Canola (Rapeseed) 12/12/10 8:29 PM

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Canola (Rapeseed)
E.S. Oplinger1 , L.L. Hardman2 , E.T. Gritton 1 , J.D. Doll 1 , and K.A. Kelling1
1Departments of Agronomy and Soil Science, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Cooperative Extension Service, University of Wisconsin-
Madison, WI 53706.
2 Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108. Nov., 1989.

I. History:
Canola is a name applied to edible oilseed rape. This plant belongs to the mustard family along with
3,000 other species. Close relatives of this crop have been cultivated for food since the earliest
recordings of man. Rapeseed has been important to Europe since the 13th century as a source of food
and oil for fuel. Rapeseed production became popular in North America during World War II as a source
of lubricants. Its oil has the property of adhering well to moist metal, making it an ideal lubricant for
marine engines.

The name "canola" was registered in 1979 by the Western Canadian Oilseed Crushers Association to
describe "double-low" varieties. Double low indicates that the processed oil contains less than 2% erucic
acid and the meal less than 3 mg/g of glucosinolates. Erucic acid is a fatty acid that has been related to
heart disease. Glucosinolates have breakdown products that are toxic to animals. Both characteristics
make rapeseed products poor candidates for animal consumption.

In the early 1960s, Canadian plant breeders isolated single lines free of erucic acid and began programs
to develop double low varieties.

Today annual worldwide production of canola is approximately 7.5 million tons on 4 million acres.
Canada accounts for 15% of the world production and the European Economic Community for nearly
17%. The United States produces less than 1% of the world production. Minnesota and North Dakota are
the major U.S. production states with about 20,000 acres. Canola ranks 5th in production among the
world's oilseed crops following soybeans, sunflowers, peanuts and cottonseed.

II. Uses:
A. Oil and Protein:

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Like soybean, canola contains both high oil content as well as high protein content. It contains about
40% oil and 23% protein compared to 20 and 40%, respectively, for soybean. Like soybean, when the oil
is crushed out, it leaves a high quality, high protein (37%) feed concentrate which is highly palatable to
livestock. Commercial varieties of canola were developed from two species; Brassica napus (Argentine
type) and Brassica campestris (Polish type). Both species of canola produce seed that is high in
polyunsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, and linolenic).

B. Forages:
Another potential for canola is as an annual forage. Historically, it was used as a forage for field-raised
swine and poultry. Canola can produce 1.0 to 2.0 tons of dry matter per acre in a single season. A study
conducted in Kansas found winter rapeseed forage to have crude protein of 21-33%, compared to 24%
for winter wheat foliage.

III. Growth Habits:

Both fall and spring seeded types of canola are available. Canola growth is characterized by six main
growth stages. Much of the management of this crop is related to the length of time and plant
characteristics within each of these stages. Stage 0 is preemergence. The germinating seedling may take
from 4 to 10 days to emerge. During this time it is susceptible to many soil borne pathogens. In Canada,
seed protectant fungicides are often used on spring types, however effective materials have not been
registered for use in the U.S. Speed of emergence depends on soil temperature and moisture, seed soil
contact, and depth of planting. Stage I is the seedling stage where the very young plant has just emerged
from the soil. Cotyledons are pushed through the soil surface by an active hypocotyl. At this stage, the
seedling is still vulnerable to many soil pathogens, and to flea beetle infestation. Both pests are
detrimental to stand establishment. Since the early canola crop is a poor competitor, it is extremely
important to get a good stand.

Stage 2 is the rosette stage characterized by an increasing leaf area index. Spring canola will remain in
this vegetative stage for several weeks. Winter canola also stays in this stage for several weeks in the
spring. Near the end of Stage 2, the crop is nearing its maximum leaf area index and at that point is a
much better competitor. Increasing day length and temperatures initiate bolting and the beginning of
Stage 3, the bud stage. The plants reach their maximum leaf area index at this time along with 30 to 60%
of its total dry matter. A large accumulation of foliage is required to provide adequate sugars during
flowering and pod fill.

