage, University of Manitoba - Winnipeg Brad Sparling, University of Manitoba - Winnipeg
Support: Government of Canada-CMCDC for gas analysis Canadian Fertilizer Institute for soil and plant analyses Government of Canada-MRAC for soil and plant analyses Natural Sciences and Engineering Council postgraduate scholarship to Sally Parsonage.
Progress: Year 2 of an anticipated two year study completed.
Contact information: [email protected]
Summary
This project increases the understanding of nitrous oxide emissions from irrigated land and evaluates BMPs of fertilizer application method, source and fertilizer technology to develop and transfer knowledge to Canadian farmers to help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This report provides results of the second year of a irrigate potato study at CMCDC-Carberry. The project advances meeting the AAFC interests in evaluating fertilizer source (urea, ESN), placement (broadcast incorporation vs. banding) and rate of N addition to reduce nitrous oxide emissions. In addition, the project provides missing information on the emission of nitrous oxide under standard irrigation production practice in Canada. Our previous study with CMCDC-Carberry found the emission factor for fertilizer N to be constant with N application rate to irrigated potato (Gao et al. 2013). The results of the current project from 2011 showed banding to decrease emission rates though ESN did not clearly reduce rates. Emissions in 2011 were concentrated to soon after planting when soil moisture was sufficient for nitrous oxide emissions. In 2012, moisture was also sufficient for nitrous oxide emissions several weeks after planting. This resulted in a short period of emission after planting in which banding seems to have had lower emissions than broadcast application. However, later rains elevated soil moisture resulted in a second emissions event from banded and broadcast applications. There was no consistent difference between ESN and urea fertilizer N sources. The contrasting years for moisture show banding has benefit to reduce emissions when early season moisture is high but no benefit when moisture is higher later in the season. Thus, an interaction of timing of high soil moisture with placement and N source determines nitrous oxide emissions. Interestingly, emissions were related with large rainfall events and not irrigation additions.
Objective
This study examines how N fertilizer placement and source affect nitrous oxide emissions in irrigated potato. We are utilizing the ‘Nitrogen Fertilizer Placement and Source in Irrigated Potato’ study lead by Dr. Dale Tomasiewicz of AAFC to layer nitrous oxide measurements. This is the second of two years of the study.
27 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Methods
Measurement of nitrous oxide emissions were undertaken in 2012 on the CMCDC-Carberry N Placement Study site at CMCDC-Carberry. Details of the study site, design, treatment and management have been provided by Tomasiewicz in the 2011 CMCDC annual project report. The soil at the study site is mapped to the Wellwood series. Emissions were monitored from plots planted to the cultivar, Russet Burbank and having the following treatments; 0 kg N ha-1 (Check), 100 and 200 kg N ha-1 ESN fertilizer broadcast incorporated (Broad) as a split application or banded (Band) at planting, 100 and 200 kg N ha-1 urea fertilizer broadcast incorporated as a split application or banded at planting. The urea 100 kg N ha-1 treatments had not been monitored in 2011 but were in 2012. Four static vented chambers were placed in each plot with two on the hill and two in the furrow. There were four replicate plots per addition rate treatment. Emissions were estimated by examining the rate of increase in nitrous oxide concentrations in the chamber headspace at four times over a 60 minute period. Measurements were taken over the period from planting to post harvest. Nitrous oxide concentrations were determined to by gas chromatograph and fluxes estimated using linear or non-linear methods as recommended by the HMR program in the Statistical package R. Chamber emissions were scaled to a hectare basis assuming 60% and 40% of plot area being hill and furrow, respectively.
Results and Discussion
Nitrous oxide emissions from the Check treatment (Figure 1) were relatively low compared to N treatments. Two very small emission events occurred around DOY 150 and 200. The first event coincided with a rainfall of 50mm and the second a period of 15 with more than 120mm of rain (Figure 2).
Emissions with the N treatments also showed two periods of activity but with fluxes much higher than for the Check. Emissions for Urea 100 Band and Broad were similar (Figure 3). A noticeable lack of emissions after DOY 210 is interesting because irrigation scheduling occurred over this period though emissions were not induced. The post planting event was higher for Urea 200 Broad than 200 Band (Figure 3). This was consistent with the results of 2011 that post planting emissions were greater for Broad than Band (Figure A1). During the second event, emissions were higher on four days with Urea 200 Band than Broad. Again this is consistent with the results of 2011 that Band resulted in later emissions than Broad.
28 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
1400
1200 Check
1000
-1
d
-1 800
O-N ha O-N 600
2
g N 400
200
0 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300
Day of year 2012 Figure 1. Emission of nitrous oxide in 2012 from the CMCDC-Carberry N Placement Study planted to Russet Burbank under irrigation and 0 kg N ha-1 of applied nitrogen. Means are for 16 chamber locations for the treatment ± 1 standard error of the mean.
80
60
40
total daily rain (mm) rain total daily 20
Mean daily air temperature (C) or (C) temperature air daily Mean
0
120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300
Day of year 2012 Figure 2. Mean daily air temperature and total daily rain at the CMCDC-Carberry site during the study period in 2012.
29 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
1400
1200 Urea 100 Band Urea 100 Broad 1000
-1
d
-1 800
O-N ha O-N 600
2
g N 400
200
0
Urea 200 Band 1200 Urea 200 Broad
1000
-1
d
-1 800
O-N ha O-N 600
2
g N 400
200
0 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320
Day of year 2012 Figure 3. Emission of nitrous oxide in 2012 from the CMCDC-Carberry N Placement Study planted to Russet Burbank under irrigation with Urea 100 and 200 kg N ha-1 Broad and Band treated. Means are for 16 chamber locations for the treatment ± 1 standard error of the mean.
Two emission episodes were also observed with the ESN treatments (Figure 4). During the first event emissions from ESN 100 Band were higher on four days than ESN 100 Broad. This is in contrast to 2011 in which very high emissions occurred for ESN 100 Broad compared to Band, though after those two days emissions from Band were higher than from Broad. (Figure A2). Similarly, during the second event, emissions from ESN 100 Band were higher than from Broad on three days. Again, emissions were absent during irrigation scheduling. For ESN 200, emissions were consistently higher for Broad than Band during the first emission event and for most of the second emission event. ESN Broad 200 was also higher post planting in 2011 (Figure A2). However, emissions with ESN Broad 200 were consistently lower than ESN Band later in the year, though emissions for both treatments were much smaller than the second event in 2012.
30 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
1400
1200 ESN 100 Band ESN 100 Broad 1000
-1
d
-1 800
O-N ha O-N 600
2
g N 400
200
0
1200 ESN 200 Band ESN 200 Broad
1000
-1
d
-1 800
O-N ha O-N 600
2
g N 400
200
0 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320
Day of year 2012 Figure 4. Emission of nitrous oxide in 2012 from the CMCDC-Carberry N Placement Study planted to Russet Burbank under irrigation with ESN 100 and 200 kg N ha-1 Broad and Band treated. Means are for 16 chamber locations for the treatment ± 1 standard error of the mean.
Cumulative emissions and emission factors do not indicate a clear pattern or difference between source and placement (Table 1). Emissions were higher with 200 than 100 kg N ha-1 additions. In contrast, emissions were lower with Band than Broad, and ESN than Urea treatments in 2011 (Table A1). The likely reason for the difference between years was the second emission event in 2012 driven by soil moisture. Emission factors were generally lower for 200 kg N ha-1 than 100 kg N ha-1 (Table 1). However, ESN 200 Broad had a higher emission factor than ESN 100 Broad. A large emission for ESN 200 on DOY 200 was responsible for the high cumulative emission and emission factor. We will scrutinize the raw data to see if an outlier in nitrous oxide concentration occurred in one of the chambers for that that day.
A hypothesis is proposed that banding and ESN prevent early season N release and thus nitrous oxide emissions. However, when moisture is higher later in the season, N is released from bands and ESN
31 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
resulting in emissions. Thus, an interaction of timing of high soil moisture with placement and N source determines nitrous oxide emissions.
Table 1. Cumulative nitrous oxide emissions and emission factors in 2012 from plots of the CMCDC-Carberry N Placement and Source Study planted to Russet Burbank under irrigation. Emission factors for each rate of N addition were calculated as emissions above the 0 N rate divided by added N. Treatment Rate Placement Cumulative Emission Emission Factor
-1 -1 % kg N ha kg N ha
Check 0 0.81 -
ESN 100 Broadcast 2.32 1.47
ESN 200 Broadcast 7.89 3.51
Urea 100 Broadcast 3.11 2.26
Urea 200 Broadcast 4.33 1.74
ESN 100 Band 3.95 3.1
ESN 200 Band 3.60 1.37
Urea 100 Band 3.38 2.53
Urea 200 Band 4.47 1.81
The two emission events in 2012 were driven by rain as mentioned above. This resulted in an increase in soil volumetric moisture (Figure 5). The first event coincided with a rise in volumetric moisture from below 10% to 20%. The second event involved in a more dramatic increase in moisture from 10% to 30%. An increase in volumetric moisture later in the year did not correspond with emission of nitrous oxide.
32 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
40
ESN 100 Band ESN 100 Broad
30
20
Volumetric Moisture (%) Volumetric Moisture 10
400
ESN 200 Band ESN 200 Broad
30
20
Volumetric Moisture (%) Volumetric Moisture 10
0 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320
Day of year 2012 Figure 5. Soil volumetric moisture content for ESN treatments typifying the moisture trends in 2012 from the CMCDC-Carberry N Placement Study planted to Russet Burbank under irrigation. Means are moisture at 16 chamber locations for a treatment ± 1 standard error of the mean.
Ammonium and nitrate concentrations in soil were determined on four occasions during the growing season (Figure 6 and 7). Ammonium concentrations dropped to near undetectable levels by DOY 180 for furrow and hill locations. This indicates that the second emission event could not have been nitrification driven but rather denitrification related in the presence of nitrate. Our student will relate the concentrations of ammonium and nitrate to emissions from hill and furrow positions for her thesis.
33 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
100
+ Check Furrow NH4 + 80 Check Hill NH4 - Check Furrow NO3 - Check Hill NO3 60
dry soil
-1
40
mg N kg
20
0
+ + U 100 BC Furrow NH4 ESN 100 BC Furrow NH4 U 100 BC Hill NH + ESN 100 BC Hill NH + 80 4 4 - - U 100 BC Furrow NO3 ESN 100 BC Furrow NO3 - - U 100 BC Hill NO3 ESN 100 BC Hill NO3
60
dry soil
-1
40
mg N kg
20
0
+ + U 100 Band Furrow NH4 ESN 100 Band Furrow NH4 + + U 100 Band Hill NH4 ESN 100 Band Hill NH4 80 - - U 100 Band Furrow NO3 ESN 100 Band Furrow NO3 - - U 100 Band Hill NO3 ESN 100 Band Hill NO3
60
dry soil
-1
40
mg N kg
20
0 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 Day of year 2012 Day of year 2012 Figure 6. Soil ammonium and nitrate concentrations for the 100 kg N ha-1 treatments for the CMCDC-Carberry N Placement Study planted to Russet Burbank under irrigation in 2012. Means are for four replicate plots for a treatment ± 1 standard error of the mean.
34 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
100
+ + U 200 BC Furrow NH4 ESN 200 BC Furrow NH4 U 200 BC Hill NH + ESN 200 BC Hill NH + 80 4 4 - - U 200 BC Furrow NO3 ESN 200 BC Furrow NO3 - - U 200 BC Hill NO3 ESN 200 BC Hill NO3
60
dry soil dry
-1
40
mg N kg mg N
20
0
+ + U 200 Band Furrow NH4 ESN 200 Band Furrow NH4 U 200 Band Hill NH + ESN 200 Band Hill NH + 80 4 4 - - U 200 Band Furrow NO3 ESN 200 Band Furrow NO3 - - U 200 Band Hill NO3 ESN 200 Band Hill NO3
60
dry soil dry
-1
40
mg N kg mg N
20
0 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 Day of year 2012 Day of year 2012 Figure 7. Soil ammonium and nitrate concentrations for the 200 kg N ha-1 treatments for the CMCDC-Carberry N Placement Study planted to Russet Burbank under irrigation in 2012. Means are for four replicate plots for a treatment ± 1 standard error of the mean.
35 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Comparative assessment of late blight forecasting systems
Principal Investigators: Susan Ainsworth, MHPEC - Carberry
Support: MHPEC
Progress: 1 year
Objective: Assess the DACOM model of late blight disease forecasting for use in Manitoba potato systems.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
The currently adopted late blight forecasting method which provides disease severity values (DSV) throughout the growing season utilizes a modified Wisdom-Tomcast model. This model utilizes weather data which is collected from a large network of weather stations and determines disease severity values based on past weather conditions (relative humidity, & temperature). It also makes assumptions regarding crop growth stage based on an entered crop emergence date. This model is well suited to providing an indication of potential disease risk relative to weather conditions for large geographical areas.
Alternatively, the DACOM model can be used to forecast disease risk on a field level. Unlike other models, the DACOM software utilizes a weather forecast as well as past weather conditions and other factors which are manually keyed into the software to determine potential disease risk. It is much more labour intensive as it requires the user to input actual plant growth measurements, past spray applications, irrigation applications, and other observations (ex. if late blight is present in adjacent areas or regions). This however, has the potential to make this model more accurate as it can better predict and identify risk factors such as impending weather events, periods of vigorous canopy growth, fungicide wash-off etc. This model is not currently being utilized commercially in Manitoba. In the quest to continually seek improvements to current technologies, there was interest in assessing the DACOM model to obtain a better understanding of how the greater degree of involvedness may impact recommendations as compared to the current model. An enhanced understanding and familiarity could potentially lead to the adoption of some of the favorable components from DACOM being incorporated into the current model.
The comparative applications and observations were conducted on the disease nursery at CMCDC Carberry. Half of the plot was sprayed following the disease severity risks generated by the current provincial model which resulted in a 7 day protective fungicide schedule. The other half of the plot was managed in accordance with the DACOM model which will not only indicate when the field should be sprayed, but also recommend the type of product that should be considered (ex. contact vs. systemic). Plant growth measurements were taken twice weekly and entered into the DACOM software in addition to fungicide and irrigation application information as required. The following table shows the different spray schedule that was followed for the two systems:
36 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 1. Spray schedules based on current model recommendations and DACOM recommendations. Current Model Recommendations DACOM Recommendations
June 22 Dithane June 22 Curzate
June 28 Dithane July 13 Bravo
July 5 Dithane July 18 Curzate
July 12 Dithane & Reason August 3 Bravo
July 18 Dithane August 22 Bravo
July 26 Dithane & Reason
August 2 Dithane
August 8 Dithane
August 16 Dithane
August 22 Dithane
August 30 Dithane
September 6 Dithane
September 12 Dithane
Observations No late blight was detected on either side of the plot, therefore it is difficult to determine if one program was more effective than the other. This may have been the result of a less favorable environment for disease development due to less vigorous plant growth and a variable plant stand because of location. The soil in the disease nursery which has been in continuous potato cropping for a number of years has begun to exhibit negative structural characteristics as a result of diminishing organic matter. This leads to increased problems with poor water infiltration, surface crusting etc. which had an impact on crop growth in 2012. Greater amounts of early blight were observed in the Dacom side which was likely a result of fewer fungicide applications.
37 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Optimizing N for table potato production
Principal Investigators: Curtis Cavers, CMCDC – Portage Tracy Shinners-Carnelley, Peak of the Market - Winnipeg
Co-Investigators: Alison Nelson, CMCDC - Carberry
Support: Peak of the Market CMCDC
Progress: Year 2
Objective: Evaluate yield and quality of table potatoes (Norland and Sangre) under various N fertilizer rates.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
This trial investigates the effect of nitrogen rate on table potato (Sangre and Norland) yield and quality. Treatments include a no N check, and fertilizer N rates of 30, 60, 90 and 120 lb N per acre (in a blend of 75% ESN and 25% urea) in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Tubers were planted in 36” rows, and 9” tuber spacing within rows. All other factors were held constant among plots (see table 1 for soil test nutrient levels in 2011 and 2012; and table 2 for a summary of field operations). Due to issues with germination in 2012, ten adjacent plants in each plot were selected from each plot to hand harvest for yield determination and quality grading. As hand harvesting can cause an over- estimation of yield, the weight of the ten plant harvest is reported without transformations. Absolute yield values from this trial should not be the basis for production/recommendation decisions, but trends in yield and quality can still be examined. Yields did not significantly vary with N rates for either cultivar (table 4).
Tuber size distribution did vary with N fertilizer rates. The higher N rates resulted in fewer tubers in the <1.5” and 1.5”-2.25” size categories for the Norland cultivar (p>0.04, p>0.02, respectively). The 60 lb/ac N rate resulted in a higher proportion of Norland tubers 3.5”-4.5”. There was a trend (p>0.08) towards a lower proportion of tubers in the #1 size class (2.25”-3.5” diameter) at the 120 lb N/ac rate for Sangre.
Skinning, growth cracks, hollow heart and scab were not found on tubers in 2012. Of the defects found in tubers in 2012 (knobs/misshapen, russetting, rhizoctonia and other defects such as rot, hollow heart or growth cracks), only knobs and russetting varied with N rate. Norlands had fewer knobby and misshapen tubers in the 30, 90 and 120 lb/ac N fertilizer rates (p>0.06). There was a trend to less russetting of Norland tubers at the highest N rate (p>0.08).
Key differences among the 2011 and 2012 trials: Change in soil test N from 30 lb/ac to 60 lb/ac Weather conditions – less moisture (no irrigation in 2012) and more heat Emergence problems in 2012 Fall soil tests taken in centre of each plot after harvest (Oct. 2012)
38 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Possible findings: 2011 optimum soil + fert N rates (lb/ac): 150 (Norland); 90 (Sangre) for both total yield and #1 tubers (1 ½ ”-3 ½ ”) yield. 2012 – optimum soil +fert N rates (lb/ac) slightly lower due to less moisture, checking for residual fall N, etc. (i.e. 120-150 for Norland; 60-90 for Sangre) Benefits to irrigating a typically dryland potato variety in hot, dry conditions Visual vegetative differences, mid-season petiole N and soil N measurements show trends with increasing N rate but do not necessarily translate into yield or quality benefits. Increasing N may reduce skin russetting (economic benefit?) but also increases residual soil N and the risk of leaching on susceptible soils.
Table 1. Soil test nutrient levels at Winkler, MB in 2011 and 2012.
Organic K P matter (0-15 cm) NO3-N (0-15cm) SO4-S (0-15cm) -1 Ppm -1 lb ac ppm lb ac % 2011 27 30 (to 45cm) 20 243 (to 45cm) 2.3 2012 63 38 (to 60cm) 28 345 (to 60cm) 3
Table 2. Summary of field operations in 2011 and 2012, Winkler, MB. Nutrients applied
P2O5 K2O Planting Herbicide Hilling Harvest Insecticide Fungicide lb ac-1 lb ac-1 Date Date Date Date # appl. # appl. 2011
Prism/Sencor : Jun-17 2,4-D: Norland Jul-5&19 Sep-9 (Sangre) 72 200 May-26 (Jul-14&27) May-26 (Oct-13) 3 13 2012 Norland Prism/Sencor May-15 Sep-18 (Sangre) 70 200 May-15 : Jun-19 Jun-13 (Oct-2) 3 9
39 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 3. Summary of growing season conditions in 2011 and 2012, Winkler, MB. April 1 – Aug 31 2011 2012 Precipitation (mm) 278 (+ 45 irrig’n) = 322 253 GDD 1550 1700 CHU 2480 2650 # Days Tmax>25oC: April 0 1 May 0 4 June 8 18 July 24 28 August 24 23 September 9 10
Table 4. Means of tuber yields, size distribution and defects for Norland and Sangre potato cultivars grown at Winkler, MB in 2012. Means followed by a different letter are significantly different. Norland
Fertilizer added (lb/ac) 0 30 60 90 120 Total N (soil+fert, lb/ac) 60 90 120 150 180 (%) Tuber yield-10 plants (kg) 19.6 15.4 18.7 18.3 17.4 <1.5" 1.5 a 1.7 a 0.6 b 0.9 ab 0.5 b 1.5” - 2.25" 17.7 ab 21.1 a 13.1 b 14.0 b 13.9 b 2.25” - 3.5" 77.9 76.2 78.6 82.0 83.6 3.5” - 4.5” 2.6 b 0.8 b 7.2 a 3.1 ab 1.2 b Knobby/Misshapen 2.8 ab 0 b 4.2 a 0.6 b 0.6 b Russeting 42 a 30 ab 39 a 26 ab 15 b Rhizoctonia 8 8 8 14 2 Other Defects 0 0 0 0 0
Sangre Tuber yield-10 plants (kg) 16.1 17.0 16.9 16.9 14.3 <1.5" 1.0 0.9 0.5 1.0 1.4 1.5” - 2.25" 17.0 15.6 13.1 14.7 19.3 2.25” - 3.5" 81.4 a 76.7 ab 81.0 a 74.8 ab 73.3 b 3.5” - 4.5” 0.8 6.6 4.6 9.0 3.6 Knobby/Misshapen 8.7 5.4 9.5 10.3 5.6 Russeting 28.4 25.3 29.2 12.8 11.9 Rhizoctonia 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Other Defects 1.2 0.7 1.9 0.0 0.0
40 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Winkler drainage water management project
Principal Investigator: R. Sri Ranjan, University of Manitoba – Winnipeg Bruce Shewfelt, AAFC – Morden
Co-Investigators: Steve Sager, AAFC – Morden, MB Curtis Cavers, CMCDC – Portage, MB Brian Earl, AAFC – Winnipeg, MB Evan Derdall, AAFC – Saskatoon, SK Leila Hrapovic, AAFC – Kamloops, BC University of Manitoba Students
Support: 2012 Funding - AAFC – AESB Project PI10-037 2013 – 2014 Funding - ARDI – Water and Nutrient Movement Under Controlled Drainage (Potato Industry Group; CMCDC In-Kind; U of Manitoba Scholarships and In-Kind).
Progress: Ongoing
Objective: Understand the influence of controlled drainage and irrigation scheduling on shallow ground water use and resultant crop water use balance as well nutrient movement and use.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Objective
Crops in Manitoba can access water through capillary rise. Traditional evapotranspiration based irrigation scheduling models (e.g. Alberta Irrigation Management Model) do not take this water supply into account. Anecdotally, crops south of Winkler in deep fine sandy loam soils take less irrigation water then on well drained soils elsewhere in the Province.
Our objective is to determine potential to integrate irrigation and drainage design and management for optimal water and nutrient use. This could include control of drainage amount and timing and modified irrigation scheduling tools and techniques
41 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Methods CMCDC has 6 half acre tile drained plots (11 m spacing); each with individual outlet control (i.e. Agri- Drain) and with option for overhead irrigation (linear) and fertigation. Instrumentation includes water table level and quality, soil moisture and soil water quality, tile drainage flow and water quality, irrigation amount, and weather (e.g. rainfall, ETc).
Figure 1. Schematic of controlled drainage works.
Figure 1. Controlled drainage plots - Winkler
For 2013 and 2014 the plots will be split treatments involving Controlled Drainage (CD) and Irrigation (IR) or No Irrigation (NI). All plots in Russet Burbank Potatoes in 2013 and Corn in 2014. Treatments are as follows: CD/IR - 3 plots CD/NI - 3 plots All plots have CD after planting to 150 mm above tile obvert. All plots have same nutrient management schema. Nutrient and salt movement will be tracked during 2013 and 2014 trials.
42 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
The data sets arising from CMCDC will be used to calibrate mathematical soil physics models (e.g. DRAINMOD and HYDRUSTM), which will in turn be utilized to examine tile and irrigation performance under a variety of soils, crops and climate scenarios. This should lead to recommendations for drainage design and irrigation scheduling techniques.
2012 Observations
Corn was planted in 2012 on the plots and all were irrigated equally. There was no drainage water in 2012. Observation in 2012, are that shallow groundwater is meeting part of the crop water demand. HYDRUSTM model is currently being calibrated to the 2012 field data to allow quantification of the water balance.
Figure 3 shows the interdependency of soil moisture and shallow water tables in 2012. In spring, the water table started low due to hot and dry summer and fall, 2011. Soil moistures were near field capacity (e.g. 21% and 17% moisture) in early spring as indicated by the observed rise in water table with the limited spring rains (green line). However, once crop ET started exceeding moisture recharge (rain/ irrigation), and soil moisture began to drop below field capacity (red/orange lines), the water table also began to drop. Modelling using the Alberta Irrigation Management Model (dashed blue line) predicted a much more rapid loss of available soil moisture for the crop than actual soil moistures measured using Decagon soil moisture probes (red/orange lines). The falling water table is indicative of water being supplied upwards to the crop mitigating the crop draw on the root zone soil moisture. This results in a potential decrease in irrigation requirement.
Figure 3. 2012 Sample data from Winkler plots, soil moisture, groundwater table, precipitation and irrigation.
43 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Field-scale environmental efficiency of crop production systems in Southern Manitoba
Principal Investigator: Aaron Glenn, AAFC – Brandon Henry Wilson, AAFC - Brandon
Co-Investigators: Curtis Cavers, CMCDC-Carberry Alison Nelson, CMCDC - Carberry
Support: AAFC – AESB
Progress: Ongoing
Objectives: - Measure carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in the air, soil and water of field-scale levels of various cropping systems in the South- Western portion of Manitoba.
Contact information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Three catchments draining the north half of a field under pivot irrigation at CMCDC-Carberry have been instrumented for detailed measurement of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling within the air, soil, and water of the fields. Exchange of water and carbon with the atmosphere will be measured using micro-meteorological techniques to identify seasonal patterns of loss and gain. Movement of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus with surface runoff and percolation to groundwater will also be measured to quantify aqueous elemental transport and to improve understanding of the water balance at a field scale. These types of measurements are rarely made together at the same site or at the field scale and the information gained will provide important information about the weather and field management driven factors that control nutrient use efficiency of crop production in the region and the processes that drive inefficiencies in cycling (i.e. losses to the atmosphere, groundwater, or surface water). This knowledge will be important in adapting to changes in weather that may occur with climate change and in designing agricultural management practices that increase efficiency of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus recycling to build soil carbon, reduce nutrient losses to surface and groundwater, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The detailed understanding of the system that will be gained can be utilized to model the outcome of future climate and management scenarios for crop production and environmental benefit. Initially the entire field will be managed utilizing the same system and crop type, with rotation selection based on current market conditions (soybeans are planned for the coming year), but after a period of calibration, alternative management practices will be implemented within at least one of the catchments to evaluate the influence of these changes and to validate the outcomes predicted using modelling. These alternative management practices have not yet been defined and we plan to guide selection based on the knowledge of agro-ecosystem gained through an initial three years of monitoring and through producer consultation in order to identify practices of current interest and with the greatest potential to benefit multiple stakeholders.
44 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Starch variety evaluation for the Manitoba potato industry
Principal Investigators: Blair Geisel, Gaia Consulting Ltd. - Portage la Prairie Darin Gibson, Gaia Consulting Ltd. - Portage la Prairie Don Fehr, Gaia Consulting Ltd. - Portage la Prairie
Funding: Growing Forward
Progress: Year 1 of 3
Contact: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Potato production for starch extraction is a key segment of the potato market in Europe. There, production is regulated by a quota system and almost 2 million tons of potato starch can be produced each year from 250,000 hectares producing a harvest of around 10 million tons of starch potatoes. Europe is the world leader for potato starch, accounting for 80% of global production. The European potato starch industry consists of 14,000 farmers and 4000 employees in the starch industry. The key production regions are in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Poland and Sweden due to EU subsidies that support this industry. In North America, potato starch is mainly extracted from surplus potatoes or potato waste byproduct from French fry potato processing industry. Contracting potato production specifically for starch production hasn’t been economically feasible in North America as it is not possible to compete with the subsidized European starch production. Phasing out of EU subsidies could change the economics of growing potatoes for starch. If potatoes are to be contracted for starch production in Manitoba in the future, it will be necessary to identify suitable varieties.
Objectives:
1. To identify varieties that might be suitable for starch production in Manitoba 2. Evaluate varieties under Manitoba conditions for production of starch. 3. Establish a seed nursery to localize potato varieties for future trials.
Procedure: Plot size: 4 rows by 12 m (Assessments conducted on 2 centre rows) Trial design: RCB 4 replicates Plot location: Yield Trial: CMCDC Carberry Nursery: CMCDC Portage la Prairie Crop: Potatoes Row spacing: 1 metre Soil type: Wellwood, Clay Loam Planting date: May 10 Harvest date: Sept 20
The seed potato industry was consulted to obtain varieties suitable for starch production. Nine varieties were included in the replicated yield trial. Information about the spacing and nitrogen requirements for each variety was gathered from industry and from the literature. All of these varieties plus Horizon (available only as mini tubers in 2012) were included in a seed nursery to provide seed for 2013 (Table 1). The nursery provides the added benefit of localizing the seed, growing all varieties under uniform conditions.
45 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 1. Replicated trial variety list with seed spacing and N applications.
NO3-N (lbs/ac) Seed Spacing @ Plant @ Hilling Variety / Clone (in) (May 10) (June 18) 1 Alturas 12 80 25 2 Aquilon 15 80 25 3 Atlantic 10 80 60 4 Ivory Crisp 10 80 80 5 AR2012-13 F07071 (F96015 x Russette) 12 80 80 6 Lady Rosetta 12 80 80 7 Ranger Russet 12 80 80 8 Verdi 15 80 60 9 Alpine Russet 12 80 80
Table 2. Seed nursery variety list. Variety / Clone 1 Alturas 2 Aquilon 3 Atlantic 4 Ivory Crisp 5 AR2012-13 F07071 (F96015 x Russette) 6 Lady Rosetta 7 Ranger Russet 8 Verdi 9 Alpine Russet 10 Horizon
Results:
Senescence ratings were conducted on September 14th and 20th (Table 3). Aquilon and F07071 had senesced the most by that point. It should be noted that Alturas showed some yellowing throughout September, suggesting it may have run low on nitrogen.
46 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 3. Senescence ratings. % Senescence Treatment 14-Sep 20-Sep 1 Alturas 6.3 cd 27.5 b 2 Aquilon 23.8 ab 63.8 a 3 Atlantic 20.0 b 50.0 a 4 Ivory Crisp 10.0 c 31.3 b 5 F07071 28.8 a 55.0 a 6 Lady Rosetta 5.0 cd 20.0 b 7 Ranger Russet 3.5 d 22.5 b 8 Verdi 5.5 cd 26.3 b 9 Alpine Russet 7.5 cd 31.3 b LSD (P=.05) 5.5 14.9 CV 30.6 28.0 Treatment Prob(F) 0.0001 0.0001
Yield (Table 4) and dry matter production (Table 5) are tabulated below. Ranger Russet had the highest total yield, although not significantly different from Ivory Crisp, Atlantic, F07071, and Aquilon. There were 4 varieties that had average specific gravity in excess of 1.100 – Verdi, Ivory Crisp, Lady Rosetta and F07071. Dry matter per acre takes into account both the production of solids and total tuber yield. Preliminary results indicate that Ivory Crisp, Atlantic, F07071 and Ranger Russet have the best combination of yield and production of solids under the growing conditions of 2012. The 2012 season was somewhat atypical with long periods of heat. Additionally, seed was acquired from a number of different sources grown in widely varying environments. Because of this, additional information should be gathered on these varieties before assumptions are made about their performance under Manitoba conditions.
Tuber samples have been submitted for evaluation of the quantity and quality of starch.
Table 4. Tuber yield.
