• An early break that allows canola to be sown in April is the best option for farmers to grow canola in the rotation in low rainfall areas. Use it as an opportunity crop rather than trying to grow it each year. Mustard is an earlier flowering option and when canola quality mustard is available it may be able to be included more frequently than canola is now.
• Conventional canola cultivars, triazine tolerant cultivars and Clearfield canola are all suitable for low rainfall areas, but the conventional cultivars have the highest yield & oil content. The other cultivars have weed control advantages.

• Amistar Xtra, Intake Hiload Gold and Prosaro provided effective blackleg control.
• No significant yield increase from these fungicides
• Need to consider economics- high cost fungicides arent justified if blackleg risk is low
• Last year’s work indicates variety selection also a good tool for blackleg control
• Blackleg is a problem in retained stubbles, fungicides and variety choice are 2 of many tools for blackleg control

Where radish is not a problem and where Simazine and Atrazine does not need to be used, then it may be useful to try some of the better yielding varieties of the non TT type, because of their higher oil percentages and early seedling vigour. If weeds are a problem then stick with the TT varieties. There was not a large amount of difference between the TT and non TT varieties with regards to yield.

• In a low yielding season canola yield reached a plateau at between 20 and 40 plants/m².
• Hybrid canola reached a plateau at lower density than open-pollinated canola.
• Canola yield held up at high density well, even though plants became severely stressed in early winter and early spring.
• Hybrid canola had a significant yield advantage over open-pollinated (OP) canola in a below average season.

• In a low yielding season canola yield reached a plateau at between 20 and 40 plants/m².
• Hybrid canola reached the plateau at lower density than open-pollinated canola.
• Optimum density ranged from 10 plants/m² for hybrid canola to over 65 plants/m² for open-pollinated (OP) Triazine tolerant (TT) canola.
• Hybrid canola had a significant yield advantage over open-pollinated canola in a below average season.

• Canola is best sown shallow (1-2cm) on hard setting and crusting soils.
• On lighter soils or better structured soils canola can be sown a bit deepter (5-8cm) if there is more moisture at this depth.

Establishment was highest where stubble was removed, however sufficient plants were established for a commercial crop where stubble remained standing rather than laying on the ground.

Conditions post spreading of the seed were perfect for establishment - seed spread onto moist soil, 30 mm of rain and cool temperates post rainfall - and a similar level of success may not be achievable evry season.

1. The placement of the seed relative to soil moisture and soil temperature conditions at sowing during 2022 and 2023 seasons had the largest influence on canola establishment across the low rainfall zones of WA. Delaying sowing to avoid exposing the canola seed and seedlings to high temperatures and placing the seed shallow in the soil profile above soil moisture in North Mallee (2023), Merredin (2022), Morawa (2022 and 2022), and Yuna (2023) maximised canola establishment, with a follow up rainfall event.
2. Grading open pollinated seed to above 1.8 mm was shown to improve canola establishment on a sandy soil type in North Mallee (2023), however, did not influence canola establishment in Merredin (2022) or Holt Rock (2023) on heavier soil types where soil moisture was present at seeding.
3. Fertilizer placement was shown to influence canola establishment at Cunderdin with the increased separation UAN below the seed associated with improved establishment.
4. The use of 25 cm row spacing (compared to 75 cm spacing) maximised canola establishment rates at Southern Cross.
5. The addition of SACOA SE14 soil wetter did not significantly influence canola establishment in any of the nine trials in which it was tested. However, good soil moisture was present at sowing for majority of the trials and subsequently the influence of soil wetters on canola establishment requires further research in varying seasons.
6. Besides the two trials at Yuna in 2023, none of the trials experienced a dry season start for seeding. Further canola establishment research is required to better understand how to avoid large canola establishment failures in unfavourably dry sowing conditions.

• In the Upper North it will be rare that there are stubble loads high enough (7-10t/ha stubble residue) to cause a significant issue at seeding to reduce seeding efficiency.
• The stubble loads experienced in the Upper North will on average be able to be sown through and produce effective canola establishment without burning or cultivation.
• Undertaking burning or cultivation was shown in this demonstration to have a negative impact on canola plant establishment if undertaken unnecessarily (barley stubble residue ~5t/ha).