Flowering begins Stage 4 and continues for 14 to 21 days. Three to five flowers open per day and 40 to
55% of the flowers that open will develop pods. Ripening, or Stage 5, begins when the petals fall from
the last formed flower on the main stem. Pod fill is complete 35 to 45 days after flower initiation, and the
seeds contain about 40% moisture at this point. The crop is considered ripe and ready for swathing when
30 to 40% of the seed from pods on the main stem have turned color. Spring varieties of B. napus mature
74 to 140 days after seeding and B. campestris in 66 to 111 days.

IV. Environment Requirements:

A. Climate:

Canola is widely adapted, particularly to the cool extremes of the temperate zones. 1 Minimum
temperatures for growth have been reported to be near 32F. The crop will germinate and emerge with

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soil temperatures at 41F but the optimum is 50F. Winter annual varieties are grown where adequate
snow covers or mild winters are common. The crop has been produced successfully in Michigan without
benefit of snow cover. Planting date has a dramatic effect on survival however.

B. Soil:
Canola does best on medium textured, well drained soils. The crop is tolerant of a soil pH as low as 5.5
and saline conditions. Because of its tolerance to salinity, canola has been used as the first crop on newly
drained dikes in the Netherlands. Canola requires approximately 16 to 18 inches of water through its
growing season, with 8 to 8.3 inches used by annual varieties in July near flower and pod fill.

V. Cultural Practices:
A. Seedbed Preparation:
Stand establishment is very important with canola because of its lack of early competitiveness. Seeding
into a smooth, firm seedbed helps maintain a uniform seeding depth and even emergence. Seedbed
preparation is usually done with a shallow (4-5 inch) tillage operation. Recent research, however, has
shown some success establishing canola with reduced tillage.

B. Seeding Date:
Canola can be seeded in either the fall or the spring depending on the type of variety. Fall dates need to
be timed to achieve about 6 true leaves and good root reserves before a killing frost. Planting between
August 15 and September 1 should accomplish this in most areas of Wisconsin and Minnesota.2 Spring
planting should begin as early as soil is dry and weather permits. Like spring small grains, spring canola
generally yields the best with early planting. At Arlington, WI canola seeded the last week of April
averaged 1325 lb/a compared to 1150 lb/a when seeded three weeks later on May 20.

C. Method and Rate of Seeding:

Canola is usually seeded with the small seed attachment of a grain drill to a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch. Rows
should be spaced 7 inches or less. Research has shown highest yields with 3-inch row spacings. Canola
should be seeded at 4-5 lb/a if drilled and 7-8 lb/a if broadcast depending on seed size and soil texture.
Stands should be around 6-8 plants per square foot for highest yields. Canola stands of this density can
withstand up to a 2/3 kill before reseeding is more profitable than maintaining the existing crop.

D. Fertility and Lime Requirements:

Little information is available on the responsiveness of canola to lime applications or soil pH. Most
current canola production areas tend to be on soils which are slightly acid to alkaline, however this does
not mean that more acid soils necessarily need to be limed to these levels.

Some states recommend that P and K should be applied on the basis of soil test recommendations for
winter wheat. Table 1 shows the nutrient removals for typical wheat, barley and canola yields. For
Wisconsin and Minnesota this means that when soil tests are in the medium range about 20-30 lbs Of
P2 O5 and 20 lbs of K2 O should be applied per acre. At lower soil tests these rates should be increased.
Because canola is sensitive to direct seed contact with fertilizer, applications should be banded at least 2
inches to the side and below the seed or broadcast.
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Table 1: Spring canola vs. other crops in usage of various macro nutrients.

Nutrients Removed (lbs./A)

Crop and Yield Level Crop Part N P K S
Wheat at 40 bu./A Seed 60 24 16 4
Straw 25 5 48 6
Total 85 29 64 10
Barley at 60 bu./A Seed 60 22 20 5
Straw 30 8 67 6
Total 90 30 87 11
Canola at 35 bu./A Seed 66 32 16 12
Straw 39 14 67 9
Total 105 46 83 21

Canola responds well to nitrogen fertilizer, with optimum yields occurring around 80-100 lbs N/acre. For
spring canola, it should be broadcast and incorporated at seeding time along with the P and K. For winter
canola, nitrogen may be best applied as a split application using starter nitrogen application of about 10-
20 lbs/acre, followed by the remainder in the spring prior to regrowth.

