Straight cutting linked to canola disease spread

Jan 17, 2023

Last year, verticillium stripe was found in 40 percent of canola fields in Manitoba.

That’s a huge number, considering the first detected case in Canada was found in 2014 at a farm south of Winnipeg.

The fungal disease has also moved into eastern Saskatchewan and is becoming a common problem in that region.

Verticillium is obviously spreading at a rapid rate, and a former Canola Council of Canada agronomist believes that straight cutting of canola is partly responsible.

“We cut through the inoculum source at harvest. So, we are cutting right through all the micro-sclerotia and they are going everywhere,” said Justine Cornelsen, the agronomic and regulatory services manager with BrettYoung Seeds.

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Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta