Blackleg of canola survey protocols and scouting information

Blackleg is one of the key diseases faced by Prairie canola producers and has largely been kept in check with the use of resistant varieties and crop rotation.  However, over the past 10-20 years there have been concerns regarding observed shifts in blackleg pathogen virulence in response to the major gene resistance used in a number of varieties.  Changes in virulence patterns emphasize the critical need to stay on top of this disease; producers and crop scouts can play a critical role by scouting fields to monitor blackleg and detect any unexpected increases in disease levels on resistant varieties.  For blackleg a critical time for scouting is later in the season to assess the prevalence, severity and impact of this disease issue.  When assessing blackleg incidence and severity, it is critical to correctly identify symptoms of blackleg and differentiate these from normal or premature canola crop ripening due to a range of abiotic and biotic factors.  Recent Prairie research has shown limited responses to in-crop fungicide when resistant varieties are grown, and especially where this resistance is still highly effective. 

Protocols and scouting information can be found at the following links:

Protocols for blackleg surveying in canola

Blackleg scouting information

Suggested protocols for assessing the incidence and severity of sclerotinia stem rot of canola

During late June and July, crop scouting in canola is critical for assessing sclerotinia stem rot risk and gauging the need for and timing of an in-crop fungicide application.  However, late season crop scouting is also important as it can be used to assess the prevalence, severity and impact of this disease issue.  Where unsprayed check strips or areas have been left in the field, late season assessments can be used to assess the impact and benefit of spraying in relation to sclerotinia stem rot management and crop productivity.  When assessing sclerotinia stem rot incidence and severity, it is critical to correctly identify symptoms of stem rot and differentiate these from normal or premature canola crop ripening due to a range of abiotic and biotic factors. 

A detailed overview of suggested sampling protocols can be found at the following link: 

Prairie Crop Disease Monitoring Network, Sclerotinia Stem Rot Assessment Protocols, Summer 2020.

A companion document is also available that outlines additional sampling suggestions as well as typical symptoms of sclerotinia stem rot and symptoms due to other factors that are not sclerotinia stem rot.  This companion document is available at the following link:   

Guide to scouting and identification of sclerotinia stem rot of canola.

Fusarium damaged kernel symptoms

In-crop scouting at the late milk to early dough stage of development in your wheat and barley may indicate potential issues with fusarium head blight.  Make sure to follow up with an assessment of the harvested grain.  Here is an @PCDMN disease info card that outlines typical fusarium damaged kernel (FDK) symptoms as well as symptoms due to other issues that may be confused with fusarium head blight damage in harvested grain.

Testing of representative samples from harvested grain by a seed testing lab can help in terms of potential grade and mycotoxin issues, while identifying possible solutions/opportunities.  

PCDMN fusarium head blight info card

The latest PCDMN fusarium head blight info card is available.  The card covers symptoms and management of fusarium head blight of wheat, caused primarily by Fusarium graminearum.

Link to the FHB of wheat info card

Latest PCDMN disease info card

The latest PCDMN disease info card is available.  The card covers symptoms and management of fusarium head blight of barley, caused primarily by Fusarium graminearum.

Fusarium head blight of barley info card