In 2017, there were three canola variety trials sown across the South East region of South Australia: located at
Keith, Bordertown and Frances. The site at Keith evaluates early season varieties, and those at Bordertown and
Frances evaluate mid-season varieties. Both sets of trials have similar sowing and harvest times and have a similar
complement of varieties, although there may be several early maturity varieties in the early series that are not
tested in the mid-series, or vice-versa. The data from the 2017 Bordertown canola variety trials has not been
released.

• The yields for the Clearfield (imidazolinone tolerant) variety time of sowing 1 (TOS1) trial averaged 5.48 t/ha (see Table 2a in attached trial report).
• There was no significant difference in yield between the two varieties sown.
• The yields for the Clearfield (imidazolinone tolerant) variety time of sowing 2 (TOS2) trial (Table 2b) averaged 5.56 t/ha and ranged from 6.32 t/ha (Pheonix CL) down to 5.18 t/ha  (Banker CL).
• There was no significant difference in yield between the varieties. 

There are no NVT Canola sites in the lower south-east and Millicent is seen as important in evaluating canola varieties in a high rainfall environment. 

• Soil analysis obtained from the site indicated that most nutrients were in adequate supply with the exception of Phosphorus. Gypsum was applied to both sites in 1995 at 2.5 T/Ha. DAP was applied to the crop at sowing at the rate of 100 kg/ha. 
• For further discussion please see the attached trial report.

Different fungicide applications didn’t result in a significant difference in grain yield, however there was a large difference in the amount of internal blackleg infection.

• Early sowing opportunities may provide a great opportunity to maximise canola yield, but selection of the correct variety is important.
• Understanding the drivers behind canola development will help to improve canola management and variety selection.
• Varietal maturity ratings don’t always correlate with varietal phenology.

• Plant breeders have done a good job in reducing the lodging tendency of canola varieties. AIR Grace is a particularly good standing variety.
• Unless you are dealing with very high nitrogen soils and the growing season is particularly favourable, growth regulators should not be required in canola.
• Chlormequat had no effect on reducing plant height.
• Chlormequat appeared to have no adverse effect on grain yield and grain quality. 

• The results suggest that there was no significant impact on yield or oil content of the canola following the application of growth regulators. 
• For further conclusions please see the attached trial report.

The physical height difference between the treatments was very small and unable to be measured. None of the plots in the trial lodged.
None of the growth regulator treatments in the trial significantly increased or decreased the yield or oil content of the canola compared to the control treatment.

Losses underneath the comb for the direct harvesting was 0.32 t/ha.

• Canola can produce excellent quality hay (and silage).
• Cutting at late flowering is a good compromise between quality and quantity.
• Cutting after late flowering reduced hay quality but had little effect on hay quantity.
• The hybrid IT varieties produced higher hay and grain yield than the triazine tolerant varieties.
• The option of hay reduces the risk of growing canola and enables the rotational benefits (weed control, disease break) of canola to be achieved at a lower financial risk.

• Limited results are available from 2006 due to the dry season.
• Only limited seed is available for many of the new canola varieties.
• Review available data and always try new varieties in conjunction with proven varieties.
• Plant back residues may be an issue – check the labels!
• Match cultivar selection to available soil moisture and the break of the season.
• 14 new varieties are expected to be released in 2007 in Victoria.

• Canola is an important part of my cropping rotation as it has been profitable in it's own right and provided benefits to following crops.
• However it requires a lot of water and nutrients to be successful, and when port prices fall below about $300/tonne I question taking the risks involved in growing canola.

• Increasing the nitrogen rate from 100N to 150N increased canola grain yield from 1.8t/ha to 2.5t/ha, with yield plateauing at the 200N and 250N rates (2.6-2.7t/ha).
• There was an obvious response to sulfur applications at this site, with applied sulfur increasing yield by 300kg/ha with 100N applied, and by over 800kg/ha with 250N applied. There was no significant response to applied phosphorus or potassium at this site.
• With the large yield responses to nitrogen at this site, even at a theoretical 3:1 urea to canola price, applying 150N resulted in the largest gross margin.