As shown in Table 1, canola is a heavy user of sulfur. Soils most likely to respond to S additions are
light colored, sandy soils, in northwestern Wisconsin and northern Minnesota which have not been
manured within the past two years.

E. Variety Selection:
There are several varieties of oilseed rape available particularly from Canadian sources. Recently
released varieties which meet the qualifications to be called canola are:

AndorReleased by University of Alberta in 1981 with distribution rights to Can-Alta Seeds Ltd., Red
Deer, Alberta.

GlobalDeveloped by Svalof A. B., Plant Breeding Station, Sweden. Distributed by Bonis and
Company Ltd., Lindsay, Ontario, Canada.

Hyola 70Hybrid developed by Contiseed Ltd. (Canada) to be marketed in U.S. in 1988, by Contiseed,
Huron, SD.

OAC TritonTolerant of triazine (Sencor, Lexone, atrazine, etc.) herbicides. Originated by University
of Guelph, Ontario. Licensed in 1984.

RegentOriginated by University of Manitoba. Licensed in 1977.

TopasReported to have moderate resistance to Sclerotinia. Developed by Svalof A. B., Plant Breeding
Station, Sweden. Distributed by Bonis and Company Ltd., Lindsay, Ontario, Canada.

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TowerOriginated by University of Manitoba. Licensed in 1974.

TributeTolerant of triazine herbicides (Sencor, Lexone, atrazine, etc.). Better oil quality than OAC
Triton but much lower seed yield than Westar. Originated by Agriculture Canada, Saskatoon, and
University of Guelph, Ontario. Licensed in 1985.

WestarOriginated by Agriculture Canada, Saskatoon. Licensed in 1982. Production of certified seed

limited to Canada.

CandleOriginated by Agriculture Canada, Saskatoon. Licensed in 1977.

TobinOriginated by Agriculture Canada, Saskatoon. Licensed in 1981. Production of certified seed

limited to Canada.

Characteristics of spring seeded canola varieties in Minnesota tests are shown in Table 2. (from Varietal
Trials of Farm Crops-Minnesota Report 24)

Table 2: Characteristics of spring canola in Minnesota.

Days from
planting to
Crop and Oil Test Weight Seeds Lodging Height
Variety (%) (lbs/bu) (1,000/lb) bloom maturity (score) (in)
Brassica napus
Andor 42 50 137 51 98 0.9 35
Hyola 70 40 43 250 55 88 1.1 34
Global 41 51 133 59 99 2.2 39
OAC Triton 41 51 116 56 100 2.1 30
Topas 43 51 156 58 98 1.2 39
Tribute 35 49 152 55 88 0.8 31
Westar 42 51 123 52 93 0.9 35
Brassica campestris
Tobin 41 52 197 43 89 4.0 30

F. Weed Control:
The best weed control practices are tillage, establishment of a good stand, and weed control in previous
crops. Cruciferous weeds (wild radish, wild mustard, pennycress and shepherd's purse) are nearly
impossible to control in the crop.

1. Cultural: As with small grains, the weed control in canola is primarily from the crop itself. Follow
all recommended cultural practices to assure a dense vigorous crop that competes well with weeds.
Select fields with minimal weed pressure and try to avoid those with weeds in the mustard family.

2. Mechanical control measures cannot be used in canola. A rotary hoe would kill many crop plants
and row cultivation is not feasible because of the narrow row spacing.

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3. Chemical: Treflan is the only herbicide registered in the United states for use in canola. Treflan
and Poast are registered in Canada. Treflan is applied preplant incorporated and gives good annual
grass control, but misses ragweed, mustard, and lady's thumb smartweed. Poast is used for
postemergence control of annual grasses, quackgrass and volunteer cereals.