Yield (cwt) >10 oz Treatment (<2") (>2") Total (%) 1 Alturas 67.1 b 350.6 c 417.7 de 20.0 e 2 Aquilon 15.8 d 450.7 ab 466.5 abc 31.5 bcd 3 Atlantic 47.7 bc 438.5 ab 486.2 abc 21.5 de 4 Ivory Crisp 17.0 d 475.3 a 492.4 ab 27.1 cde 5 F07071 24.0 d 457.4 ab 481.4 abc 33.0 abc 6 Lady Rosetta 99.8 a 351.4 c 451.2 cd 8.8 f 7 Ranger Russet 56.3 bc 441.7 ab 498.0 a 39.0 ab 8 Verdi 69.6 b 312.3 c 381.9 e 17.2 ef 9 Alpine Russet 38.9 cd 416.0 b 454.9 bcd 42.2 a LSD (P=.05) 23.4 44.4 38.1 9.9 CV 33.1 7.4 5.7 25.5 Treatment Prob(F) 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001 0.0001
47 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 5. Dry matter production. Specific Dry Matter Treatment Gravity (lbs/ac) 1 Alturas 1.0898 d 9,527 f 2 Aquilon 1.0960 c 11,312 cd 3 Atlantic 1.0989 bc 12,158 abc 4 Ivory Crisp 1.1020 ab 12,663 a 5 F07071 1.1017 ab 12,349 ab 6 Lady Rosetta 1.1019 ab 11,599 bc 7 Ranger Russet 1.0961 c 12,127 abc 8 Verdi 1.1048 a 10,068 ef 9 Alpine Russet 1.0915 d 10,602 de LSD (P=.05) 0.0044 988 CV 0.27 5.95 Treatment Prob(F) 0.0001 0.0001
48 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Growth development modeling of Manitoba oilseed crops
Principal Investigators: National Sunflower Association of Canada Anastasia Kubinec, MAFRI - Holland
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry Scott Chalmers, WADO - Melita Paula Halabicki, PESAI - Arborg
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Year 1 of 1
Objective: To gain a better understanding of the impact of temperature and influence of Growing Degree Days (GDD) accumulation on growth development of key oilseed crops as they expand their geography.
Key Message: - GDD was observed to better to estimate growth stages than calendar days. - The sunflower model is very narrow in range for GDD. Additional trials would be good to help develop a slightly wider range of GDD for Manitoba. But with the present model, it could be used to calculate time from seeding to flower and maturity. - The soybean model was surprisingly accurate in 2012 up to R6-R7, but was not accurate afterwards. a. The model needs to be tested for the maturity grouping that we grow in Manitoba, as it is much earlier to what is grown in Ontario or the USA. b. 2012 was very sunny, more trials are needed during very cloudy summers to see how much the GDD changes, as soybean are very photoperiod sensitive. - Human monitoring may not always be completely accurate. With multiple projects occurring, constant monitoring to catch the correct stages or to need to calculate forward and back to determine the stage may not always be accurate. Looking into mechanical systems to record growth stage daily may be beneficial.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Introduction The Manitoba crop growing region is widely variable in regards to daily temperature and accumulation of heat. The impact is differing amounts of days that a crop takes to reach specific growth and development milestones at specific locations. With the expansion of new oilseed crops like soybeans and increased interest in other oilseed crops like sunflower, a better understanding of the impact of temperature and influence of Growing Degree Days (GDD) accumulation on growth development is needed. Calculated GDD with available web-based or home weather monitoring systems are available to farmers and could be used as another risk management tool to assess the viability of introducing other oilseed crops in rotations or success in planting in late seasons.
GDD growth and development models are publically available for the ‘traditional’ oilseed crops canola and flax (print format and on-line Growers Guides from Canola Council of Canada and Flax Council of Canada). For soybean models have been proposed and sunflower models have been developed. Both have been tested in the United States using varieties that Manitoba farmers may not have access to. The models should still be applicable to Manitoba conditions, but the testing and verification has not been published.
49 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Using accepted canola and flax GDD models, the intent of this project was to examine the applicability of the GDD models developed for soybean and sunflower under Manitoba conditions.
Methods
Locations: Locations proposed in the application were Arborg, Carberry, Carman, Melita and Roblin.
Roblin (Parkland Diversification Research Foundation) was not planted. Carman location was planted on May 11th, May 24 and June 12th. Site had excess green foxtail weed problems. Herbicide control measures to control the green foxtail had spray drift and crop damages occurred. Site was terminated in mid-July. Arborg location was planted on May 31, June 7 and June 14. Data for days to reached growth and development milestones was only taken on the first replicate and not all milestones achievement dates recorded. Data has been excluded from the report due to concerns with reliability of the data as records are incomplete. Carberry location was planted May 12, May 22 and May 31. Stage development observations have been included in this report. No yield data has been received. Melita location was planted on May 15, May 24, and June 4. Stage development observations have been included in this report. Yield data was received for canola, flax and soybean. Bird predation in the sunflower plots made data unusable.
Trial Methodology Five locations were selected that had notably different accumulations for GDD throughout the season (Table 1). These areas also represented • locations where all four oilseed crops have typically been grown (Carman, Melita), • areas where soybean and sunflower are expanding into ( Arborg and Carberry), or • where soybean and sunflower are not typically grown.
Table 1. Growing degree days (GDD) accumulation at 5 locations in Manitoba from short-term weather data and 30 year averages. Carman Melita Arborg Carberry Roblin GDD base 0*C (May 1-Oct 1) 2381 2332 2303 2269 2133 GDD base 5*C (May 1-Oct 1) 1674 1633 1618 1577 1443 GDD base 6.7*C (May 1-Oct 1) 1445 1407 1396 1357 1224 Source: Manitoba Ag-Weather Program (2006-2011)
Crop varieties and seeding rates were established by the Principal Investigator and pre-packaged based on pre-determined plot size at each location. The crop variety and seeding rate were as follows:
Canola (variety = 5440) (seeding rate 5.5 lbs/ac) Flax (variety = AC Lightning) (seeding rate 45 kg/ac) Soybean (variety = NSC Anola) (seeding rate 210,000 seeds/ac) Sunflower (variety = 6946) (seeding rate 20,000 seeds/ac)
The trials were established in Carman, Carberry, Melita and Arborg and consisted of three planting dates for the four crop types and three replicates (12 plots/replicate, 36 plots total), with the targeted planting timelines were May 1-14, May 15-31 and June 1-10.
Data to be recorded was days from seeding to growth stage milestones, and harvest yields. Pre- determined growth and development milestones (Table 2) were to be recorded on all plots as they were achieved from the time of seeding to plot harvest or November 1st, whichever was earlier.
50 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
All information was submitted to the MAFRI Oilseed Crop Specialist to determine the GDD accumulation from time of seeding to growth and development milestone stage and examine the observations from 2012 and compare to the models.
Canola Flax Sunflower Soybean Stage Description Stage Description Stage Description Stage Description
1 Emergence 1 Emergence VE Emergence VE Emergence
2 leaves 2 leaves 6 leaves 1.2 unfolded 1.2 unfolded V6 unfolded V1 Unifoliate
6 leaves 6 leaves 12 leaves Flower 1.6 unfolded 1.6 unfolded V12 unfolded R1 induction Immature bud elongates above the nearest leaf attached to First Flower 3 Bolting begins ------R2 stem R2 developed Inflorescence begins to Flowering Flowering open. When begins, at least begins, at viewed from 1 flower open least 1 flower above on 50% of open on 50% immature ray First Pod 6 plants 6 of plants R4 flowers visible. R3 developed Beginning of flowering with 10% disk Flowering at Flowering at flowers First Seed 6.5 50% complete 6.5 50% complete R5.1 opened R5 developed Flowering complete and Flowering Flowering the ray flowers End leaf 6.9 complete 6.9 complete R6 are wilting R6 formation Back of the head has End pod 10% seeds 10% seeds started to turn formation, have changed have changed a pale yellow pods turning 8.1 color 8.1 color R7 color. R7 brown
50% seeds Bracts become have changed yellow and color (indicates 90% seeds brown. time of have changed Physiological Physiological 8.5 swathing) 8.9 color R9 maturity. R8 maturity
51 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Results and Discussion
The summer of 2012 for Manitoba, was very warm (Table 3), as well as dry into late August and September (Table 4). As a result, the calendar days between seeding and maturity were much shorter than what is considered normal. For example, farmers in Manitoba expect to be swathing canola 95- 102 days after planting, flax 85-100 after planting, combining sunflowers and soybean 115-130 days after planting (Agricultural Climate of Manitoba, Crops Knowledge Centre).
Once calculated, the actual calendar days (Tables 5, 7, 9 and 11) required to reach the development stage for swathing or combining, all four oilseed crops were at the minimum days we think as normal, or earlier.
Table 3. 2012 trial location growing degree days (GDD) accumulation (May to October) and 30 year averages.
Melita 30yr Average Carberry 30yr Average (Pierson Station) (2012 GDD) (Brandon Station) (2012 GDD) GDD base 0*C (May 1-Oct 1) 2554 2444 2471 2364 GDD base 5*C (May 1-Oct 1) 1743 1686 1670 1610 GDD base 6.7*C (May 1-Oct 1) 1445 - 1363 - GDD base 10*C (May 1-Oct 1) 986 973 923 907 Source: Manitoba Ag-Weather Program (2012) and Environment Canada 30year Normal (1971-2000)
Table 4. 2012 trial location precipitation (mm) accumulation (May to October) and 30 year averages. 30yr Average 30yr Average Melita (2012) Carberry (2012) (Pierson Station) (Brandon Station)
May 28.9 54.7 149.2 52.7 June 66.2 76.8 80.3 74.4 July 75.8 67.6 45.8 75.8 August 26.2 51.8 66.6 69.2 September 5.4 46.8 2.8 50.1 TOTAL 202.5 297.7 344.7 322.2
Source: Manitoba Ag-Weather Program (2012) and Environment Canada 30year Normal (1971-2000) CANOLA Looking at the 2012 canola development stages and according GDD range (Table 5 and Figure 1) from published sources, the 2012 data supports the GDD model at base temperature 0C found in the Canola Council of Canada Canola Growers Manual. GDD accumulation to days to flowering is slightly higher that documented, but taking into consideration the standard deviation, the GDD accumulation would be within the range.
It is also interesting to note, the actual days to achieve stage 8.5 is 10 to 15 days earlier than what is typical. Under very warm temperatures, flowering timing in canola can be shortened to 15 days as compared to the ‘typical’ 21-28 days (Canola Growers Manual), heat and specifically the maximum temperatures will drive the time that flowering begins and finishes.
52 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 5. Canola, base temperature 0°C (based on data from Carberry and Melita, 2012 trials). 2012 GDD from Standard Calendar Standard Stage Average literature Deviation Days Deviation GDD
1 Emergence 152-186 163 71 12 8
1.2 2 leaves unfolded 282-324 279 85 20 7
1.6 6 leaves unfolded 411-463 452 97 31 8 Flowering begins, at least 1 6 582-666 709 75 44 3 flower open on 50% of plants 6.5 Flowering at 50% complete 759-852 835 101 50 5
6.9 Flowering complete 972-1074 1054 136 60 6 10% seeds have changed 8.1 1326-1445 1335 124 74 9 color 50% seeds have changed 8.5 1432-1557 1496 80 83 7 color (time of swathing)
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000 Series1 800 2012 Canola GDD Series2Model – lower range Degree Days (base 0C) (base Days Degree 600 2012 Canola GDD Series3Model – upper range 400
Growing 200
0 0 1.0 1.22 1.4 6.04 6.5 7.16 8.1 8.48 10 Canola Growth Stage
FigureFigure 1:1. 2012 2012 Canola canola GDD GDD Accumulation accumulatio Comparedn compared to GDD to model,GDD model, base temperature base temperature 0C 0°C.
The observations, separated by the seeding date still fall very close to the model predictions for stage achievement by GDD (Table 6). The later the seeding date, the more GDD required (as days are getting warmer and accumulating higher GDD for each day) for emergence to 50% flowering. Past 50% flowering stage, the latest seeding date begins to need less GDD than the other two seeding dates to get to maturity, which may be due to the lack of moisture in August and September. The reduction of 363 kg/ha in yield also indicates that suitable growing conditions had declined between the last two seeding date periods.
53 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 6. Canola development, base temperature 0°C by seeding date range. Seeding Date 2012 GDD from May 16- May 31- Stage Average May 1-16 literature 30 June10 GDD
1 Emergence 152-186 163 131 135 145
1.2 2 leaves unfolded 282-324 279 257 220 249
1.6 6 leaves unfolded 411-463 452 488 387 373 Flowering begins, at least 1 6 582-666 709 676 741 762 flower open on 50% of plants 6.5 Flowering at 50% complete 759-852 835 768 876 894
6.9 Flowering complete 972-1074 1054 1059 1012 996 10% seeds have changed 8.1 1326-1445 1335 1253 1399 1349 color 50% seeds have changed 8.5 1432-1557 1496 1472 1522 1466 color (time of swathing) Yield (kg/ha) *Melita only 1557 1678 1683 1310
FLAX Flax has been documented to complete the vegetative stage in 45 – 60 days, flowering stage in 15 – 25 days and maturation period of 30 – 40 days (Flax Council of Canada). Like canola, high temperatures can reduce the amount of days it takes to reach the development milestones. In Table 7, the vegetative stage is completed in 46 days, flowering complete in 15 days and swathing could have occurred at in 95 days. These follow the lower end of documented ‘calendar’ date information. The GDD documented in 2012, follows the model (base 0C) trend as documented in the Flax Council of Canada Growing Flax booklet, but with slightly higher GDD than estimates until stage 7.1 (seed filling stage), after this point the 2012 observations fall between the higher and lower end of the accumulated GDD in the model (Figure 2).
54 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 7. Flax, base temperature 0°C. 2012 GDD from Standard Calendar Standard Stage Average literature Deviation Days Deviation GDD 1 Emergence 104-154 174 85 13 7 1.2 2 leaves unfolded 150-208 246 103 17 8 1.6 6 leaves unfolded 243-315 317 92 22 8 Flowering begins, at least 1 6 flower open on 50% of 582-706 759 79 46 7 plants 6.5 Flowering at 50% complete 758-895 935 147 54 10 Seed Fill: 10% seed 7.1 969-1121 1068 143 61 10 reached final size 10% seeds have changed 8.1 1321-1499 1395 69 77 6 color 50% seeds have changed 8.5 1603-1801 1723 238 95 14 color (time of swathing)
2000 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 Series12012 Flax GDD
800 ModelSeries2 – upper range Degree Days (base 0C) (base Days Degree 600 ModelSeries3 – upper range
400 Growing 200 0 0 1.0 1.22 1.4 6.04 6.5 7.16 8.1 8.48 10 Flax Growth Stage
FigureFigure 22.: 2012 2012 Flax flax GDD GDD Accumulation accumulation Compared compared to GDD to GDDmodel, model, base temperature base temperature 0C 0°C.
Observations for flax development based on the three different seeding dates (Table 8) show GDD needed to achieve the different growth stages still follows the model, but as seeding date becomes later, the GDD needed for flowering and maturity becomes less. An explanation may be due to moisture stress, specifically lack of moisture. Flax has a very shallow root system (Johnson et al.) and with prolonged lack of rainfall, the ability of the plant to access moisture may become limited which could cause the plant to advance through the growth stages faster and have premature ripening. Another indicator that growing conditions had declined is the reduction if yield 281 kg/ha from the first seeding date to second seeding date period and a further 102 kg/ha from the second to the third seeding date range.
55 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 8. Flax development, base temperature 0°C by seeding date range. Seeding Date
2012 GDD from May 16- May 31- Stage Average May 1-16 literature 30 June10 GDD 1 Emergence 104-154 174 211 134 177 1.2 2 leaves unfolded 150-208 246 304 211 224 1.6 6 leaves unfolded 243-315 317 374 307 272 Flowering begins, at least 1 6 582-706 759 827 733 719 flower open on 50% of plants 6.5 Flowering at 50% complete 758-895 935 1027 917 861 Seed Fill: 10% seed reached 7.1 969-1121 1068 1162 1054 988 final size 10% seeds have changed 8.1 1321-1499 1395 1459 1342 1385 color 50% seeds have changed 8.5 1603-1801 1723 1809 1691 1669 color (time of swathing) Yield (kg/ha) *Melita only 775 997 716 614
Sunflower The sunflower model was developed in the northern US plains (North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota) and may have used varieties that were much later maturing that those we have access to in Manitoba. The 2012 GDD documented, supports the model (base temperature 6.7C) at the earlier stages and later stages, but is noticeably different during the flowering stages.
The 2012 data indicates that during the entire flowering period, the Manitoba sunflower crop needs less GDD than the developed model would predict (Table 9). This difference may be due to the difference in maturity of the variety we used compared to the variety the model was based on. In shorter season growing regions, sunflower varieties are selected that have a reduced flowering time but maintain yield potential. The difference may also be due to the increased daylight hours in July and August in Manitoba as compared to the northern US states, as sunflowers are somewhat sensitive to photoperiod. An interesting observation from the raw data, is that all sunflower plots, regardless of planting date, reached R9 on the same calendar date at individual testing location. This occurred after prolonged dry conditions, which may have advanced the crop faster, regardless of GDD accumulation.