• I firmly believe that canola is here to stay in the district. It is in many ways better suited to the
  environment than wheat.
• The frost risk from sowing early is much greater with wheat because it only flowers for a few days.
• Frosts at this time can devastate wheat crops.

The 2009 season was one we would like to forget, with decile 1 growing season rainfall for nearly all grain growing regions in Victoria. Despite the season, crops in many areas looked excellent, but those without stored subsoil moisture at sowing struggled considerably with no effective rainfall in spring. Oil contents were highly variable, and generally low. Frosts on 23 October and 17 November wiped off about one-third of the crop in the Western District

• The highest yielding varieties were Trigold, Tribune, Tornado TT, ATR-Beacon and ATR-Stubby. The choice between these varieties needs to take into account their tolerance to blackleg and their concentrations.

Simulate grazing (mowing) reduced canola grain yield by 17%. The acceptability of yield loss in return for additional feed in the fomr of dry matter (DM)will depend on grain and livestock prices. The trial results highlight the importance of timely grazing management.

The grain yield of TT Tornado canola was not significantly affected by nitrogen form (urea or SOA) or timing (IBS to green bud).

• Split application of nitrogen at green bud and full flower produced the highest yields.
• The risk of a dry season can be reduced by using split fertiliser timings.
• Applying nitrogen consistently increases levels of protein in canola but reduces oil content.
• Using flutrifaol-treated starter fertiliser and in-crop fungicides increased yields of canola by an average of 0.42 t/ha.
• Fungicide use had no consistent impact on grain quality.
   

• Increasing applied nitrogen from 100N to 150N increased yield from 2.8 to 3.2 t/ha and was profitable under both standard and high fertiliser prices. Yield responses up to 200N at least covered fertiliser costs, while increasing to 250N reduced gross margin under high fertiliser pricing scenarios.
• Despite reasonable Colwell P levels in the top 10cm (22 mg/kg), responses to banded phosphorus were evident early in the season. Applying 15 kg P/ha provided yield responses that broke even under high fertiliser prices or were profitable under average prices, while yield responses generally did not justify the significant costs of applying more than 15P.
• Despite yields of 3.8 t/ha with 300N-31P-50K-31S applied, incorporation of manure at seeding or applying high rates of synthetic fertiliser over multiple application timings increased yield by up to 0.5 t/ha, indicating that nutritional deficiencies may still be present even with these high fertiliser rates

• Despite similar soil P levels to the nearby 2021 trial that saw no P response, there was significant response to fertiliser P applications evident from early growth to harvest.
• While treatments with banded P increased from 3.0 to 3.5 t/ha as N increased from 100N to 250N, treatments with no applied P showed a more modest N response (from 2.5 to 2.7 t/ha).
• Applying 150N and 15P was profitable under a range of fertiliser prices, while the profitability of higher N and P rates were more dependent on fertiliser and grain prices.
• Post-emergent P applications alleviated significant deficiency in-season, while benefits to incorporation of manure or to high rates of synthetic fertiliser applied over multiple applications suggest that there may be merit to alternative nutrition strategies to address transient nutrient deficiency.

• Canola yield response to N application plateaued at 3.7 t/ha with 150 kg N/ha applied, 0.6 t/ha higher than where nil N was applied.
• The addition of 3 t/ha (dry basis) Chicken Manure (see analysis Table 3) with nil N had no impact on grain yield but did increase yield when applied with the 225 kg N/ha rate, yielding 0.4 t/ha more than 225 kg N/ha alone.
• Although the manure supplied ~105 kg N/ha, the lack of response where no N as urea was applied suggests that this N may not be readily available to the crop.
• The Inorganic Nutrient treatment (NPKS in inorganic fertiliser equivalent to 3 t/ha chicken manure) applied with 225 kg N/ha yielded similarly to where Chicken Manure was applied with 225 kg N/ha.
• Where the macro-nutrients N, P, K & S were sequentially dropped out of the Inorganic Nutrition treatment, the only one that affected yield was the subtraction of P. Dropping P out reduced yield by 0.4 t/ha compared with where both 3 t/ha Chicken Manure and the Inorganic Nutrient equivalent were applied with 225 kg N/ha.
• This response to P comes even where there was 15 kg P/ha applied pre-sowing (as single super) and 28 kg /ha P applied at sowing (as MAP).
• Further work determining optimum P levels is required for canola yields > 4 t/ha. Potentially growers should aim to increase their soil P reserves gradually over time (similar to N bank approach) to increase yield potential in high yielding situations.