G. Diseases and their Control:

White mold (Sclerotinia stem rot) can be a serious disease after flowering in seasons with cool, moist
growing conditions. Infection occurs when dropped petals contact the stem and spores germinate on the
dead petals. Bleached stem lesions occur around the initial infection, then white mold and black fungal
bodies grow inside and outside the stem. Sudden wilting and premature dying of individual plants are
usually the first noticeable symptoms. Since white mold is a problem in several other crops, its
occurrence in canola must be carefully monitored. Avoid planting canola following such crops as
soybeans and dry edible beans or sunflower.

H. Insects and Other Predators and their Control:

Many insects may infest canola at various stages of its growth. Probably the greatest problem is caused
by the flea beetle, a shiny black beetle about 10 to 15 mm long which attacks canola particularly at
emergence, although it can be a problem later as well. Hot, sunny weather promotes feeding damage.
Most growers control flea beetles with a granular insecticide mixed with the seed, but other seed-applied
formulations and postemergence insecticides are also available. Seed-applied insecticides provide
protection for about half as long as the granular materials. Flea beetle has not been a problem with
winter canola types.

Diamondback moth larvae can be a problem in dry years. The larvae are pale yellow to light green, 11 to
13 mm in length, and frequently hang by a spun thread. Larvae eat flowers and young pods, and peel
older tissue. Seeds under peeled pods often fail to develop properly. Spraying with one of the
recommended insecticides can be justified in situations where there are over 20 larvae per plant.3

I. Harvesting:
Timely harvest of canola is critical to prevent shattering. When pods first begin to yellow, the crop needs
to be checked on a 3 to 4 day schedule. Harvest maturity can only be determined by observing the color
of the seed. In canola that stands well, 30 to 40% of the seed on the main stem needs to be brownish-red
in color prior to swathing. This corresponds to about 30 to 35% seed moisture. Canola does have a
tendency to lodge, particularly with over-fertilization of susceptible varieties. In severely lodged canola,
swathing should be done when 40 to 50% of the seed in exposed pods has turned color.

Shattering can account for significant crop losses, therefore harvesting must not be delayed. Canola
should be cut high on the stem and lightly pushed into the stubble with a windrower to prevent blowing.
The crop is combined when it has dried to near 10% moisture. Direct combining with the use of a
desiccant is possible in canola that is standing well, but determining application time is difficult and field
losses are higher. The cylinder speed should be set at 450-1000 RPM and the cylinder concave clearance
at 3/16 to 1/2 inch. Losses should be evaluated for further refinement of these adjustments. Canola that is
to be stored for six months or more must be dried to near 8% moisture.

J. Drying and Storage:

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Rapeseed must be handled and stored carefully. Tight storage bins are required. Seed can sweat in
storage even at 9 to 20% moisture content. Inspection is required to prevent heating and spoilage in the
bin. The small seed restricts air flow, so thin layers are necessary for drying wet seed. If much straw is
present a scalper should be used to clean the crop.

VI. Yield Potential and Performance Results:

Yields of canola in the upper Midwest have been extremely variable in recent studies. In Minnesota,
yields have ranged from 150 to 2500 lb/a with oil ranging from 39 to 47%. A test weight of 52 lb/bu is
generally used for canola.

Studies conducted at several locations in Wisconsin have found yields of spring types ranging from 250
to 2300 lb/a, while winter types frequently have not survived the Wisconsin winters. Recent Wisconsin
yields are summarized in Table 3 and Minnesota yields in Table 4.

Table 3: Yield of spring and fall seeded canola varieties in Wisconsin.

Variety Arlington Marshfield Hancock Ashland Spooner Sturgeon Bay

Spring Seeded
Years: 1985-87 1985 1985 1985-86 1985 1985-86
No. tests: 5 1 1 2 1 2
yield (lb/a)
Varieties
Westar 1485 1248 1577 826 1731 1846
Topas 1099 1248 2096 1111 2269 1849
Global 1243 1549 2201 970 1993 1848
Fall Seeded
Years: 1986 1986 1986 1986 1986-87
No. tests: I I 1 1 2
Variety
Jupiter 1422 645 938 1325 1746

Table 4: Seed yield of spring canola in Minnesota.