56 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 9. Sunflower, base temperature 6.7°C. GDD 2012 Standard Calendar Standard Stage from Average Deviation Days Deviation literature GDD VE Emergence 97 93 35 14 5 V6 6 leaves unfolded 196-294 222 25 30 6 V12 12 leaves unfolded 314-392 364 59 42 6 R2 Immature bud elongates 647 585 132 57 13 R4 Inflorescence opening 805 664 100 63 13 Beginning of flowering R5.1 10% disk flowers 883 797 78 72 9 opened Flowering complete, ray R6 1040 922 47 83 8 flowers are wilting Back of head started to R7 1119 1139 37 102 7 turn a pale yellow Physiological maturity. R9 1276 1225 57 111 9 Bracts turning brown
1400
1200
1000
800 2012Series1 Sunflower GDD 600 ModelSeries2 – lower range
Degree Days (base 6.7C) (base Days Degree ModelSeries3 – upper range 400
200 Growing
0 0 VE 2 V1 R1 R24 R3 6R5 R6 R78 R8 10 Sunflower Growth Stage
Figure 3. 2012 sunflower GDD accumulation compared to GDD model, base temperature 6.7°C. Figure 3: 2012 Sunflower GDD Accumulation Compared to GDD model, base temperature 6.7C Looking closer at the sunflower data by seeding date, the GDD required to reach the growth stages follows the model, like the average with the flowering period needing less GDD. In the later seeding dates, less GDD are required to reach maturity, which could be again, due to dry conditions in August and September.
57 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 10. Sunflower development, base temperature 6.7°C by seeding date range. Seeding Date
2012 GDD from May 31- Stage Average May 1-16 May 16-30 literature June10 GDD VE Emergence 97 93 93 68 119 V6 6 leaves unfolded 196-294 222 235 201 230 V12 12 leaves unfolded 314-392 364 327 352 412 R2 Immature bud elongates 647 585 620 533 601 R4 Inflorescence opening 805 664 702 673 686 Beginning of flowering 10% R5.1 883 797 806 740 844 disk flowers opened Flowering complete, ray R6 1040 922 927 905 933 flowers are wilting Back of head started to turn a R7 1119 1139 1172 1115 1121 pale yellow Physiological maturity. Bracts R9 1276 1225 1275 1206 1193 turning brown
Soybean A ‘standard’ model to predict the growth and development for soybean has not really been accepted for the northern US plains or Canada. Soybean is very photoperiod sensitive and varieties are bred for the regional of adaptation to account for flowering and maturity dates. Using the model developed by Kunmar et al., the 2012 data looks similar until the end of pod formation and maturity, where the Manitoba sites observed the soybean maturing in much less GDD (Table 11). Looking closer at the development by GDD in the three different seeding dates period (Table 12), from flower induction to maturity, all three seeding date periods show the GDD to reach development spread is much closer than in other crop types, but still at the end of pod formation to maturity, the 2012 Manitoba data does not come close to the GDD the 10C model estimates.
58 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 11. Soybean, base temperature 10°C.
Stage GDD 2012 Standard Calendar Standard from Average Deviation Days Deviation literature GDD VE Emergence 64-78 37 27 13 27 V1 Unifoliate 83-151 70 30 19 26 R1 Flower induction 178-321 228 8 42 19 First Flower 326-382 359 92 55 19 R2 developed R3 First Pod developed 80-180 482-562 521 51 71 11 R5 First Seed developed 118-187 631-749 605 48 83 11 R6 End leaf formation 51-84 782-833 693 31 95 14 End pod formation, 123-202 912 -1035 780 41 103 13 R7 pods turning brown R8 Physiological maturity 306-788 1517-1832 788 21 110 6
2000
1800 Series1 1600 2012 Soybean GDD ModelSeries2 – lower range 1400 ModelSeries3 – upper range 1200
1000
800
Degree Days (base 10C) (base Days Degree 600
400
Growing 200
0 0 VE 2V1 R1 R24 R3 R56 R6 R78 R8 10 Soybean Growth Stage
Figure 4. 2012 soybean GDD accumulation compared to GDD model, base temperature 10°C. Figure 4: 2012 Soybean GDD Accumulation Compared to GDD model, base temperature 10C
59 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 12. Soybean development, base temperature 10°C by seeding date range. Seeding Date Stage GDD 2012 May 1- May 16- May 31- from Average 16 30 June10 literature GDD VE Emergence 64-78 37 9 41 62 V1 Unifoliate 83-151 70 38 73 98 R1 Flower induction 178-321 228 230 220 235 R2 First Flower developed 326-382 359 368 354 357 R3 First Pod developed 80-180 482-562 521 491 537 537 R5 First Seed developed 118-187 631-749 605 615 608 593 R6 End leaf formation 51-84 782-833 693 698 678 702 End pod formation, pods R7 123-202 912 -1035 780 783 758 798 turning brown R8 Physiological maturity 306-788 1517-1832 788 799 786 779 Yield (kg/ha) *Melita 1463 1540 1374 1475 only
Summary
The growth and development models established for canola, flax and sunflower were very similar to the observations at the Carberry and Melita in 2012. Soybeans however, followed the model closely until the R7 stage, with less GDD required to reach the R6, R7 stage and much less to reach the R8 stage. One factor that may have influence final GDD needed in all crop to reach maturity would be very dry conditions throughout August and September in both locations. Water is a limiting factor for crops and if it is not available, the GDD needed may not be necessary as crop dry up.
With only two locations being successful, this dataset is good for observation, but not great for definitively being able to make claims that these models are applicable under all years and conditions.
The main conclusions that were drawn from this experiment were: 1. GDD was observed to better to estimate growth stages than calendar days. 2. The sunflower model is very narrow in range for GDD. Additional trials would be good to help develop a slightly wider range of GDD for Manitoba. But with the present model, it could be used to calculate time from seeding to flower and maturity. 3. The soybean model was surprisingly accurate in 2012 up to R6-R7, but was not accurate afterwards. a. The model needs to be tested for the maturity grouping that we grow in Manitoba, as it is much earlier to what is grown in Ontario or the USA. b. 2012 was very sunny, more trials are needed during very cloudy summers to see how much the GDD changes, as soybean are very photoperiod sensitive. 4. Human monitoring may not always be completely accurate. With multiple projects occurring, constant monitoring to catch the correct stages or to need to calculate forward and back to determine the stage may not always be accurate. Looking into mechanical systems to record growth stage daily may be beneficial.
60 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Effect of row spacing and population density on soybean performance in Manitoba
Principal Investigators: Ramona Mohr, AAFC - Brandon Mark Sandercock, AAFC - Morden Manitoba Pulse Growers Association
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC – Carberry Scott Chalmers, WADO - Melita Keith Watson, PCDF - Roblin Paula Halabicki, PESAI - Arborg
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Year 2 of 3
Objective: To investigate the effect of row spacing and planting density on Soybean performance in Manitoba.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Soybeans are a relatively new crop to Manitoba. As new varieties with lower crop heat unit requirements allow acres to expand from the Red River Valley to areas historically dominated by small seeded crops, questions regarding planting have arose. Early growers of soybeans in the expanded areas have been solid seeding soybeans since row-planters are not common in these regions. One of the reasons producers have been drawn to this crop is its ability to better tolerate wet soil, conditions that have become common in Manitoba the last number of seasons. Planters can typically get onto land earlier than air-seeders when conditions are wet; therefore the investment becomes justified if it means having a crop to harvest verses missing seeding deadlines or having a poor crop due excess moisture stress. These benefits of course are only real so long as there is no yield penalty associated with planting at wider rows in an environment with fewer days to fill in the available space.
Maintaining similar seeding rates but moving to a row planter will significantly increase the number of plants within a row. Some studies have shown that increasing the planting density leads to the lowest pods on the plants developing higher off the ground, possibly improving yield by reducing the number of pods missed when harvesting and reducing the need to roll fields. Considering the high cost of seed it would be advantageous to identifying the optimal planting density for achieving the highest yield. Wider row spacing also promotes air flow between rows and therefore reduces the chances of disease infection.
The trials were conducted at CMCDC sites in Carberry and Portage la Prairie. These sites were 2 of four sites overall in 2011 and 8 in 2012, with other sites conducted in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Brandon (2012) & Morden (2011-12), Westman Agriculture Diversification Organization at Melita (2011-12), Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation in Roblin (2012) and Prairies East Sustainable Agriculture Initiative in Arborg (2012) & Beasejour (2012). Four seeding rates: 20, 30, 40 and 50 pure live seeds per m2 were compared for soybean performance at narrow and wide row spacing (12” and 24” at CMCDC locations) which varied slightly with site, depending on available equipment. Trials were sown using a midseason soybean variety. Each treatment combination (seeding rate - row spacing) was replicated three times in a randomized complete design.
61 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
The data on plant emergence were taken immediately after germination whereas the data on plant height, lodging and grain yield were recorded after physiological maturity. The information on different vegetative and reproductive stages of soybean was also generated as per Iowa State university growth and development guide. Seed samples were sent to Morden Research Centre for analysis of test weight, protein and oil content. Protein and Oil content were tested using NIR.
2011 was a relatively challenging growing season with delayed planting in Portage and Melta, and frost in Carberry. Full genetic potential of the crop at all locations was likely not achieved (see 2011 CMCDC annual report). In 2012 the growing season was generally good in comparison, however; late seeding in Carberry and frost in September again halted maturation pre-maturely at that location.
Plant stands resulting from a given seeding rate varied considerably among sites (figure 1). Narrow row spacing resulted in yields equal to or greater than wide row spacing (figure 2). Increasing seeding rate generally increased yield, but optimal seeding rates varied among site-years (figure 3).
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40 Morden Brandon 30 Portage Melita 20 Roblin
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Figure 1. Effect of seeding rate on plant stand, 2012.
62 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
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0 Morden Brandon Portage Melita Roblin Arborg Carberry
Figure 2. Effect of row spacing on plant stand, 2012.
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Figure 3. Effect of seeding rate (live seeds/m2) on grain yield of soybean, 2012.
63 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Western Canada soybean adaptation under irrigation trialing update
Principal Investigators: Manitoba Pulse Growers Association Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC – Carberry
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Ongoing
Objective: Evaluate soybean variety performance & adaptation to the Carberry and Portage la Prairie regions of the Central plains under irrigated and dry land cropping systems.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
The Western Canada Soybean evaluation trial is an on-going effort to examine the adaptability of new soybean varieties to the Prairie Provinces. In Manitoba irrigated and dry land trials are conducted at two CMCDC locations: Carberry and Portage la Prairie.
2012 was a challenging year for dry land soybeans, especially in Portage la Prairie due to the hot dry summer. A light frost in Carberry on Sept 14 halted further development; affecting mainly the varieties with the longest maturity requirement in the irrigated trial.
Overall, and as in other years irrigation delayed the onset of maturity at both locations. Due to the stressful conditions there were large difference between dry land and irrigated trials both sites. Grain yield (Figures 1 & 2) differences between dryland and irrigated trials were significant at both locations, with irrigated trials on average yielding 34% greater than dry land at Carberry and 82% greater yield at Portage.
As in previous years, varieties differed in the magnitude of their response to irrigation. Most varieties showed a significant yield response to irrigation; however, there were 5 varieties at Carberry and 5 varieties at Portage that did not have a significant increase in yield. Of these varieties only one was unresponsive at both locations, with some of the others having near opposite responses at each location. This demonstrates the importance of considering multiple years of data when estimating the probability of a varietal response to irrigation.
64 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Carberry Irrigated Carberry Dryland
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Figure 1. Soybean grain yield (kg/ha) in dryland and irrigated production systems at Carberry, Manitoba 2012 (LSD=601 kg/ha).
Portage Irrigated Portage Dryland
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Figure 2. Soybean grain yield (kg/ha) in dryland and irrigated production systems at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba 2012 (LSD=1063 kg/ha).
65 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
The stressful conditions were also expressed in protein and oil content at both locations with protein content decreasing and oil content increasing in the absence of irrigation (table 1), a typical stress response for soybean. Seed weight was not significantly affected at Portage but at Carberry lower seed weight was observed for the irrigated trial. A possible explanation may be the combination of the delay in maturity caused by irrigation, greater yield (sink requirement per plant), and frost that halted further seed fill on September 14th.
Table 1. Grand means of soybean seed analyses of seed weight (seeds/lb), protein content (%), and oil content (%) under irrigation and dry land systems at Portage and Carberry, 2012. Seeds/lbs Protein% Oil% Portage Irrigated 3514.8a 38.4a 21.3a Portage Dryland 3464.6a 35.4b 22.1b Carberry Irrigated 3276.8a 39.0a 21.4a Carberry Dryland 3398.7b 37.5b 22.5b Statistical comparisons made at the 0.05 level of significance within sites. Protein and Oil analyses conducted with NIR at 13.5% moisture.
66 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Effect of fungicide application timing on grain yield and quality of winter wheat varieties with different levels of resistance to fusarium head blight.
Principal Investigators: Ducks Unlimited Canada Bayer Crop Sciences
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry Scott Chalmers, WADO - Melita Keith Watson, PCDF - Roblin Paula Halabicki, PESAI - Arborg
Support: Growing Forward Ducks Unlimited Bayer Crop Sciences
Progress: Year 1 of 3
Objective: To gain understanding into the necessity of fungicides to control FHB when varieties with resistance genes to FHB are grown.
Contact Information: [email protected] [email protected]
2012 Project Report
A winter wheat variety (Emerson) with resistance to Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) was registered in Canada in 2012. Previously, winter wheat varieties were in general more susceptible to FHB as compared to spring wheat. This is the first FHB resistant winter wheat variety for the prairies. There are several fungicides on the market registered for use in winter wheat that protect against FHB and several other common leaf diseases. Since having resistance does not mean a variety is immune, it is not known how disease resistance compares to the use of fungicides for controlling FHB and whether the use of fungicides with such varieties is necessary or still advisable.
2011 was a difficult fall for winter wheat establishment in Carberry due to below average precipitation and soil moisture. Most seeds did not germinate until October and many did not germinate until the following spring. Cold temperatures in the spring were enough to meet vernalization requirements of the crop however; plant populations on average were low at just 67 plants/m2 (target 225-325 plants/m2). The 2012 season in Carberry was not conducive to high levels of disease with above average temperatures and below average precipitation.
CDC Falcon did not establish as well as the other varieties and had significantly lower plant population. There were no significant differences among varieties for grain yield. The fungicide treatments resulted is slightly greater grain yield, although differences were not statistically significant.
67 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Effect of seeding date, fungicide application and seed treatments in winter wheat production in Manitoba
Principal Investigators: Ducks Unlimited Canada Bayer Crop Sciences
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry Scott Chalmers, WADO - Melita Keith Watson, PCDF - Roblin Paula Halabicki, PESAI – Arborg
Support: Growing Forward Ducks Unlimited Bayer Crop Sciences
Progress: Year 1 of 3
Objective: Examine the effect of seeding date and seed treatment on winter wheat stand establishment, grain yield and quality.
Contact Information: [email protected] [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Good stand establishment of winter wheat is highly related to greater seed yield. Seeding date is often one of the most important factors determining successful stand establishment in the fall. Generally, earlier seeded fields have greater yield than later seeded fields. It is for this reason (as well as a higher probability of winter survival) that MASC typically sets the final insurable seeding date for winter wheat in Manitoba as Sept 15. Later sowings are more susceptible to winter kill as temperatures drop, reducing active growing time and resulting in smaller seedling crowns relative to those planted earlier. In addition, late seeded stands may be weaker and more susceptible to seed and soil borne diseases. Moreover, later seedlings often flower later in the summer (when it is warmer and wetter) increasing risk of Fusarium infection. The use of seed treatments with fungicides for winter wheat has shown to provide protection against seed/soil borne pathogens as well as Fusarium Head Bight (FHB) however, the effectiveness in relation to seeding date is not well documented.
CMCDC is participating in this study looking at the interaction of winter wheat (CDC Buteo) treated with one of four seed treatments (untreated, Raxil WW, Cruiser Maxx, Gemini & Dividend), planted at two seeding dates (early to mid September & late September/early October) and having fungicide (Prosaro) either sprayed at early flowering or not sprayed.
2011 was a difficult fall for winter wheat establishment in Carberry due to below average precipitation and soil moisture. Seeds did not germinate until October and many did not germinate until the following spring. Cold temperatures in the spring were enough to meet vernalization requirements of the crop, however; plant populations on average were low at just 58 plants/m2 (target 225-325 plants/m2). The 2012 season in Carberry was not conducive to high levels of disease with above average temperatures and below average precipitation.