While the 2003 series of trials is largely inconclusive, they do highlight a number of take-home messages:
• Do not expect nutrients like nitrogen to work effectively where other essential nutrients like phosphorus are lacking.
• Site selection for nutrition trials is vital - conduct of trials on recently constructed beds is advised against. Ideally, trials will be conducted in situations where beds have been in a normal cropping rotation for at least 5 years.
• The jury is still out on best approach to N management for canola, but where reasonable profile N is present before sowing a crop, split applications are advisable to mitigate risk.

Growing canola successfull requires that:

• suphur levels are optimum
• zinc levels are adequate
• P levels are adequate
• N levels are optimum

No product or timing had significant effects on crop height.

• Selecting mid-fast hybrid varieties with flexible phenology in the Wimmera is a good risk management option, which also has yield potential when seasonal conditions are favourable.
• Fast hybrids have performed well but avoid the temptation to plant these early if an early break eventuates.
• Selecting slow developing varieties comes with added risk of requiring a germinating rain in the first week of April or earlier.
• The best return on investment in nitrogen comes with application to hybrids that flower at the optimum time for the environment.

Please refer to the tial report for yield of the variety evaluation trial ( t/ha, % site mean) and grain quality results.

Please refer to the tial report for yield of the variety evaluation trial ( t/ha, % site mean) and grain quality results.

• Plant density achieved was generally higher than the target plant density.
• There was no effect of plant density on canola grain yield or oil concentration.
• 23 -32 plants/m2 was enough to achieve a similar yield to high seeding rates and at much lower cost.

• Time of nitrogen application was not as important as the quantity available to the plant.
• Nitrogen is an important driver of canola yields across dune-swale soil types and must be managed in the low rainfall zone for the crop to be profitable.

 

• Subsoil acidity, topsoil water repellance and herbicide resistance weeds are often found in combination on sandplain soils in Western Australian wheatbelt.
• One-off mouldboard ploughing is being investigated as a way to decimate herbicide resistant weed seed banks. bury water repellant top soil and incorporate lime into into acid subsoils.

These results highlight the potential for canola yields to be increased with extra P fertiliser rates above 20 kg P/ha. However, fertiliser research has indicated high rates of starter fertilisers such as MAP and DAP can have a negative impact on seedling germination due to fertiliser "burn".

• Establishment has been close to target at target densities up to 60plants/m2, except GT viper. This is because GT Viper seed used had a lower germination (53%) than was assumed (98%).

• 16 new varieties/hybrids will be marketed in 2006. ƒ
• Limited yield results are available to date – check NVT database and produce summaries for your areas. ƒ
• Review long term data and try new varieties in conjunction with proven varieties. ƒ
• Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and has the potential to offer grain growers an alternative market for their oil-based grains. ƒ
• GM crops have had significant global economic and environmental impact but have been effectively on-hold in the short term in Australia due to the moratoriums imposed by state governments. ƒ

NDVI taken June 13 and July 11 showed no treatment differences.  Similarly we found no significant treatment effects on seed yield, oil, oil yield or gross margins in this experiment.  The surrounding crop was also of adequate density and in contrast to some years in this region the farmer did not have any low density areas on his farm.  Thus we did not really have conditions similar to those reported by the farmers in previous years and the experiment did not add to our knowledge base. 

Unfortunately this trial was quite patchy and the other results from Victoria were also variable so it is difficult to make much comment.
Although there were no disease symptoms at this site, an observation that was made at a number of locations in Victoria and South Australia in 2003, was that the Jockey ® seed treatment was effecting plant vigour and slowing development of the canola.
This is reflected in the Victorian average yield figures and has led to the development of a potential alternative product known as Maxim ®. While trials will continue in 2004, Maxim will be available to some extent this year for activity on both Blackleg and Pythium.