Roseau Rosemont Waseca

Crop & 1981-2, 84-5, Crookston Morris 1979-83, 1987- Lamberton Grand Rapids
Variety 89 1985 1989 87 88 1987 1988-89
lbs/A
Brassica napus
Hyola 40 14651 --- 1945 5691 151 1087 1030
Global 16382 1051 884 5181 188 665 918

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OAC Triton 10973 954 1029 5931 179 510 335

Topas 12942 1058 1368 6121
Westar 20653 1377 1391 6342 281 1220 1381
Brassica campestris
Tobin 11453 876 --- 11613 273 920 6971

1One year data,

2 Two year data,
3 Three year data

VII. Economics of Production and Markets:

Canola is sometimes marketed on a contract basis. No standard grading system exists in the U.S., (although standards are being
developed and may be in place by 1990), but primary grades used in Canada are generally followed by buyers.

Table 5 compares the costs of producing soybean, another oilseed crop, and those of canola. "Fixed costs" assume that such things
as equipment, time investment, interest rates, etc. are the same for both crops. However, even with these costs being equal, the
direct costs of canola production are higher. Most of the additional expense comes from increased fertilizer and pesticide inputs.
Transportation costs to the market have not been included. For most areas of Wisconsin and Minnesota these costs are likely to be
much higher for canola than for soybean considering the lack of available canola markets.

Potential returns of canola at $.10/lb with those of soybean at $5.50/bu are compared in Table 6. From this information, it is
apparent that canola must yield higher than any of the varieties have in the recent Minnesota and Wisconsin evaluations to be
economical.

Table 5: Canola production costs compared to soybean.

Cost/Acre
Expense Soybean Canola
Fixed costs 152.00 152.00
Variable costs
Seed $15.00 $14.00
Inoculurn 0.50 0.00
Fertilizer 16.80 34.00
Herbicide 15.00 6.00
Insecticide 0.00 1.50
Subtotal $47.30 $55.50
Total Cost $199.30 $207.50

Table 6: Potential returns with soybean at $S.50 per bushel and canola at $0.10 per pound.

Soybean Yield Canola Yield

Production Level (bu./A) Profit (lbs./A) Profit
Breakeven 36 $0.00 2,075 $ 0.00

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Good Yield 50 75.70 2,800 72.70

High Yield 70 185.70 3,600 152.50

Canola may be more adapted and competitive in the extreme northern portion of the Midwest where soybean yields are lower.
With proper management, canola may be a potentially profitable crop for these areas.

VIII. Information Sources:

Canola Production HandbooL 1989. Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin, C-706. Kansas State

University. Manhattan, KS.

Canola Characteristics and Production. 1986. B. D. Philbrook. Agron. Seminar Memo. Dept. of Agronomy - U.W.
Madison.

Will Canola take Root in Michigan? 1987. L. O. Copeland. Crops and Soils Newsletter. Michigan State Univ., E.
Lansing, MI.

Winter Rapeseed Cultural Information. 1986. L. L Hardman. Dept. of Agronomy & Plant Genetics, Univ. of Minn. St.
Paul, MN.

Varietal trials of Farm Crops. Minnesota Report 24. Univ. of Minn. Ag. Exp. Sta., St. Paul, MN.

References to pesticide products in this publication are for your convenience and are not an endorsement of one product over
other similar products. You are responsible for using pesticides according to the manufacturer's current label directions. Follow
directions exactly to protect the environment and people from pesticide exposure. Failure to do so violates the law.

Footnotes:

lCanola is sensitive to high temperatures, especially during flowering. Yields decline from northern to southern Minnesota, largely due to heat stress.
2In Minnesota, fall seeding should take place between Aug. 1 and Sept. 20.
Winterkill of fall-seeded canola is likely if there is insufficient snow cover. (In 1989, 5 of 6 locations of winter canola were winter-killed).

3Check with authorities about temporary labels for your state, as there are currently no insecticides for canola that have a national EPA label.

Last updated: Invalid Date by aw

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