There were no significant differences in plant establishment or grain yield among seeding dates, or seed treatments at Carberry in 2012. The application of fungicides for the early seeding date did show a slight yield response (figure 1) suggesting fungicides may have some benefit even when the probability of disease is low.
68 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
3500 Sept 19 Planting 3000
Oct 3 planting 2500
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0 Fungicide No Fungicide Fungicide Applied at Flowering
Figure 1. Effect of seeding date and fungicide on winter wheat grain yield (kg/ha), Carberry 2012 (LSD=309).
69 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Winter wheat variety testing
Principal Investigators: Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team (MCVET)
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry
Support: MCVET
Progress: Ongoing
Objective: Evaluate newly registered winter wheat varieties for adaptation and yield performance in Carberry region.
Contact Information: [email protected]; www.seedinteractive.ca
2012 Project Report
Many variety trials for all of Manitoba's major crops, such as the winter wheat trial in Carberry are conducted across the crop growing regions of Manitoba every year by the Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team (MCVET). This performance data, along with variety characteristic information, is summarized in “SEED MANITOBA”. The Guide provides long term yield data as compared to a single check variety, as well as annual yield comparisons at various locations. This information is also available online at www.seedinteractive.ca
The trial in Carberry was planted September 19, 2011 and harvested August 1st, 2012. Due to a dry fall many of the plants emerged in the spring; however, plant stands were deemed sufficient to continue with the trial. Yield and protein results for Carberry are in table 1.
Table 1. Winter wheat grain yield and protein content in Carberry, 2012. name Grain Yield (kg/ha) %check %Protein CDC Falcon 3608 100 13.3 CDC Buteo 3894 108 13.1 Moats 3927 109 13.7 Flourish 4251 118 13.9 Sunrise 4083 113 12.7 Broadview 3894 108 13.0 Accipiter 3661 101 13.3 DH01-25-135R 4508 125 12.9 Peregrine 3887 108 13.0 DH99W19H*16 3332 92 13.6 DH99W181-45 3920 109 13.8 DH00W31N*34 3815 106 13.2 1603-137-1 4304 119 13.1 Keldin 4342 120 13.2 CV 7.3 LSD 486 13% Prob. Entry 0.0083 GRAND MEAN 3959
70 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Western forage testing system
Principal Investigators: Doug Friebel, AAFC - Lethbridge
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC – Carberry Glenn Friesen, MAFRI - Carman
Support: Western Forage Testing Growing Forward
Progress: Ongoing
Objective: To evaluate the performance of new forage varieties for the purpose of registration.
Contact Information: [email protected] [email protected]
2012 Project Report
The Western Forage Testing System (WFTEST) was developed in 1994 to coordinate the testing for registration and performance of forage cultivars across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
The goals of this system are: 1) To streamline and coordinate the registration and performance evaluation process. The tests will provide sufficient data for simultaneous consideration for registration and/or performance listings in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 2) To share the responsibility for forage testing among provinces, the federal government and the seed trade. 3) To encourage as much data collection as possible and to ensure that the tests are uniform and the sites are inspected.
The maximum number of entries to be tested per species per year is 25, including check varieties. If there are too many entries in a given year, only three entries per applicant are accepted.
Carberry has forage trials current part of this testing system that were established in 2010, and 2011 respectively. Trials are harvest for two years following their establishment year. This will be the final year of testing for the trial established in 2010.
Due to the dry conditions in Carberry during the 2012 season only one cut of the alfalfa trials was taken from trials established in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
The trial established in 2011 was harvested on July 3rd, along with rep 1 of the trial established in 2010. The remaining replications for 2010 establish trial were harvested on July 9th.
Forage yield results are summarized in figures 1 & 2. Coefficients of variance (CV) were low for both trials, however there were no significant differences (ns) for the trial established in 2011.
71 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
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TS-3025- Rugged Figure 1. 2012 alfalfa forage yield (Dry Matter) at Carberry for trial establshed in 2010 (CV=12%, LSD=678kg/ha).
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Figure 2. 2012 alfalfa forage yield at Carberry for trial established 2011 (CV=10%, Variety not significant).
72 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Forage mixture establishment with/without a barley as a nurse crop
Principal Investigators: Glenn Friesen, MAFRI - Carman
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry Scott Chalmers, WADO - Melita Keith Watson, PCDF - Roblin Paula Halabicki, PESAI - Arborg
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Year 1 of 3
Objective: Demonstrate the effect of using a nurse crop to establish various forage mixtures in Manitoba.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting the appropriate forage mixture including soil type and environment as well as intended use. Often growers will opt to use a nurse crop while establishing forages to ensure there is some economic return in the establishment year, however; depending on the nurse crop and forage mixture used this may or may not be the best decision. This study is intended to both investigate and demonstrate the effect of using a nurse crop to establish different forage mixtures in Manitoba.
Seven forage mixtures (table 1) were planted with and without a nurse crop at the diversification centres in 2012. Forage barley was used as the nurse crop and separated into two treatments: full and half seeding rate, seeded perpendicular to forage mixtures. Treatments were replicated 3 times in a split block design. Planting at the Carberry location occurred on May 25th. Due to a considerable amount of weeds no forage yield data was recorded at the Carberry location in 2012. Instead a single cut was taken for the entire trial July 20th when barley was in milk/soft dough stage of development. Height notes were taken for alfalfa in the fall (figure 1), with alfalfa being significantly shorter in plots with barley planted as a nurse crop at a seeding rate of 1.75bu/ac. There was no significant difference in alfalfa height between 'no nurse crop' and barley planted as a nurse crop at 0.75bu/ac.
Table 1. Forage mixtures for establishment trial.
Entry Use Mixture 1 Hay Alfalfa (Tap) 2 Hay Alfalfa (Creeping) 3 Check Kentucky Bluegrass 4 Hay Alfalfa, hybrid brome, timothy Alfalfa (creeping & tap), Slender Wheatgrass, Tall Wheatgrass, Sweet Clover, Tall 5 Saline Fescue 6 Pasture Alfalfa (yellowhead), Meadow Brome, Orchard Grass, Tall Fescue, Cicer Milkvetch 7 Native Big Bluestem, Wheat Grass, Slender Wheatgrass, Green Needlegrass
73 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
30 27.1a
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0 Barley (0.75bu/ac) No Nurse Crop Barley (1.75bu/ac)
Figure 1. Fall plant height (cm) of alfalfa as affected by nurse crop in Carberry, 2012.
74 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Effect of row spacing on buckwheat grain yield
Principal Investigators: Manitoba Buckwheat Growers Association
Co-Investigators: CMCDC
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Year 2 of 3
Objective: To evaluate the effect of row spacing on buckwheat grain yield.
Contact Information: [email protected] [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Manitoba produces over 70% of Canada's buckwheat crop and is known as the "Buckwheat Capital of Canada". Buckwheat is generally grown for grain. About two-thirds of the Manitoban production is exported and Japan is the main importer, where the flavour and aroma of Manitoba buckwheat meets the requirements of Japanese noodle makers. Other nations who import Manitoba buckwheat include the Netherlands, United States and Austria.
Buckwheat is sown late because of high susceptibility of frost. Buckwheat is a broadleaf, annual crop that reaches 2–5 ft (60–150 cm) in height. Stems are hollow and crop grown under high nitrogen conditions is more prone to lodging. There are currently no herbicide options for buckwheat. This project continues CMCDC`s examination of row spacing as a viable option for weed control since under wide rows producers have the option of in-row tillage if conditions are such that rotation, field selection and pre-plant burn-off were not sufficient weed control practices. Solid seeding and wide row spacing at different seeding rates were assessed for their effect on buckwheat yield. Results from previous years suggested that seeding rates for wide rows could be lowered significantly without yield penalty; however, this was in the absence of weeds. In 2012 additional treatments were added to account for potential effects of intra-row weeds influencing buckwheat grain yield.
Trials were conducted at Portage la Prairie and Carberry. Treatments for Horizon buckwheat included: "weedy" and "weed-free: solid seeded at 1bu/ac, wide (24") row spacing planted at 1, 0.67, and 0.33 but/ac. Weed free plots were hand weeded and weedy plots had barley (Desperado) planted to a density of 10 plnats/m of row. Plots were planted in Carberry on June 13th and in Portage on June 7th. A light frost at Carberry halted development prior to physiological maturity (plots swathed immediately following frost on September 14th) and the trial at Portage la Prairie was destroyed by geese prior to harvest.
Grain yield data from Carberry indicated no significant differences between weedy and weed-free treatments. Row spacing/planting density treatments were significant (p=0.1) and are shown in figure 1.
75 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
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Figure 1. Effect of row spacing and seeding rate on Buckwheat grain yield (kgha) in Carberry, 2012. LSD=180kg/ha (p=0.1).
The weed density (Barley at 10 plants/m row) was not high enough to impact the grain yield of buckwheat even at the lowest buckwheat density, demonstrating how good of a competitor buckwheat can be when growing conditions are favorable for good establishment. Higher "weed" densities will need to be used moving forward.
There was no significant decrease in buckwheat grain yield when moving from narrow to wide row spacing; however, a significant difference in yield was detected (p=0.1) once planting density was decreased to 0.67 bu/ac and lower suggesting there may be some risk associated to dropping planting densities too low, especially under more stressful growing conditions such as those seen in 2012. This is in contrast to previous years where no significant differences were detected.
76 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Buckwheat variety testing
Principal Investigators: Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team (MCVET)
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry
Support: MCVET
Progress: Ongoing
Objective: Evaluate newly registered buckwheat varieties for adaptation and yield performance in the Central Plains region of Manitoba.
Contact Information: [email protected] [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Many variety trials for all of Manitoba's major crops, such as the winter wheat trial in Carberry are conducted across the crop growing regions of Manitoba every year by the Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team (MCVET). This performance data, along with variety characteristic information, is summarized in “SEED MANITOBA”. The Guide provides long term yield data as compared to a single check variety, as well as annual yield comparisons at various locations.
The trial in Carberry was planted June 5, and in Portage la Prairie on June 7th. Plots in Carberry were swathed Sept 14th, immediately following a light frost that halted development. Plots were destroyed by geese in Portage la Prairie and no data was collected. Yield results for Carberry are in table 1.
Table 1. Buckwheat grain yield (kg/ha) in Carberry, 2012. Variety Grain Yield (kg/ha) Koma 893 Koto 761 Horizon 1152 AC Springfield 827 Mancan 785 AC Manisoba 767 CV 16 LSD 213 Prob. Entry 0.0575 GRAND MEAN 864
.
77 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Effect of seed treatment on industrial hemp stand establishment and grain yield
Principal Investigators: Plains Industrial Hemp Processing BASF Canada Bayer CropScience
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC – Carberry Scott Chalmers, WADO - Melita Keith Watson, PCDF - Roblin Paula Halabicki, PESAI - Arborg
Support: Growing Forward Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance
Progress: Year 2 of 2
Objective: Examine the effectiveness of seed treatments in hemp for improving stand and maintaining yield.
Key Message: - Seeding depth significantly reduced stand at 4 of 8 site-years. - Seed treatment significantly improved plant stand and 2 of 8 site-years. - Grain yield was not significantly affected by either seeding depth or seed treatment. - Further evaluation of seed treatments on industrial hemp under early, cool soil conditions is suggested prior disregarding the suitability of seed treatment minor use registration for industrial hemp.
Contact Information: [email protected] [email protected]
Introduction
At present, there are no seed treatments registered for use on industrial hemp seed. It is very important to start with high quality certified seed; however, in some environments this is not always enough. Seed treatments promote seedling establishment by protecting plants from disease and insect feeding that can reduce plant stand and vigor to a level that the yield potential of the crop may also be jeopardized. If an improvement in stand is observed it may justify continued evaluation of seed treatment in hemp towards minor use registration.
Methods
Three seed treatments (bare seed, Raxil, & Gemini) were tested using the industrial hemp variety Alyssa at two different seeding depths (0.5" & 2.5") at the Manitoba Diversification Centres (Carberry, Arborg, Melita, Gilbert Plains) during 2011 & 2012 seasons. Target plant population at all locations was 250 plants/m2, using a common seed source. At each location the treatments were replicated four times in a 2x3 factorial arrangement. Seeding & harvesting dates, as well as fertility information is summarized in table 1.
Plant counts were taken when plants were 5-10cm in height by recording the number of plants in one meter of row at opposite corners of each plot. Plots were harvested with a small plot combine, samples dried to constant moisture.
78 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 1. Agronomic summary for industrial hemp seed treatment trial 2011-2012. Carberry Arborg Gilbert Plains Melita Agronomic Information 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 Plot Size (m2) 8.4 8.4 8.22 8.22 5 5 16.5 16.5 Replication 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Seeding Date 25-May 26-May na 31-May 01-Jun 31-May na 14-May Harvest Date 19-Sep 05-Sep na 24-Sep 16-Sep 10-Sep na 27-Aug Fertilizer (Available*) Applied Nitrate (lbs/ac) lbs/ac (16) 154 (21) 132 na (39) 90 (86) 80 (70) 120 (86) 80 (92) 91 Phosphorus (ppm) lbs/ac (13) 30 (19) 21 na (14) 27 (20) 25 (16) 85 (20) 25 (9) 30 Potassium (ppm) lbs/ac (218) 0 (388) 0 na (278) 15 (164) 0 (145) 30 (164) 0 (188) 0 Sulfur (21) 0 (59) 1 na (120) 0 (26) 0 (44) 10 (26) 0 (50) 0 *Estimated from soil test.
Results and Discussion
STAND ESTABLISHMENT
In general the plots seeded to 2.5" emerged later than plots planted to 0.5". Summary statistics for plant counts are in table 2. Variability for stand counts was high as indicated by the coefficient of variation (CV); however, these values are not atypical of stand establishment data in other crops. Differences were detected among treatments at individual sites and when sites were combined into an overall analysis.
Table 2. Summary statistics for industrial hemp stand establishment with and without seed treatment 2011-2012 at Arborg, Carberry, Gilbert Plains and Melita, MB. Prob. Prob. CV GRAND MEAN Percent Factor Factor Prob. Site-Year (%) (plants/m2) of Target A B A x B R-Square Overall 34 57 23% 0.000 0.0000 0.0229 0.81 Arborg 2011 23 22 9% 0.968 0.2032 0.2343 0.55 Arborg 2012 20 66 26% 0.003 0.4043 0.1884 0.64 Carberry 2011 35 101 40% 0.001 0.0001 0.217 0.79 Carberry 2012 27 76 31% 0.877 0.7402 0.2856 0.23 Gilbert Plains 2011 38 41 16% 0.591 0.7975 0.9404 0.37 Gilbert Plains 2012 30 50 20% 0.000 0.2412 0.7187 0.67 Melita 2011 31 70 28% 0.040 0.0209 0.055 0.63 Melita 2012 23 32 13% 0.679 0.6296 0.4419 0.40
Seeding depth had the greatest effect on stand establishment; significant (p0.05) at 4 of 8 site-years. Planting seed to a depth of 2.5" reduced stand by 26-45% as compared to a planting depth of 0.5" (figure 1). This emphasizes the importance of proper seed placement and depth control during planting as it, along with selecting high quality seed are the best ways to ensure good stand establishment.
79 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
140 130
120
100 76 80 71 Carberry 2011 64 64 56
60 Melita 2011 Plants/m2 Arborg 2012 40 36 36 Dauphin 2012 20
0 0.5 inch depth 2.5 inch depth Seeding Depth
Figure 1. Effect of planting depth on stand establishment of industrial hemp 2011-2012.
Seed treatment was significant at only 2 locations, both in 2011: Carberry and Melita. At Carberry all three treatments were significantly different from each other (p0.05), whereas at Melita Raxil was significantly different from both Gemini and untreated (figure 3).
180 155c 160 140
120 96b 100 87e
80 70de Carberry 2011 Plants/m2 60 51a 53d Melita 2011 40 20 0 Untreated Gemini Raxil Seed Treatment
Figure 3. Effect of seed treatment on industrial hemp stand establishment (plants/m2) at Carberry and Melita, 2011.
When combined across all locations the interaction between planting depth and seed treatment was significant (Figure 4) with Raxil showing significantly more plants than Gemini and the untreated when seeds were planted to 2.5". However, when planted to 0.5" stand establishment was similar for both seed treatments. Again, this suggests the greater importance of seeding depth over seed treatment in the successful establishment of an industrial hemp stand and also poses some questions regarding the reasons for the differences between seed treatments. Planting dates at all locations for both years was on average late May, with adequate moisture. Taking this into consideration, a continuation of the study but with emphasis on early planting dates (Late April, Early May) may better test the suitability of seed treatments to boost seedling recruitment.