The safest way of sowing canola is with the fertiliser down the same tube.

• Intermittent prevailing dry conditions experienced through the growing season probably impacted negatively on the residual activity of Atradex WG and Intervix in the TT and CL canola systems respectively, while resistance to Group A and Group B Herbicides would also have been a contributing factor.
  • Final weed control ratings (out of 10):
  • Roundup Ready canola system – 9.9
  • Triazine Tolerant canola system – 7
  • Clearfield canola system – 7.5
• The trial was harvested 5th November (168 days after sowing). Yield data are shown below. The high yields and oil content probably reflect timely rain rather than a particularly good season. There is some discrepancy between the yields of the trial and the paddock average harvested by Andrew. The harvest contractor is confident that the figures reflect the true yield for the site and suggest that this area of the paddock was possibly a high yielding area compared to other areas of the paddock, or that the impact of small plot water harvesting may have played a role. The trial is more about relative performance than actual performance: on average the RR system yielded 38 percent higher than the TT system and 15 percent higher than the CL system.
• System specific input costs used in calculations in the table above provide a ball park summary of specific costs associated with each system. They are not hard and fast figures, to be disputed. It is appreciated that each and every item is subject to negotiation with suppliers so readers are encouraged to re-work the figures to suit their experience and anticipated costs for 2011.
• The trial demonstrates that in this instance growers would have on average an additional $500 per hectare to meet other costs when growing RR canola over TT canola (purchased seed) or an additional $465 per hectare over TT canola (using farmer saved seed – assuming that the same yields are obtained for these TT crops).
• Again in this instance growers would have on average an additional $225 per hectare to meet other costs when growing RR canola over CL canola (purchasing all seed) or an additional $190 per hectare over CL canola (using farmer saved seed).
• These additional earnings per hectare are even more attractive when one considers the fact that the level of weed control achieved by the RR system was significantly better than that achieved by the other two systems.

• Average site canola yield in the trial was 1.24t/ha.
• The dry spring and late frosts significantly reduce yield potentials.
• The top yielding canola was the new 46Y81 (CL) hybrid.
• The average yield of the commercial Clearfield hybrids was not significantly different to the Roundup Ready hybrid tested. 
• The Roundup ready hybrid was 34% or 0.46t/ha higher yielding than the TT check variety.
• Weed pressure at the site was low. 

• Average site canola yield in the Dunkeld trial was 1.98 t/ha.
• The record high temperatures during late spring significantly reduced yield potential.
• The top yielding variety at Dunkel was the new 45Y82 (CL) hybrid.
• Average of the Clearfield and Roundup Ready hybrids at the Dunkeld site was 32% of 620 kg/ha higher than the average of the TT check varieties compared to the difference of 34% or 460 kg/ha reported in 2008 at the Ross Bridge site.
• The average in gross income at the site was $266 per ha more than TT canola. 

• The late sown crops (in July) were extremely poor and were not harvested.
• The optimum sowing time for the 1996 season was early May.
• There was no significant difference in yield between karoo and Narendra on the same sowing date.

• In the southern Mallee canola is best sown from mid May onwards (earlier sowing can lead to problems with frost.
• Sowing in July is too late.

• I see the value of canola in an intensive cropping system but I believe it is more profitable for me to grow wheat with a good pasture phase in the rotation to manage soil structure and nutrients.

Grain yield losses of up to 40% can be caused by clethodim at particular rates and timings. Early application timings were the best to avoid crop damage. Variation does exist between herbicide tolerant crop types (Conventional, Clearfield and TT) and their level of sensitivity to clethodim

• Seed yield (3.90 t/ha) was maximised when 240kg N/ha was applied as a two split application and although yield increased up to 320kg N/ha the advantage in seed yield was not statistically significant.
• There was no significant effect on seed oil content (45.9 – 48.3%) across the different rates of nitrogen fertiliser applied.
• When no nitrogen was applied the test weight was significantly lower (62.4 kg/hl) than all the other nitrogen applications (63.3 – 64.1 kg/hl).
• There was no significant difference in harvest index (HI) although values varied from 23 -31% with the N rates applied.
• Seed yield showed little relationship with dry matter content of the crop at 80% flowering.
• No removed in the crop canopy at flowering revealed a soil N supply of approximately 70kgN/ha in the absence of fertiliser applied.
• At 200kg N/ha applied fertiliser and below more N was removed in dry matter at flowering with N doses of 200kg N/ha and below.
• When applied fertiliser was 240kg /ha N or greater less N was removed in dry matter at flowering than was applied.