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80 74c 70c 70 59b 60
52ab
50 44a 44a 40 0.5" Depth
Plants/m2 30 2.5" Depth 20 10 0 Untreated Gemni Raxil Seed Treatment
Figure 4. Overall interaction effect of seed treatment and planting depth on industrial hemp stand establishment (plants/m2).
GRAIN YIELD
Due to excessive moisture plots at the Arborg location were not taken to yield. At the other locations, and when conducting a combined analysis, grain yield was not significantly impacted by either planting depth or seed treatment. Even at sites where there was a significant reduction in stand due to either seeding depth or the lack of seed treatment grain yield was not significantly impacted. Hemp is a relatively plastic crop meaning it can compensate for lower plant density through branching and increased individual plant yield, resulting in consistent overall crop yield down to plant populations as low as 30 plants/m2 (see effect of population density on industrial hemp in this report). This would suggest that unless under circumstances with a high probability of stand reduction (below 30 plants/m2), seed treatment would not be necessary. However, an alternate view would be that if seed costs are much higher than seed treatment it may make economic sense to reduce seeding rates and use a seed treatment. But, given seed treatment only significantly improved plant stand 25% of the time (1 in 4 years), and in general still had high seedling mortality and did not translate into a grain yield increase, the use of such treatments does not seem to be justified, especially if planting mid May or later.
Summary
Seeding depth significantly reduced stand at 4 of 8 site-years.
Seed treatment significantly improved plant stand and 2 of 8 site-years.
Grain yield was not significantly affected by either seeding depth or seed treatment.
Further evaluation of seed treatments on industrial hemp under early, cool soil conditions is suggested prior to disregarding the suitability of seed treatment minor use registration for industrial hemp.
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Industrial hemp variety evaluation
Principal Investigators: National Hemp Trade Alliance
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry Scott Chalmers, WADO - Melita Keith Watson, PCDF - Roblin Paula Halabicki, PESAI - Arborg Cecil Vera, AAFC - Melfort, SK Bert Vandenberg, Hemp Genetics International Inc. - Melfort, SK Hugh Campbell, Terramax - Qu'Appelle, SK Jan Slaski, Alberta Innovates Technology Futures - Vegreville, AB Wendy Asbil, University of Guelph - Kemptville, ON
Support: Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP) Growing Forward
Progress: Ongoing
Objective: To evaluate industrial hemp varieties for fibre and grain yield, oil profile.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Industrial Hemp has been licensed to grow in Canada by Health Canada since 1998. Since that time, grain processing and market development has led the industry. In 2012, there were about 53,000 acres of hemp grown in Canada, mainly in the Western Provinces. This is an increase from about 38,000 acres in 2011. Data from the annual Industrial Hemp trials from the Manitoba locations are included in 'Seed Manitoba', a publication produced each year through the collaboration of the Manitoba Seed Growers Association, Farm Business Communications, Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team, and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives and is available online: www.seedmb.ca.
Hemp varieties exhibit considerable differences in maturity, seed size, height, fibre yield and ease of harvest. These factors are also influenced by location, seeding date, climate, irrigation and fertility. It is recommended to seek professional advice when selecting varieties most suitable for your area and production system.
Alyssa Registered in 2004. Alyssa is a monoecious, large seeded, grain variety. It is of medium height with medium branching. Alyssa is about 7 days later maturing (115 days maturity) than Delores. Alyssa is a taller variety averaging about 185 cm. This makes it suitable as a dual purpose variety for grain as well as fibre. Alyssa is THC testing exempt in Manitoba. Available from Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers Coop – (PIHG), Dauphin. (204) 629-4367
Anka is one of the first varieties licensed in Canada. Anka is a monoecious variety and was developed by Peter Dragla while working for the University of Guelph and Kennex in Ontario. Anka is a tall, late maturing grain and fibre variety. It is most suited for Ontario growing conditions. It is exempt from THC field testing in Ontario and Quebec. Distributed by UniSeeds Inc.
Canda Registered in 2010. Monoecious, medium height, large seeded, hemp variety maturing at an average of 165 cm. Flowering is 55 – 70 days after seeding depending on the season and heat units (110 days maturity),. It will mature about a week earlier than Alyssa similar to Delores. Canda will have GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) averaging consistently in excess of 3.5%. * GLA - Gamma Linolenic Acid
82 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
- this is a highly desirable Essential Fatty Acid component that Parkland has been able to tease upwards in their traditional variety development program. Available from Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers Coop – (PIHG) Dauphin. (204) 629-4367 or email [email protected]
CanMa is selected for grain production in short-season areas in Ontario, or southern prairies. Is a cross between some vigorous Finola derivatives and an early ESTA-1 line. Selections were made in northern Ontario. Selection criteria were early maturity, long head, no branching, large seed and uniform seed maturity. CanMa is a dioecious variety. The males tend to be about the same height as the females. Distributed by PhytoGene Resources Inc., Ontario. Larry Marshall at Shellbrook is multiplying and distributing CanMa in western Canada.
CFX-1 is a moderately large seeded, high yielding, moderate season, dioecious variety that is suitable for grain production typically grown in the central and southern prairies. Maturity is halfway between Finola and CRS-1 – approximately 105 days. Height averages approximately 5.5 to 6.5 feet depending on location. CFX-1 was developed by Bert Vandenberg, U of S. Distributed by Hemp Genetics International (HGI) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Call (604) 607-4953 or email [email protected]
CFX-2 is a moderately large seeded, high yielding, moderate season, dioecious variety that is suitable for grain production, typically grown in the central and northern prairies, and under irrigation in southern AB. It is slightly earlier maturing in about 103 days and a shorter variety (4 to 6 inches shorter) than CFX-1. CFX-2 was developed by Bert Vandenberg, U of S. Distributed by Hemp Genetics International (HGI) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. (Call 604) 607-4953 or email [email protected]
CRS-1 is a large seeded, high yielding, full season (110 days maturity), dioecious variety that is suitable for grain production. CRS-1 is typically grown in the southern prairies, throughout Manitoba and in eastern Canada. CRS-1 was developed by Bert Vandenberg, U of S for Hemp Genetics International of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Available in Manitoba from Fisher Seeds, Dauphin, (204) 622-8800 or in SK and AB distributed by Hemp Genetics International (HGI) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Call (604) 607- 4953 or email [email protected]
Debbie Registered in 2012. A monoecious, large seeded, medium height hemp variety maturing at about 185 cm. It will mature about a week earlier (110 days maturity) than Alyssa, similar to Delores. Debbie is higher in GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) consistently averaging in excess of 5%. Suitable for good grain and biomass production. Available from Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers Coop – (PIHG) Dauphin. (204) 629-4367 or email [email protected]
Delores Registered in 2007. A monoecious, medium height, large seeded hemp variety maturing at an average of 160 cm. Flowering is 55 – 70 days after seeding depending on the season and heat units (110 days maturity). It will mature early similar to the variety Canda. Certified seed is available from Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers Coop – (PIHG) Dauphin. (204) 629-4367 or email [email protected]
Finola is a small seeded, high yielding, dioecious grain variety developed in Finland. It is the shortest and earliest to bloom of any variety of hemp, maturing in about 100 days. The crop typically begins to flower at 25 to 30 days after seeding. Finola can be straight cut or swathed, and is known as the easiest hemp variety to harvest. Typically grown in the central and northern prairies and under irrigation in southern AB, where the crop grows 5 to 6 feet tall. Distributed by Hemp Oil Canada, Ste. Agathe. Call 1-800-BUY-HEMP or [email protected]
Joey Registered in 2010. A monoecious, large seeded, high GLA*, (4% or higher), medium height, large seeded hemp variety that matures at about 160 cm. Joey matures a few days earlier than Delores (107 days maturity). Seed available from Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers Coop – (PIHG) Dauphin. (204) 629-4367 or email [email protected]
83 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Jutta is a later maturing, dual purpose, monoecious variety developed in Ontario by Ontario Hemp Alliance (OHA) and Ridgetown College. Licensed in 2011. Distributed by UniSeeds Inc. Petera Registered in 2006. A dioecious, large seeded variety. For grain production it is late maturing, low to moderate seed yield. Petera is suitable mainly for fibre or biomass production. Can grow 3 to 3.5m tall yielding 6 to 8 tonnes of fibre (biomass) per acre. Available from Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers Coop – (PIHG) Dauphin. (204) 629-4367 or email [email protected]
Silesia is a monoecious, late maturing, dual type variety originally bred in Poland. Silesia was purchased by Alberta Innovates Technology Futures in 2008 and it is presently maintained at Vegreville, Alberta. (780) 632-8436 or email [email protected] X59 is an earlier, shorter, dioeceous grain variety developed by Terremax Corporation, Qu'Appelle SK. (306) 699-7368 or email [email protected]
Grain yield for industrial hemp at the Manitoba Crop diversification locations in 2012 are in table 1:
Table 1. Grain and Fibre yield (kg/ha) of industrial hemp varieties at Manitoba Diversification Centres, 2012. Gilbert Variety Carberry Melita Melita Arborg Arborg Plains Gilbert Plains name Grain Fibre Grain Fibre Grain Fibre Grain Alyssa 973 6285 808 8295 989 2957 820 Anka 6907 1146 3994 1092 Canda 1505 6285 1703 11613 1230 2683 1455 Canma 994 4213 1320 1372 1134 CFX-1 1294 4110 1324 1462 1751 988 CFX-2 1134 3384 1356 1152 1434 1178 CRS-1 1098 4559 1473 9124 1456 1496 1342 Debbie 1206 7529 1181 11613 982 2299 1121 Delores 1156 12442 1110 2656 1275 Finola 764 2279 900 1072 648 740 Joey 6078 1372 13271 1452 2717 1344 Jutta 7045 761 2967 1112 Silesia 783 6424 852 10783 870 3125 924 X59 1200 4490 1226 5806 1689 1707 1416 CV 13.3 12.0 8.9 19.8 10.6 21.2 15.1 LSD 212 1086 178 3011 188 688 247 GRAND MEAN 1101 5353 1186 10368 1224 2272 1139 Entry sig Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Oil content of varieties tested in 2012 ranged between 29-31%. Fatty acid profile is presented in figure 1.
84 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
X-59 4.9 12.1 55.6 19.4
1.7 4.8 1.5
Silesia 4.9 12.0 56.9 19.9
2.2 3.1 1.0
Jutta 5.0 14.0 57.3 18.1
2.1 2.8 0.8
PA
Joey 4.7 12.5 56.6 19.2
3.7 1.2
2.1 SA
Delores 4.8 12.5 57.7 19.0 OA
2.1 3.0 0.9
LA
CRS-1 4.8 11.9 57.9 19.8
2.0 2.8 0.9
GLA
CFX-2 4.7 11.3 58.4 19.2
3.5 1.0
1.8 ALA
CFX-1 4.8 11.6 58.0 19.1
1.0 3.6
1.9 SDA
Canma 5.2 11.9 57.6 18.9
2.1 3.4 1.0
Canda 4.7 12.0 57.4 19.3
2.0 1.1 3.6
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0 100.0
Figure 1. Average Fatty Acid Profile (%) of Hemp Varieties in 2012 variety evaluation at Melita, Gilbert Plains & Arborg.
85 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Effect of population density on fiber and grain yield of industrial hemp in Manitoba
Principal Investigators: Plains Industrial Hemp Processing
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry Scott Chalmers, WADO - Melita Keith Watson, PCDF - Roblin Paula Halabicki, PESAI - Arborg
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Year 3 of 3
Objective: To evaluate the effect of seeding rate on plant populations and grain and fiber yield of industrial hemp.
Key Message: - Grain yield was maximized at a target plant population of approximately 100-150 plants/m2, which equated on average to an actual plant density of 37-55 plants/m2 depending on conditions. - Fiber yield significantly increases with increasing seeding rate to a target plant population of 200 plants/m2, actual plant densities of 100 plants/m2. - Optimal stem diameter for fiber production of 5-10mm was achieved at target planting densities greater than100 plants/m2.
Contact Information: [email protected] [email protected]
Introduction
Plant population for any crop needs to be at an optimum density to ensure producers receive the highest returns. At present, the hemp industry recommends a seeding rate of 20 to 25 pounds per acre (125-175 seeds/m2) for grain production. The higher seeding rates of 35 to 40 pounds per acre (225- 275 seeds/m2) are generally recommended for fiber production. The question of what seeding rate recommendation can producers use to maximize their yield for grain, fiber or dual purpose production has not been addressed.
Methods
Trials were conducted between 2010 and 2012 at Carberry, Gilbert Plains, Melita and Arborg Manitoba. Trial design was a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. In 2010 planting densities of the industrial hemp variety Alyssa were set at 50plants/m2 increments from 50-350 plants/m2 (7 treatments) and in 2011-2012 an additional treatment of 25plants/m2 was added increasing the number of treatments to 8.
With the exception of adjusting plant population densities, regular agronomic practices for industrial hemp were followed according to specific site requirements. Plot size, seeding/harvest date, and fertility information is listed in Appendix 1.
86 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Plant population counts were conducted when plants were between 5 & 10cm in height. Stem diameters were taken at the Carberry location during 2011 and 2012 by sampling 10 consecutive plants from inside rows at opposite corners, 1m into each plot just prior to fiber sampling. Fiber yield was estimated when peak plant height was reached (post flowering) by harvesting 1m2 from each plot. Plants were dried, leaves and secondary stems removed and then main stems weighed to estimate fiber. Grain yield was collected using a small plot combine, samples dried to constant moisture.
Results and Discussion
Plant mortality during the study period was highly variable depending on conditions but on average was 61% (figure 1). Both the variability and rate of mortality increased as target population increased. The magnitude of this relationship is site/conditions dependent. If this relationship is not always linear that suggests an increased financial risk, depending on the differential cost/revenue of seed and fiber, as seeding rates are increased in an attempt to produce more fiber. This would be especially true when planting/growing conditions are not optimal.
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
Actual Plant Population(plant/m2) 20
0 25 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Target Plant Population (plants/m2)
Figure 1. Target versus actual average industrial hemp plant populations (2011-2012).
The relationship between stem diameter and plant population was as expected with stem diameter decreasing as plant population increased (figure 2). Although stem diameter was more variable for lower plant populations, the desirable diameter range of 5-10mm for fibre production was consistently achieve once target populations exceeded 100 plants/m2.
87 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
14
12
10
8
6
4
R² = 0.7471 Average Average StemDiameter (mm) 2
0 0 50 100 150 200 Actual plant density (plants/m2)
Figure 2. Effect of target plant density on stem diameter of industrial hemp (2010-2012).
During the study plant height was only significant in 2010 at the Melita location and in 2012 at the Carberry and Arborg locations. The lowest plant populations were on average the tallest with height decreasing as target population increased (figure 3). This was most likely a result of greater intra- specific competition among industrial hemp plants, something that may have been exaggerated (or ultimately detectable in final fiber yield) under more stressful or resource limiting circumstances while stems were still elongating. In such circumstances however, a typical loss of height as seen in this study would be insignificant in terms of lost fiber relative the added fiber yield from the higher population.
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300 Melita 2010 Carberry 2011 Carberry 2012 Arborg 2012 280
260 R² = 0.6559
240
220 R² = 0.7833 200
180 Plant Height Plant Height (cm) 160 R² = 0.7221 140 R² = 0.7407 120
100 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 Target Plant Population (plants/m2)
Figure 3. Effect of target plant population on industrial hemp plant height (2010-2012).
Due to high coefficient of variance (CV) in 2010, only data from 2011 and 2012 were used for fiber and grain yield. Fiber yield data was valid for Carberry (2011), Gilbert Plains (2012) and Arborg (2012). Fiber yields ranged from 2-10 tonnes/ha depending on location and planting density (table 1).
Table 1. Fibre yield (tonnes/ha) for target planting populations at three Manitoba locations 2011- 2012. Target Plant Population (plants/m2) Year Location 25 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 2011 Carberry 3.3 4.5 5.1 5.7 5.3 5.8 5.2 5.2 2012 Gilbert Plains 2.2 5.5 6.7 7.7 9.8 7.6 9.1 10 2012 Arborg 3.8 3.4 3.8 4.6 5.5 5.1 5.1 5.9 LSD - Carberry (1.92), Gilbert Plains (1.36), Arborg (1.11).