• Seed yield was not significantly different across the treatments receiving 120 kg N/ha or higher.
• Plant biomass and accumulated N differences were beginning to show at early flowering (4.89t/ha mean) and significantly less N in the unfertilised plots (75.5kg N/ha).
• Optimum yield of 4.19t/ha was produced from a crop canopy of 16.8t/ha biomass that had an N content of 245kg N/ha.
• Applying a rate of 120 kg N/ha or higher had no additional effect on harvest biomass or accumulated N content of the canopy.
• Application N fertiliser had no influence on oil content and test weight.
• While there was variation in the Harvest Index from 0.26 to 0.22, the differences were not statistically different.
• Water use efficiency was 9.7 kg/mm. Nitrogen use efficiency was 58.5kg N/t of grain.

• Different N timing strategies had no significant effect on yield irrespective of N rate applied (80, 160, 240 kg N/ha)
• Applied N fertiliser (based on urea 46% N) significantly increased yield over the unfertilised crop up to the highest rate of 240 kg N/ha.
• Dry matter production at 80% flowering significantly increased over the unfertilised crop when N fertiliser was applied at the early timing (Post sow pre-emergence (PSPE)/6 leaf).
• Nitrogen removal at 80% flowering was significantly increased compared to the unfertilised crop when N fertiliser was applied at the early timings (PSPE/6leaf), however N removal at the later timing (green bud/yellow bud) was only increased at the highest rate of N fertiliser (240 Kg N/ha).
• Oilseed test weight was significantly higher when Nitrogen application was delayed until 6 leaf/green bud (62.8 kg/hl) or green bud/yellow bud (63.0 kg/hl) compared to PSPE/6 leaf application (62.2 kg/hl)
• Grain oil content decreased as N application and yield increased.

• There was no interaction between N rate and N timing in this trial on the RR hybrid 45Y28 indicating that yield responses to N rate were the same irrespective of timing.
• Accumulated N in the canopy at harvest indicated that optimum yields were achieved with crop canopies containing no more 268 kg N/ha. The unfertilised contained 180N.

• Higher applied N rates (240N) produced N crop canopy contents of 300kg N/ha at harvest but significantly more N in the canopy was not associated with more seed.
• Yield of 4.3 t/ha was achieved by applying 80 kg N/ha. Increasing N rates above this level did not result in higher seed yields.
• Timing of N application had no influence on yield or grain quality (oil and test weight).
• Water use efficiency was 10.6 kg/mm and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was 59.9 kg N/t.

 

• There was no significant interaction between seeding rate and cultivar with both varieties lower yielding at plant populations of between 15-20plants/m2.
• However, the yield effect of the lower plant population in 45Y28 was less pronounced (0.25-0.3t/ha compared to the optimum than with Trophy (0.45 – 0.8t/ha).
• Plant populations above 35 plants/m2 (60 seeds/m2) and above 30 plants/m2 with 45Y28RR produced the highest yields.
• Plant establishment rate for the trial averaged 75% and there was no significant detrimental yield effect from the highest plant populations in either cultivar, just an additional seed cost that was not cost effective.
• There were differences in biomass (dry matter) at green bud, with the trend to lower biomass at lower seeding rates and resultant plant populations.
• There was no additional biomass response to sowing seeding rates higher than 40 seeds/m2 when assessed at early flower (GS62) or at harvest with crop canopies of 14.5-15t/ha producing the highest yields.
• Oil content was significantly different between varieties but not between seeding rates with higher oil content in the RR hybrid.
• While there was variation in the Harvest Index (HI) from 0.32 to 0.24, the trend was for higher HI at the lower planting populations.
• Water use efficiency was 10.0 kg/mm.

The canola varieties tested did not significantly differ in yield.

• Garnet, Hyola 50 and 44Y84 yielded significantly better than the site mean (2.4t.ha).
• Quality was exceptionally high in all varieties.
• Average yields of Triazine Tolerant (TT) varieties were similar to the Roundup Read (RR), Imi-tolerant (IT) and conventional varieties in 2010.

• Crusher (TT), Garnet (conv), 44Y84 (IT) and Hyola 505 (RR) yielded significantly better than the site mean (2.20t/ha).
• Oil (%) was above 42% in all varieties.
• The best yielding of the triazine tolerant (TT) varieties were equal to the best of the other herbicide groups
• Of the Clearfield tolerant (IT) varieties, hybrids (44Y84 and 45Y82) yielded 14% higher than conventional open pollinated varieties (44C79 and 43C80).

Note: blackleg resistance ratings shown are for 2007, and ranked from 1.0 to 9.0. Varieties with ratings of 3-4.5 are moderately susceptible; 5-5.5 are moderately resistant; 6.0-7.0 are resistant and 7.5-9.0 are highly resistant. Check the Victorian Winter Crop Summary for 2008 ratings.

Try new varieties in conjunction with proven varieties on smaller areas.

Hybrid varieties (44Y84CL, 44Y24RR, Hyola® 555TT) topped the yields at the Mallee sites, particularly on deep red Mallee sand. The shorter season varieties (ATR Stingray, IH30 and GT41) were not able to capitalise on the spring rainfall as well as later maturing varieties. New RoundUp Ready and Triazine Tolerant canola variety Hyola®525RT® was not a yield record breaker, but the technology is very exciting. Expect more varieties to be released with greater yield potential in the near future.

• Hyola 50 produced high grain yields compared to other conventional varieties.
• Better yielding Clearfield varieties included 46Y83, 46Y78, 45Y82 and Hyola 571CL.
• Better yielding TT varieties were the Monolas (specialty types), plus several new hybrid TT varieties
• Several varieties that have been grown for a while are now becoming more affected by blackleg so check on fungicide options plus isolation distances from last years stubble.

Early sowing is the key to maximising canola yeild in the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR) All varieties yielded less when sown on April 29 compared to April 14 Yield loss was on average 43kg/ha per day between April 14 and April 29th sowing Using the highest yeilding variety rather than trying to match variety maturity to sowing date was the best option.

• Early sowing is the key to maximising canola yield in the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR)
• All varieties yielded less when sown on April 29 compared to April 14.
• Yield loss was on average 43 kg/ha per day between April 14 and April 29 sowing.
• Using the highest yielding variety rather than trying to match variety maturity to sowing date was the best option.

• Tanami was the highest yielding variety in this trial although not significantly higher than all other varieties.
• Some varieties had poor establishment in the second replicate which resulted in high variability between replicates.
• Please interpret results of farmer demonstrations carefully and utilise numerous sources of data to make final decisions regarding varieties.

Results are provided in the attached report.

• Sturt was the higher yielding of the two varieties. 
• Differences in flowering could be seen throughout the year, with Sturt flowering later in the season. 
• Ryegrass was a problem in the trial area and very patchy, which has potentially affected results. 

• Farmer observation: Jackpot looked more drought stressed than other varieties. 
• Quality tests were also taken to determine oil content. CBH standards require oil to be greater than 38% for CAN1 grade, CAN2 must be over 30%. Snapper and Bonanza were the only varieties to make CAN1 oil grade with Jackpot TT and ATR Stingray, Crusher TT, Fighter TT and Hyola 555TT all less than 1% lower than the required 38%. 
• This farmer demonstration should be interpreted with caution. It is suggested to refer to national variety trial data over a number of seasons to get a better picture of variety performance.

• This demonstration was conducted using farmer equipment.
• Farm scale demonstrations are a valuable way to explore new varieties, products and practices, complimenting results which are produced through more scientifically rigorous, small plot trials.