In general fiber yield increased significantly up to approximately 100-150 plants/m2, then either stabilized or increased, but at a slower rate.
Grain yield was less responsive to plant population than fiber yield. Two locations from 2011 (Carberry & Melita) and three locations from 2012 (Carberry, Melita & Arborg) were valid for overall comparison.
89 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
130 R² = 0.9451 120
110 R² = 0.4061 100 90 80 70
Yield Yield Overall (%Mean) 60 50 40 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Average Plant Population (Plants/m2) Grain (% Mean) Fiber (% Mean)
Figure 4. Industrial hemp fibre and grain yield response to actual plant density (2011-2012).
When grain and fiber yield are expressed as % mean to standardize across sites the relationship between yield and plant population becomes more evident (Figure 4). Where grain yield was only responsive at the lowest plant population, fiber yield continued increasing as plant population increased. The increase in fiber yield became less reliable however, as plant population density exceeded 80 plants/m2; an actual plant population requiring target planting rates of 150-350 plants/seeds per m2 depending on conditions.
Under good planting conditions a target plant density of 150 plants/m2 should be optimal for both grain and fiber yield; increasing seeding rate for fiber crops under more challenging conditions. However, more research is required to provide tools for better understanding how conditions effect stand establishment. Having a better understanding on the conditions that lead to different mortality rates would provide insight on possible adjustments in agronomic practices to minimize losses and therefore reduce the planting cost risk. Such knowledge would also provide more precise economic understanding of optimal planting rates based on planting conditions to maximize the chance of reaching both production quality targets and maximizing margins.
Summary
Grain yield was maximized at a target plant population of approximately 100-150 plants/m2, which equated on average to an actual plant density of 37-55 plants/m2 depending on conditions.
Fiber yield significantly increases with increasing seeding rate to a target plant population of 200 plants/m2, actual plant densities of 100 plants/m2.
Optimal stem diameter for fiber production of 5-10mm was achieved at target planting densities greater than100 plants/m2.
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Appendix 1. Agronomic information for hemp population study 2010-2012 at Carberry, Arborg, Melita and Gilbert Plains, Manitoba.
Carberry Melita Gilbert Plains Arborg 2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 2011 2012 2012 Plot Size (m2) 8.4 8.4 8.4 16.5 16.5 16.5 5 5 8.22 Planting Date 19-May 01-Jun 26-May 01-Jun 01-Jun 14-May 01-Jun 31-May 31-May Fertilizer (Available) Applied Nitrogen (16) (lbs/ac) lb/ac (40) 100 150 (21) 132 (48) 80 (na) 80 (92) 91 (86) 85 (70) 120 (39) 90 Phosphorus (ppm) lbs/ac (13) 0 (13) 30 (19) 21 (4) 30 (na) 25 (9) 30 (20) 25 (16) 85 (14) 27 Potassium (ppm) lbs/ac (240) 0 (218) 0 (388) 0 (218) 0 (na) 0 (188) 0 (164) 0 (145) 30 (278) 15 Sulfur (lbs/ac) lbs/ac (30) 0 (21) 0 (59) 1 (42) 0 (na) 0 (50) 0 (26) 0 (44) 10 (120) 0 Fibre 19- 19- 19- Harvest 17-Sep Aug na 11-Aug Aug 27-Jul Aug 23-Aug 17-Sep Grain 16- 16- 16- Harvest 17-Sep Sep 05-Sep 14-Sep Sep 10-Sep Sep 27-Aug 24-Sep Arborg 2010, 2011 and Gilbert Plains 2011 were destroyed due to flooding/Excess moisture.
91 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Phosphorus ramp demonstration
Principal Investigators: John Heard, MAFRI - Carman
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry Keith Watson, PCDF - Roblin
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Ongoing
Objective: Demonstrate the effect of phosphorus buildup and drawdown on crop yields in Manitoba.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Most soils on research stations are starting at medium to high soil phosphorus levels. As a result any response to added phosphorus typically only occurs approximately 50% of the time with any visual differences being very subtle; rate of maturity, moisture at harvest. There are few long term studies looking at soil phosphorus buildup and drawdown with different fertilization strategies and because of the dynamics of soil phosphorus it is important to understand the long-term implications. This is a non- replicated demonstration that over time will provide an estimation of the rate of soil depletion with under-fertilization or the buildup rate associated with excessive rates of fertilization.
At Carberry a long term site was chosen that had been in forage grass production for the previous 3 years to minimize spatial variability. The crop rotation is as follows: Potatoes (2012) - Wheat (2013) - Soybeans (2014) - Canola (2015). Phosphorus (TSP) was applied at increasing rates for potatoes from 40-140lbs/ac with a 0lbs/ac check following the highest rate. All other nutrients and agronomic practices are held constant and according to normal recommendations for the region. Initial soil testing (tested fall 2011) and fertility for 2012 is in table 1. A similar phosphorus application scheme will continue to be applied each year on each crop. Soil testing and tissue testing will document phosphorus buildup and removal from the soil.
Table 1. Long term P demonstration initial soil testing and 2012 fertilizer added. Nutrient (Source) Actual (lbs/ac) Soil Test (lbs/ac) Nitrogen (46-0-0) 260 4 Phosphorus (0-45-0) 0-140 30 Potassium (0-0-60) 45 322* Sulfur (21-0-0-24) 20 34 *ppm Soil pH - 6.6 Soil OM - 5.8%
Potato yields from 2012 are in figure 1. In general there was no visible trend regarding a response of tuber yield to phosphorus rate, which at this stage in the study is as expected. Mineral tuber analysis
92 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
and 2012 soil analysis also showed no differences among treatments, with soil tests showing high phosphorus levels in the soil (data not shown).
350.00
300.00
250.00
200.00
150.00
100.00 Gross Potato Yield (cwt/ac) 50.00
0.00 0 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 Phosphorus Added (actual lbs/ac)
Figure 1: Effect of actual phosphorus (lbs/ac) added prior to planting on gross potato tuber yield (cwt/ac) at Carberry, 2012.
A similar study is in its second year at Roblin Manitoba (PCDF annual reports) showing steady declines in soil phosphorus levels with low application rates after growing wheat in 2011, and flax in 2012; however, no differences in yield were observed in either crop.
93 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Evaluation of flax for fiber production in Central Plains region of Manitoba
Principal Investigators: Eric Liu, MAFRI
Co-Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC – Carberry Scott Chalmers, WADO - Melita Keith Watson, PCDF - Roblin Paula Halabicki, PESAI - Arborg
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: On-going
Objective: Evaluate the suitability of fiber production from flax in Manitoba.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Flax has been used for the production of fiber since the times of ancient Egypt. It produces fibers that are stronger than cotton but not as elastic, meaning it retains its shape. As fabric it can be washed many times without needing alterations and actually gets softer over time. It can absorb up to 20 times its weight in moisture before feeling damp and therefore feels cool and dry to the touch. It is these qualities that keep it in demand for high quality linens. Major fiber flax producing companies are the Soviet Union, Poland and France.
Flax production and plant breeding in Canada has focused on seed production rather than fiber. As a result local varieties produce about half the amount of fiber as those from Europe, and conversely twice as much seed. Two of the top fiber yielding varieties (Alize & Suzanne) from previous Manitoba trials were sown in 1ac plots to demonstrate flax fiber production and to better understand the probability of producing high quality fiber. Flax from plots was pulled using a pulling machine imported from Europe. Fiber was left in the field for retting.
Flax plots were planted late due to unexpected delays in seed shipment from Europe. Late planting in conjunction with above average summer temperatures resulted in stunted flax growth and difficult weed control. Plants were pulled at various sites in mid September using the flax pulling machine and left in the field to ret.
94 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Evaluation of manure compost on vegetable production
Principal Investigators: Tom Gonsalves, MAFRI - Carman Katherine Buckley, AAFC - Brandon
Co-Investigators: CMCDC
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Ongoing
Objective: Investigate the effect of rotation and compost on vegetable (carrot/potato/pepper) production.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Most vegetable crops return small amounts of crop residue to the soil. Composted organic amendments can help maintain soil organic matter levels and enhance soil fertility and biological activity. An understanding of the proper use of manure compost is essential from both a production and environmental standpoint. Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) has partnered with the Canada Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre (CMCDC) at Portage la Prairie and Agriculture Agri- Food Canada’s (AAFC) Brandon Research Centre (BRC) to evaluate the response of horticultural crops to manure compost.
Soil test results to 24 in on the site showed residual NO3 levels of approximately 25 lbs/A & extractable P concentrations ranged from 9 to 18 ppm (medium to high). In 2011 the following fertility treatments were applied; Compost 10 t/A, Compost 20t/A, Fertilizer blended based on soil test recommendation, Zero fertilizer check. In 2011 rotational treatments were Wheat, Silage Corn, Hairy Vetch, Fallow (check).
In 2012 the same fertility treatments were reapplied. Vegetable crops sown included carrots (Nantes Coreless), Green Peppers (Fat'n'Sassy), and Potatoes (Dark Red Norland). Pre-plant soil nutrients are in table 1.
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Table 1. 2012 pre-plant soil macro-nutrients for compost trial in Portage la Prairie.
6" (lbs/ac) 6" 24"(lbs/ac) 24"(lbs/ac)
6"(lbs/ac) 24"(lbs/ac) 24"(lbs/ac)
- - -
- - -
0
Plot Fertilizer PreviousCrop Nitrate0 Nitrate6 Nitrate0 Phosphorus(ppm) (lbs/ac) P2O5 Potassium(ppm) Sulfur Sulfur 6 Sulfur 0 OrganicMater (%) 10 t/ac 101 Compost Fallow 67 117 184 7 32 311 74 234 308 6.4 10 t/ac 102 Compost Wheat 50 87 137 9 41 250 62 156 218 5.7 10 t/ac 103 Compost Silage Corn 31 81 112 7 32 153 40 156 196 5.6 10 t/ac 104 Compost Hairy Vetch 72 93 165 11 51 221 82 198 280 5.6 201 Zero N Fallow 55 123 178 7 32 384 46 270 316 6.5 202 Zero N Wheat 50 114 164 9 41 287 36 126 162 6.2 203 Zero N Silage Corn 34 66 100 5 23 141 52 156 208 4.7 204 Zero N Hairy Vetch 71 174 245 4 18 195 112 336 448 5.5 301 Syn Fert Fallow 61 66 127 8 37 319 60 96 156 6 302 Syn Fert Wheat 93 168 261 13 60 276 36 78 114 6.1 303 Syn Fert Silage Corn 49 60 109 11 51 173 102 264 366 5.5 304 Syn Fert Hairy Vetch 94 78 172 13 60 232 82 294 376 5.5 20 t/ac 401 Compost Fallow 117 93 210 10 46 370 120 144 264 6.5 20 t/ac 402 Compost Wheat 53 81 134 10 46 190 62 204 266 5.4 20 t/ac 403 Compost Silage Corn 41 95 136 9 41 146 72 222 294 5.5 20 t/ac 404 Compost Hairy Vetch 87 237 324 19 87 280 102 360 462 6.9
Potato & pepper marketable yields across all treatments were low likely due to a water deficit.
Pepper yields varied between 700 and 1,700 lbs/ac, therefore the pepper data was not deemed reliable in assessing the treatments.
Potato yields were highest on the wheat rotation and lowest on the silage corn rotation. The 10 t/ac compost treatment produced the highest potato yield while the 20 t/ac compost treatment produced the lowest potato yields (figure 1).
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700
600 128 500 113 108 400 75 116 156 20 t 182 148 10 t 300 129 126 163 Syn Fert 200 123 121 129 109 Zero N 100
MarketableTuber (cwt/ac) Yield 131 132 125 120 127 0 Fallow Wheat Silage Corn Hairy Vetch Overall Previous Rotation Crop
Figure 1. Effect of fertilizer, compost application (t/ac) and previous crop on marketable potato tuber yield (cwt/ac) at Portage la Prairie, 2012.
Carrot yields at both harvest dates were highest on the fallow rotation and lowest with the hairy vetch rotation in the October harvest, possibly due to greater nitrate and moisture levels in the fallow treatment. The 20 t/ac compost treatment produced the highest carrot yields (figure 2).
200,000 180,000
160,000 44,466 140,000 42,773 120,000 36,792 43,444 20 t 100,000 29,708 30,219 10 t 43,412 34,492 80,000 29,069 46,638 22,041 Syn Fert 60,000 36,304 Zero N
TotalCarrot Yield (lbs/ac) 32,775 40,000 35,618 30,187 20,000 45,680 25,715 29,836 25,395 31,657 - Fallow Wheat Silage Corn Hairy Vetch Overall Previous Crop
Figure 2. Effect of fertilizer, compost application (t/ac) and previous crop on total carrot yield (lbs/ac) at Portage la Prairie, 2012.
Fertility treatments will be re-applied again in 2013 and the appropriate rotational crops will be sown in the plots.
In 2014 irrigation will be installed in the plots and plans are to further evaluate crop performance under irrigation.
97 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Market garden potato variety trial
Principal Investigators: Tom Gonsalves, MAFRI - Carman Assiniboine Community College Culinary Arts Institute
Co-Investigators: CMCDC AAFC, Fredericton Research Centre
Support: Growing Forward John Safroniuk - Seed Potatoes Haskett Seed Growers - Seed Potatoes
Progress: 2 of 3
Objective: Evaluate recognized niche market potato varieties for yield and quality.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Potatoes with pigmented flesh and skin have higher antioxidant levels than potatoes with no colour pigments. Demand for potatoes (coloured flesh, unique shape, etc) is expanding. Market garden producers may be able to capitalize on this market.
A randomized replicated and irrigated potato variety trial was designed including the varieties in table 1:
Table 1. Potato varieties included in Market Garden evaluation at CMCDC, Portage la Praire 2012 Variety Name Skin/Flesh colour description Dark Red Norland red/white All Blue purple/purple All Red red/red Yukon Gold Yellowish-white/yellow FV14007-1 Red-yellow/yellow CV3007-1 Red-yellow/yellow Alta Blush Red-brown/white (pink eyes)
Trial was planted on May 17. In row seed piece spacing was 10” and the row spacing was 36” and harvested on Sept 25, 131 days after planting (DAP). After grading, the potatoes were provided to the Manitoba Culinary Arts Institute at Assiniboine Community College for rating of flavour, texture and appearance.
There were significant differences in the mean weight of marketable tubers (p0.1 level). All Red, Alta Blush and Dark Red Norland had the greatest mean marketable tuber weight. Mean marketable tuber weight of All Blue and CV03007 was the lowest (figure 1).
Dark Red Norland, the standard variety, had the significantly (p0.05) greatest marketable yield (figure 2) and would have generated the largest income if the size of the potatoes sold were over 1 ¾” diameter but less than 3 ½” diameter. FV14007-1 had the greatest yield of cull potatoes, primarily due to poor appearance (growth cracks and greening). All Blue had the lowest yield of cull potatoes and the greatest yield of small potatoes (under 1 ¾”), as well as the greatest number of small potatoes (figure 3). The combination of these last two factors suggests All Blue may be a good candidate for production of “Creamer Potatoes” (over ¾” diameter but smaller than 1 ⅝” diameter). Creamer potatoes have historically demanded a premium price.
98 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
7.0 6.54c 5.83bc 6.0 5.65bc 5.11bc 5.0 4.36ab 4.0 3.48a 3.07a 3.0
2.0
1.0
MeanMarketable Tuber weight (oz) 0.0
All Red All
All Blue All
AltaBlush
CV03007-1
YukonGold
FV14007-12 NorlandDark Red
Figure 1. Mean marketable tuber weight of potato varieties planted at CMCDC, Portage la Prairie 2012. (LSD=1.92 p0.1)
350 Oversized (ns) 300 23 Mrkt (LSD=50)
250 Smalls (LSD=11) 14 15 Culls (LSD=21) 0 200 22 102 254 150 6 181 160 0 164 39
100 105 73 Tuber Yield TuberYield (cwt/ac) 50 24 92 43 15 56 13 32 37 15
0 15 3 17 22
All Red All
All Blue All
AltaBlush
CV03007-1
YukonGold
FV14007-12 NorlandDark Red
Figure 2. Tuber yield (cwt/ac) of multi-coloured potato varieties at CMCDC, Portage la Prairie 2012.
99 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
180 Oversized (ns) 160 0 Mrkt (LSD=29) 140
0 Smalls (LSD=18) 120 4 101 100 52 2 2 4 80 52 60 100 1 67 70 40 43 80 53 58
Average Tubers/plotAverage No 20 27 13 18 18
0
All Red All
All Blue All
AltaBlush
CV03007-1
YukonGold
FV14007-12 NorlandDark Red
Figure 3. Average number of tubers per plot from multi-coloured potato varieties at CMCDC, Portage la Prairie 2012.
The chefs chose to roast only All Red, Yukon Gold and All Blue during their evaluation of the potatoes for quality (table 2).
Table 2. Culinary rating (percent of responses) for flavour, texture, appearance and overall for All Red, Yukon Gold, and All Blue potatoes.
Variety Flavour Texture Appearance Overall Rating Poor Avg Exnt Poor Avg Exnt Poor Avg Exnt Poor Avg Exnt All Red 20% 20% 60% 20% 40% 40% 0% 60% 40% 0% 60% 40% Yukon 17% 17% 66% 0% 50% 50% 0% 100% 0% 0% 34% 66% Gold All Blue 0% 66% 34% 17% 66% 17% 0% 0% 100% 0% 66% 34%
100 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Multi-coloured tomato variety evaluation
Principal Investigators: Tom Gonsalves; Vegetable Crops Specialist, MAFRI Assiniboine Community College Culinary Arts Institute
Co-Investigators: Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre
Support: Growing Forward T & T Seeds Heritage Harvest Seed
Progress: Year 2 of 3
Objective: Evaluate non-red tomato varieties available to Manitoba producers versus a common early red standard variety (Manitoba).
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
In response to market demand many “market garden style” producers are interested in growing tomatoes that are orange, yellow, deep burgundy or striped. This trial evaluates non-red tomato varieties available to Manitoba producers versus a common early red standard variety (Manitoba).
A randomized replicated and irrigated tomato variety evaluation trial was designed and planted at CMCDC Portage la Prairie. The tomatoes were started in the greenhouse on Apr 18. The plants were transplanted by hand into the field on May 22. The varieties included in the trial are in table 1.
101 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Table 1. Tomato varieties evaluated at CMCDC, Portage la Prairie 2012. Variety Name Growth type Fruit Colour Days Manitoba Determinate Red 60
Carbon Indeterminate Burgundy ("black") 75
Kellogg's Breakfast Indeterminate Orange 90
Lemon Boy Determinate Yellow (low acid) 50
Morden Yellow Determinate Yellow 65
Persimmon Determinate Orange 80
White Zebra Indeterminate Yellow/Green Striped 75
Varieties were planted on May 22 in 2 row plots with 3 foot spacing in the row between plants and between rows. Hand harvesting occurred on Aug. 31 (101 DAT), Sept. 11 (112 DAT) and Sept. 17 (117 DAT). Late blight was confirmed on the tomatoes on Sept 16. Carbon was the first variety to exhibit foliar late blight symptoms, although all varieties were susceptible. Once late blight was confirmed quality evaluation of the tomatoes by the Assiniboine Community College Culinary Arts Institute was cancelled.
101 DAYS AFTER TRANSPLANTING Manitoba’s yield of ripe fruit was significantly greater than all other varieties (Figure 1). Manitoba was rated the most mature variety and had the least vigorous top growth compared to all other varieties. Lemon Boy and Manitoba were the only varieties to have over ripe fruit. Carbon and Persimmon had the heaviest average weight of ripe fruit. Carbon had the heaviest average weight of under ripe fruit. Lemon Boy had the heaviest average weight of over ripe fruit.
102 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
60000 Over Ripe ns Ripe LSD=6431 50000 Under Ripe ns
40000 1178
2339 13971 30000 2630 4017 403 3533 3888 20376 Yield Yield (lbs/ac) 20000 7857 5824 25733 21957 22474 23135 10000 16956 15311 12616
0
Carbon
Manitoba
LemonBoy
Persimmon
WhiteZebra MordenYellow
Kellogg'sBreakfast Figure 1. Fruit yield as under-ripe, ripe and over-ripe tomatoes 101 days after transplanting at CMCDC, Portage la Prairie 2012.
112 DAYS AFTER TRANSPLANTING There were no significant differences in yields of ripe fruit. Manitoba was rated the most mature and least vigorous variety. Manitoba had a significantly lower yield of under ripe fruit (figure 2). Carbon, Kellogg’s Breakfast & Persimmon had the heaviest average weight of ripe fruit. The average weight of under ripe fruit was heaviest for Carbon and Persimmon. Lemon Boy and Kellogg’s Breakfast’s had the heaviest average fruit weight for over ripe fruit. 60000 Over Ripe LSD=4789 Ripe ns 1194 50000 Under Ripe LSD=17921 4259 4679 40000 10358 4550 17359 12842 10325 30000 20231 4259 11584 3775 Yield Yield (lbs/ac) 20000 12745 32331 29492 28362 17973 10000 22974 20780 12874
0 3001
Carbon
Manitoba
LemonBoy
Persimmon
WhiteZebra MordenYellow
Kellogg'sBreakfast Figure 2. Fruit yield as under-ripe, ripe and over-ripe tomatoes 112 days after transplanting at CMCDC, Portage la Prairie 2012.
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117 DAYS AFTER TRANSPLANTING There were no significant differences in yield of ripe fruit. The average weight per ripe fruit of Carbon, Kellogg’s Breakfast and Persimmon were the greatest; however, these varieties produced the fewest number of ripe fruit. Manitoba had a significantly lower yield of under ripe fruit compared to other varieties (figure 3) and the greatest amount of over ripe fruit, along with Carbon & Morden Yellow.
60000 Over Ripe LSD=5610 Ripe ns 50000 3259 Under Ripe LSD=18769
40000 5647 3872 18457 6970 2033 7389 11293 10261 30000 14552 16521 21167 Yield Yield (lbs/ac) 20000 10099 27717 28291 28943 10000 19489 14068 12229 12261
0 613
Carbon
Manitoba
LemonBoy
Persimmon
WhiteZebra MordenYellow
Kellogg'sBreakfast Figure 3. Fruit yield as under-ripe, ripe and over-ripe tomatoes 112 days after transplanting at CMCDC, Portage la Prairie 2012.
104 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Adaptation of stevia to Carberry region of Central Plains
Principal Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry
Co-Investigators: University of Manitoba
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: 2 of 3
Objective: To evaluate the adaptability of stevia to Carberry region.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Stevia is a sweet herb native to Paraguay. It contains a natural non-caloric sweetener (stevioside) that, given the current obesity and diabetic epidemic in North America continue to gain in popularity and utility as a valuable food ingredient. Although this is a perennial plant at more southern latitudes it has been suggested it is grown as an annual in more northern climates. However, seed is currently very expensive due to typically very low quality seed production so the economic viability of growing the crop as an annual is very unlikely.
The Carberry region has a number of key attributes that may lead to the successful establishment of a perennial Stevia crop. Stevia favours acid soils of which Carberry has the most abundance of in Manitoba. Since roots are shallow and the crop has low drought tolerance it is ideally suited for irrigation. It also requires large amounts of potassium of which soils in this region are abundant. The largest hurdles to overcome in order to be successful are firstly spring germination/stand establishment, then in season cold temperature stress, and finally overwintering. Some studies have suggested a cold treatment of the seed may help to break dormancy. Considering the average temperatures endured during winter months in Manitoba this may be enough to help break dormancy provided spring conditions are suitable for establishment.
The 2011 attempt to establish stevia from fall planted seed was unsuccessful. In 2012 plants were started in the greenhouse at Portage la Prairie and then transplanted in a grid arrangement at Carberry. Half of the surviving 100 plants in the fall were covered with flax straw and the other half were left uncovered heading into winter. Temperature sensors were placed in the trial to measure temperature extremes. Spring assessment of winter survival will commence in the spring of 2013.
105 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Adaptation of Jerusalem Artichoke to Central Plains (Carberry) region for inulin production from tubers and stems
Principal Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry
Co-Investigators: Alberta Innovates
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Year 3 of 4
Objective: Understand optimum time for stem harvest for inulin extraction and estimate yield potential from tubers/stem by variety.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Inulin, a unique storage carbohydrate has been shown to be an important factor in maintaining and improving the gut health of monogastic organisms (citation needed). This occurs mainly because it is a desirable food source for microflora residing in the digestion system thereby promoting encouraging enhanced populations of these probiotics. The overall improved immunity and general health that occurs as a result has steadily increased the demand for inulin worldwide over the last decade (citations needed). Although found in many foods, Jerusalem Artichoke (tubers) and Chicory root are the two highest natural sources of inulin; the majority of inulin is produced in European countries from Chicory. Jerusalem Artichoke has advantages over chicory (which can also be grown in Manitoba); it is a perennial plant with the ability to thrive on marginal soils, it is an aggressive competitor with weeds, it has many alternate uses. The main disadvantages are related to propagation (seed tuber source) and long term storage of tubers. In Jerusalem Artichoke inulin is first stored in tall stems and then later in the season or after flowering it is recycled by the plant to developing tubers. Inulin can therefore be harvested from either stems or tubers. Harvesting from stems could potentially reduce the storage risk and costs associated to harvest and replanting provided the appropriate amount of inulin can be efficiently removed by this method. Market costs due ed without the need for re-planting for multiple years.
This is part two of the germplasm evaluation focusing on understanding the varietal timelines of inulin partitioning between stems and tubers as well as estimating yield (see CMCDC annual report 2011). Top varieties from previous observation nursery were grown in a randomized block design at Carberry. Tubers were planted with a small plot potato planter in 36 inch rows, 15 inch spacing between plants, replicated 3 times. Plants were randomly chosen from the west half of each plot and harvested in two week intervals. Plants were split into tubers and stems, with stems dried and ground for analyzed for inulin content. Tubers were cleaned and weighed.
Results Highlights:
Varieties varied considerably in their growth with regard to biomass production, tuber production, flowering and maturity.
Inulin concentration in stems was greatest during last week of August/first week of September for the majority of the entries, after which stem concentrations dropped considerably (figure 1). The exception to this relationship was NC10-199 which had greatest stem inulin concentration the week of August 19 (one week earlier). Data suggests the optimal harvest timing for stems is the last week of August/first
106 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
week of September or after the approximate growing degree accumulation of 1350-1550 GDD (Base 5C).
Taking both stem growth and inulin concentration into account the AlBik line produced the most inulin (kg/ha). However, since inulin concentration varied greatly as did biomass production more work is needed to differentiate among the top performers.
The maximum potential inulin production from tubers within sampling period averaged 2762kg/ha but varied greatly among lines, ranging between 332-6260 kg/ha. In comparison maximum inulin production from stems during the sampling period averaging 1061kg/ha, ranging between 326- 2543kg/ha.
300
250
KRAKOW
200
NC10-18 150
NC10-3
Inulin Concentration Inulin (mg/g) 100
AIBiK 50
0 7/30/12 8/09/12 8/19/12 8/29/12 9/08/12 9/18/12 9/28/12 Date
Figure 1. Inulin concentration in Jerusalem Artichoke stems between August 9 and Sept 21, 2012 in Carberry.
Tuber set had initiated for most varieties by August tenth and increased steadily until September 21, with the earliest tuber set observed for NC10-3 and latest being NC10-65 (figure 2).
107 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
1600
1400 NC10-3 NC10-23 1200 NC10-65 NC10-172
1000 NC10-183
800 NC10-18 NC10-199
600 AIBiK Tuber Yield TuberYield (g/plant) SW 400 OL KRAKOW 200 HajNowka
0 GRAND MEAN 7/30/128/09/128/19/128/29/129/08/129/18/129/28/12
Harvest Date
Figure 2. Jerusalem Artichoke tuber yield (g/plant) in Carberry, 2012.
Varieties producing the most top growth (stems) were AlBik and KRAKOW, with NC10-3 producing the most tubers followed by SW.
The final part of this study will commence in 2013 on plots planted in 2012 examining the re-growth and potential stem yield over time based on most appropriate harvest windows for inulin extraction.
108 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Canadian day-neutral strawberry variety evaluation trial
Principal Investigators: Prairie Fruit Growers Association Anthony Mintenko, MAFRI - Carman
Co-Investigators: Adam Dale, University of Guelph – Guelph, ON John Zandstra, University of Guelph – Guelph, ON Becky Hughes, University of Guelph – Guelph, ON Chaim Kempler, AAFC - LOCATION Craig Chandler, University of Florida - USA Vance Whitaker, University of Florida - USA
Support: Growing Forward Canadian Horticulture Council University of Guelph
Progress: Year 2 of 3
Objective: Demonstrate day-neutral strawberry plastic mulch production system and evaluate day-neutral advance selections.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Lack of snow cover during the winter of 2011-12 resulted in 60-100% plant mortality. New advanced selections to be planted in 2013. Orchard was toured informally by attendees of Horticulture Diagnostic School (August 2012) PFGA Board of Directors (July 2012) and by ACC Horticulture Production students and staff (September 2012).
109 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Evaluation of new fruit crops for Manitoba
Principal Investigators: Prairie Fruit Growers Association Anthony Mintenko, MAFRI - Carman
Co-Investigators: Bob Bors, University of Saskatchewan – Saskatoon, SK
Support: Growing Forward Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council
Progress: Year 5 of 15
Objective: Examine new fruit crops under Manitoba conditions.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Continued crop monitoring of Blue Honeysuckle, Hazelnut, and Nanking Cherry., Dwarf Sour Cherry, Plum, and Apricot at Portage la Prairie. Orchard was toured informally by attendees of Horticulture Diagnostic School (August 2012) PFGA Board of Directors (July 2012) and by ACC Horticulture Production students and staff (September 2012).
110 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Hybrid willow demonstration
Principal Investigators: Shane Tornblom, MAFRI - LOCATION
Co-Investigators: Anthony Mintenko, MAFRI - Carman Prairie Fruit Growers Association
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Year 4 of 10
Objective: To demonstrate the suitability of hybrid willow for rapid shelterbelt development and potential bio-fuel source.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Hybrid willow monitoring continued in 2012. Orchard was toured informally by attendees of Horticulture Diagnostic School (August 2012) PFGA Board of Directors (July 2012) and by ACC Horticulture Production students and staff (September 2012).
111 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Saskatoon and seabuckthorn variety demonstration
Principal Investigators: Prayer Fruit Growers Association Anthony Mintenko, MAFRI - Carman
Co-Investigators: CMCDC
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Year 7 of 15
Objective: To demonstrate Saskatoon varieties available and 4 Seabuckthorn varieties released by AAFC under Manitoba conditions to existing and potential producers.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
Harvest Moon and Orange September were planted in 2007 while 2 new cultivars were planted in 2012, Autumn Gold and Prairie Sunset. Orchard was toured informally by attendees of Horticulture Diagnostic School (August 2012) PFGA Board of Directors (July 2012) and by ACC Horticulture Production students and staff (September 2012).
112 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report
Adaptability of hops in Manitoba
Principal Investigators: Craig Linde, CMCDC - Carberry
Support: Growing Forward
Progress: Year 1 of 5
Objective: Evaluation and demonstration of the adaptability of hops in the Carberry region of Central Plains, Manitoba.
Contact Information: [email protected]
2012 Project Report
With changes to Manitoba liquor laws, permitting restaurants to brew beer in-house (as legislated in most other provinces) a renewed interest in sourcing local hops has emerged in Manitoba, along with microbreweries and nanobreweries. Hops are used as a flavoring and preserving ingredient in beer with the majority of production in North America occurring in Washington State, USA. The price of hops can be erratic and harvest very labor intensive without expensive mechanization; however, given the potential for greater price stability due to greater demand for local (organic) production the economics of establishing a hops yard in Manitoba may change in the future.
Rhizomes of nine varieties of hops (table 1) were harvested from CMCDC Portage April 12, 2012 and transported to Carberry where they were temporarily stored in refrigeration until transplanting on June 6, 2012. Plants were irrigated as needed and all varieties were successfully established in the fall. Plots will be assessed in the spring for winter survival and spring vigor. A trellis will be erected to provide vines a structure to grow on in 2013.
Table 1. Hop varieties transplanted (Rhizomes) at CMCDC Carberry, 2012. Plot Name 1 Casscade 2 Golding 3 Wild Miami 4 Garden 5 Wild Miami 6 Mt Hood 8 Golden 9 Brewers Gold 10 Fuggle
113 Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre – 2012 Annual Report