It would appear that there are a number of new varieties showing promise in relation to yield. Beacon, 603 CL and NS04397 are stand out varieties in the TT category and Ag Castle, P98125, 46C04 and 45C05 in the non IT category. The seed treatment Jockey ® appeared to give a yield increase to the varieties Beacon and Grace, although depressed the yield of Sapphire. This cannot be explained.

• Limited results available from 2002 due to the drought .
• Review long term data and try new varieties in conjunction with proven varieties.
• Five new varieties will be marketed in 2003.

• Limited results will be available from 2004 due to the dry season.
• Review long term data, and try new varieties in conjunction with proven varieties.
• Six new varieties will be marketed in Victoria in 2005. 2004 was a difficult season for most.
• The hot dry weather during flowering and pod filling periods reduced yields and oil contents. Frost was also an issue to farmers in the Wimmera.
• Given the season there will be limited results available, and as always we recommend that new varieties are chosen in conjunction with proven varieties.

The attached comments may assist in selecting canola varieties for the Wimmera. Variety choice should not be made solely on 2002 performance. Refer to DPI variety summaries for further information.

• Frost and mouse damage was severe in the plots.
• The crops were sown early and the frost occurred just as the grain was starting to form in the pods.
• Mice were active in the plots until bait was put out.

The short season regular (non TT) canola varieties yielded the best at the Birchip and Sea lake sites.

The short season regular (non TT) canola varieties yielded the best at the Birchip and Sea Lake sites.

The results of the trial should be viewed in light of a high CV (Co-efficient of Variation). This indicates that there was a high degree of variation within the trial, mainly caused through harvesting difficulties and the amount of grain shattering.

The results clearly indicate the need for ongoing variety testing as new lines are being developed. More varieties are being developed that are suitable to Tasmania's climate and growing conditions, however, on the basis of one trial and site most new lines evaluated cannot be excluded from further testing. The yields of the better performing varieties suggest material is available for Tasmanian growers for potentially good yields. 

There are a number of excellent canola varieties available for producers in south west Victoria. It is important to consider many aspects of a variety such as disease resistance, maturity, standability, as well as yield and oil content before making the final selection. The choice of conventional, triazine tolerant or Clearfield types will depend upon the weed spectrum at planting. It would appear that
the Conventional and Clearfield varieties are outyielding the Triazine Tolerant varieties as a group and should be considered where the weed spectrum can be controlled with appropriate herbicides.

The tough growing conditions impacted on the trial with yields below average. Despite the very dry season (Decile 1) grain quality was very good, with high test weights and oil percentage. It is important to view this data along with information from other sites and from years with more “normal” rainfall conditions.

• Average Canola yields in the trial were 2.75 t/ha (2.22 t/ha 2006, 2.4 t/ha 2005).
• The timing of the rain in early November arrived too late for most of the longer season varieties to exploit their full potential.
• The highest yielding variety was a hybrid variety ‘46Y78’ at 115% of the site mean.
• Seven of the top ten yielding varieties were TT varieties, compared to 4 out of 10 in 2006 and only 1 out of the top ten in 2005.
• Disease pressure at the site was low.

• Comparing the herbicide systems, TT varieties had the lowest average yield of 2.07 t/ha and conventional varieties yeilded teh highest at an average of 2.69 t/ha.
• The highest yielding variety was Hyola 76 with 2.79 t/ha; the loest yielding variety was Argyll TT with 1.67 t/ha.
• Overall oil levels were well below normal with only the clearfield varieties having an average of 40.5%.
• The hybrid varieties demonstrated much greater early vigour compared to the OP varieties.

• Comparing the herbicide systems, TT varieties had the lowest average yield of 2.05 t/ha and conventional varieties yielded the highest at an average of 2.59 t/ha.
• The highest yielding variety was Hyola 502 with 2.66 t/ha; the lowest yielding variety was Argyll TT with 1.67 t/ha.
• Overall oil levels were well below normal. TT varieties averaged 39.3%, clearfield varieties 41.1% and Roundup Ready varieties averaged 41.7%.
• The hybrid varieties demonstrated much greater early vigour compared to the OP varieties.